10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Leeds

The Royal Armouries Museum is home to a lot of military hardware, as its collection dates from as far back as medieval swords and suits of armor up to current-generation firearms. You can also find artifacts from around the world. The museum is free to enter and conveniently close to the city centre, right by the River Aire.

Perhaps the most famous attraction of the Royal Armouries Museum is its arena, where you can see live re-enactments of famous battles, duels and jousts. These special events take place throughout the year, usually on weekends.

The Abbey House Museum functions as a portal to the past that will take you to the streets of Victorian England. You'll find cobblestone streets with quaint period-appropriate storefronts around you. You'll even find galleries specifically focused on toys from the era, so your kids can see what children from times past had to do for fun. The museum as a whole is focused primarily on education, and it even features several classes for kids that can help them learn more about local history and England's rich past.

At the Rainbow Factory, you and the family can see incredible performances showcasing masterful storytelling through all sorts of creative arts. These specific arts can vary quite a bit as they include puppets, theatre, music, science, games and crafts. The performances are often quite interactive as well, allowing kids in the audience to participate in making models or playing drama games that teach them about the arts and science. It's especially popular for birthday parties, but they regularly host events that all are welcome to join.

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm encompasses nearly 10 ha of land and is home to a wide variety of animals including alpacas, sheep, goats, pigs and more. You'll even find donkeys among its collection, but that's just the beginning. Venture through one of the many woodland walks, and you'll spot even more varied wildlife around.

You can approach and interact with all of the domesticated farm animals. The friendly creatures here are always eager to meet guests. Don't forget to stop by the shop as well to see if there are any fresh plants or produce you may be interested in that were grown right on the farm.

Jackrabbits Pottery lets you and your children embrace their creativity and craft something truly original and memorable. When you're here, you and the kids can paint pottery with a variety of different tools and colors available in an attempt to allow guests as much freedom as possible to express themselves. You'll also find this establishment to be a popular place for children's parties and other private events with a creative twist. You'll even find certain keepsakes you can opt for such as custom casts on metal jewelry or pottery.

TeamSport is the best of the best when it comes to go-karting in Leeds. At this track, you can enjoy 580 meters of uninterrupted tracks, making it the longest indoor circuit in all of Yorkshire. Among this circuit, you'll find sharp turns, ramps, an underpass, bridges and even several tunnels. With this kind of diverse driving experience, you can expect a unique adventure that the whole family can enjoy. Give it a try to see who's the better racer in your family.

Tropical World is one of the most popular attractions at Roundhay Park, and for good reason. Imagine walking through a lush rainforest in the middle of Leeds, just a few steps away from the striking Australian Outback. After that, you can take a trek through the desert and spot rare birds and other animals on your journey. Tropical World is home to crocodiles, bats, snakes, and meerkats. There's even an Amazon zone where you'll find impressive salamanders and piranhas.

Sneaky Experience strives to take theatre to the next level by involving the audience significantly with its operations. Their performances are always creative and imaginative, especially when it comes to their family-friendly shows. Kids are always encouraged to participate in a friendly and welcoming environment where they can improvise scenes and sing along without any pressure. The vacation shows are particularly fun. For example, their Easter show typically comes with free chocolate eggs for every child in attendance.

Stockeld Park is a striking setting, especially if you visit during the holidays. The atmosphere here is always a bit magical, but you'll find shining and vibrant decorations during the most popular holidays including Halloween, Christmas and Easter among others. At the park, you'll find an Enchanted Forest, thrilling adventure playgrounds and even a skating rink. Be sure to stop by the Woodland Laser Tag arena as well if your kids are looking for more adrenaline-fueled fun. Keep an eye out for events and concerts held in the park.

Arcade Club is a fun-filled video game center with numerous machines set up across 3 floors. You'll find classics including arcade machines dating back to 1972 alongside more modern favorites like VR games, Minecraft and Fortnite. You don't have to pay for each machine, either. After you pay for entry, you and the little ones can play as many games as you like, whether the kids want to spend hours with Minecraft or a bit of time with each game they have on offer. Just note that the minimum age for VR games is 12, following the manufacturers' recommendations.