Summer Holidays in Leeds 2025 – Family Fun Awaits!

🐇 Follow the Fun: Wonderland Trail

📍 Across Leeds City Centre

📅 26th July – 31st August

💸 FREE

Step into a storybook with the magical Wonderland Trail – a whimsical city adventure inspired by Alice in Wonderland! From the Rabbit Hole at the Corn Exchange to a Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Victoria Gate, this immersive trail includes puzzles, prizes, and photo ops for the whole family. 🕳️🎩📸

Spread across seven locations, it’s a brilliant way to explore Leeds on foot while keeping kids engaged and active. The trail is interactive, imaginative, and completely free – what more could you ask for?

🗺️ A perfect pick for curious kids and grown-ups alike – and it won’t cost you a penny.

Teddy Bears Picnic at the Bear Pit

📍 Headingley Bear Pit

📅 21st August

💸 Pay What You Can

Bring your cuddly companions for a bear-y lovely day out with The Great LS6 Bear Hunt. There’ll be stories, wildflower seed throwing, teddy bear repair stations, and a scavenger hunt! 🌸🧵🐾

This is one of those events that captures the imagination and brings the community together. Set in the quirky historic Headingley Bear Pit, it’s an outdoor event that feels both magical and meaningful.

Remember to register in advance – it’s a popular one!

🎨 Paint and Play at Seagulls

📍 Seagulls Paint, Kirkstall

📅 Monthly Events

💸 From £4.50

Let your little artists loose at Play with Paint, where everyone – from toddlers to grandparents – can go wild with colour. Think textures, mess, and imagination in full swing. 🎨🖌️

Sessions are inclusive, relaxed, and designed for every ability – whether your child is a budding Picasso or just loves a good splatter. As one of Leeds’ most creative hubs, Seagulls is also a great place to learn about sustainability and reusing materials.

📅 Spaces fill up fast, so book early to avoid missing out!

🏛️ Gladiators at the Royal Armouries

📍 Royal Armouries Museum

📅 Summer 2025

💸 From £4 (under-3s go free!)

Ready to shout Are you not entertained?! Dive into the world of ancient warriors with Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum – a blockbuster Roman exhibition featuring artefacts from Pompeii. ⚔️🏺

Kids (and adults) can explore the lives of real gladiators, their armour, training, and fame. With interactive exhibits and engaging storytelling, this experience brings Ancient Rome to life in the heart of Leeds.

📚 A thrilling mix of history and hands-on discovery for curious minds.

📚 Leeds Libraries Summer Reading Challenge

📍 Libraries across Leeds

📅 All Summer

💸 FREE

This year’s reading challenge is all about nature, adventures, and imagination. Kids aged 4–11 can read whatever they like and earn rewards like badges, medals, and bookmarks. 🌳📖🏅

Encouraging reading over the holidays can help boost literacy and confidence – and it's fun too! Many libraries are also hosting craft sessions, storytelling, and themed events tied to the challenge.

📖 A brilliant way to keep minds active on quieter days.

🎈 Free Family Fun at Kirkgate Market

📍 Leeds Kirkgate Market

📅 Mondays, 21st July – 18th August

💸 FREE

Every Monday is fun day at Kirkgate Market – enjoy face painting, balloon modelling, LEGO play zones, crafts, and colouring. 🧱🎨🎈

It’s an ideal escape from the rain or heat, with something for younger children and parents looking for a relaxed, low-pressure space. And while you’re there, why not grab a snack from one of the amazing independent food stalls?

🌧️ The perfect indoor escape if the weather doesn’t play ball!

Day Trips and Mini-Adventures Near Leeds

If you're looking to venture just outside the city, there are plenty of exciting day trips within easy reach of Leeds:

• Tropical World in Roundhay Park – See meerkats, butterflies, and exotic reptiles 🦎🌴
• Lotherton Hall – Enjoy nature trails, bird gardens, and a great play area 🐦🌳
• Temple Newsam – Explore the historic house, farmyard animals, and wide-open parklands 🐷🏰

💡 Top Tips for Parents this Summer

Plan ahead: Many activities (especially free ones) require pre-booking – always check in advance.Pack snacks & water: Keep costs down and kids happy with a prepared backpack.Have a rainy-day backup: Leeds has great museums, libraries, and indoor fun zones.Follow local groups: Social media pages often share pop-up events and last-minute availability!