The 2025 Child Friendly Leeds Summer Guide!
The 6-week summer holidays are back and we are so excited to bring you our Child Friendly Leeds guide, giving you free and low-cost ideas of things to do across the city. We will be adding events to this page throughout the holidays, so keep your eyes peeled!
Low-cost activities are marked with a * and the prices are given. All other activities are free or pay as you can.
Click to expand and download the guides:
This guide supports Child Friendly Leeds wish 7, which is all about children and young people knowing about things to do, places to go and having access to art, music, sport, dance and film.
Read on for the full details from the guide including booking links!
Although Child Friendly Leeds is run by Leeds City Council the information included here comes from all sorts of organisations and partners working positively with children, young people and their families in Leeds, not just the Council. With any activity, we would suggest that parents do checks on the environment, quality and staff delivering the activities to make their own judgement as to whether this is suitable and safe for their individual child’s needs.
Healthy Holidays is back for summer!
School-aged children and young people eligible for income-related free school meals can take part in amazing, free activities with a healthy meal from 21 July to 29 August. Activities vary and can include sports, outdoor activities, dance, arts and crafts, as well as visits to attractions like Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall. Every child and young person will receive a tasty nutritious meal that meets their dietary requirements. There are Healthy Holidays clubs across Leeds.
What’s on in Harehills this summer?
Details from the guide:
All Summer
26 July to 31 August
Wonderland Awaits
Leeds is set to tumble into a world of wonder this summer as LeedsBID bring the beloved literaray classic to life with Wonderland Awaits. From Saturday 26th July to Sunday 31st August, this FREE, family-friendly event promises to fill the city with magic curiosity and colour!
You can pick up a map from Central Library, City Centre hotels, John Lewis, Leeds City Station, Leeds Bus Station, Royal Armouries, Trinity Leeds Guest Services, Victoria Leeds Customer Service desk. The trail will take you to 7 locations across the city: Victoria Quarter, Corn Exchange, Trinity Leeds, Merrion Centre, Victoria Gate, Aire Park and Royal Armouries.
26 July to 31 August
Summer of Crafts at Trinity Leeds!
Step into a world of imagination at our Summer Craft Event, in the Main Event Space (between Next and Rox, under the dome). This year’s theme? Alice in Wonderland! Each week enjoy a brand-new craft experience.
Plus, enjoy exclusive treats and offers from some of your favourite Trinity Leeds brands!
11 to 17:00 daily, Trinity Leeds, LS1, free, drop-in.
23 July to 31 August
Birds, Bees & Butterflies
Explore the abbey ruins looking for animals that live in the abbey, including birds, bees and butterflies made from a variety of materials and colours.
Kirkstall Abbey, LS5, 10:00 to 15:00, drop-in, *pay what you can from £0
23 July to 31 August
Stories in the Streets*
You can find Mrs Tiggywinkle doing her washing, the Hungry Caterpillar munching his way through the grocer’s shop and seagulls eating the Lighthouse Keeper’s lunch.
Come along to spot the stories plus a range of trails and crafts to join in for the whole family to work together.
Abbey House Museum, LS5, 11:00 to 17:00m, drop-in, check website for admission fees
23 July to 21 August
Breeze in the Park!*
Breeze is back and heading to a park near you this summer! From giant inflatables to amazing entertainment, arts, crafts, games, sports and more, Breeze in the Park is the ultimate day out for children in Leeds.
With 26 events (and 12 relaxed sessions (RS) for children with additional needs), it’s local, low-cost, and full of high-energy fun. Skip the queues with a Breeze Pass.
26 parks across the city, £1 ticket with everything free inside, booking online, suitable for all ages and SEND friendly.
- Wednesday, 23 July: Breeze In The Park Belle Isle
- Thursday, 24 July: Breeze In The Park Bramhope (with a relaxed session too)
- Friday, 25 July: Breeze In The Park Pudsey
- Saturday, 26 July: Breeze In The Park East Ardsley (with a relaxed session too)
- Monday, 28 July: Breeze In The Park Armley (with a relaxed session too)
- Tuesday, 29 July: Breeze In The Park Harehills (with a relaxed session too)
- Wednesday, 30 July: Breeze In The Park Beeston (with a relaxed session too)
- Thursday, 31 July: Breeze In The Park Otley
- Friday, 1 August: Breeze In The Park Drighlington
- Saturday, 2 August: Breeze In The Park Garforth
- Monday, 4 August: Breeze In The Park Burmantofts
- Tuesday, 5 August: Breeze In The Park Kirkstall (with a relaxed session too)
- Wednesday, 6 August: Breeze In The Park Morley (with a relaxed session too)
- Thursday, 7 August: Breeze In The Park Tinshill
- Friday, 8 August: Breeze In The Park Farsley
- Saturday, 9 August: Breeze In The Park Scott Hall (with a relaxed session too)
- Monday, 11 August: Breeze In The Park Horsforth
- Tuesday, 12 August: Breeze In The Park Bramley
- Wednesday, 13 August: Breeze In The Park East End Park (with a relaxed session too)
- Thursday, 14 August: Breeze In The Park Middleton (with a relaxed session too)
- Friday, 15 August: Breeze In The Park Rothwell
- Saturday 16 August: Breeze In The Park Woodhouse
- Monday, 18 August: Breeze In The Park Nunroyd
- Tuesday, 19 August: Breeze In The Park Cross Gates (with a relaxed session too)
- Wednesday, 20 August: Breeze In The Park Seacroft
- Thursday, 21 August: Breeze In The Park Wortley (with a relaxed session too)
26 July – 31 August
Alice in Wonderland Colouring activity
In support of Wonderland Awaits there will be daily colouring in the John Lewis Community Hub for children and families. The Hub is a great place to take a seat, relax and pause along the Wonderland trail!
John Lewis & Partners 4th Floor Community Hub, LS2 free, drop-in.
26 July onwards
Poo, Glorious Poo!*
This summer, we’re lifting the lid on bums, tums and stinky science to answer your most potty-mouthed questions about poo!
Through recreated smells (oh yes!), touch and discovery, POO! flushes out the science behind one of the body’s most remarkable (and messy) functions.
Thackray Museum, LS9, Free for under 6s, £9-12 tickets for adults, booking online.
19 & 20 July
Live Music in Leeds Parks
As part of Leeds Concert Season, there will be live music in Leeds Parks across the summer.
Venues include Temple Newsam, Cross Flatts Park, Golden Acre Park, Roundhay Park and many more!
Concerts begin at 14:30
£1 Family Film at Cineworld
Cineworld Leeds is one of the Cineworld Cinemas offering £1 screening of certain films for families over the school holidays between 25 July to 28 August.
Films include Sonic the Hedgehog 3; Paddington in Peru; Snow White; Minecraft Movie and more!
Money Saving Central – Places where kids eat for free or £1
July
12 July
The Thing About Happiness – Youth Theatre*
Join Eddy, Ira and their fish & chip-mad friends as they uncover the horrifying truth behind a life of easy scrolling and confront ICU’s evil CEO in their search for the truth, their Grandpa Artie, and happiness.
Quarry Theatre Leeds Playhouse, LS2, starts at 18:00, pay what you can, book online
13 July
Gledhow Valley Green Fair
Gledhow Valley Road will be closed to traffic for a family-friendly day with stalls, activities, information and refreshments
Gledhow Valley Woods, LS7, 11:00 to 16:00, free, drop-in
21 July
Summer of Fun – Facepainting!
This Summer in addition to crafts, colouring, Lego and DUPLO, there is FREE facepainting every Monday (21 July, 4 August, 18 August).
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
21 to 24 July
Kirkstall Valley Explorers*
Our Kirkstall Valley Explorer days at Kirkstall Valley Farm, are filled with games, crafts, forest school skills and loads of play! Our Explorer Tots sessions will continue to run on Tuesdays with older siblings welcome to join in the holidays.
Kirkstall Valley Farm, LS5, 10:30 to 13:30, £4-7 with some places available for children from low-income families, booking online, for up to age 11
24 July
Thor’s Let’s Create Tables
Our Let’s Create Tables are full of materials to inspire the whole family to get creative!
You’ll find everything you need to let your imagination run wild, including:
- Scissors
- Ribbons
- Buttons
- Egg boxes
- Stickers and so much more!
Thor’s Tipi Leeds City Square, LS1, 13:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in, for up to age 11 and SEND-friendly
24 July
Miffy Storytime
Join us for Miffy Storytime in the large hall of the museum. We’ll be sharing some of our favourite Miffy books, and finishing with a few songs. Bring your own bunny or soft toy to join in the fun!
Leeds City Museum, LS2, 30-minute slots at 10:00, 11:30 & 13:30, pay what you can from £0, drop-in, most suitable for children up to the age of 7
25 July
Summer of Fun – Stay and Play!
SUMMER OF FUN – FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY – Stay and Play
Lego, DUPLO and colouring activities.
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in, SEND-friendly
25 July
Kitty + Custard Club Nursery Rhyme
SUMMER OF FUN – FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY – Kitty + Custard Club Nursery Rhyme Tour
Free 30 minute show for kids pre school- 8yrs with singing and dancing
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 13:00 to 13:30, free, drop-in, SEND-friendly
25 July
OCEAN themed face-painting, activities and photobooth
Pop down to Skelton Lake Motorway Services for free face-painting, biodegradable glitter tattoos, let’s create tables and photobooth!
Skelton Lake Motorway Services, LS9, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
Kids eat free in John Lewis dining area
Children eat for free in the John Lewis & Partners dining area on the 4th floor of the city centre store, during the summer holidays.
Find out where else kids can eat for free or £1:
26 July
Story Garden: Summer Reading Challenge!
Children will be able to find new reads linked to nature, and access activities at the library – and best of all, it is completely FREE!
Children can read anything they like – stories, poetry, fact books, graphic novels or listen to audiobooks – it’s up to them! There are rewards on offer throughout and a certificate and medal for reading 6 books!
Visit your local library to sign up!
26 July
We ART Seacroft Festival
Come along to We ART Seacroft Festival for Live Music, Food and Snacks, Facepainting, a Dog Show and Spots, Games and Creative Activities!
Seacroft Village Green, LS14, 12:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
26 & 27 July
Wizard of Oz (U)*
One of the best-known and loved films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, The Wizard of Oz is still as captivating, exciting and magical as it’s ever been.
Saturday 26 – 11:00am showing Join from 10:30 for an activity before the film!
Sunday 27 – 11:00am Autism-friendly showing; 11:30 showing
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can, booking online:
28 July
Summer of Fun – Balloon Modelling
This Summer in addition to our Stay and Play and weekly changing activities we will be offering FREE balloon modelling. Drop in between 11 and 3pm
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
28 July – 1 August
RJC Dance Summer Camp
We are excited to welcome young people for a fantastic Carnival themed dance camp this summer.
The week is open to any young people NEW to RJC Dance Youth Provision.
Mandela Centre, LS7, 10:30 to 12:30, free, book online, suitable for ages 9-17, £10 deposit which is given back if child attends all sessions.
28 July
Mini mixology at the Festival of Fun*
Join Escapologist at White Rose Shopping Centre for a Mixologist workshop for children!
There will be art activities and board games available for free, with a small fee for the workshop, where children create a drink which is theirs to have.
White Rose Shopping Centre, LS11, sessions at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00, £4, drop-in
28 July – 5 August
Wrongsemble Present: Breadcrumbs*
Hansel and Gretel argue about everything. So, when they wake up lost in the forest one day, they even disagree about how they came to be there! But with only a trail of breadcrumbs to guide them home, they’ll have to put aside their differences to make it home in time for tea!
This new family show from Wrongsemble is full of music, magic and puppetry.
Multiple libraries, pay what you can, booking online, suitable for up to the age of 11
29 – 31 July
Summer of Fun – Circus School
Learn circus skills such as juggling, plate spinning and mini stilt walking.
All our FREE family friendly activities also include crafts, colouring, Lego & DUPLO.
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
29 & 30 July
North Leeds Music Summer Club*
Join this 2-day music workshop. You will have the chance to play drums, guitar and recorder.
North Leeds Music centre, LS17, 10:00 to 12:30, £10 for 2 days, recommended for children age 8+, booking form online:
NHS Healthy Start
The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps young families on low incomes to buy healthy food and milk. If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have children under four and receive certain benefits, you could be eligible for NHS Healthy Start. Find out if you’re eligible and apply online now:
29 & 30 July
Make a Miffy Wand
We’re bringing the magic of Miffy to the museum this summer. Join us in the large crafting hall space of the museum to make a bunny shaped wand, then make your own magic as you explore the museum.
As always with our crafts, we’ll have something suitable for all ages.
Leeds City Museum, LS2, 10:00 to 15:00, pay what you can from £0, drop-in.
29 July – 1 August
4-day Orchestra Beginner Club*
If you’ve been learning a string, woodwind or brass instrument for a year or more, join the orchestra and get ready to perform together in just 4 days!
North Leeds Music centre, LS17 & Horsforth Music Centre, LS18, 10:00 to 12:30, £20 for 4 days, recommended for children age 8+, booking form online:
29 to 31 July
Kirkstall Valley Explorers*
Our Kirkstall Valley Explorer days at Kirkstall Valley Farm, are filled with games, crafts, forest school skills and loads of play! Our Explorer Tots sessions will continue to run on Tuesdays with older siblings welcome to join in the holidays.
Kirkstall Valley Farm, LS5, 10:30 to 13:30, £4-7 with some places available for children from low-income families, booking online, for up to age 11
30 July
Tooth & Claw Workshop
From elephant skulls to a medieval log boat, mummy bandages and meteorites, Leeds Discovery Centre offers a unique opportunity for hands-on exploration into the natural world, human history and ingenuity. Come and explore behind the scenes of our museum and discover the Leeds collections up close and personal.
Leeds Discovery Centre, LS10, 10:00 to 12:00, pay what you can from £0, booking online:
30 July
Pot a Plant*
Come and plant a Coleus. The leaves showcase intricate designs in deep reds, purples, golds and shades of green. So, whether you’re brightening up a windowsill, or adding charm to a corner of your garden, adding a Coleus plant is a low-maintenance way to bring nature to your home.
No need to pay general admission, just head straight to the Walled Gardens.
Temple Newsam Walled Gardens, LS15, 13:00 to 15:00, £3, booking online:
31 July
Magic Shows & Bunny Balloons
Drop into the museum for marvellous magic shows this summer. Magician Ray Burrell will be dazzling us with amazing magic tricks and balloon modelling in the main hall of the museum.
Leeds City Museum, LS2, 40-minute sessions at 11:00, 13:00 and 14:30, pay what you can from £0, drop-in.
1 August is Yorkshire Day!
Look out for events and activities put on to celebrate God’s Own Country’s special day!
White Rose shopping centre are hosting a Yorkshire Market on 2 & 3 August:
August
Mondays – Fridays each week
Facepainting & colouring!
POP-UP POP-IN Face painting, Biodegradable Glitter Tattoos and Colour in Station
Cross Gates Shopping Centre, LS15, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
Fridays (1, 8, 15, 22, 29 August)
Summer of Fun – Stay and Play!
SUMMER OF FUN – FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY – Stay and Play
Lego, DUPLO and colouring activities.
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in, SEND-friendly
Tuesdays (5, 12, 19, 26 August)
Get Arty in the Abbey
Tuesday mornings in August are all about art. Each week we’ll be trying a new material or technique to connect with the Abbey. Choose your paper, choose your materials and get creative!
Kirkstall Abbey, LS5, 10:00 to 11:30, pay what you can from £0, drop-in
Wednesdays (6, 13, 20, 27 August)
Urban Nature: Building in LEGO
Give the abbey back to nature. Every Wednesday morning in August we’ll be thinking about the nature around Kirkstall Abbey, and what it might look like if we left mother nature to it.
Combine your creativity and love for nature this summer.
Kirkstall Abbey, LS5, 10:00 to 11:30, pay what you can from £0, drop-in
Thursdays (7, 14, 21, 28 August)
Crafty in the Cloister
Every Thursday afternoon we’ll be inspired by new craft and colouring activities, reflecting on the nature in the abbey.
Kirkstall Abbey, LS5, 14:00 to 16:00, pay what you can from £0, drop-in
2 & 3 August
Lilo & Stitch (U)*
A live-action re-imagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.
Saturday 2 – 11:00am showing Join from 10:30 for an activity before the film!
Sunday 3 – 11:00am Autism-friendly showing; 11:10 showing
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can, booking online:
2 – 3 August
Horsforth Music Centre Rock School*
Calling all guitarists, drummers, bassists and singers! If you’ve been playing for a year or more, you can come and form a band in 2 days, learn about playing, song-writing and arranging in a group setting, and perform at the end of the last day!
Horsforth Music Centre, LS18, 10:00 to 13:00, £10 for 2 days
Saturday 2 & 9
Thursday 7 & 14 August
Who’s There? Creative art workshop
Come along to this fun session to explore what painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye uses to create her mysterious imagined characters. Experiment with making portraits of your own, find out where the process leads you and see who appears!
Leeds Art Gallery, LS1, 11:00 to 15:00, pay what you can from £0, drop-in
3 August
Family Rave!
Calling all movers & shakers! Our tipi is turning into a full-on family friendly rave 💃🕺
Recommended for children up to the age of 11. SEND-friendly.
THOR’s Tipi City Square, LS1, 10:00 to 12:00, free, booking online:
Like a place you’ve visited this Summer Holidays?
Child Friendly Leeds are accepting nominations (from children up to the age of 18, or 25 with SEND) for their prestigious ‘Best Place’ award! The nomination form takes less than 5 minutes to complete:
4 August
Summer of Fun – Facepainting!
This Summer in addition to crafts, colouring, Lego and DUPLO, there is FREE facepainting every Monday (21 July, 4 August, 18 August).
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
4 to 7 August
Kirkstall Valley Explorers*
Our Kirkstall Valley Explorer days at Kirkstall Valley Farm, are filled with games, crafts, forest school skills and loads of play! Our Explorer Tots sessions will continue to run on Tuesdays with older siblings welcome to join in the holidays.
Kirkstall Valley Farm, LS5, 10:30 to 13:30, £4-7 with some places available for children from low-income families, booking online, for up to age 11
4 – 31 August
Treasure Hunt at John Lewis!
Take part in a Treasure Hunt in the John Lewis store. Children can search for hidden letters around the store and then visit the customer service department on the 4th floor to claim a prize (while supplies last).
John Lewis & Partners store, 4th floor, LS2, check opening hours
5 & 6 August
Pop-Up Sensory Room
This event is for families with SEND, neurodiversity, autism and/or anxiety. Pop into our sensory room with dark tents, light-up toys, squishy floor tiles, dens and a bubble tube. Book onto a 1-hour slot at 10:30, 12:30 or 14:00.
Leeds City Museum, LS2, pay what you can from £0, booking required:
5 – 7 August
Summer of Fun – Bumper Cars!
Ride the super fun bumper cars for free in our event space. Activities also include crafts, colouring, Lego and DUPLO.
Suitable for ages 4 to 10
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
6 August
National Playday Family Fun!
Join BARCA on National Playday for inflatables, Lion Learners, fire pit, crafts, assault course.
Please bring a picnic as there will be no food or drink provided.
Hunters Greave Scout Camp, LS13, 11:00 to 14:00, free, drop-in
6 & 7 August
Paint Maze
Join artist Zoe Spowage and Yorkshire Contemporary in Cross Flatts Park for free creative activities. Join us to paint, build and play! Perfect for children of all ages. Free hot drinks available courtesy of Origin Coffee Roasters
Please note: sessions are staffed, but parents and carers remain responsible for their children at all times.
Meet near the tennis courts.
Cross Flatts Park, LS11, free, drop-in, suitable for children up to the age of 11, SEND-friendly
7, 14 & 21 August
Thor’s Let’s Create Tables
Our Let’s Create Tables are full of materials to inspire the whole family to get creative!
You’ll find everything you need to let your imagination run wild, including:
- Scissors
- Ribbons
- Buttons
- Egg boxes
- Stickers and so much more!
Thor’s Tipi Leeds City Square, LS1, 13:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in, for up to age 11 and SEND-friendly
8 August
Tigger the Movie – Toddler showing*
Watch the Tigger Movie in this Toddler special screening.
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, 11:00, £3 tickets
Don’t miss out on the Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Gardens!
Children can read anything they like – stories, poetry, fact books, graphic novels or listen to audiobooks – it’s up to them! There are rewards on offer throughout and a certificate and medal for reading 6 books!
Visit your local library to sign up!
9 & 10 August
My Neighbour Totoro (U)*
One of Studio Ghibli’s most praised and beloved films – My Neighbour Totoro is an enchanting masterpiece that beautifully captures the magic of childhood.
Saturday 9 – 11:00am showing Join from 10:30am for an activity before the film!
Sunday 10 – 11:00am Autism-friendly showing; 11:30 showing
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can, booking online:
11 August
Summer of Fun – Balloon Modelling
This Summer in addition to our Stay and Play and weekly changing activities we will be offering FREE balloon modelling. Drop in between 11 and 3pm
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
12 – 14 August
Summer of Fun – Actual Reality Arcade
Immerse yourself in life sized interactive games based on your favourite reality arcade games.
Back by popular demand, the Actual Reality Arcade game zone is based on classic arcade games where YOU bring the games to life.
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
12 – 21 August
Fladam presents… Greenfingers!
Seen at Glastonbury Festival, this is a show for anyone that’s ever felt a bit different!
It’s Green Fingers’ first day at school, and so far nobody has spotted his bright green hands. But then… is something magical going on? Maybe the answers can be found in the mysterious school garden?
Multiple Leeds Libraries (check event listings), pay what you can, for ages 0-11, booking online:
13 August
Fun Day in the Park
Join us for our Free Family Fun Day! You can expect: Children’s Entertainment, Games, Facepainting, Tattoos, Football Skills, Arts and Crafts and much much more!
Kirk lane Park, LS19, 13:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in, suitable for ages 0-12, SEND-friendly
13 August
Bread & Buried Workshop
Join us for family craft activities inspired by Ancient Egypt and to discover the treasures in the store.
Leeds Discovery Centre, LS10, 10:00 to 12:00, pay what you can from £0, booking online:
King Pins White Rose opening 15th August!
King Pins is a striking new bowling and entertainment destination with state-of-the-art lanes, immersive games and a vibrant social atmosphere.
King Pins is set to become the area’s new go-to destination for family-friendly games and activities. Guests will be able to enjoy ten-pin bowling, tech darts, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, American pool, karaoke and arcades. The site will also feature the addition of crazy pool, a brand-new game for the King Pins concept which will be exclusive to Leeds. For guests fancying a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, King Pins, will have a bar and onsite eatery designed to ensure the good times keep rolling in between games.
13 & 14 August
Paint Maze
Join artist Zoe Spowage and Yorkshire Contemporary in Cross Flatts Park for free creative activities. Join us to paint, build and play! Perfect for children of all ages. Free hot drinks available courtesy of Origin Coffee Roasters
Please note: sessions are staffed, but parents and carers remain responsible for their children at all times.
Meet near the tennis courts.
Cross Flatts Park, LS11, free, drop-in, suitable for children up to the age of 11, SEND-friendly
14 & 21 August
Miffy Electric Paint & Animation workshop
Step into a world of imagination where your artwork responds to your touch! Inspired by the Miffy’s 70th Birthday exhibition, this hands-on workshop invites families to explore the magic of conductive paint, sound recording, and touch-sensitive sensors.
Morning session 10:30am to 12:00pm aimed at ages 8-11.
Afternoon session 13:00 to 14:30 aimed at ages 12-14.
Leeds City Museum, LS2, pay what you can from £0, booking online, ages 8-11 & 12-14.
15 August
Peppa Meets the Baby – Toddler showing*
PIG changes are coming! Join Peppa Pig and her family at the cinema as they get ready for their biggest adventure yet: welcoming a new baby! Watch Peppa Meets the Baby in this Toddler special screening.
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, 11:00, £3 tickets
15 August
PIRATE themed face-painting, activities and photobooth
Pop down to Skelton Lake Motorway Services for free face-painting, biodegradable glitter tattoos, let’s create tables and photobooth!
Skelton Lake Motorway Services, LS9, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
16 & 17 August
Elio (U)
Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.
Saturday 16 – 11:00am showing Join from 10:30am for an activity before the film!
Sunday 17 – 11:00am Autism-friendly showing; 11:30 showing
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can, booking online:
18 August
Summer of Fun – Facepainting!
This Summer in addition to crafts, colouring, Lego and DUPLO, there is FREE facepainting every Monday (21 July, 4 August, 18 August).
Leeds Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
19 August
Magic Shows & Bunny Balloons
Drop into the museum for marvellous magic shows this summer. Magician Ray Burrell will be dazzling us with amazing magic tricks and balloon modelling in the main hall of the museum.
Leeds City Museum, LS2, 40-minute sessions at 11:00, 13:00 and 14:30, pay what you can from £0, drop-in.
19 – 21 August
Summer of Fun – Bath-bomb making
Come along and make a free bath bomb to take home. All our family friendly activities also include crafts, colouring, Lego and DUPLO.
Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, drop-in
19 – 21 August
Pattern Making Poetry
We’re inviting families to join us and be inspired by poetry and music this summer. Use drawing and collage to make patterns on long pieces of paper that will be hung on the large walls in Central Court on the first floor of the gallery, to change it’s atmosphere in new and interesting ways.
Kirkstall Abbey, LS5, pay what you can from £0, 11:00 to 15:00 drop-in
Free shoe fittings at John Lewis
Proper shoe fit is crucial for children’s healthy foot development. John Lewis’s expert Partners will be available in-store to ensure children of all ages get the right size, whether they need their first pair, new shoes, or school shoes. Click to book an appointment:
20 August
Miffy Storytime
Join us for Miffy Storytime in the large hall of the museum. We’ll be sharing some of our favourite Miffy books, and finishing with a few songs. Bring your own bunny or soft toy to join in the fun!
Leeds City Museum, LS2, 30-minute slots at 10:00, 11:30 & 13:30, pay what you can from £0, drop-in, most suitable for children up to the age of 7
20 August
Once Upon a Time workshop
In this stories based session, we’ll be taking a look at children’s story books in the collection. After a tour of the store, we’ll be designing our own book cover and creating your own story.
Leeds Discovery Centre, LS10, 10:00 to 12:00, pay what you can from £0, booking online:
20 & 21 August
Paint Maze
Join artist Zoe Spowage and Yorkshire Contemporary in Cross Flatts Park for free creative activities. Join us to paint, build and play! Perfect for children of all ages. Free hot drinks available courtesy of Origin Coffee Roasters
Please note: sessions are staffed, but parents and carers remain responsible for their children at all times.
Meet near the tennis courts.
Cross Flatts Park, LS11, free, drop-in, suitable for children up to the age of 11, SEND-friendly
23 & 24 August
How to Train Your Dragon (PG)*
A stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved How to Train Your Dragon trilogy.
Saturday 16 – 11:00am showing, £2.50 tickets. Join from 10:30am for an activity before the film!
Sunday 17 – 11:00am Autism-friendly showing; 11:30 showing
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can – £2.50, booking online:
23 & 30 August
Summer of Fun – Climbing Wall!
The climbing wall will be on the outdoor market, suitable for ages 6+.
Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, drop-in
26 & 27 August
Make a Miffy Wand
We’re bringing the magic of Miffy to the museum this summer. Join us in the large crafting hall space of the museum to make a bunny shaped wand, then make your own magic as you explore the museum.
As always with our crafts, we’ll have something suitable for all ages.
Leeds City Museum, LS2, 10:00 to 15:00, pay what you can from £0, drop-in.
26 – 28 August
Summer of Fun – Rollerskating with LS-TEN
Take a spin with LS-TEN who will be doing guided roller-skating sessions.
Slots are bookable on the day, arrive early to avoid disappointment. Slots are allocated on a first come first served basis and full details will be listed on the Leeds Markets Facebook page.
All sessions include a lesson from the team at LS-Ten, are suitable for young people age 6+ and skates and equipment are provided.
Kirkgate Markets, LS2, 11:00 to 15:00, drop-in
26 August
The Great LS6 Bear Hunt: Family Friendly Shorts
Join us for a mini screening of nature shorts programmed by our friends at Leeds Young Film Festival alongside fun and interactive bear crafts, as part of the Great LS6 Bear Hunt.
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can – £2.50, booking online:
27 August
Capture a Moment – workshop
Learn about the development of cameras and photography during this store tour, and then make your very own pinhole camera with our workshop facilitator.
This event includes a family workshop and tour of the store.
Leeds Discovery Centre, LS10, 10:00 to 12:00, pay what you can from £0, booking online:
27 & 28 August
Paint Maze
Join artist Zoe Spowage and Yorkshire Contemporary in Cross Flatts Park for free creative activities. Join us to paint, build and play! Perfect for children of all ages. Free hot drinks available courtesy of Origin Coffee Roasters
Please note: sessions are staffed, but parents and carers remain responsible for their children at all times.
Meet near the tennis courts.
Cross Flatts Park, LS11, free, drop-in, suitable for children up to the age of 11, SEND-friendly
27 – 29 August
Jack and the Beanstalk
Join professional storyteller Stories with Liv and harpist Niamh Flynn from Made with Music for an interactive, musical retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Suitable for children ages 3-7
Multiple Leeds Libraries (check event listings), pay what you can, booking online:
29 August
Amazing animated shorts for 0-7 year olds – Toddler showing*
We’ve dug deep into the LIAF archives and have selected 10 of the best short animated films full of visually dazzling joy from all around the world, for kids of all ages and the whole family.
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, £3 tickets, booking online:
30 August
SPACE themed face-painting, activities and photobooth
Pop down to Skelton Lake Motorway Services for free face-painting, biodegradable glitter tattoos, let’s create tables and photobooth!
Skelton Lake Motorway Services, LS9, 11:00 to 15:00, free, drop-in
30 & 31 August
Amazing Animated Shorts for 7-14 year olds*
We’ve dug deep into the LIAF archives and have selected 8 of the best short animated films full of visually dazzling joy from all around the world, for kids of all ages and the whole family.
Saturday 30 – 11:00am showing. Join from 10:30am for an activity before the film!
Sunday 31 – 11:00am Autism-friendly showing; 11:30 showing
Hyde Park Picture House, LS6, pay what you can, booking online:
6 September Open Day
TCV Skelton Grange are hosting a free fun-filled family day on Saturday 6th September to help us squeeze the last drops of sunshine out of the summer! Come along and play!
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