Easter is nearly here and school children everywhere are looking forward to a well-earned break. If you’re wondering how on earth you’ll manage to keep your little ones entertained for two whole weeks, we’ve put together this helpful guide of family-friendly things to do in Leeds over the Easter holidays.Whether you’re looking for Easter Egg Hunts through magical ruins, or the perfect place to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth, all these exciting activities are just a short walk or bus ride away…
Get creative at the Little Biscuit Pottery Painting Studio
Saturday 2nd, 9th and 15th April, 10:00-11:30am
If you and your child like to get crafty, why not pop along to an ‘Easter Extravaganza’ session at the Little Biscuit Pottery Painting Studio in Morley? You’ll be able to paint your own Easter eggs, or choose something else from the studio’s fantastic selection of ceramics. Juice and an Easter egg are included for your child to enjoy while working on their creation, which will be fired in the kiln once finished.
Tickets: £5 (excluding items to paint, which are sold separately).
Get active at Climbing Lab
Let them test their abilities and discover a new hobby with a trip to Climbing Lab. At Little Climbers sessions, children aged 5-7 will be able to enjoy an hour of climbing under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor. For older children (under 11) the Kids Climbing Club will offer a slightly more challenging but equally active and fun-filled experience.
Tickets: £10
Get outdoors with a visit to Roundhay Park
If you’re looking for fun things to do outdoors, Roundhay Park makes a great day out for all of the family. There are plenty of activities here to keep children entertained including two play areas, a skate park, an adventure trail and a land train. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you could visit Tropical World. Located in the park, this fantastic indoor zoo features plants and animals from all around the world, including meerkats, butterflies, snakes and even a slow loris.
Admission to the park is free. Tropical World tickets: £7.60 (adult), child 5-15 (£3.80), under 5s free.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole at Kirkstall Abbey
Friday 15th April
This year, Kirkstall Abbey’s historic ruins will play host to the magical world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for one marvellous day of theatre and fun. You’re sure to bump into some of Lewis Carroll’s famous characters wandering around the grounds, with Alice, the Queen of Hearts, and even the Rabbit himself all making a special appearance. Everyone’s invited to dress up and join the fun as this exciting adventure springs into life on the 15th of April. There’s even an Easter Egg included with every full-paying child’s ticket, making this the perfect day out for all the family this Easter holidays.
Tickets: £12.50 (adult), £15.50 (child). An easter egg is included with every full-paying childrens ticket.
Come face-to-face with a dinosaur egg at Leeds City Museum
Saturday 2nd-Monday 18th April
Easter eggs come in all different shapes and sizes, but chances are you’ve never seen one as special as this! Something prehistoric is going down this Easter holidays, as Leeds City Museum welcomes its very own Extinction Easter Trail. Pick up a free trail map as you enter, and explore the wonders of these ancient animals, including the incredible Dodo bird, the ancient dinosaur egg, and much more. You’ll even have the chance to enter a special prize draw by posting your map into the museum’s post box!
Admission: Free
Enjoy family films at the Leeds Young Film Festival
Now in its 23rd year, Leeds Young Film Festival has been inspiring a generation of aspiring actors, writers, and directors for over two decades. This annual film festival aimed at children and families brings together some of the most exciting films from around the globe, incorporating some special features such as virtual reality, workshops, and special events. This year’s LYFF takes place during the Easter holidays and will be running from the 11th to the 15th of April at the Carriageworks Theatre. There’s a great range of films to choose from, including classics such as Matilda, Hairspray, and the somewhat seasonal Chicken Run!
Spot the spring arrivals at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
The Easter holidays often mark the beginning of Spring, and there’s no better time to spot some of the adorable arrivals at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. This incredible spot in the north of the city is home to all kinds of animals, including alpacas, goats, and even some turtles! Easter is the perfect time to get in touch with nature, and if the weather holds out, then Meanwood Farm is a great place to spend some time outdoors with your little ones. While it’s a little way out from the city centre, it’s really easy to reach with plenty of regular bus routes heading towards Meanwood.
Satisfy your sweet tooth
If there’s one thing Leeds has no shortage of, it’s incredible places to eat and drink. If you’re searching for some tasty treats in Leeds this Easter, then you’ll be glad to know that we’ve done the hard work for you – aren’t we lucky! You can find some really tasty treats inside Doh’hut, 42nd East Bakehouse and Mrs Atha’s, or grab yourself a sweet hot chocolate in any of the cosy cafes around Leeds.
Images: Tropical World, Kirkstall Abbey, Climbing Lab, Leeds City Museum