Free family days out in Leeds: your 2025 guide
Are you searching for free days out in Leeds? At Leeds Children’s Charity, we’re lucky to be based in a wonderfully family-friendly city with a host of great things to do for kids and adults alike. We’ve gathered some of the best places to go for a free day out in Leeds that educate, inspire and entertain the whole family – most without spending a penny.
From indoor activities and attractions perfect for rainy days, to beautiful outdoor parks and spaces where children can explore, here are some of the best free family days out Leeds has to offer.
Indoor free family days out in Leeds
Looking for free places to go with children in Leeds when the weather isn’t ideal? Leeds offers a lot of great indoor attractions perfect for free family days out, with activities to suit all ages and interests. Here are some of our favourite indoor spaces where families can spend quality time together without any cost.
Visit Leeds City Museum
Free to enter, Leeds City Museum is a wonderful choice for a fun-filled day out for families. Spend your time exploring the six galleries spread out across four floors, learning all about the history and people of Leeds. There are plenty of interactive displays, hands-on activities and fascinating exhibits to keep little ones entertained. Don’t miss the iconic Leeds Tiger, a 19th-century Bengal tiger who has been in the city for over 150 years.
In 2025, the museum is hosting something special – a free exhibition celebrating 70 years of the children’s book character Miffy. Running from 7th February to 7th September, this interactive exhibition brings Miffy’s world to life with creative displays and activities perfect for young children. It’s a fantastic experience that the whole family can enjoy together.
Leeds City Museum website
Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH
Watch a film at Hyde Park Picture House
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This historic cinema makes film accessible to all families, no matter their budget. Saturday mornings feature free craft activities before family-friendly screenings, with many shows operating on a “Pay What You Can” basis – including free tickets for those who need them. Sunday morning screenings are specially designed to be autism-friendly, creating an inclusive space for all families.
To access the free tickets, get in touch with the cinema at least 48 hours before the screening. Even without watching a film, families are welcome to enjoy the space and use the free craft materials available in the café area.
Hyde Park Picture House website
73 Brudenell Road, Leeds, LS6 1JD
Explore the Royal Armouries
If you’re looking for a fun history lesson with your family day out, look no further than Leeds Royal Armouries. This world-class museum is home to the UK’s national collection of arms and armour, and it’s completely free to visit. Kids will be fascinated by over 4,500 objects that tell the story of how armour has shaped society throughout history. Must-sees include the 16th-century elephant armour and tusk swords, and Henry VIII’s foot combat armour.
Leeds Royal Armouries website
Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LT
Explore the collections at Leeds Art Gallery
Conveniently located in the heart of the city centre, Leeds Art Gallery is a lovely spot for families to spend an afternoon. There’s a significant collection of British art here, ranging from classic Victorian paintings to impressive sculptures. Families with younger children might want to head to the upper galleries, where the colourful modern pieces are great for introducing kids to the world of art. The best part? It’s completely free to visit.
Leeds Art Gallery website
The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
Step into a story at your local library
Nurture a thirst for knowledge in your kids by introducing them to the joys of reading. Joining your local library is a great way to meet other parents while helping your kids develop their reading, story-telling and language skills. All Leeds libraries are completely free – it’s free to join, free to borrow books (they don’t even charge late fees), and there are plenty of free events, workshops and activities too.
Leeds libraries
Various locations throughout Leeds
Visit Leeds Kirkgate Market
Leeds Market has grown to include a variety of free activities for families throughout the year. The market hosts regular free activities including table tennis, crafts and colouring, Lego and DUPLO building tables, and other games. Regular workshops and activities run during school holidays, making this one of the best free day out ideas Leeds has to offer. Children can play while parents and carers explore the market or grab a bite to eat at the food court.
Leeds Kirkgate Market – What’s on
Vicar Lane, Leeds City Centre LS2 7HY
Outdoor free family days out in Leeds
Looking for places to go for a free day out in Leeds where children can enjoy fresh air and space to explore? Some of the best free days out Leeds has to offer are in its outdoor spaces. These parks and grounds provide perfect settings for family activities throughout the year, with plenty of room for children to explore and play. Here are our top picks for outdoor family adventures that won’t cost anything.
Picnic at Temple Newsam Grounds
For a day out in a beautiful setting within the city, Temple Newsam is the ideal location. Temple Newsam House was built back in the early 1500s and is placed at the centre of wonderful, sprawling grounds. The grounds are free to explore and features the park, lakes, woods, gardens and a maze. In warm weather, Temple Newsam makes the perfect picnic spot. The grounds are free to enjoy, and the house and farm have an entry free. A family ticket to the Home Farm is £13.
Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE
Take a walk in Roundhay Park
Did you know Leeds boasts one of the largest urban parks in Europe? Roundhay Park is a sprawling green space with over 700 acres of natural beauty, from lakes and open parkland to woodlands, where kids can happily run around and burn off energy. There are also playgrounds, castle ruins and walking trails to discover. Parking is free, so you can easily spend a day exploring without spending a penny.
Roundhay Park website
Mansion Ln, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2HH
Discover Leeds Little Free Libraries
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For families looking for free activities around Leeds, these community book exchanges are dotted across the city. The beautifully crafted boxes are all designed by local artists and operate on a simple basis: take a book, leave a book if you can – although there’s no obligation to leave one. With over 80 locations throughout Leeds and the surrounding areas, there’s likely to be one near you.
Use the online map to find your nearest Little Free Library and start your family reading adventure. It’s an accessible way to encourage reading and find new stories, with no cost involved.
See the Little Free Library map
Locations across Leeds and the surrounding areas
Go for a bike ride at Leeds Urban Bike Park
With trails to suit all ages and abilities, including a contained area for small children, Leeds Urban Bike Park is a fantastic place for kids to practice their bike-riding skills. It’s set in leafy Middleton Park where you’ll also find a playground, lake and wildlife trails – perfect for a full day out. No booking is needed at the bike park, and the park itself and car park are totally free, so just turn up and ride! Bike hire is available at an additional cost.
Leeds Urban Bike Park website
Middleton Park, Ring Rd, Leeds LS10 3TN
Wander along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal covers a distance of 127 miles and crosses the Pennines to reach the West of the country. While it would take an estimated two weeks to walk the full distance, walking shorter stretches of it is a lovely summer’s day pursuit. You could join in the city centre and walk out to the suburbs, or do it the other way around. The canal is tracked by a tow path, suitable for walking and cycling. There is plenty of nature to soak up, like ducks, herons and other bird and inspect life, and the canal is lovely and peaceful. Kids enjoy exploring the locks and spotting the canal boats as they pass by.
Visit Otley Chevin Forest Park
One of the finest areas of natural beauty in the Leeds area, Otley Chevin Forest Park is a fabulous day out for families who want to surround themselves with stunning countryside. There’s a wide range of walking routes to take your pick from, many of which are dotted with interesting rock formations and sculptures made by local artists. Make sure you check out ‘Surprise View’ where you’ll be met with spectacular panoramic views across the Wharfe Valley.
Otley Chevin Forest Park website
Chevin Forest Park LS21 3DD
Harewood House Grounds Walk
This local stately home and estate is packed full of opportunities for family fun. While the house and gardens are paying entry, there are around 1,000 acres of parks to explore, with much of this accessible for free. There is a circular public footpath walk around the grounds, which is just short of 5 miles. The walk takes you around the estate, including farmland, woodland, and incredible views. Harewood is home to deer, which you’ll be able to spot grazing amongst the natural beauty.
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG
Step back in time at Kirkstall Abbey
Established all the way back in 1152, Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the country. The beautiful abbey ruins are great for curious-minded kids to explore, and they’ll have the chance to learn about the area’s history along the way. If you want to explore further afield, there’s a wonderful neighbouring riverside park where you can take a stroll. The abbey’s grounds are filled with perfect picnic spots too.
Kirkstall Abbey website
Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH
Enjoy a day at Meanwood Park
Just four miles north of Leeds city centre, Meanwood Park offers a variety of free activities for families. The park features a playground with accessible equipment, perfect for burning off energy. Children will love exploring the mix of open grassland and woodland, while the whole family can enjoy the free tennis courts (booking required) and table tennis. There are plenty of picnic spots throughout the park, making it perfect for a cost-free day out.
Meanwood Park
Green Road, Meanwood, LS6 4LE
Explore Bramley Fall Park and Woods
This beautiful ancient woodland space offers a free and family-friendly day out in nature. Stroll along scenic woodland trails or follow the well-paved towpath beside the Leeds–Liverpool Canal for a more level walk. There’s plenty of open space for little ones to run and explore, plus dedicated picnic areas for a relaxed lunch outdoors.
Free parking is available at two locations, and the woods are easily accessible by public transport. Catch a 49 or 91 bus, or take the train to Kirkstall Forge, just five minutes from Leeds city centre, then enjoy a short scenic walk along the canal to the park.
Bramley Fall Woods
Town Street, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 2LP
See the animals at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
Who’d have thought you only have to head a couple of miles out of the city centre for a good old-fashioned day at the farm? Spread across 24 acres, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is home to animals from fluffy rabbits and guinea pigs to pigs, sheep and alpacas. It’s a registered charity with a real community feel; keep an eye out for events including sing and sign classes and forest play sessions. Parking is free, and admission is free for under 2’s and just 50p for a child. An adult’s ticket is £2.50.
Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
Sugar Well Rd, Meanwood, Leeds LS7 2QG
Bird watch at St Aiden’s Nature Reserve
Located 8 miles from the centre of Leeds, St Aidan’s is a place of stunning natural beauty. The reserve is home to native wildlife and birds, including Grebes, Little Owls, Kestrels, Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings. St Aiden’s is family friendly, and wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Following the nature walks and soaking up the beautiful scenery makes the perfect relaxing afternoon. There’s a picnic area and you can even hire binoculars to up your bird-watching game!
St Aidan’s Nature Park, Astley Lane, West Yorkshire, LS26 8AL
Whether you choose indoor activities, outdoor adventures or nature exploration, these free family days out in Leeds offer something for every season. From city centre museums to peaceful nature reserves around Leeds and West Yorkshire, there are endless possibilities for creating special memories together.
We hope these ideas for free days out in Leeds have inspired you. At Leeds Children’s Charity, we’re dedicated to brightening the lives of disadvantaged children. By providing respite breaks at Lineham Farm, we help local young people experience childhood as it should be – filled with adventure, fun and learning.
Your generous donations mean we can continue providing a safe and special place for children. If you’d like to find out more about how to help, please visit our ’ways to give’ page.