The Child Friendly Leeds Autumn guide
Leeds Zero Waste school uniform pop-up shops
BBC 500 words writing competition for children aged 5-7 and 8-11 (opens 24 September, until 8 November)
The Festival of Play!
25 October to 3 November
Festival of Play – Leeds Inspired page
We have selected some free/low-cost Festival of Play events to feature on our guide, however, there are so many more events on the Leeds Inspired dedicated page. Take a look at the programme attached below. Don’t forget to click the link button for the Leeds Inspired collection – it’s being added to every day!
October
INDI filmmaker network with Studio12 (age 16+) (2 October, 6-8pm)
Hyde Park Picture House are teaming up with our friends at Studio 12 and the INDIs Film Fest to bring you an a new and exciting quarterly networking opportunity to help support and connect with aspiring filmmakers in our local region. Visit here to find out more and book!
Studio12 is part of Leeds Central Library. It provides free access to a production studio, computers and training for young people age 16+.
Headingley Botanical Bazaar (First Sunday of October and November)
A new monthly flower and plant market coming to Headingley, and we are excited to be a part of it! Headingley Botanical Bazaar will be pitched up along the Headingley Central parade of shops from 11-3pm on the first Sunday of the month, every month starting on 3rd September.
Click the link button below to explore!
Autumn open day at Temple Newsam (13 October, 11am to 3pm)
We invite you to explore the house and farm for a special open day where you can Pay As You Feel. Get a taster of what we have on offer, from rare breed animals at Home Farm to treasured collections in the house and lots of activities and experiences for all the family.
Our open days are usually very popular! Entry is on a first come, first served basis, and there may be limited access due to maximum capacities being reached. No need to book.
Click the link button below to explore!
Light Night (24 to 25 Oct)
The UK’s largest light art festival, Light Night will be back in Leeds city centre on October 24 and 25, bringing a programme of incredible, large-scale projections, live street theatre and interactive installations to some of the city’s most recognisable buildings and locations.
Click the link button below to explore!
Light Night at the University of Leeds (24 to 25 Oct)
The University of Leeds is transforming its campus with large-scale light installations, immersive experiences, and activities for families (6pm to 10pm)! Click the link button below the picture for all the information!
Pumpkin competition (24 to 31 Oct) free, drop-in
Pick up a worksheet, draw your pumpkin design and post it in our letterbox. It can be spooky, scary, silly, or even abstract – it’s up to you. The best ones will be displayed in the museum for Halloween, and some will even be carved into real pumpkins by our amazing team of Visitor Assistants.
Click the link button below to explore!
Artisan Market (27 Oct) free, drop-in 10am-3pm
Join us to browse local street food and drink producers, independent makers, and Yorkshire creatives at these special artisan markets. Enjoy a day out at Temple Newsam, while you sample delicious local produce or treat yourself to a unique gift, all while supporting Yorkshire’s small independent businesses!
Click the link button below to explore!
Day of the Dead family workshop (28 Oct, 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 3pm)
Come to Leeds Discovery Centre and learn about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the widely practised Mexican tradition of honouring the deceased each November. Free family workshop.
Click the link button below to explore!
Half-term dance workshop with RJC Dance (ages 9 to 17) Monday 28 October – Friday 1 November 2024, 10:30am – 12:30pm each day
RJC Dance will be holding their annual October Half-Term Dance Camp at the Mandela Centre.
5 fun days of dancing, making and creating. Your child will have the opportunity to learn new moves, explore and create their own choreography and perform in an end of week sharing for friends and family.
Click the link button below to explore!
Day of the Dead crafts (29 to 31 October, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm)
Join us on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this October half term to celebrate Mexican and Latin American artists by designing your own Day of the Dead mask or assembling your own flower crown.
To help us celebrate Day of the Dead at Leeds City Museum, your family can also add to one of our giant skull paintings!
Click the link button below to explore!
Actual Reality Arcade (29 to 31 Oct)
The Actual Reality Arcade is a life sized interactive game zone for all ages inspired by classic arcade games where YOU bring the games to life. Enter the arcade and play for real! Landing in Leeds Kirkgate Market during October half term, 10:30am-4pm.
Click the link button below to explore!
Spooktacular family day at Leeds Central Library (31st October)
Celebrate Hallowe’en with the magical minds behind some of your favourite spooky books! A light breakfast and drinks will be available on arrival, bring your own packed lunch and spooky outfits are encouraged. Family Friendly, most suitable to children aged 6 years and over.
Click the link button below to explore!
ARCHIVE: September info…
Leeds car-seat checking events
September
Heritage week
“Every September, lots of heritage sites across England run free special events for you to see hidden places and try out new experiences”
Armley Action team play week:
A week full of playfulness with a Playful Anywhere playbox landing on Armley Moor!
Garden gremlins stay and play
MAFWA theatre’s brand-new stay-and-play group for children under 5 and their caregivers.
Led by artist Beatrice Lee Knowles and located in the Roxby Community Garden, these sessions are all about letting little ones get loud, have fun, make friends and ignite their imaginations in a safe outdoor setting.
Leeds Libraries bus tour
Find out where the Leeds Libraries story bus is stopping during September:
Kids club at Leeds Libraries
Build, craft, draw and write a story at the monthly kids club. Each session will have a different activity inspired by books.
Most suited to children aged 6+
All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Code club at Leeds Libraries
Easy to follow projects which will help you to learn a variety of coding projects using iPads and different resources in a supportive environment.
Suitable for children and young people aged 8+
Story and rhyme at Leeds Libraries
Join us at local libraries across Leeds for a weekly fun session of sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A great opportunity to meet with others and join the library as part of your visit.
Free event for under fives and their grown ups, just turn up.
Leeds Piano trail
Public ‘street pianos’ have been installed all around Leeds city centre, for people to play, enjoy and listen to.
There are 9 pianos across Leeds, they are located at:
- Kirkgate Market
- Trinity Leeds
- The Light
- Merrion Centre
- University of Leeds
- Victoria
- Leeds Playhouse
- St Johns Centre
- Leeds Bus Station
Baby message course
Hamara Youth Club
Check out Hamara’s weekly timetable this Autumn:
Celebrating East Leeds (Sat 21 September 5-9pm)
Thackray Museum of Medicine is opening its doors for an evening celebrating everything East Leeds! Everyone is welcome for this special, free event featuring brilliant artists and organizations from our local community, along with delicious food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Leeds Digital Careers Fair (24 September):
Last year’s event attracted approximately 4000 visitors. LDCF24 is hoping to build on that success by offering an even wider range of opportunities for visitors and employers.
