What's On
Have you got an event you’d like to share with us? Email us at editor@familiesleeds.co.uk
We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.
Gnome Roam
Newmillerdam Country Park, WF2 6DJ 02924 369637
www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks-andcountryside
Throughout 2023
This simple walking trail encourages children to use signs and clues to spot carved statues of gnomes and wildlife.
Exhibition: Rescue
National Coal Mining Museum, WF4 4RH 01924 848806 www.ncm.org.uk
Daily until 1 October
See how mine operators learn from mining disasters to create a robust Mines Rescue service with stateof-the-art equipment that is still in operation today. FREE.
Story and Rhyme
Leeds Libraries
www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries
A fun session of sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. At various times at 32 local libraries on weekdays.
Daily Shows
Royal Armouries, LS10 1LT 0113 220 1916 www.royalarmouries.org
Daily until 20 October
Costumed characters take the perspective of the warriors and soldiers who were on the frontline and what it was like to be there when the key moments in history were decided. Variety of different shows every day. FREE.
Exhibition: All to Play For Abbey House Museum, LS5 3EH 0113 2305492 www.museumsand galleries.leeds.gov.uk
Daily until 31 December
Take a sprint through the history of sport, play and competition in Leeds. Showcasing stories that reflect the dynamic history of play in Leeds, the exhibition also celebrates our instinctive want to compete for trophies.
Exhibition: On the Bench Thackray Medical Museum, LS9 7LN 0113 2444343 www.thackraymuseum.co.uk
Daily until 31 December 2023
On the Bench is the game-changing story of sport and injury, exploring what happens when players get injured and who helps them recover.
Bounce and Rhyme
Leeds Libraries
www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries
Every Monday and Wednesday
A fun session of sharing songs and rhymes with your baby in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. FREE. Monday - Central, Holt Park. Wednesday – Headingley. 1.30pm.
Storytime
The Little Bookshop, LS7 3PD 0113 212 3465 www.thelittlebook shopleeds.co.uk
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (term time only)
Enjoy a cosy story time featuring delightful books for young children. For ages 2 to 5. 11-11.25am. FREE.
Toddler Tuesdays
Castleford Museum, WF10 1BB 01977 722085 www.wakefield.gov. uk/museums-and-castles
Every Tuesday
A lively session of storytelling, crafts and rhymes, inspired by a different museum object each week. 10-11am.
Storytime for Under 5s
Truman Books, LS28 5HX 0113 8056019 www.trumanbooks.co.uk
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Take your little ones for a session of stories and songs in kids’ corner. Suitable for under 5's. Tuesdays at 9.30am, Thursdays at 10.30am. FREE.
Create Together - Family Friendly Art Group New Wortley Community Centre, LS12 1LZ www.leedsmind.org.uk
Every Thursday
A fun, relaxed art group, run by experienced art facilitators. This is a self-directed group, where participants are encouraged to work on their own projects and develop a self-sufficient practice. 3.30- 5pm.
Tiny Tigers
Leeds City Museum, LS2 8BH 0113 2243732 www.museumsand galleries.leeds.gov.uk
Every Friday
Creative, messy sessions for under 5s and their carers. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome. FREE, drop in, no need to book. 10-11.45am.
Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH www.wakefield.gov.uk/museumsand-castles
Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 10.45-11.30am.
Castle Explorer Tour Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH www.wakefield.gov.uk/museumsand-castles
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars. Alll ages. 12-12.45pm.
Rory’s Saturday Club
Leeds City Museum, LS2 8BH 0113 2243732 www.museumsand galleries.leeds.gov.uk
Every Saturday
Looking for something creative to do with kids in the city? Head to Leeds City Museum for Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for all ages. FREE, drop in. 11-12.15pm.
Family Fun
Ilkley Manor House, LS29 9DT 07480 064142 www.ilkleymanorhouse.org
Saturday and Sunday, 2 September to 29 October
Enjoy a bumper schedule of weekend activities suitable for all the family. Celebrate bees and their delicious honey, discover the
remains of Ilkley's very own Roman fort, dress up in period costumes and check out our rather unpleasant 16th century toilet!
Garden Play
The Hepworth, WF1 5AW 01924 247360
www.hepworthwakefield.org
Every Saturday and Sunday Stack, build, experiment, draw and imagine with your family in the open air. 11am to 4pm, FREE.
Autumn Harvest
Lotherton, LS25 3EB 0113 3782959 www.museumsand galleries.leeds.gov.uk
1 to 30 September
Explore the tranquil orchard and pick your own apples to enjoy at home.
Lego Club: Building a Love of Books
Leeds Central Library, LS1 3AB 0113 378 5005 www.leeds.gov.uk/ libraries
2 September and 28 October
Monthly Lego Club for building and constructing creations based on best-loved children's books, featuring a different theme each month. Ages 5+. 11am-12pm.
Lego Club: Building a Love of Books
St George's Centre Community Hub, LS10 4UZ 0113 378 5347 www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries
5 September and 3 October
Monthly Lego Club for building and constructing creations based on best-loved children's books, featuring a different theme each month. Ages 5+. 3.30-4.30pm.
Ilbert's Dragon Tales
Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH www.wakefield.gov.uk/museumsand-castles
6 September and 4 October
Join Ilbert the dragon at Pontefract Castle for a fun and friendly afternoon of storytelling and hands on play. Ages 2 to 5. 1.30-2.30pm.
Toddler Days
Eureka, HX1 2NE 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk
7 and 8 of September
Days just for pre-schoolers, with no school bookings, so all spaces (and staff) will be focused on the youngest visitors.
Heritage Open Days: Creativity
Unwrapped
Leeds City Centre www.leeds2023.co.uk
9 to 17 September
This year, Leeds is hosting over 100 events around the theme of 'Creativity Unwrapped' – a programme bursting with music, live performance, talks, workshops, art exhibitions and family fun.
Family Day
Leeds Central Library, LS1 3AB 0113 378 5005 www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries
9 September
A host of FREE activities taking place for families to enjoy together. 10am-3pm.
Family Upcycling Workshop
Leeds Central Library, LS1 3AB 0113 378 5005 www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries
9 September
A fun workshop that combines history, sustainability and creativity. Upcycle an old t-shirt and decorate it with designs inspired by vintage magazines. Ages 11+. 10.15-11.45am.
The Science of Colour Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH
www.wakefield.gov.uk/museumsand-castles
9 September
In this hands-on workshop discover the science behind colour and have a go at making your own paint pigment from natural stone and plants. Ages 7+. 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm.
Get Creative University of Leeds, LS2 9JT 0113 2431751 www.leeds.ac.uk
9 September
The University of Leeds is running three two-hour sessions for families to 'Get Creative' in the Makerspace on Level 9 of the Edward Boyle Library. Recommended for ages 6+. 10am, 12pm and 3pm.
Little Listeners: Orchestral Storytime Howard Assembly Rooms, LS1 6NU 0113 243 9999 www.operanorth.co.uk
9 September
Join members of the Orchestra of Opera North at this relaxed concert for young children and their families. 11.30am.
Cirque: The Greatest Show
The Victoria Theatre, HX1 1BP 01422 351158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
9 September
Escape for a night like no other, where you’re transported into a world where the very best of musical theatre showstoppers meet jawdropping circus spectacular. 2.30pm and 7pm.
Halifax Heritage Festival: Creativity Unwrapped Family Workshop Piece Hall, HX1 1RE 01422 525200 www.thepiecehall.co.uk
9 and 10 September
Join Artist Frank Darnley to explore the architecture of The Piece Hall. Construct a cardboard Piece Hall using our special cardboard saws, screws and screwdrivers! 11am–2pm. Free, drop in. Suitable for all ages.
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Normanton Gala Weekend
Haw Hill Park, WF6 2HB 01924 893794
www.normantontowncouncil.co.uk
9 and 10 September
Expect two days of family-friendly fun, including live music, plenty of food and drink and the Gala Parade!
Crafty Saturday
M&S Archive, LS2 9LP 0208 7182 800 archive.marksandspencer.com
9 September and 14 October
Take the whole family to explore the exhibition, enjoy a cuppa and create something crafty. 10am-4pm.
Toddler Tuesday
The Hepworth, WF1 5AW 01924 247360
www.hepworthwakefield.org
12 September and 3 October
Discover artworks, architecture and the changing seasons through play, singing, drawing and sensory activities. 10.30am–12pm. Ages 1 to 4.
Wacky Wednesdays
The National Coal Mining Museum, WF4 4RH 01924 848806 www.ncm.org.uk
Wednesdays from 13 September
Play and learn with your preschoolers, explore fun weekly themes through interactive storytelling, activities, singing and crafts. 10.15-11am.
Blippi The Wonderful World Tour
First Direct Arena, LS2 8AR www.firstdirectarena.com
15 and 16 September
Blippi, along with his best friend Meekah, inspires curiosity in preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are relatable, accessible and make learning fun. Ages 2+.
The Gathering Wakefield City Centre, WF1 1HG 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org
16 September
A celebratory event to welcome six new sculptures to their new home in Wakefield, with an afternoon of music, performances, creative activities and a grand finale event outside Wakefield Cathedral. 12-2pm.
End of Season Party
Farsley Cricket Club, LS28 5JE 0113 2564318 www.farsleycc.com
16 September
Family-friendly celebration including live music, children’s activities, food available to purchase, fundraising, bar, stalls and more. 2pm.
T-Shirt Recycling Workshop
Lotherton, LS25 3EB 0113 3782959 www.museumsand galleries.leeds.gov.uk
16 September
Bring an old cotton t-shirt back to life using patterns inspired by South Asian designs. Ages 8-18. 1pm, 3pm.
Heritage Open Days: Caphouse Machine Rally
The National Coal Mining Museum, WF4 4RH 01924 848806 www.ncm.org.uk
16 and 17 September
See vintage vehicles and mining machinery, with demonstrations and activities across site. 10am-5pm.
Under the Keep Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH www.wakefield.gov.uk/museumsand-castles
17 September
Join Pontefract Castle for a special Heritage Open Day tour under the keep of the castle! Not usually open to the public, the keep gate is often connected with stories about secret tunnels leading to the castle. FREE.
Art Club
Harewood House, LS17 9LG 0113 2181010 www.harewood.org
17 September and 15 October
Taking place on the third Sunday of every month, each session will allow children to release their inner artist while developing new skills. 11am-12pm and 1-2pm.
Steam Club
The National Coal Mining Museum, WF4 4RH 01924 848806 www.ncm.org.uk
17 September and 15 October
11-16 year olds are invited to join this hands-on monthly STEAM Club. Enjoy a creative twist on your STEM subjects using authentic materials to explore the skills behind mining. £5. 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Grease
The Victoria Theatre, HX1 1BP 01422 351158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
20 to 23 September
Performed entirely by talented local performers. An amateur production.
Dinky Disco
The Lawrence Batley Theatre, HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org
22 September and 27 October
At Dinky Disco the resident DJ spins tracks specially chosen to be enjoyed by little tapping toes and to get big people grooving. 11am-12pm.
Little ONes
Howard Opera Centre, LS1 6PA 0113 243 9999 www.operanorth.co.uk
22 September to 27 October
Take your Little ONes to explore the wonderful world of opera, in sessions designed especially for babies, to pre-schoolers. Expect multi-sensory magic, music, singing, dancing, craft, and storytelling.
Little Red Riding Hood
Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD 0113 3760318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
23 September
Lyngo Theatre will take you down the path into the snowy wild wood where you’ll hear catchy songs on the wind, and spot hilarious puppets between the trees. 11am and 2pm.
Party at the Pumpkins with Taylor Swift Impersonator Katy Ellis Farmer Copleys, WF7 5AF 01977 600200 www.farmercopleys
23 September
Autumnal evening pumpkin picking and loads of fun with a twilight Pumpkin celebration and live music. 4.30-9pm.
Dogfest Yorkshire
Harewood House, LS17 9LG 0113 2181010 www.harewood.org
23 and 24 September
The ultimate dog’s day out. Try your hand (or paw) at a variety of have-ago activities. 9.30am-5pm.
Family Friendly Learn 'n' Roll
Ramgarhia Sikh Sports Centre, LS7 3AP 07479 430404 www.rollergirlgang.co.uk
24 September
A mini roller disco for all ages at the Sikh Centre with a quick workshop to help get you rolling. £7. Skate hire £2. 4-5.30pm.
Sculpture Adventures in the Hidden Forest
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, WF4 4LG 01924 832631 www.ysp.org.uk
28 September and 26 October
Pop in anytime between 10.30am and 4pm and follow your child’s imagination as they explore, create and play under a canopy of trees.
Family Life Drawing in The Underground Gallery
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, WF4 4LG 01924 832631 www.ysp.org.uk
30 September
Guided by artist Jo Blaker, draw one another and create unique family portraits in this playful drop-in drawing session. FREE, 11am to 3pm.
Shark in the Park Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
8 October
See all three of Nick Sharratt’s Shark in the Park books live on Stage! 2pm and 4pm.
Light Night Leeds
Leeds City Centre
www.lightnightleeds.co.uk
12 and 13 October
Over two incredible nights, some of Leeds’s most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces will be transformed by spectacular artworks and captivating artist performances.
Teach Rex Live T-Rex Show
Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD 0113 3760318
www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
15 October
Get ready for an unforgettable educational adventure as a team of life-sized, roaring dinosaurs take the stage, captivating audiences of all ages from 3+. 10am and 12.30pm.
The Sooty Show
The Alhambra Theatre, BD7 1AJ 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk
21 October
Celebrating 75 amazing years in show business, Sooty, Sweep and Soo are planning a very special birthday party and you’re all invited. 11am and 2.30pm.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD 0113 3760318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
22 October
Beautiful shadow imagery woven together with a musical sound tapestry creating a timeless world of love, fairies, and ridiculousness in this sideways take on this classic play. 6+. 2pm.
Stickman Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
24 to 26 October
This award-winning production, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
Witches and Wizards Week
Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH 01924 302700 www.wakefield.gov. uk/museums-and-castles
25 to 29 October
Make some fun themed crafts, learn to make some magical potions and take part in some witchy outdoor activities! 10am-3pm.
Pumpkin Event
Bradford City Centre, BD1 1JR www.bradfordbid.co.uk
27 October
Take your little ones to carve their own pumpkin, provided by Bradford BID. The carving workshop will take place outside the Broadway entrance, outside The Light Cinema.
Spontaneous Potter Kidz: The Unofficial Improvised Parody Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
28 October
Grab your wands, don your house robes, and apparate yourselves to the box office! A very magical improv show await! Ages 8+.
The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland
The Lawrence Batley Theatre, HD1 2SP 01484 430528
www.thelbt.org
28 and 29 October
A beautiful new production that views Carroll’s classic story from a different angle. Ages 3+.
Halloween Ghost Train
Whistlestop Valley, HD8 9XJ 01484 865727
www.whistlestopvalley.co.uk
28 and 29 October
Are you brave enough to take a ride on the Whistlestop Valley Ghost Train? Ages 5+.
October Half Term
RHS Harlow Carr, HG3 1QB 01423 55418 www.rhs.org.uk
28 October to 5 November
The Garden Detectives are back with the perfect mix of fact and nonsense and maybe the odd game too. Get crafty with hands-on activities to make and do inside. 10am-4pm.
The Spooktacular Scarecrow Trail Anglers Country Park, WF4 2EB 01924 860280 www.wakefield.gov. uk/parks-and-countryside
28 October to 5 November
Get ready to embark on a quest like no other, where solving riddles and puzzles is the key to helping Waterton find his way through the captivating wilderness.
The King of Nothing Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
29 October
This wild new Puppet Musical sets out to prove…You’ll Believe Anything! With songs, puppetry, slapstick and more. 11am and 2pm.
Spooky Family Disco
Left Bank Leeds, LS6 1LJ 0113 2785822
www.leftbankleeds.org.uk
29 October
DJ Jonny Strangeways is back (with his 6-year-old son) for a very spooky afternoon alternative family get down for people with kids. 2-4pm.
The Lightbulb Princess Carriageworks Theatre, LS2 3AD www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
30 October
A delightful new show full of sparkle and song. 11am and 2pm.
There’s a Monster in Your Show Theatre Royal Wakefield, WF1 2TE 01924 211311
www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
30 October
Tom Fletcher’s interactive adventures for big imaginations are leaping from page to stage in a brand-new show. 1.30pm and 3pm.
Halloween Disco Whistlestop Valley, HD8 9XJ 01484 865727 www.whistlestopvalley.co.uk
30 October to 3 November With spooktacular music, party games, and fancy dress, it's sure to be a hauntingly good time.
Half Term Family Fun
M&S Archive, LS2 9LP archive.marksandspencer.com
30 October to 3 November
Try the new Autumn exhibition trail to claim your free pack of Percy Pigs! FREE, drop in. 10am to 4pm.
Halloween Spooktacular Theatre Royal Wakefield, WF1 2TE www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
31 October
Get ready for rib-tickling laughter and audience participation as you join intrepid explorers on the adventure of a lifetime! 2pm.
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WHAT'S ON