Family attractions in Leeds

Entrance to the Royal Armouries in Leeds

Leeds isn’t just about shopping and nightlife, there’s loads of family stuff too. So if you feel like taking your little ones for a weekend in Leeds you will find that there are plenty of things that you can all enjoy. If your kids like drawing and messing about with paint, then Leeds Art Gallery offers some exciting free art sessions with activities such as drawing buildings, creating artwork from a wide range of materials, and also games. Not only that, but they can put their completed works on display too in a dedicated children’s space. Children must be accompanied by an adult, so prepare to roll up your sleeves and join in the fun.

Culture activities for kids

Your children might also enjoy a look around the main gallery itself, which has a great selection of paintings and sculpture to fascinate even the youngest art critic. Don’t forget the shop afterwards either, they have a great selection of souvenirs, toys, games, puzzles and knick-knacks that children love. The cakes on offer in the adjacent café will no doubt be appreciated too.

Don’t forget to take your kids to Thornton’s Arcade, where you will find at its northern end the most wonderful clock that is a delight to young eyes. It was made by Leeds company Potts and Sons, and has four life-size figures of characters from Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, which were made by Leeds sculptor John Wormald Appleyard. Richard Coeur-de-Lion and Friar Tuck strike the hours, and Robin Hood and Gurth the Swineherd strike the quarters.

Shops that will entertain the children

There’s nothing like a good walk for burning off excess energy, and Leeds is not short of them. Try the lovely River Aire Walk from Leeds Railway Station up to the Royal Armouries. From the station go under Dark Arches to the Granary Wharf, which is itself an interesting marketplace of shops, bars and restaurants.

Then head for the Waterfront, and take the pleasant walk along the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, seeing for yourself how the whole waterfront area of Leeds has been redeveloped, with old mills completely transformed into contemporary offices and apartments. Keep an eye out for the ducks and wild birds that have made their home there. In the summer you can take a barge from Granary Wharf up to the Royal Armouries.

Education for the kids

At the Royal Armouries you can see Henry VIII’s suits of armour, starting with the slender one of his youth, with subsequent ones graduating outwards to accommodate the ever expanding girth for which he is well-known. One of the most impressive displays is a great collection of swords, bayonettes and guns gracing the stairwell.

There is loads of stuff here that will interest children including falconry displays, and horse shows that include demonstations of medieval jousting with knights on horseback in full armour. There is a complete menagerie of animals too, as well as a gunmaker, armourer and wardrobe mistress giving demonstrations of their old crafts. Entry to the museum is free, but there may be an entrance fee to some events.

Fun for all of the family

Heading back to Leeds city centre, the Leeds City Museum, located right on Millenium Square, organise family fun events, such as art and craft activities that relate to the museum displays. There are interactive displays such as the Africa exhibition where you can try on costumes and play drums, a Life on Earth Exhibition that allows you to feel the sights and sounds of the rainforest, feel the skin of a python, and dig for fossils.

You can make your own Roman mosaic or step into the shoes of an archaeologist by attempting to reconstruct pottery. As well as looking at artefacts of worldwide significance, the museum allows you to explore Leeds past and present.

Take a trip with the kids

If you happen to be in Leeds on a weekend or public holiday then just a two mile bus ride south from Leeds City Centre you will find the Middleton Railway which is due to re-open on Saturday 4th April. Run by rail enthusiasts since the sixties, steam and diesel hauled trains leave Moor Road Station for the one mile journey to Middleton Park. Also organised are guided walks, children’s galas, model railway exhibitions and even ghost and Santa trains. With family tickets at £12 this one won’t break the bank.

Rate this Leeds guide

(10 votes, average: 3.90 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Stay updated by completing the form below, and we'll send you an e-mail with the latest Leeds deals.