Leeds Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Leeds
This itinerary focuses on maximizing free experiences and offering a mix of educational and active attractions, keeping the family budget in mind. Events are chosen to align with the Leeds February half-term activities for 2026.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Chinese Workshops
Join free Chinese workshops as part of the Merrion Centre's Chinese New Year celebrations for the Year of the Horse.
Children can get creative with traditional arts & crafts, including lantern painting and calligraphy writing, and participate in Chinese Dance and Musical Workshops.
Perfect for all ages, especially 3-12. Hands-on and engaging cultural experience. These workshops are specifically offered during the February half-term.
Located in the city centre. Easily accessible by foot or public transport. Various paid parking garages are available nearby.
Family Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed, budget-friendly family dinner at one of Leeds' many family-friendly restaurants.
Many options are available in the city centre offering diverse cuisines.
Suitable for all ages. Trinity Kitchen offers various food stalls to cater to different tastes, with communal seating. High chairs are typically available in family-friendly establishments.
Central location, easy to walk from Merrion Centre. Paid parking available at Trinity Leeds or nearby car parks.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Royal Armouries Visit
Explore the national collection of arms and armour at the Royal Armouries Museum.
Discover historic weapons, armour, and enjoy free daily live shows and combat demonstrations, which are especially popular with families.
Free entry and ideal for children aged 3-12, with interactive galleries and exciting demonstrations. The museum has five floors to explore, a bistro, and a picnic area.
Located at Leeds Dock, about a 10-15 minute walk from the city centre. Closest parking is at Town Centre Car Parks. Accessible by bus.
Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a packed lunch or grab something light from the Royal Armouries Museum's bistro or coffee shop.
The museum offers a picnic area for those bringing their own food.
A picnic area with baby change, restrooms, snack machines, and highchairs is available.
Conveniently located within the museum.
Tropical World Wonders
Step into a rainforest, desert, and mangrove at Tropical World, home to exotic animals like meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles, butterflies, and the second-largest collection of tropical plants in the UK.
During half-term, they often have special 'Perfect Partners' themed events.
An indoor, warm attraction, great for all ages (especially 3-12). It can be quite hot inside. Explorers Café, toilets, and a gift shop are on site.
Located within Roundhay Park. Parking available nearby (charges may apply). Buses (2, 12, or 13) from Leeds city centre stop close to Roundhay Park.
Roundhay Playground Fun
After Tropical World, let the kids burn off energy at one of Roundhay Park's fantastic playgrounds.
The Soldiers Field playground is particularly large and features a giant slide and climbing frames suitable for various ages.
Free access to the playground. Suitable for all children, with equipment for both younger and older kids. The park offers plenty of space for running around, and restrooms are available.
Easy walk from Tropical World. Free parking available at various points around Roundhay Park.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Leeds City Museum
Visit Leeds City Museum, a free, interactive museum in the heart of the city.
Explore six galleries covering Ancient Egypt, the natural world (including the Leeds Tiger and Armley Hippo), and the history of Leeds.
Free entry, suitable for all ages. Features interactive exhibits and often hosts craft activities. Cafe and gift shop available.
Centrally located, easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Paid parking available in nearby city centre car parks.
Thackray Medicine Museum
Journey through the captivating history of medicine at the Thackray Museum of Medicine.
The museum offers 'Choose your own price' admission, and younger children can also enjoy 'Sparks!', an engaging soft play area.
Engaging for ages 7+, with interactive displays. Under 7s enter the museum free. The 'Sparks!' soft play area is great for younger kids (3-12) at an additional cost. Cafe, baby changing, and pushchair/wheelchair accessible facilities are available.
Onsite parking available. Easily accessible by local bus routes. Close to St James' University Hospital.
Kirkstall Abbey Explore
Explore the majestic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, one of the most complete medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain.
The extensive grounds are perfect for a family walk and offer plenty of space for children to run and explore.
Free entry to the Abbey and grounds. Great for letting kids explore and imagine history. Plenty of open space. The River Aire runs nearby.
Accessible by bus from Leeds city centre. Free parking is usually available at or near the Abbey.
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