The list of family things to do in Leeds started long and is consistently getting longer. Leeds has a rapidly growing and diversifying economy, which has brought a lot of families to this vibrant UK city. As a result, family-friendly attractions have grown quite a bit in the area, so you'll never be short of things to do with the little ones if you're looking for some quality family adventure time. 

The local culture is also quite diverse, allowing for a wide variety of art and festivals to permeate the cityscape, so adventure is seemingly endless. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Leeds.

  • 1

    Royal Armouries Museum

    See the countless swords in the Hall of Steel

    Royal Armouries Museum
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    The Royal Armouries Museum is home to a lot of military hardware, as its collection dates from as far back as medieval swords and suits of armour up to current-generation firearms. You can also find artefacts from around the world. The museum is free to enter and conveniently close to the city centre, right by the River Aire.

    Perhaps the most famous attraction of the Royal Armouries Museum is its arena, where you can see live re-enactments of famous battles, duels and jousts. These special events take place throughout the year, usually on weekends.

    Location: Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)113 220 1999

    Map
  • 2

    Abbey House Museum

    Travel to the Victorian past

    Abbey House Museum
    • Families

    The Abbey House Museum functions as a portal to the past that will take you to the streets of Victorian England. You'll find cobblestone streets with quaint period-appropriate storefronts around you. You'll even find galleries specifically focused on toys from the era, so your kids can see what children from times past had to do for fun. The museum as a whole is focused primarily on education, and it even features several classes for kids that can help them learn more about local history and England's rich past.

    Location: Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH, UK

    Open: Tuesday–Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1133 784079

    Map
  • 3

    Rainbow Factory

    Experience bedtime stories come to life

    Rainbow Factory
    • Families

    At the Rainbow Factory, you and the family can see incredible performances showcasing masterful storytelling through all sorts of creative arts. These specific arts can vary quite a bit as they include puppets, theatre, music, science, games and crafts. The performances are often quite interactive as well, allowing kids in the audience to participate in making models or playing drama games that teach them about the arts and science. It's especially popular for birthday parties, but they regularly host events that all are welcome to join.

    Location: Bagley Lane Unit 13C, Springfield Commercial Centre, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 5LY, UK

    Open: Hours vary by event

    Phone: +44 (0)11 3257 5750

    Map
  • 4

    Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

    Meet alpacas, sheep and more

    Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
    • Families

    Meanwood Valley Urban Farm encompasses nearly 10 ha of land and is home to a wide variety of animals including alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs and more. You'll even find donkeys among its collection, but that's just the beginning. Venture through one of the many woodland walks, and you'll spot even more varied wildlife around. 

    You can approach and interact with all of the domesticated farm animals. The friendly creatures here are always eager to meet guests. Don't forget to stop by the shop as well to see if there are any fresh plants or produce you may be interested in that were grown right on the farm.

    Location: Meanwood Valley Urban Farm Sugar Well Road, Leeds LS7 2QG, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1132 629759

    Map

    photo by Rick Carn (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 5

    Jackrabbits Pottery

    Paint ceramic pieces

    Jackrabbits Pottery
    • Families

    Jackrabbits Pottery lets you and your children embrace their creativity and craft something truly original and memorable. When you're here, you and the kids can paint pottery with a variety of different tools and colours available in an attempt to allow guests as much freedom as possible to express themselves. You'll also find this establishment to be a popular place for children's parties and other private events with a creative twist. You'll even find certain keepsakes you can opt for such as custom casts on metal jewellery or pottery.

    Location: 633A Roundhay Road, Leeds LS8 4BA, UK

    Open: Monday–Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)11 3318 9315

    Map
  • 6

    Team Sport

    Race in go-karts

    Team Sport
    • Families

    TeamSport is the best of the best when it comes to go-karting in Leeds. At this track, you can enjoy 580 metres of uninterrupted tracks, making it the longest indoor circuit in all of Yorkshire. Among this circuit, you'll find sharp turns, ramps, an underpass, bridges and even several tunnels. With this kind of diverse driving experience, you can expect a unique adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Give it a try to see who's the better racer in your family.

    Location: 69 South Accommodation Road, Leeds LS10 1NQ, UK

    Open: Monday and Wednesday–Friday from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Tuesday from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 9.30 am to 4 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1252 732300

    Map
  • 7

    Tropical World

    View intriguing creatures

    Tropical World
    • Families

    Tropical World is one of the most popular attractions at Roundhay Park, and for good reason. Imagine walking through a lush rainforest in the middle of Leeds, just a few steps away from the striking Australian Outback. After that, you can take a trek through the desert and spot rare birds and other animals on your journey. Tropical World is home to crocodiles, bats, snakes, and meerkats. There's even an Amazon zone where you'll find impressive salamanders and piranhas.

    Location: Canal Gardens Roundhay Park, Leeds LS8 2ER, UK

    Open: Sunday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1132 270754

    Map

    photo by Rept0n1x (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 8

    Sneaky Experience

    Enjoy immersive theatre

    Sneaky Experience
    • Families

    Sneaky Experience strives to take theatre to the next level by involving the audience significantly with its operations. Their performances are always creative and imaginative, especially when it comes to their family-friendly shows. Kids are always encouraged to participate in a friendly and welcoming environment where they can improvise scenes and sing along without any pressure. The holiday shows are particularly fun. For example, their Easter show typically comes with free chocolate eggs for every child in attendance.

    Location: Cardigan Fields Road, Leeds, Leeds, LS4 2, UK

    Open: Hours vary by event

    Map
  • 9

    Stockeld Park

    Embark on adventure

    Stockeld Park
    • Families

    Stockeld Park is a striking setting, especially if you visit during the holidays. The atmosphere here is always a bit magical, but you'll find shining and vibrant decorations during the most popular holidays including Halloween, Christmas and Easter among others. At the park, you'll find an Enchanted Forest, thrilling adventure playgrounds and even a skating rink. Be sure to stop by the Woodland Laser Tag arena as well if your kids are looking for more adrenaline-fueled fun. Keep an eye out for events and concerts held in the park.

    Location: Wetherby Road, Spofforth LS22 4AN, UK

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)1937 586333

    Map

    photo by Immanuel Giel (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Arcade Club

    Play video games old and new

    Arcade Club
    • Families

    Arcade Club is a fun-filled video game centre with numerous machines set up across 3 floors. You'll find classics including arcade machines dating back to 1972 alongside more modern favourites like VR games, Minecraft and Fortnite. You don't have to pay for each machine, either. After you pay for entry, you and the little ones can play as many games as you like, whether the kids want to spend hours with Minecraft or a bit of time with each game they have on offer. Just note that the minimum age for VR games is 12, following the manufacturers' recommendations.

    Location: Savins Mill Way Unit 3, Abbey Retail Park, Leeds LS5 3RP, UK

    Open: Thursday from 6 pm to 11 pm, Friday from 6 pm to midnight, Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +44 (0)16 1464 9796

    Map