What's On
Have you got an event you’d like to share with us? Email it to 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
Daily Combats at the Royal Armouries Museum
See the expert live interpretation team demonstrate authentic combat techniques. FREE.
Daily Shows at the Royal Armouries Museum
History is brought to life as the live interpretation team conjure what it felt like to take part in ancient battles and world wars. FREE.
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.
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.
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. 10-11.45am.
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.
July 6
French Festival at Shire Oak Primary School Headingley
Celebrate French culture at the Guinguette of La Petite School of Leeds. There’ll be face painting, games, a French market, live music, theatre and fireworks. 4-11pm. Prebook tickets.
July 9 to 14
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Alhambra Theatre
A brand-new production of this much-loved family favourite flies into Bradford.
July 13 to September 2
York Maze
Created from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maze is the largest maze in the
UK. With over 20 different rides, attractions and shows to enjoy, York Maze offers an amazing fun-filled full family day out.
July 17
The Lion Inside at Victoria Theatre Halifax
A heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. For ages 3 plus but all ages welcome.
July 20 to September 1
Summer at National Coal Mining Museum: Helping Hands
Discover how communities pulled together to support each other in the Miners’ Strike. Enjoy sunshine at the beach, explore the great outdoors, and much more in a fun-filled programme of events throughout the summer holidays.
July 20 to September 1
Action Packed Summer at Royal Armouries
Choose your adventure, character, story. Enjoy a host of free activities at the Royal Armouries during the summer holidays, including combat displays, gun firing demonstrations, dramatic performances and the chance to get your hands on history. Check website for details and book online.
July 20 to September 1
Six Weeks of Summer Fun at Eureka!
The play experts at Team Eureka! have planned 44 days of performers, workshops and fun for the school summer holidays, kicking off with Same Difference Arts on July 20, 21 and 22.
July 21
Baby Band Music Festival at Lotherton
Family friendly festival with live music, activities, food and a market.
July 22 to August 30
Token Treasure Hunt at Leeds City Museum
Embark on a nostalgic journey celebrating classic board game tokens in this summer trail. Search the museum for oversized game pieces, from the iconic Monopoly top hat to a 12-sided dice. FREE.
July 23 and 24
Gacko the Showman at Eureka!
July 23 to September 1
Urban Nature Trail at Kirkstall
Abbey
Find birds, bees, bats and butterflies hidden all over the abbey. Enjoy a beautiful nature walk through the ruins and along the banks of the River Aire while you spot the wildlife. Included in entry, which is free to Leeds residents –must provide proof of address on first visit (driving licence or utility bill) drop-in, no need to book.
July 23 to September 2
Summer of Stories at Abbey House Museum
Seek out fairytales, nursery rhymes, and modern classics as you explore authentic streets from Victorian Leeds. Complete a tricky trail, read books in comfy corners, pose for pictures and do some crafts and colouring. Dress up as your favourite characters. Included in admission. No booking required.
July 23 to September 1
A Lotherton Summer Holiday
It's a jolly holiday with family activities and entertainment inspired by the great British summer. There will be a sand pit, entertainers and family activities – including foot golf, a children’s fairground and entertainers. Included with admission.
July 23 to August 30
Deer Tractor Tours at Lotherton
Experience the herd of red deer up close as you are taken on a tour of the Deer Park in a brand new Lotherton tractor trailer. On selected days. Add the tractor tour to your ticket booking.
July 24 to August 22
Breeze in the Park
In parks across Leeds. Get caught up in sun, fun, chills and thrills with an interactive play system, arts zone, food and classic inflatables. See website for dates, locations and tickets.
July 24 to September 1
Summer Holidays Nature Trail at Leeds Industrial Museum
Get your magnifying glasses at the ready as you hunt for the wildlife that has found its way into the museum on this family nature trail. Take away a craft to do at home. Drop-in, included with admission.
July 24 to August 30
Mystery Matinees at Leeds Industrial Museum
Visit the tiny 1920s cinema, the beautiful Palace Picture House, for family favourites, daily at 2pm during the school holidays.
July 25
Professor Pumpernickel Science at Eureka!
July 25 to 28
Little Shop of Horrors at City Varieties Music Hall
Leeds Grand Youth Theatre will be taking over The Varieties stage with a brand-new revival of the everpopular horror musical.
July 25 to 29
Horse Shows at the Royal Armouries Museum
See Elizabethan riding skills live, plus combat demonstrations and shows bringing history to life. Book online.
July 26
Story Magic Theatre and Annapurna Dance at Eureka!
July 27
Summer Fair at Kentmere Community Centre
Raising funds for East SILC PTFA. Games, tombola, stalls, entertainment and much more.
July 27 to September 1
Monopoly Leeds Takeover
A life-size, city-wide version of the famous board game. FREE, familyfriendly activity.
July 30 and 31, August 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 27 and 29
Nature Workshops at Leeds Industrial Museum
Have a go at making a bug house, leaf printing, wildlife collages and more. Get creative while you learn about the different plants and animals that live near the museum. Included with admission price, drop-in.
July 30 and August 13
Board Game Workshop with Cards or Die at Leeds City Museum
Join in this fun board game workshop, with a massive selection of games. Ann will be there to teach and recommend the perfect game. Retro and vintage games as well as modern classics. There will be something for all ages five plus, from competitive to collaborative. Join for the day or just pop in for a short while. FREE, drop-in.
July 30
Burley Banksy Art Workshop at Leeds City Museum
Channel your inner artist and join in a family workshop celebrating all things Leeds with renowned local artist Andy McVeigh (aka Burley Banksy). 11am–3pm. FREE, drop-in.
July 30, August 1, 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29
Summer Store Tours at Leeds Discovery Centre
Leeds Discovery Centre is home to over 1.3 million objects in Leeds Museums and Galleries collection store. This purpose-built museum storage and conservation facility holds toucans to telephones, meteorites and masks, there is
something for everyone to enjoy! FREE, booking required. To book, call 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk
July 31
Fabulous Fashion Workshop at Leeds Discovery Centre
Travel through time at this family workshop where you will learn what the children of Leeds wore in the past. FREE, booking required. To book, call 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk.
Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 31 to August 21.
Board Game Builders at Leeds City Museum
Dive into the world of board game design in weekly craft sessions. Invent your own unique game using paper and card, create eye catching boards and make up your own rules. Personalise a jigsaw, make your own Ludo board or create your own game from scratch with a dice to match. FREE, drop-in any time between 10am-12pm and 1-3pm.
August 1
Pot a Plant at Temple Newsam
Celebrate Yorkshire Day at Temple Newsam by potting up a beautiful Coleus plant from the National Collection to take home. FREE.
August 1
Yorkshire Day at the National Coal Mining Museum
Celebrate Yorkshire Day in t’proper Yorkshire way! With activities on site all day, including a Whippet Walk led by Yorkshire Pedigree Whippet Racing Club.
August 1 and 2
Summer Sessions at Lawrence Batley Theatre
A rare opportunity for young creatives to spend the day exploring how magic is made in the theatre. For ages 6-11.
Fridays in August (starting August 2)
Minecraft Escape Room In A Box at the National Coal Mining Museum Minecraft-themed escape room challenge. Solve riddles, crack codes and problem solve your way to victory.
August 2
Summer on Stage: Where is Fairyland? At Victoria Theatre
Halifax
A show with live music for ages 3+. Watch two fairies crash land on a
table. See them attempt to fly off again.
August 2
Sensory Storytime at Abbey House Museum
For families with additional needs who want to take part in the summer holiday themed event. 10.30–11.30am FREE. Booking required. Email the Learning and Access Officer for more information and to book on: sarah.allen@leeds. gov.uk
August 3
Summer on Stage: Jeddy Bear and Gary at Victoria Theatre
Halifax
Expect a Chemistry of Chaos as Jeddy Bear and Gary delve headfirst into the insanity of science and test out their newfound science knowledge and skills. Recommended for children aged 2 plus.
August 4
Summer on Stage: The Discount Comedy Checkout Improvised Family Show at Victoria Theatre
Halifax
A fun 60-minute comedy show for the entire family, bringing to life children’s ideas and stories with the help of three talented comedy improvisers.
August 5
Summer on Stage: Puzzling Paul Magic Show at Victoria Theatre
Halifax
Join Puzzling Paul in this Amazingly Awesome Magic Show. One minute you'll be amazed! The next, rolling around laughing.
August 6
Summer on Stage: Dangerous Danielle at Victoria Theatre
Halifax
A one woman clowning show, with a ridiculous circus skills display that requires help from the audience! A fun interactive street style show that will entertain an audience of any ages.
August 7
Summer on Stage: Family Silent Disco at Victoria Theatre Halifax Get ready to dance, sing, and laugh with this Family Silent Disco.
August 7
Sensory Room for Families with Additional Needs at Leeds City
Museum
Pop-up sensory room for families who might find a visit to the museum overwhelming. The room has dark tents, light-up
toys, squishy floor tiles, dens and a bubble tube. This event is for families with SEND, neurodiversity, autism and/or anxiety. Tickets for the sensory room are free. Book a ticket per child. Accompanying adults don’t need a ticket. The ticket grants you entry to the popup sensory room between 10.30am11.30am or 1pm-2pm. You can come and go as you need to and there’ll be no need to queue.
August 7
Go for Gold at Leeds Discovery Centre
In this Olympics-centred family workshop, find out about some of Leeds’s top sporting heroes. To book, call 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk.
August 7 to 16
LHT Unwrapped: Drama Day at Leeds Grand Theatre
Join Leeds Grand Theatre for a jam-packed workshop of games, improvisation, theatre skills, and script work, and let your inner creativity loose! For ages 6-14.
Wednesdays in August (starting August 7)
Get Arty in the Abbey at Kirkstall Abbey
There will be a range of materials to borrow for your own family art adventures in the abbey including chalks, pastels, charcoals and fine liners. Included in entry, which is free to Leeds residents – must provide proof of address on first visit (driving licence or utility bill). Drop-in, 10-11.30am
Thursdays in August (starting August 8)
Get Crafty in the Cloister at Kirkstall Abbey
Inspired by the summer nature trail, go along and make a bee fan, a bat hat, or a butterfly wreath. Included in entry, which is free to Leeds residents – must provide proof of address on first visit (driving licence or utility bill). Drop-in, 1-3pm
August 8
Summer on Stage: Ben's Boogie Wonderland at Victoria Theatre Halifax
In this land, rhythm and music combine to make a disco dream that no one can refuse. But one day, every tiny adult and every giant child suddenly stopped dancing, and they need your help! Join theatre-maker and facilitator Ben Cain on this interactive storytelling adventure for families.
August 8, 15 and 22
Augmented Reality Gaming Workshop at Leeds City Museum
Unlock the magic of Augmented Reality (AR) and world-building in this exciting summer workshop designed for young explorers. Step into a world where the past and future blend seamlessly. Using inspiration from the museum’s unique collection of animals and local history, participants will create their own AR projects that bring history to life.
August 9
Summer on Stage: Boomchikkaboom Family Rave at Victoria Theatre Halifax Join Booomchikkaboom with the whole family for singing, dancing, parachute mayhem, bubbles and the snow machine!
August 10
Green Fingers at Lawrence Batley Theatre
A blooming marvellous musical comedy for 3-10-year-olds, about a boy born with gunky green hands. But is he rotten, or just misunderstood? Perhaps the answers can be found in the mysterious school garden...
August 11
Cambridge Hands On Science at the National Coal Mining Museum
Hands on science experiments for the whole family to enjoy.
August 13 to 18
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at Carriageworks Theatre
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson. Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book. Ages 3 to 8.
August 14
A Piece of the Puzzle at Leeds Discovery Centre
Monopoly may be taking over the city of Leeds this summer but join this family workshop to learn about some of the other games and jigsaws made by Waddington’s. To book, call 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk.
August 14 to September 1
Disney’s Aladin at The Alhambra Theatre
One lamp, three wishes and infinite possibilities. Disney’s spectacular Broadway and West End musical Aladin comes to Bradford.
August 16
Dinky Disco Festival Style at Lawrence Batley Theatre
Dinky Disco heads outside and goes festival-style as it takes over the Courtyard.
August 18
Pop Party at City Varieties Music Hall
An exhilarating live concert, made especially for kids, featuring chart-topping songs from artists including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Meghan Trainor, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran and more.
August 21
Flower Forage at Leeds Discovery Centre
Explore some of Leeds’ amazing wildlife in this plant-focused family workshop. To book, call 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@ leeds.gov.uk.
August 24 to 26
Jousting Tournament at the Royal Armouries Museum
See them battle it out in a Medieval jousting competition, plus other combat demonstrations and shows, outdoor activities and have-a-go games. Book online.
August 31
Fireman Sam: The Great Camping Adventure at Victoria Theatre
Halifax
Join Sam, Ellie, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman as you become a Pontypandy Pioneer and explore the mountains. With fire engines, helicopters and brand new songs this is one adventure not to be missed!