Families across Leeds looking to make the most of the Easter school holidays do not need to break the bank to enjoy days out together.
With two weeks to fill, many parents and carers will be searching for affordable ways to keep children busy, active and entertained. Fortunately, Leeds has no shortage of free and low-cost options, from green spaces and museums to organised trails, community events and simple family activities close to home. Whether you are hoping to plan a full day out or just a few hours of fun, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Easter break on a budget.
Budget-friendly days out have become increasingly important for many households, particularly during the school breaks when the cost of keeping children occupied can quickly add up. Free attractions and low-cost events can offer families the chance to spend quality time together without the pressure of a high price tag.
Here are some of our top picks for the best free and low-cost family activities to enjoy in Leeds over the Easter school holidays.
Hats off to History at Temple Newsam House
From bonnets and bowlers to fascinators and flat caps, visitors can uncover the stories behind the hats that have defined fashion across the centuries. The event also offers the chance to try on historic styles, make a headpiece of your own and take part in a Hat Parade through the grand halls of the house.
Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Hats off to History at Temple Newsam House
Roman Rabbits Trail at Leeds City Museum
Discover a trail of friendly and fierce bunnies, including our very own Emperor Carrot-ius. Packed with strange and surprising rabbit facts, it’s a fun, imaginative historical adventure for the whole family.
Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April, cost: give what you can
Find out more: Roman Rabbits Trail at Leeds City Museum
Easter at Temple Newsam Home Farm and Play Barn
Spring is one of the most exciting times of year on the farm, with newborn lambs, piglets, goat kids and calves delighting visitors. Families can follow the farm trail to discover how people once lived and worked here, before heading to the Play Barn, which features dedicated areas for toddlers and children up to the age of 12.
Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April, cost: £9.50, Under 3s Free (your ticket offers a full day’s entry to Home Farm including a session in the Play Barn).
Find out more: Easter at Temple Newsam Home Farm and Play Barn
Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs at Lotherton
This Easter, Lotherton transforms into a home for dragons from across the globe. Set off on a family-friendly adventure and uncover the secrets of these legendary creatures.
Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April, cost: included in admission (advanced booking recommended)
Find out more: The Search for the Lost Eggs at Lotherton
Birds and Bumblebees at Tropical World
This Easter, it’s all about birds and bumblebees. Explore the Waterfall House and spot exotic birds with our brand-new Bird Spotter Sheet, then discover how we’re working with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to help protect the bees of Roundhay Park. Head to the Activity Room to make your own bumblebee feeder, before rounding off your visit with a treat in the café and a browse in the shop.
Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April, cost: Adults: £9,50, children 3 to 15: £5.50, under 3’s free (see website for concessions and discounts)
Find out more: Birds and Bumblebees at Tropical World
Easter half term activities at Kirkgate Market
Spend the half-term break at Kirkgate Market with a packed programme of free family activities. Children can enjoy Lego, Duplo, colouring and crafts from 11am to 3pm on weekdays, while special events include Circus School on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 April, Bath Bomb Making on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 April from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and a special screening from Leeds Young Film Festival on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April. All sessions are free to attend.
Tuesday 31 March to Saturday 11 April, cost: Free
Find out more: Easter half term activities at Kirkgate Market
Felted Egg Hunt at Leeds Industrial Museum
Celebrate Easter with an egg-citing visit to Leeds Industrial Museum this spring. Families are invited to take part in the Felted Eggs Hunt, with visitors challenged to track down all the hidden eggs around the museum. It promises to be a fun-filled seasonal activity for all ages.
Friday 3 to Sunday 19 April, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Felted Egg Hunt at Leeds Industrial Museum
Silly Sheep Round Up at Kirkstall Abbey
Celebrate the Easter holidays with a family day out at Kirkstall Abbey, where a baa-rilliant seasonal activity is waiting to be discovered. Inspired by the Cistercian monks who once lived and worked at the Abbey and were known for valuing their sheep, visitors can explore the historic ruins in search of a colourful flock. But these are no ordinary sheep – alongside the traditional white woollies, families can spot rainbow, gingham and polka dot designs hidden around the site.
Friday 3 to Sunday 19 April, cost: give what you can
Find out more: Silly Sheep Round Up at Kirkstall Abbey
Bunny Fun at Abbey House Museum
Abbey House Museum is hopping into the Easter holidays, with bunnies taking over every corner of the museum. Spot grocer bunnies weighing carrots, bunny barmaids pulling pints, snow bunnies and famous faces including Peter Rabbit. Visitors can also enjoy a bunny counting competition, as well as the museum’s usual fun trails and scavenger hunts, plus a range of crafts in the Education Room.
Friday 3 to Sunday 19 April, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Bunny Fun at Abbey House Museum
Play the Room at Leeds City Museum
Step into an immersive space where sound and movement bring the room to life, surrounded by giant projections and speakers in every corner. Designed as a relaxed and uplifting experience, the event is open for everyone to enjoy. Drop-in sessions will run from 11am to 3pm and are open to all. Quieter ticketed sessions will take place earlier in the day at 10am and 10.30am.
Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April, cost: give what you can
Find out more: Play the Room at Leeds City Museum
Pumpkin and Wildflower Sowing at Temple Newsam
Visitors to the Walled Gardens will have the chance to plant two pumpkin seeds — one to take home and grow, and another to leave in the care of the gardeners. The team will nurture the second seedling until autumn, when participants can return at Halloween to collect their pumpkin or carve it on site.
Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 April, 1pm to 3pm, cost: Free
Find out more: Pumpkin and Wildflower Sowing at Temple Newsam
Story Explorers: Craft a Story, Create Your Own Lego World and Out of This World Coding
Visit your local library this Easter for a hands-on craft session inspired by the Story Explorers exhibition at Central Library. The event will include a themed craft activity based on the characters and creatures featured in the exhibition. Visitors will also have the chance to code micro:bits to create a twinkling constellation and use Lego to build imaginative worlds.
Tuesday 7 to Friday 17 April, cost: Free, various locations – see website for specific dates and times
Find out more: Craft a Story, Create Your Own Lego World and Out of This World Coding
Discovery Day at Leeds Discovery Centre
Enjoy an Easter adventure at one of Leeds’ hidden gems as visitors step inside a treasure trove of history at Leeds Discovery Centre.
Thursday 9 April, 10am to 4pm, cost: give what you can (booking essential)
Find out more: Discovery Day at Leeds Discovery Centre
Family Singalongs at Leeds City Museum
Join Emma in the museum’s main hall for a lively family singalong, featuring everything from well-loved favourites to classic Leeds anthems. Visitors can also enjoy the chance to play the piano and take part in colouring activities at dedicated tables.
Tuesday 14 April, 11am to 2pm, cost: give what you can
Find out more: Family Singalongs at Leeds City Museum
Story Explorers at Leeds Central Library
Families can embark on a free adventure through outer space, the jungle depths and the ocean floor in this imaginative experience created with the British Library, featuring interactive play elements, unusual objects on display, family-friendly facilities and a mini children’s library.
On until Saturday 30 May, cost: Free
Find out more: Story Explorers at Leeds Central Library
The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes capture the voices of 80,000 children and young people across the city. Turning these wishes into action is helping make Leeds a better city for children to live, learn and grow up in www.cfl.leeds.gov.uk
