Leeds offers a range of affordable family activities including the interactive MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover event and exploring Leeds City Museum. With scenic rides on the Leeds Water Taxi, discovering street art, and enjoying shows at the Carriageworks Theatre, families can have fun without breaking the bank.
What are some affordable family activities in Leeds?
Leeds offers a range of affordable family activities including the interactive MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover event, bowling at Tenpin, exploring Leeds City Museum, scenic rides on the Leeds Water Taxi, discovering the Leeds Street Art Trail, enjoying free events at Kirkgate Market, visiting The Hidden Village for imaginative play, and catching family-friendly shows at the Carriageworks Theatre. These attractions provide fun and education without a high cost.
LeedsBID’s ongoing efforts have transformed Leeds into a city that’s both colorful and welcoming, making it a prime destination for families seeking adventure without breaking the bank. As the school holidays commence, this guide will walk you through the best places to create memories with your loved ones. We’ll explore unique experiences, educational escapades, and hidden gems that are as friendly to your wallet as they are fun.
Interactive Urban Adventures
Play a life-size board game
Leeds has turned into a real-life playground with the introduction of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover. This innovative event marks a world’s first, where participants can engage with the city as if it were the game board itself. Families are invited to discover Leeds’ most notable landmarks, reimagined as MONOPOLY properties, from the 27th of July to the 1st of September 2024.
“Grab a map and hunt out a series of puzzles – your job is to solve them! You’ll also be able to snap selfies with the giant game tokens, take a ‘chance’ to win big prizes and even go to jail! The best part? It’s all completely free.” – Tom Martin
Bowl a strike (or try to)
For competitive spirits, Tenpin located at the Merrion Centre offers an array of activities beyond its 24 bowling lanes. A haven for family-friendly competition, this center also features table tennis, pool, and a collection of retro arcade games. Should hunger strike, a cafe provides an assortment of comfort foods including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza.
Tenpin, 13 Merrion Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BT.
Discover Leeds’ fascinating history
Leeds City Museum opens a window into the past with a free educational experience that spans across six galleries. From ancient mummies to the remnants of prehistoric life, the museum not only educates but also entertains with craft sessions and virtual reality activities throughout the summer.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8BH.
Unique Transportation and Market Delights
See the city from a new angle
The Leeds Water Taxi presents a novel perspective of the city. This service connects Leeds Dock with Granary Wharf, offering a scenic ride along the waterways. For a modest fee, except for children under five and dogs, this 10-minute journey can become a highlight of your day out.
The Leeds Water Taxi runs every 15 minutes from Leeds Dock and Granary Wharf.
Enjoy a host of free fun at this leafy city centre development
Wellington Place boasts a summer full of free activities including a children’s poetry workshop on the 9th of August 2024, and the Fayre in the Square market event. The market, running Fridays and Saturdays throughout August, features live music, street food, and local vendors.
The children’s poetry workshop takes place at Wellington Central from 10am to 11:30am. Fayre in the Square takes place at Tower Square from 3pm to 8pm on specified dates in August 2024.
Hunt out colourful murals
Leeds’ urban landscape serves as a canvas for a diverse range of street art, all of which can be discovered along the Leeds Street Art Trail. Notable pieces include the towering Athena Rising, the inviting Here We Go Now, and a tribute to the late Rob Burrow.
The Leeds Street Art Trail can be found across the city.
Historical Attractions and Imaginative Playgrounds
Check out family fun in a historic setting
Kirkgate Market, known for its varied street food offerings, invites families to enjoy free activities from bumper cars to hip hop dance workshops. Summer events are scheduled every Tuesday to Friday from the 30th of July to the 30th of August 2024.
Free family events take place at Kirkgate Market on specified days, with a variety of activities to choose from.
Visit a child-sized play town
The Hidden Village on Call Lane is a miniature world where children can assume the roles of various community members. Adults can relax with a coffee or browse through eco-friendly toys on offer at the center’s cafe and shop.
The Hidden Village, 44 Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6DT.
Catch a play
Immerse your family in the enchanting world of theatre with a visit to the Carriageworks Theatre. In August, the production of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book comes to life with puppetry and music, igniting a love for reading through the magic of performance.
Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Electric Press 3, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD.
LeedsBID has indeed helped curate a thriving environment for both residents and visitors. This curated list of activities is but a glimpse into the vast array of options available for family fun in Leeds. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these experiences promise to enrich your summer without straining your finances.
- Leeds offers a range of affordable family activities including the interactive MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover event, bowling at Tenpin, exploring Leeds City Museum, scenic rides on the Leeds Water Taxi, discovering the Leeds Street Art Trail, enjoying free events at Kirkgate Market, visiting The Hidden Village, and catching family-friendly shows at the Carriageworks Theatre.
- The MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover event allows participants to engage with the city as if it were the game board itself, with puzzles to solve, giant game tokens to snap selfies with, and a chance to win prizes.
- Tenpin at the Merrion Centre offers family-friendly competition with bowling lanes, table tennis, pool, and retro arcade games, along with a cafe serving comfort foods like burgers and pizza.
- Leeds City Museum provides a free educational experience across six galleries showcasing ancient mummies, remnants of prehistoric life, craft sessions, and virtual reality activities.
- Families can enjoy a scenic ride on the Leeds Water Taxi, explore street art along the Leeds Street Art Trail, and participate in free events at Wellington Place, Kirkgate Market, and The Hidden Village.