family days out cultural pursuits

Looking for budget-friendly family activities in Leeds? Look no further! From life-size board games like MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover to exploring street art on the Leeds Street Art Trail, there’s no shortage of fun experiences for families to enjoy this summer in and around Leeds.

What are some budget-friendly family activities in Leeds?

  • MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover: Navigate the city with puzzles and oversized tokens for free.
  • Tenpin Leeds: Bowling, table tennis, pool, and arcade games at Merrion Centre.
  • Leeds City Museum: Free entry to explore artifacts and participate in summer activities.
  • Leeds Water Taxi: Scenic rides between Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf for £3, under-fives and dogs free.
  • Wellington Place: Free children’s poetry workshop and pop-up markets with live music.
  • Leeds Street Art Trail: Discover the city’s murals, including Athena Rising.
  • Kirkgate Market: Free family events like dance workshops and circus school.
  • The Hidden Village: Play center for kids with eco-friendly toys.
  • Carriageworks Theatre: Family-friendly live shows like “Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book.”

As the summer warmth beckons families outdoors, Leeds presents a myriad of activities that guarantee an adventurous escape from the routine without straining the wallet. Engagements by LeedsBID have resulted in a city that’s not only welcoming but also abounding with opportunities for cherished family moments. Below, we explore some of the most accessible and engaging activities that promise to spice up your summer days.

Cultural Pursuits and Urban Adventures

Leeds, a city constantly evolving under the stewardship of LeedsBID, offers a treasure trove of cultural and outdoor experiences. For families poised for discovery, the urban landscape transforms into a playground of historic tales and modern spectacles.

  • Play a Life-Size Board Game
    The cityscape of Leeds morphs into a colossal board game with the compelling MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover. A free event, it invites participants to navigate the city through puzzles and selfies with oversized tokens, turning familiar streets into an interactive game board from 27th July to 1st September 2024.

  • Strike and Spare at Tenpin
    Tenpin Leeds merges the thrill of bowling with an array of other attractions. Found at the heart of Merrion Centre, this venue offers not just bowling, but also table tennis, pool, and retro arcade games. When hunger strikes, a variety of fast foods await at the cafe.

  • Historical Insights at Leeds City Museum
    A dive into the past awaits at Leeds City Museum, where entry is free. Families can explore a wealth of artifacts, including a 3,000-year-old mummy, and partake in regular summer activities like craft sessions and virtual reality games.

Unconventional Transits and Market Days

The city of Leeds presents unique methods of transportation and market experiences that combine leisure with learning and community engagement.

  • Explore by Water with Leeds Water Taxi
    Offering an alternative view of the city, the Leeds Water Taxi provides a scenic ride between Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf. It’s a brief but delightful journey that offers a fresh perspective of Leeds for only £3 per person, with children under five and dogs riding free.

  • Wellington Place’s Free Family Fun
    Wellington Place brims with activities during the summer, including a free poetry workshop for children on August 9th, 2024. Additionally, the summer months bring pop-up markets every Friday and Saturday, featuring local indie sellers, street food, live music, and a play tent.

  • A Mural Hunt in Leeds
    Street art aficionados will find Leeds to be a canvas of urban creativity. The Leeds Street Art Trail guides you through the city’s vibrant murals, including the impressive Athena Rising and a dedicated piece celebrating the legacy of Rob Burrow.

Markets and Play Towns

Leeds offers a mix of traditional market experiences and innovative play spaces that allow children to learn through play.

  • Kirkgate Market’s Family Events
    At Kirkgate Market, families can engage in a variety of free summer activities, from bumper cars and dance workshops to den-building and circus school, taking place every Tuesday to Friday from 30th July to 30th August 2024.

  • The Hidden Village for Imaginative Play
    The Hidden Village on Call Lane is a fantastical play center offering children a chance to explore various pretend professions. Parents can enjoy a coffee while the kids play, and the site also features a shop with eco-friendly toys.

  • Theatrical Magic at Carriageworks Theatre
    Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds provides a family-friendly venue for live shows. In August, the theater showcases “Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book,” a puppetry-filled production designed to enchant children and encourage reading.

Discovering Street Art and Engaging in Markets

Leeds’ streets and public spaces become a canvas and a community hub, offering artistic discoveries and vibrant market experiences.

  • Leeds Street Art Trail
    Art enthusiasts can embark on the Leeds Street Art Trail to uncover hidden gems and celebrate local culture. Key pieces include the towering Athena Rising and a tribute to rugby league star Rob Burrow.

  • Markets and Workshops at Wellington Place
    Wellington Place transforms into a hub of creativity and commerce during the summer. The children’s poetry workshop and Fayre in the Square provide opportunities for literary expression and delightful market explorations.

  • Family Fun at Kirkgate Market
    Kirkgate Market is not just for shopping; it’s a venue for free family fun including rides, dance workshops, and a circus school. These special events run throughout the summer, adding an extra layer of entertainment for market-goers.

Through these activities, Leeds enriches the lives of its residents and visitors alike, offering stimulating, cost-effective experiences. This is a testament to LeedsBID’s success in enhancing the city’s appeal, creating a vibrant and enjoyable environment for all who traverse its historic and modern pathways.

  • MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover: Navigate the city with puzzles and oversized tokens for free.
  • Tenpin Leeds: Bowling, table tennis, pool, and arcade games at Merrion Centre.
  • Leeds City Museum: Free entry to explore artifacts and participate in summer activities.
  • Leeds Water Taxi: Scenic rides between Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf for £3, under-fives and dogs free.
  • Wellington Place: Free children’s poetry workshop and pop-up markets with live music.

By george