WHAT'S ON
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.
ONGOING Gnome Roam at Newmillerdam Country Park This simple walking trail encourages children to use signs and clues to spot carved statues of gnomes and wildlife. You may even spot a gigantic bear. Story and Rhyme at Leeds Libraries A fun session of sharing stories and rhymes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. At various times at 32 local libraries on weekdays. FREE. Exhibition: All to Play For at Abbey House Museum Take a sprint through the history of sport, play and competition in Leeds. Exhibition: On the Bench at Thackray Medical Museum On the Bench is the game-changing story of sport and injury, exploring what happens when players get injured and who helps them recover. Every Monday and Wednesday Bounce and Rhyme at Leeds Libraries 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. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (term time only) Storytime at The Little Bookshop, Chapel Allerton. Enjoy a cosy story time featuring delightful books for young children. For ages 2-5. 11- 11.25am. FREE. Toddler Tuesdays at Castleford Museum A lively session of storytelling, crafts and rhymes, inspired by a different museum object each week. 10-11am. Tuesdays and Thursdays Storytime for Under 5s at Truman Books in Farsley Take your little ones for a session of stories and songs in kids’ corner. Suitable for under-fives. Tuesdays at 9.30am, Thursdays at 10.30am. FREE. Thursdays, Create Together Family Friendly Art Group at New Wortley Community Centre 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. Fridays, Tiny Tigers at Leeds City Museum 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. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dungeon Tours at Pontefract Castle Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see 18 Families Leeds & West Yorkshire
where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 10.45-11.30am. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Castle Explorer Tour at Pontefract Castle 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. All ages. 12-12.45pm. Rory’s Saturday Club at Leeds City Museum Looking for something creative to do with kids in the city? Head to Leeds City Museum for Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. FREE, drop in. 11am-12.15pm. Saturdays and Sundays Garden Play at The Hepworth Stack, build, experiment, draw and imagine with your family in the open air. No need to book, just turn up and play. 11am-4pm, FREE. Saturdays and Sundays Family Fun at Ilkley Manor House Enjoy a bumper schedule of weekend activities suitable for all the family. Design your own Roman shield, make reindeer decorations, discover the remains of Ilkley's very own Roman fort, dress up in period costumes.
DIARY DATES November 6 to 11 The Life of Pi at The Alhambra Theatre Bradford. Based on the bestselling winner of the Booker Prize, this is the acclaimed adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope. Ages 8+. November 8 to January 7 Harewood’s Great Time Travelling Christmas. An immersive, fun and slightly wild festive experience for all of the family. November 7 to 11 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Lawrence Batley Theatre Everybody’s favourite flying car is landing in November. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. November 8-11 Charlotte’s Web at Carriageworks Theatre Wilbur may be the runt of the litter, but this little pig, with a rambunctious and lovable nature, captures the heart of a little girl called Fern Arable. By Leeds Children’s Theatre. Ages 6+. November 11 The Nutcracker at Victoria Theatre Halifax November 11 and 12 Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out at St George's Hall Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party-
it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day. November 18 and 19 Ice Carnival in Bradford Families can enjoy a free, fun filled weekend at Bradford’s Centenary Square, with ice sculptures, a free funfair for young children, street performers and live music. November 18 to December 23 Christmas at Thackray Families of all ages are invited to join Father Christmas on a magical 90-minute journey, exploring the diverse ways people celebrate Christmas around the world. November 14 to 20 Baby Week Leeds Bringing sectors and services together to promote the best start in life. November 17 to 19 Light Organ at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Wakefield Residents Free Admission. The audio-reactive artwork brings sound to life in an array of electrifying colour. Limited places, book online. November 19 Moon Palace Daytime Observation Sessions in Otley Created by artists Heather Peak and Ivan Morison, this new artwork and mobile observatory is inspired by the legacy of John Smeaton and the observatory he had in East Leeds. November 22 Sculpture Baby: Light Organ at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Spend creative time with your baby and enjoy this sensory session set in the Light Organ installation in the Chapel. Book online. November 22 to January 14 Dick Whittington at Harrogate Theatre November 24 Garforth Lights Switch On November 24 Meanwood Lights Switch On November 24 & December 15 Dinky Disco at Lawrence Batley Theatre Gather up your mini movers and shakers for a daytime dance party for little ravers and their sleep deprived chaperones! Take part in some simple dance activities or bust your own moves with lights, glow sticks and other sensory toys in a fun, club-like atmosphere. November 24 to December 31 Ice Cube @Christmas on Millennium Square, Cookridge Street and Victoria Gardens. Ice skating, festive funfair, food stalls and more. November 24 to January 7 Ice Rink at the White Rose Centre The real ice rink is back, with toddler sessions and disco nights available. Closed Christmas Day. November 22 to January 27 Oliver! At Leeds Playhouse Consider yourself one of the family for Lionel Bart’s award-winning musical. November 25 to January 7 The Christmas Experience at Lotherton Enter the enchanting world of elves’ workshop, Santa’s cabin, the Edwardian hall and magical woodland walk. Enjoy crafts and meet some magical characters.
November 28 to January 7 Sleeping Beauty the Pantomime at Theatre Royal Wakefield December 1 to 31 Cinderella at Lawrence Batley Theatre December 2 to 23 Christmas at Temple Newsam Explore the beautifully decorated house and get in the festive spirit with themed crafts and activities. Join in the family fun and Christmas crafts on Sat and Sun in December (apart from Christmas Eve) and Thu 21 Dec. Booking required. December 2 and 3 Christmas Makers’ Fair at Ilkley Manor House December 2 to 23 Father Christmas at Temple Newsam Visit Father Christmas to tell him your festive wishes and receive a gift. There’s also a Baby’s First Christmas option for children under one. Father Christmas will be making an appearance on Saturdays and Sundays in December (apart from Christmas Eve as he’s very busy that day) and Thursday 21 December. Booking required. December 2 About Tales in the Gallery: Jonathan Baldock at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park Join this interactive and immersive storytelling session in the gallery, inspired by the work of Jonathan Baldock. Book online. December 2 to January 6 The Enormous Crocodile at Leeds Playhouse A new musical version of Roald Dahl’s picture book featuring tasty tunes and mischievous puppets suitable for those age four plus. December 3 Pudsey Christmas Lights Switch On December 3 Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre December 5 & 6 Dear Santa Live! At King’s Hall Ilkley December 7 to 10 Santa's Sparkly Surprise at Victoria Theatre Halifax December 8 to January 7 Jack and the Beanstalk at York Theatre Royal December 9 to January 6 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse at the Grand Opera House York December 9 to January 21 Cinderella at the Alhambra Theatre December 16 to January 6 Cinderella at Victoria Theatre Halifax December 17 to 31 Christmas is Cancelled…Katie Saves the Day! at Carriageworks Theatre December 22 to 31 The Gifting; A magical event to close Leeds 2023 Experience twelve individual stories inspired by the Year of Culture told through performance, dance, song and illusion. December 26 to 29 Snowmen at Lawrence Batley Theatre Familiesonline.co.uk