Home Things to do UK Leeds The Very Best Free (or Cheap) Things to Do for Families in Leeds this Summer 2023
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The Very Best Free (or Cheap) Things to Do for Families in Leeds this Summer 2023

Skyline and architetures in Leeds
Leeds, UK

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Looking for the perfect family-friendly destinations to visit in Leeds? Look no further! Leeds is a vibrant city located in the heart of Yorkshire and is home to an array of free (or cheap) attractions that offer something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s industrial heritage, soak up nature in one of its stunning parks, or discover the secrets of arms and armour, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

Table of Contents

Leeds City Museum

Front of Leeds City Museum building
Leeds City Museum

The Leeds City Museum is an excellent destination for families interested in history, art, and culture. The museum features a range of exhibits, from ancient history to contemporary art, and includes interactive displays and activities for children. Entry to the museum is free, making it an excellent option for families on a budget.

Leeds City Museum is a fantastic destination for families as it offers a fun and interactive way to learn about the history and culture of the city. The museum has a range of exhibits and displays, including collections of natural history, ancient artifacts, and artworks. There are also plenty of hands-on activities and workshops that are suitable for children of all ages, making it an ideal place to spend a day out as a family.

Roundhay Park

Roundhay Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and a fantastic destination for families. The park features various playgrounds, lakes, gardens, and walking trails, providing endless opportunities for outdoor fun and exploration. Entry to the park is free, but there may be charges for parking and some attractions within the park.

Roundhay Park is a great destination for families as it offers a vast expanse of green space and a range of outdoor activities. The park features lakes, gardens, playgrounds, and even a mini train ride. Families can take a picnic, explore the various trails and pathways, or even hire a boat to explore the lake. Roundhay Park is an ideal destination for families who want to get outside, enjoy some fresh air and exercise, and spend quality time together.

Thwaite Mills Watermill

Thwaite Mills is a historic watermill located in Leeds and an excellent destination for families interested in learning about the city’s industrial past. The mill features interactive exhibits and activities, including grinding flour and making bread. Entry to the mill is free, but there may be charges for some activities.

Thwaite Mills Watermill is an excellent destination for families as it offers a fascinating insight into the history of Leeds’ industrial past. The watermill features working machinery, interactive exhibits, and a range of guided tours and workshops that are suitable for all ages. Families can learn about the history of milling and the role of the watermill in the city’s industrial heritage while enjoying a unique and educational day out.

Kirkstall Abbey

Architecture of Kirkstall Abbey Church
Kirkstall Abbey Church

Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery located in Leeds and an excellent destination for families interested in history and architecture. The abbey features interactive exhibits and activities, including medieval reenactments and craft workshops. Entry to the abbey is free, but there may be charges for some activities and guided tours.

Kirkstall Abbey is an ideal destination for families as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the city. The ruins of the abbey are incredibly atmospheric, and visitors can explore the site, enjoy a guided tour, or take part in one of the many family-friendly events that take place throughout the year. Kirkstall Abbey is an ideal destination for families who want to learn about the history of Leeds and enjoy a unique and educational day out.

The Leeds Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for families interested in art and culture. The gallery features a wide range of artwork, from contemporary to classic, and includes interactive displays and activities for children. Entry to the gallery is free, making it an excellent option for families on a budget.

Leeds Art Gallery is a great destination for families as it offers a range of exciting and interactive exhibits and displays. The gallery has a collection of artworks from some of the world’s most renowned artists, including pieces from the likes of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Families can enjoy workshops, guided tours, and interactive exhibits that allow them to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most famous artworks. Leeds Art Gallery is an ideal destination for families who want to learn about art and culture while enjoying a fun and interactive day out.

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills

This museum is housed in an old industrial mill and offers visitors a glimpse into Leeds’ industrial heritage. The museum features interactive exhibits and activities, including demonstrations of textile weaving and steam engine operation. Entry is inexpensive, making it an excellent option for families on a budget.

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills is an excellent destination for families as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial past. The museum features a range of exhibits, including working textile machinery, steam engines, and locomotives. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, interactive exhibits, and workshops that provide a hands-on experience of the city’s industrial heritage. Families can explore the site, learn about the history of Leeds, and enjoy a unique and educational day out.

Tropical World at Roundhay Park

Exterior of Tropical World at Roundhay Park
Tropical World at Roundhay Park

This attraction is part of Roundhay Park and offers families the chance to explore various habitats, from the rainforest to the desert. The attraction features exotic plants and animals, including meerkats, butterflies, and crocodiles. Entry is affordable, and discounts are available for families.

Tropical World at Roundhay Park is a fantastic destination for families as it offers a unique and immersive experience of the world’s tropical climates. The attraction features a range of exotic plants and animals, including butterflies, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can explore the various habitats, including rainforest and desert, and learn about the animals and their habitats. Tropical World also offers interactive exhibits and activities for children, making it an ideal destination for families who want to learn about nature while enjoying a fun and interactive day out.

Golden Acre Park

This park is located just outside Leeds and offers families a peaceful escape from the city. The park features a lake, woodlands, and gardens, providing opportunities for walking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Entry to the park is free, but there may be charges for parking and some activities.

Golden Acre Park is a great destination for families as it offers a range of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. The park features a lake, gardens, and woodlands, and visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, and picnicking. There are also playgrounds and a miniature railway that runs around the park, providing entertainment for children of all ages. Golden Acre Park is an ideal destination for families who want to get outside, enjoy some fresh air and exercise, and spend quality time together in a beautiful and peaceful setting.

Written by
David Prior

David Prior is an NCTJ-qualified journalist and the editor of Big Family Breaks. He is also a father of five and an experienced traveller, especially with kids.

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