With the worry of the cost of living hanging over our heads, it’s easy to think that you have to shut yourself off from the world. But that doesn’t have to be the case Yorkshire’s cities offer great free activities for you to enjoy. We packed a list full of the best free things to do with kids in Leeds
Why not put together a pack-up and explore what is on your doorstep without having to spend a penny? We’ve put together the best free things to do in Leeds.
You can see what Leeds attractions there are all on a shoestring, from cultural experiences to fun times exploring the labyrinth that is Leeds City Centre along with the wonderful parks that are in and around Yorkshire’s biggest city.
1. Kirkstall Abbey
A piece of history lies roadside in the Kirkstall area of Leeds, built around 1147 Kirkstall Abbey is a wonderful piece of architecture. The well-preserved Cistercian monastery is free to enter with a museum and cafe across the road, although there is a small fee for the museum. The Leeds Tiger is a huge stuffed tiger skin, which came from a village in India where the tiger was killed after coming too close to the people.
Kirkstall Abbey is surrounded by lush fields and borders the River Air. You can enjoy a picnic whilst the kids play. If you’re looking for a cheap family day out with a little bit of history then this is the perfect spot to venture to.
2. Leeds City Museum
Head over to the city centre where there are plenty of free things to do in Leeds. The Leeds City Museum is another one of Leeds’ architectural marvels. It’s a great family day out as there is a range of exhibitions such as the museum’s most famous residents ‘Leeds Tiger and the ‘Leeds Mummy’, which are the remains of a 3000-year-old Egyptian mummy.
There are lots of activities for children where children can get hands-on with fancy dress outfits, fossil digging and chances to get artistic.
3. Leeds Street Art Trail
When the sun’s out and you have kids a museum isn’t always what they’re after, but this Leeds Art Trail is a fun way to interact with the city in a different way. It also helps burn some energy from the kids as you search for the various pieces, which can’t be bad.
The Leeds Art Trail is one of the best free things to do with kids takes in 20 different works of street art across the city which allows you to wander through Leeds streets and check out contemporary and older pieces of street art – and it’s free.
4. Roundhay Park
Stretch your legs and explore nature at Rounday Park. You have 700 acres of woodland, curated gardens, a range of walking trails, and playgrounds to explore in Leeds for absolutely free.
Wander around the huge picturesque lake on lazy afternoons is what life’s all about – even better if you got a pooch to take with you. There is also something special going on at Roundhay – so it’s worth checking the website for events.
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5. Leeds Art Gallery
More culture in Leeds for free? Go on then! The Leeds Art Gallery was established in 1888 and holds a wide range of artwork from the Middle Ages to the present day.
It has a craft centre and design gallery as well and is great if you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Leeds. It has exhibits for kids where they regularly hold events that are interactive and help them get creative.
6. Leeds Owl Trail
We love these little city trails as they’re a great way to discover new parts of the city and also learn its history. The owl is synonymous with Leeds as they feature on its Coat-of-Arms, which is thanks to Sir John Savile the first Alderman of Leeds.
Anyway back to the trail. The Leeds Owl Trail is great for kids and takes around two hours to complete – each owl has its own tale of why it was there so it is a great learning experience.
7. Royal Armouries
Who’s kid doesn’t love army stuff? The Royal Armies is a great day out for both adults and children. It holds the largest collections of military memorabilia in the world. It’s a real treat for those eager to learn and a great example of how Free Things To Do With Kids in Leeds can be really amazing – where else are you shown such heritage and history for nothing?
Delve deep into the world of the military through the ages across five floors of galleries which include war, tournament, Oriental, self-defense, and hunting with over 8, 500 objects to see.
What’s great is there are even re-enactments and jousting events for you to enjoy.
8. The Tetley
No, we aren’t suggesting you take your kids for a p*** up in a brewery. The former HQ of Tetley Brewery has been transformed into an art gallery complex complete with exhibitions, a bar, and a beautiful dining space.
It has a fabulous play space and holds events for children and families including family movie nights and is free, which is a win-win for us. If you’re looking to inspire your kids through play then this is the spot to visit.
9. Golden Acre Park
Just on the outskirts of Leeds is the 180 acres park, Golden Acres. It’s a brilliant place to explore with kids who can run wild. There is a lovely walk that takes in parkland, lakes, streams, and plenty of woodlands.
It’s one of the free things to do in Leeds and with us coming to spring and summer it’s perfect as we want to be out exploring after all the wet and cold weather we’ve had. So get out in nature and spot a bit of wildlife – you know it sounds right.
10. Leeds Central Library
Library for fun? Yes, we couldn’t think of anything more joyous than exploring Leeds Central Library. They hold a range of events throughout the school holidays for you and your kids to enjoy,
It’s always a great thing to know when looking for free things to do in your city. Museums, libraries, and local parks are wonderful things and as the old saying goes – use them or lose them! So get visiting these great places in Leeds these holidays.
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