Looking for the best family days out in Leeds? You’re in the right place.

Leeds is one of those cities that works brilliantly with children because there’s so much variety. You can spend the morning looking at suits of armour, wander around a tropical rainforest after lunch, visit a working farm, explore a ruined abbey or simply pack a picnic and let the kids run around one of the city’s huge parks.

And when you’re happy to venture a little further out, there are some seriously good family attractions within easy reach of the city too.

We’ve rounded up 20 of the best family days out in Leeds and nearby, including free things to do, toddler-friendly attractions, rainy-day ideas and those bigger days out that are worth clearing the diary for.

Save this one for the next time someone asks, “What are we doing today?”

At a glance

Best for toddlers: Tropical World, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Lotherton and Eureka!

Best for rainy days: Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds City Museum, MathsCity and Thackray Museum of Medicine

Best free days out: Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds City Museum and Roundhay Park

Best for animals: Tropical World, Temple Newsam Home Farm, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm and Lotherton

Best outdoor adventures: Stockeld Park, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Harewood and Roundhay Park

Best big days out: Temple Newsam, Harewood, Stockeld Park and Eureka!

1. Royal Armouries Museum

📍 Leeds Dock

👶 Best for: All ages, particularly 5+

💷 Price: Free admission

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes

⏰ Allow: 2–4 hours

If you want a genuinely good free day out in Leeds, start here.

The Royal Armouries is home to the national collection of arms and armour, but don’t be put off if that sounds a little too museum-like for younger children. There’s a lot to look at, from enormous suits of armour and historic weapons to displays exploring everything from medieval tournaments to warfare across different periods of history.

It’s also big enough that you can spend a good chunk of the day here without feeling like you’ve exhausted it within 45 minutes.

Why Carol loves it

It’s free, it’s indoors and there’s enough going on to keep different ages interested. That combination is surprisingly hard to beat.

Carol tip

Don’t try to read every display with younger children. Let them lead the way and pick the areas that capture their attention. Check the programme before visiting too, as family activities and demonstrations can make the experience even better.

2. Tropical World

📍 Roundhay

👶 Best for: Toddlers upwards

💷 Price: £

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Generally, yes

⏰ Allow: 1–2 hours

If your children love animals, Tropical World is one of the easiest family wins in Leeds.

You’ll wander through tropical environments filled with butterflies, fish and exotic animals before reaching some of the bigger crowd-pleasers, including meerkats, monkeys and crocodiles.

It’s particularly good with younger children because there’s constantly something new to look at without the day becoming overwhelming.

Why Carol loves it

It feels like a proper activity without needing to commit your entire day to it. And because it’s right next to Roundhay Park, you can easily turn it into a much bigger day out.

Carol tip

Combine Tropical World with the park. Do the animals first, then head outside for a walk, playground stop or picnic if the weather behaves.

3. Temple Newsam

📍 East Leeds

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Partly

🛒 Buggy friendly: Mostly

⏰ Allow: Half to full day

Temple Newsam is one of those places where you can tailor the day completely around your children.

There’s the historic house, acres of parkland and Home Farm, where families can see rare-breed animals. There’s also a Play Barn, making this particularly appealing if you’re visiting with younger children.

Older children might enjoy exploring the house and its history, while little ones can make a beeline for the animals and play areas.

Why Carol loves it

There’s enough here to make it feel like a proper family day out rather than a quick attraction. You can mix history, animals, play and outdoor space without driving between different places.

Carol tip

Give yourself more time than you think. If you’re doing the house, farm and play areas, it’s very easy to fill most of the day.

4. Leeds City Museum

📍 Millennium Square, Leeds city centre

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: Free

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes

⏰ Allow: 1–3 hours

Need something free to do in Leeds when the weather has completely ruined your plans? Leeds City Museum is worth remembering.

The museum covers natural history, archaeology and the story of Leeds, with family-friendly displays and plenty for curious children to look at.

It’s central too, so it works well as part of a day in the city rather than requiring a dedicated trip.

Why Carol loves it

It’s one of those places you can keep in your back pocket for a rainy Saturday. No elaborate planning required.

Carol tip

Pair it with lunch in the city centre or another nearby attraction if you’re travelling into Leeds specifically for the day.

5. Abbey House Museum

📍 Kirkstall

👶 Best for: Around 3+

💷 Price: £

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Check current access information

⏰ Allow: 1.5–3 hours

Abbey House Museum is a brilliant choice if your children like imaginative play.

The highlight is the recreated Victorian streets, complete with old-fashioned shops and businesses that make it feel much more immersive than simply looking at objects behind glass.

There are also childhood galleries filled with toys and objects from different generations.

Why Carol loves it

Children can actually imagine themselves in another period of history here. It’s visual, atmospheric and much easier to engage with than a traditional museum.

Carol tip

Kirkstall Abbey is just across the road, so these two work brilliantly together.

6. Kirkstall Abbey

📍 Kirkstall

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: Check current admission arrangements

☔ Rainy day: No

🛒 Buggy friendly: Mostly around the grounds

⏰ Allow: 1–2 hours

There’s something about letting children explore old ruins that makes history considerably more exciting.

Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most impressive medieval abbey ruins in Britain and makes an easy addition to a family day in this part of Leeds.

You can explore the ruins, wander around the grounds and then head over to Abbey House Museum if everyone still has some energy left.

Why Carol loves it

It doesn’t require children to stand quietly looking at exhibits. They can move, explore and discover the site as they go.

Carol tip

Do Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey together for a really easy history-themed day out.

7. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

📍 Meanwood

👶 Best for: Toddlers and younger children

💷 Price: £

☔ Rainy day: Better in dry weather

🛒 Buggy friendly: Some areas

⏰ Allow: 2–3 hours

Sometimes you don’t need rollercoasters or an enormous attraction. You just need some animals, fresh air and somewhere the kids can potter around for a couple of hours.

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a lovely option for exactly that.

Despite being close to central Leeds, it feels wonderfully green, with farm animals and outdoor areas to explore.

Why Carol loves it

It’s particularly manageable with toddlers and preschoolers. You don’t have to navigate a huge attraction to feel as though you’ve actually been somewhere.

Carol tip

Wear sensible shoes, particularly after rain.

8. Roundhay Park

📍 Roundhay

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: Free

☔ Rainy day: No

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes, depending on route

⏰ Allow: 2 hours to a full day

Roundhay Park is proof that some of the best family days out don’t need to cost anything.

With lakes, woodland, huge open spaces and plenty of room for children to burn off energy, it’s an easy option when you just want to get everyone outside.

Bring bikes or scooters, pack a picnic and you’ve got the foundations of a very inexpensive family day.

Why Carol loves it

You can make the day as simple or elaborate as you want. Pop in for an hour or combine it with Tropical World and stay for most of the day.

Carol tip

If you’re visiting Tropical World, don’t automatically head home afterwards. Leave some time for the park too.

9. Thackray Museum of Medicine

📍 Leeds

👶 Best for: School-age children

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes

⏰ Allow: 2–3 hours

Medicine might not immediately scream “family day out”, but the Thackray Museum of Medicine is much more immersive than you might expect.

The museum explores how medicine, health and healthcare have changed through history, with recreated environments and displays that bring the subject to life.

It’s likely to appeal most to curious school-age children who enjoy asking approximately 400 questions an hour.

Why Carol loves it

It’s different. If you feel like you’ve done every obvious museum and soft play in Leeds, this gives children something completely new to talk about.

Carol tip

Some themes naturally involve illness and medicine, so have a quick look at the exhibitions beforehand if you’re visiting with particularly sensitive younger children.

10. Leeds Industrial Museum

📍 Armley Mills

👶 Best for: Around 4+

💷 Price: £

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Check access before visiting

⏰ Allow: 2–3 hours

Housed inside the historic Armley Mills, Leeds Industrial Museum tells the story of the industries that helped shape the city.

Expect machinery, textiles, engineering and plenty of reminders of just how different everyday life once looked.

Train-loving, machine-loving and generally button-and-wheel-obsessed children may find this one particularly interesting.

Why Carol loves it

It’s a really good way to introduce children to Leeds itself, rather than visiting an attraction that could theoretically be anywhere.

Carol tip

This is probably better suited to children who already enjoy machines, history or engineering than very young toddlers.

11. Lotherton

📍 Aberford, near Leeds

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Partly

🛒 Buggy friendly: Mostly

⏰ Allow: Half to full day

Lotherton is one of those family days out that has a little bit of everything.

There’s a historic house, gardens, woodland and Wildlife World, so you can move between animals, outdoor exploring and heritage without the day feeling repetitive.

It works particularly well when you have children of different ages because everyone can find something to get excited about.

Why Carol loves it

It has proper “we’re going out for the day” energy without feeling completely exhausting.

Carol tip

Allow at least half a day. Trying to squeeze everything into a couple of hours rather defeats the point.

12. Harewood

📍 Harewood, between Leeds and Harrogate

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Partly

🛒 Buggy friendly: Grounds generally suitable, but check access for the house

⏰ Allow: Half to full day

Harewood is beautiful enough for the adults while still having plenty to stop children asking when you’re going home.

The estate has extensive gardens and grounds alongside its historic house, but families are particularly well catered for with outdoor play.

The Adventure Playscape includes climbing towers, bridges, slides, swings, hideouts and a zipwire, while there are other family areas to discover around the estate too.

Why Carol loves it

It strikes that rare balance between somewhere you actually want to spend the day as an adult and somewhere children genuinely enjoy.

Carol tip

Harewood is big. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t try to rush around every part of the estate.

13. Stockeld Park

📍 Near Wetherby

👶 Best for: Toddlers through primary-school age

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Yes, partly

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes on many routes

⏰ Allow: Full day

Stockeld Park is one to save for a proper family day out.

Set across more than 40 acres, there are outdoor adventure playgrounds throughout the Enchanted Forest as well as the huge indoor Playhive, which is particularly useful when Yorkshire weather inevitably changes its mind halfway through your visit.

Seasonal events are a big part of Stockeld too, especially around Halloween and Christmas.

Why Carol loves it

There is enough here to justify making a whole day of it, and having substantial indoor and outdoor play options removes some of the weather gamble.

Carol tip

Check what’s running on your chosen date before booking because Stockeld’s offering changes throughout the year.

14. MathsCity

📍 Leeds

👶 Best for: Around 4+

💷 Price: £

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Check current visitor information

⏰ Allow: 1–2 hours

Hear us out. Maths can actually make a pretty good day out.

MathsCity is a hands-on experience designed to help children explore mathematical ideas through puzzles, shapes, patterns and interactive challenges.

Rather than feeling like an extra maths lesson, it encourages children to experiment and work things out for themselves.

Why Carol loves it

It sneaks learning into a day out without making a big announcement about it.

Carol tip

This works particularly well combined with something else in Leeds rather than as your only activity for the day.

15. Go Ape Temple Newsam

📍 Temple Newsam

👶 Best for: Children who meet the relevant age and height requirements

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Outdoor activity

🛒 Buggy friendly: Spectator areas vary

⏰ Allow: Around 2–3 hours

If your children would happily spend their entire lives climbing things they’re not supposed to climb, Go Ape might be a good outlet.

Set within the Temple Newsam estate, the attraction offers treetop and outdoor challenges designed for different ages and abilities.

It’s a good choice for more adventurous children and can be combined with the wider Temple Newsam estate.

Why Carol loves it

It gives older children something properly active to do, which can become harder to find once playgrounds alone stop feeling exciting enough.

Carol tip

Check the age, height and supervision requirements for the specific course before booking.

16. Clip ’n Climb Leeds

📍 Leeds

👶 Best for: Around 4+

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Spectators should check current access information

⏰ Allow: 1–2 hours

Rain outside and children bouncing off the walls inside?

Clip ’n Climb gives them some different walls to bounce off.

The colourful indoor climbing challenges are designed to feel much more playful than a traditional climbing centre, making this a good option for children who like physical activities but aren’t necessarily experienced climbers.

Why Carol loves it

It’s exactly the sort of place you want to remember when the weather forecast ruins your original weekend plans.

Carol tip

Book ahead for weekends and school holidays rather than assuming you’ll be able to walk straight in.

17. Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

📍 Halifax

👶 Best for: Babies to around 11

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes

⏰ Allow: Half to full day

Yes, it’s outside Leeds, but Eureka! absolutely earns its place on this list.

This isn’t a museum where children are expected to walk around quietly while adults read information boards. It’s designed specifically for them.

The exhibits are interactive, hands-on and built around learning through play, making it particularly brilliant for younger children.

Why Carol loves it

Children are the main audience here rather than an afterthought. That makes a huge difference.

Carol tip

Don’t plan too much else for the same day. Children can spend hours exploring and you’ll enjoy it much more if you’re not watching the clock.

18. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

📍 West Bretton, near Wakefield

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: £

☔ Rainy day: Better in dry weather, with indoor galleries too

🛒 Buggy friendly: Many paths are buggy friendly

⏰ Allow: Half to full day

If the words “sculpture park” make you imagine spending the afternoon repeatedly telling your children not to touch anything, think again.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park spreads art across hundreds of acres of countryside, so children can walk, explore and discover enormous artworks as they go.

There’s also Little Wild Wood, a natural play space, plus family activities and indoor galleries.

Why Carol loves it

It’s culture without having to keep children contained inside a quiet gallery. They get fresh air and freedom while still experiencing incredible art.

Carol tip

Bring proper outdoor shoes and snacks. This is much more enjoyable when everyone is dressed for walking rather than a gallery visit.

19. The Hepworth Wakefield

📍 Wakefield

👶 Best for: All ages

💷 Price: Check current admission

☔ Rainy day: Yes

🛒 Buggy friendly: Yes

⏰ Allow: 1.5–3 hours

Another one worth venturing outside Leeds for, The Hepworth Wakefield is a brilliant introduction to art for families.

The gallery is known for modern and contemporary art and sculpture, but families don’t need to approach it as a serious art-history lesson.

Instead, let children choose what they like, talk about the shapes and materials they notice and see where their curiosity takes them.

Why Carol loves it

It’s a nice alternative when you want to do something creative and cultural rather than another farm, playground or soft play.

Carol tip

Check the family programme before visiting. Workshops and school-holiday activities can make a visit even more engaging for children.

20. Ponderosa Zoo

📍 Heckmondwike

👶 Best for: Toddlers upwards

💷 Price: ££

☔ Rainy day: Better in dry weather

🛒 Buggy friendly: Check current access information

⏰ Allow: Around half a day

If your children will choose animals over almost any other type of day out, Ponderosa Zoo is another option within reach of Leeds.

It’s a more manageable-scale animal attraction than some of the enormous zoos around the UK, which can actually be a bonus when you’re visiting with younger children.

You can explore the animals without necessarily committing yourself to an eight-hour expedition.

Why Carol loves it

Smaller attractions can be much easier with toddlers. You still get the excitement of a zoo trip without everyone being exhausted before you’ve made it halfway around.

Carol tip

Check current opening information and what’s available before travelling, particularly outside peak season.

Our favourites for different kinds of Leeds family day out

Best free family day out in Leeds

Royal Armouries Museum

For a completely free indoor attraction that can occupy children for several hours, it’s difficult to beat.

Best Leeds day out for toddlers

Tropical World

Animals, lots to look at and a visit that doesn’t need to stretch across the entire day.

Best rainy-day activity

Royal Armouries Museum or Leeds City Museum

Both are good ones to remember when your outdoor plans have been washed out.

Best for animal lovers

Temple Newsam or Lotherton

Both give you more than just animals, so there’s enough variety for a longer family day out.

Best outdoor family day out

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Space to run, things to discover and enough to keep adults interested too.

Best big family day out near Leeds

Stockeld Park

If you want to leave the house in the morning and not think about what you’re doing next until late afternoon, this is exactly that sort of day.

Free things to do with kids in Leeds

Family days out can become expensive very quickly, especially once you’ve added food, parking and the inevitable request for something from the gift shop.

Thankfully, Leeds has some genuinely good options that don’t require a big attraction budget.

The Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds City Museum are two of the strongest free indoor options, while Roundhay Park is an easy choice when the weather is good.

You can also build a cheaper day around parks, walks and one smaller paid activity rather than paying for a major attraction every weekend.

What to do in Leeds with toddlers

If you’re visiting Leeds with a toddler or preschooler, don’t feel like you need to choose the biggest attraction.

Tropical World, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm and Roundhay Park all work particularly well with younger children because you can keep the day relatively flexible.

Temple Newsam and Lotherton are better when you want to make more of a day of it, while Eureka! is well worth the drive to Halifax if you want somewhere designed almost entirely around children learning through play.

And sometimes the winning combination really is just animals, snacks and somewhere to run around.

What to do in Leeds when it rains

This is Yorkshire. We need a rain plan.

The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds City Museum, Abbey House Museum, MathsCity, Clip ’n Climb and Thackray Museum of Medicine are all useful options when an outdoor day isn’t happening.

Stockeld Park is another one to consider because its indoor Playhive means there’s still plenty to do if the weather turns.

Our advice? Keep two or three indoor options saved on your phone before the school holidays start. Future you will be grateful.

Planning a family day out in Leeds

One of the best things about Leeds is that you don’t necessarily have to choose between a city day and a countryside day.

There are brilliant museums and indoor attractions close to the centre, huge parks within the city and bigger estates, farms and attractions within an easy drive.

If you’re travelling with younger children, avoid trying to squeeze too much into one day. One main attraction, somewhere for lunch and a park or playground afterwards is often more enjoyable than racing between four different places.

And always check the attraction’s website before setting off. Opening days, ticket prices, events and seasonal activities can change throughout the year.

Information checked September 2026. Always check individual attraction websites for the latest opening times, ticket prices and booking information before travelling.