This Summer – Top Leeds Activities For You & The Little Ones

It’s that time again… the classroom doors have been shut and the bank of mum and dad has officially been opened. It’s finally summer, and as families across the UK eagerly enter the depths of the six week break, many question what they can do to keep their little ones entertained. With sky-rocketing costs and drizzly weather in the backs of everybody’s mind this July, we’ve pulled together our top picks for ensuring the whole family is having fun this summer, including the adults too!

Thackray Museum of Medicine 

A staple of Leeds heritage, and a fantastic day out, the Thackray Museum of Medicine is as educational as it is fun. With immersive walks through history, a broad and insightful archive of items, and some tasty treats in the Museum’s cafe, Thackray is the perfect place to bring your little one this summer. 

The Museum has unveiled a host of special Summer events and exhibitions to keep the family entertained. Join the team of expert pathologists in their colourful excavation to ‘Life Beneath the Microscope’, or explore the science of sport in the upcoming ‘On The Bench’ exhibition, which features archived items from former Leeds Rhinos player Stevie Ward. The team at Thackray are also introducing ‘Science Live’ – a series of science shows as you’ve never seen before, with engaging performances designed to educate the health heroes of tomorrow.

With tickets lasting one year from the day of purchase, the museum is the perfect place for a family day out throughout summer and beyond. 

For information on What’s On, please follow the link HERE.

Breeze In the Park 

Breeze In the Park returns to Leeds this summer, welcoming little ones to make the most of the sun and the outdoors. With 29 events across Leeds, and 7 additional ‘relaxed’ events for children with additional needs, Breeze invites families to take part in sports, games and arts and crafts. You can also enjoy the iconic inflatable courses that are offered at each event, and tuck into some of the delicious food served there. 

The events will last throughout July and August, with sessions taking place between 12pm-2:30pm, and 3pm-5pm. Similarly, the relaxed events will be taking part at 11am-12pm, and offer reduced queuing and crowding, along with additional entertainment such as donkey feeding and riding opportunities.

Tickets to the events can be found on the link HERE, and cost 50p per child – you just can’t go wrong!

Royal Armouries

Watch history come to life this summer at the Royal Armouries Museum. Based in the heart of Leeds city centre, the museum boasts 6,000 artefacts that detail the history of war, with iconic historical archives including Henry VIII’s armour. Engaging and unique, the Armouries Museum is a great place for all of the family to learn something new and take part in the interactive elements on offer.

As part of their summer specials, the Royal Armouries Museum will be putting on a series of immersive events to make the little ones feel like they’re stepping back in time. Along with daily live combat demonstrations, dramas and talks, kids can enjoy two completely free daily horse shows between Wednesday 26 July – Friday 25 August, and Tuesday 29 August – Sunday 3 September. Featuring historical characters and weaponry, the live shows are guaranteed to immerse grown ups and children alike.

Take a step back in time this summer, and enjoy the wonders of the Royal Armouries Museum. Tickets can be found on the link HERE. 

None Go Bye Farm, Horsforth 

Summer isn’t just about enjoying the time off – it’s about leaving the house and enjoying the outdoors. With some sunny spells expected to arrive in August, why not head outside and enjoy None Go Bye Farm? With a range of animals, including alpacas, llamas, goats, donkeys, sheep and pigs, the farm is a perfect place to get the kids excited about nature.. 

Offering animal feeding for £1, family goat walking sessions and an expansive fishing pond, the farm is a perfect place to get lost in nature and engage with some of our furry friends. To top it all off, the kids can play in the farm’s indoor play area whilst Mum and Dad enjoy the delights of the farm shop. 

Pack up a picnic and enjoy nature’s delights at the None Go Bye Farm in Horsforth.

Leeds Bear Hunt

Entirely free and full of fun, the latest trail walk emerges in Leeds City Centre this summer, welcoming the young, old and bold to embark on a city wide bear hunt. Running from 1st July and lasting for 10 weeks, you’ll have to get your little explorer’s ready to find 35 giant bear sculptures and 11 bear cub sculptures hidden in plain sight around Leeds. Bringing Michael Rosen’s iconic “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” story to life, this is a family focused activity that adds a whole lot of excitement into a walk around the city. 

Once the hunt is finished, and all of the bears have been found, you can head over to the pop-up Bear Cave in the Trinity Centre (next to Boots) with all proceeds supporting the brave bear hunters in the Leeds Children’s Hospital. 

This fun and wholesome adventure is a free journey for the whole family to enjoy, and is a celebration of the vibrant culture Leeds has to offer. For more information, please follow the link HERE.

Tiny Tetley Studio

The Tetley, former brewery HQ turned contemporary art gallery, is a long standing Leeds favourite, and it has gotten even better this summer. With a range of free exhibitions taking place throughout the space, including Splashdown Tender and Stereo Type Music, the venue is now hosting Tiny Tetley Studio. 

In the Tiny Tetley Studio, specialist Stephanie Jeffries has created an immersive and fun space for children and families to explore the world of play. With the Studio featuring a bespoke sound installation by Buffalo Sound Design, and exciting play structures designed and built in collaboration with Three Create, the space is guaranteed to keep the kids imagining. The studio also collaborated with Leeds Bosom Buddies to bring about crocheted breastfeeding aids, carefully considering any and all customers that may walk through the door.

Entrance to the Studio is completely free, and you can also sign up for a free family pass, which gives you access to the Tiny Tetley Studio along with special offers in the Tetley Bar & Kitchen, Access to free family activities and updates on family events.

Unleash the world of play this summer at Tiny Tetley Studio (website HERE).