Our list of free things do to is split into sections based on how far they are from North Leeds. Use the links below to jump to each section. Or scroll the whole list and see how many of our free days out you’ve yet to discover.
We hope you have enjoy visiting some of the places on our list. Not only saving some money but also having a fun and free family day out.
Please be aware that this blog was written before covid restrictions and closures were put in place. Please check individual venues for current openings and updates.
Meanwood Valley Trail is a 7-mile long trail that connects Woodhouse Moor to Golden Acre Park but you can pick it up at any point, and do as much or as little as you want. It’s split into 3 parts (roughly 2-3 miles each), with the Meanwood Park section being the most pushchair friendly.
There is plenty to do, such as playing poo sticks in the beck, hide and seek, hunting for fairy doors, playing on the rope swings, den building and lots more!
????Cost: Free, plus there is free car parking
????Where: Green Road, Leeds LS6 4LE
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️For more information download the trail leaflet here.
Roundhay Park is one of the largest in Europe with over 700 acres to explore. There are two lakes, two play areas, tennis courts, numerous fountains and old Folies, Japanese Gardens and lots of woodlands to find on your day out. Pack a picnic and you can make a whole day of it. There are five car parks located in the following positions:
???? The south end of the park off Wetherby Road
???? The end of Park Avenue by the Lakeside Café
???? The west side of the park by the old tram station off Princes Avenue
???? Behind the Roundhay Fox pub off Mansion Lane
???? The end of Mansion Lane by the Mansion House Hotel
Children and their families can also volunteer on Little Friends of Roundhay Park family-friendly working parties and litter-picks or book onto the forest craft workshops and forest school classes which are all held in Roundhay Park throughout the year.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Roundhay Park is situated approximately 3 miles north of Leeds City Centre off the A58 Wetherby Road at Oakwood.
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️ See the Roundhay Park website for more information
Hope Pastures have been rescuing and rehoming equines since 1974. They have lots of horses, ponies and donkeys on site for you to meet and they run a number of fun family events, including the popular Spring Fayre and Summer Fun Dog Show.
The Visitor Centre is open at weekends and bank holidays with tea, coffee, soft drinks and refreshments, as well as information, activities and Hope Pastures’ goods and gifts.
???? Cost: Free admission and parking, donations are welcomed
???? Where: Hope Pastures, Weetwood Lane, Leeds, LS16 5PH
⏰ Opening times: Open 7 days a week 10am – 3pm
ℹ️ See the Hope Pastures website for more information
The skatepark at Woodhouse Moor is one of the larger free skateparks available in the green spaces across the city and is made up mainly of quarter pipes and street sections. There are also public basketball courts at the site.
It can get busy at times and is better suited to experienced skaters but there’s a real community feel here.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 3AP
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
The ruins of Kirkstall Abbey date back to the 12th century and are a fantastic place for children to explore and play make-believe. Set in several acres of parkland, you can also take a stroll down by the river or practice riding bikes around the short paved loop. In the school holidays they often have free themed trails for children around the abbey ruins.
Across the road, there is a free play area to let off some steam. If you’re looking to make a day of it you can visit the Abbey House Museum and it’s famous Victorian Street (charges apply – from £11 per family).
???? Cost: Kirkstall Abbey is free, admission charges apply for Abbey House Museum
???? Where: Abbey Road, Leeds LS5 3EH
⏰ Opening times: Open 10am – 4pm Tues-Sun. Closed Mondays
ℹ️ See the Leeds Museum and Galleries website for more information
With 34 libraries in and around Leeds, your local library is a brilliant place to visit with children, especially if you all need a change of scenery and to escape the house for an hour or two. There are regular events going on at most of the libraries including storytime, Lego and code clubs and much more. Why not enjoy taking part in one of the reading challenges over the school holidays.
Leeds Libraries offer free membership, books to borrow – including children’s audio and e-books, free reservations for under 16s and many free events and workshops.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Find your local library in Leeds here
⏰ Opening times: Opening times and days vary but generally they are open Mon-Sat.
ℹ️ Find out what’s on at your local library is on North Leeds Mumbler here.
At this lovely park you can enjoy a circular lakeside walk, the beautiful gardens or treat yourself in the tea rooms. It is also a great park for feeding the ducks and climbing trees.
This huge park is also near to two of Leeds’ most treasured nature reserves, Breary Marsh and Adel Dam
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Leeds, LS16 8BQ. Free car parks off Otley Road and Arthington Road
⏰ Opening times: Open all year. The cafe is open Mon-Sun 10am – 3.30pm in winter & Mon-Fri 10am – 4.30pm and Sat-Sun 10am – 5pm in summer.
ℹ️ See the Leeds Gov website for more information
The sanctuary is actually a donkey-assisted interaction centre, offering equine-assisted learning sessions for vulnerable children and adults. At specific times the sanctuary is open to the general public so you can meet the beautiful herd. You can also decide to Adopt a Donkey or sample the delicious homemade refreshments and visit the gift shop.
The donkeys may be out grazing in the paddocks or in the stable areas being groomed or fed. Visitors are able to talk to the staff and learn more about the donkeys.
???? Cost: The sanctuary is free to visit although all donations are welcomed.
???? Where: Off Blackhill Lane, Swan Lane, Eccup, Leeds LS16 8AZ
⏰ Opening times: 3pm- 5pm Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri (closed Wed) and 10am 3pm Sat-Sun & bank holidays. Closed 1st Sat of every month.
ℹ️ See the Donkey Sanctuary website for more information
The Arium is more than just a plant nursery. Not only can they supply you with everything you need for your gardening project, but there is also a great free outdoor playground, plus a large space with picnic benches and an outdoor cafe.
The playground is extremally spacious and secure with climbing frames, slides, ride-on tractors, an excavator plus a huge sandpit – perfect for sunny days.
The Arium also holds workshops and educational activities for children so they can understand the world of horticulture. There is also a free crafting area inside with colouring and seasonally themed activities.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: The Arium is close to the A64 end of Thorner Lane, LS14 3FB
⏰ Opening times: 9am – 5pm Mon-Sat and 10am – 4pm Sun
ℹ️ See the Arium Leeds website for more information
Crag House Farm is the Headquarters to the charity Caring For Life. The charity seeks to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Leeds. The farm is made up of 125 acres used mainly for Longhorn cattle, Lleyn sheep, horses and poultry.
Along with outdoor play equipment, there is a nature trail, outdoor games (during the summer months), activity sessions and a child-friendly cafe, with a children’s menu and activity pack.
???? Cost: The Granary Restaurant, Farm Shop, Coffee Shop and Garden Nursery are run as a social enterprise. Anything you purchase plays a vital role in providing much-needed income to help the Pastoral Support Workers provide love, care and in many cases life-long practical and emotional support.
???? Where: Otley Old Road, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 7N
⏰ Opening times: 9am – 5pm Mon-Sat
ℹ️ See the Crag House Farm for more information
Hetchell Woods is a tranquil place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a great network of paths to explore and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
There is also a tree swing to play on and a lovely little stream to have a paddle in when the weather is warm.
???? Cost: Free. Limited roadside parking available.
???? Where: Milner Lane, Leeds, LS23 6NA
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️ See the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website for more information
Rodley Nature Reserve was created on a floodplain in Kirkstall Valley and houses many different species of wildlife. Pop into the Visitor Centre and collect the latest quiz trail guide to see if you can spot everything listed.
From April to October, you can also enjoy pond dipping. Nets, trays and information sheets are available to borrow for free (a small donation is always welcome!) from the Visitor Centre between 10.30am and 3pm. Or why not go on a mini beast hunt and see who you can find in one of the many mini beast homes?
The Reserve is also brilliant for bird watching and many of the hides and viewing screens have low points suitable for children.
???? Cost: As is rental of the pond dipping equipment, although a small donation towards the reserve is always welcomed.
???? Where: Moss Bridge Road, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP
⏰ Opening times: 9am – 5pm on Wed, Sat, Sun and most Bank Holidays from March to October and 9am – 4pm Nov – Feb. The Visitor Centre is open from 10am until 4pm throughout the year.
ℹ️ See the Rodley Nature Reserve website for more information
The museum is great fun for all the family. Spread over 4 floors, there are interactive exhibitions on natural history, Leeds through the ages, Romans & Egyptians. Everything’s been designed with children in mind and there is plenty for them to explore, interact with and do. Every Friday morning, there’s a Tiny Tigers club, offering free craft activities for under 5’s and their carers.
Plus every Saturday morning, there’s Rory’s Tiger club offering different craft activities for all ages and both are free to drop in to. There is also a cafe and play area, and best of all, entrance to the museum is FREE!
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH
⏰ Opening times: Open 10am – 5pm Tues-Sun and 11am – 5pm on Bank Holidays
ℹ️ See the Leeds City Museum website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 3 miles
The Tetley is home to contemporary art installations across 3 floors in the former brewery building. But it’s far from just being for grown-ups! The Tetley pride themselves on being a free, all-ages venue and welcome parents with babies and very young children, as well as teenagers and young people.
They offer a range of creative opportunities for young visitors to enjoy including ‘Tiny Tetley’ creative play sessions once a month and Family Art Workshops every other Saturday. Some workshops require pre-booking.
???? Cost: Free, although a small charge applies for some workshops
???? Where: Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
⏰ Opening times: Open daily 10am – 5pm and until 8pm on Wednesdays
ℹ️ See the Tetley website to find out what’s on.
???? Distance from North Leeds: 3 miles
Leeds Art Gallery is home to one of the most significant collections of 20th-century British art in the country and offers a changing programme of exhibitions and displays throughout the year, all for free. It also houses Artspace, which is a relaxed creative space with art materials and activities that explore themes inspired by current exhibitions Somewhere you can go along and draw, build, reflect and play.
Outside the Gallery on Victoria Gardens in summer months, there are two giant chess boards set into the pavement and table tennis, which you can use for free until 4.30pm every day.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA
⏰ Opening times: 10am – 5pm, Tues-Sat & 11am – 3pm, Sun. Closed on Mondays.
ℹ️ See the Leeds Museum and Galleries website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 3 miles
The Marks in Time Exhibition, based at the M&S Company Archive celebrates how Marks & Spencer has played a part in people’s lives for over 130 years. There is plenty to explore and they often hold special events. Enjoy spotting clothing and packaging you remember from your own childhood to show your children.
The exhibition features unique artefacts, historic garments and tracks the M&S journey right back to the market stall to Penny Bazaar to the modern-day. There are interactive and hands-on activities, plus you can cash up using the penny bazaar till and enjoy the Children’s Zone with dressing up, games and toys. Find out more in our Mumbler review here.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT (sat nav LS2 9LP)
⏰ Opening times: 10am – 5pm, Mon to Fri. Closed Sat & Sun.
ℹ️ See the Marks in Time website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 3 miles
17. Leeds Owl Trail
You may have seen the golden owls atop the Civic Hall in Leeds, but what you might not have realised is how significant the birds are. The Coat-of-Arms for the city developed over a long period of time and now features several owls. They actually came from the Coat-of-Arms belonging to Sir John Savile the first Alderman of Leeds.
Many of the historic buildings across the city were built with owls featuring within their architecture, and today you can complete a trail across the city to spot them. It will take you on a voyage across history as each owl informs you of why it’s there and gives you a brief snapshot of what it’s seen in its lifetime. Why not make a full day of it hunting them out across the city.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Trail starts at Millennium Square
ℹ️ You can download a Leeds Own Trail map here
???? Distance from North Leeds: 3 miles
The Royal Armouries is home to Britain’s national collection of arms and armour. Discover weapons and armour of warriors through the ages from early medieval knights to the modern-day soldier. In addition to the five galleries which house 5,000 objects in the permanent displays and the more recent Peace Gallery, the museum also includes the Hall of Steel, a life-size elephant covered in battle armour. There are interactive opportunities throughout the museum, making it a great free day out for all the family.
Why not make your trip even more fun by taking the water taxi to the museum. There are 2 pick-up/drop-off points located at Granary Wharf (just by the new South entrance of Leeds train station) & Leeds Dock. They run every 20 minutes and cost £1 per person one way (under 5s free). All you need to do is hop on and enjoy the scenic journey.
???? Cost: Royal Armouries is free. Water Taxi is £1 per person (under 5s free).
???? Where: Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT
⏰ Opening times: Open 10am – 5pm all year, except 24-26 Dec
ℹ️ See the Royal Armouries for more information and details about the Water Taxis here
???? Distance from North Leeds: 4 miles
A brilliant way to see the Leeds Museum and Galleries collections with a behind the scenes tour. On the tour, you will see some fascinating objects and hear stories behind some of the more unusual items.
The centre houses over one million objects which it preserves and protects. From toucans to telephones, meteorites and masks. There really is something for everyone to see and enjoy.
???? Cost: Free and no need to book in advance
???? Where: Off Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB
⏰ Opening times: Every Thursday at 11am and 2pm
ℹ️ See the Leeds Museum and Galleries website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 4 miles
Enjoy a family walk and some fresh air at Rothwell Country Park. The park has an extensive network of paths which include a sculpture trail and a pond trail, so there is plenty for children to spot along the way. If you follow the signposts to the summit you can enjoy a 360-degree view over Leeds and West Yorkshire.
The park is home to lots of wildlife as it is made up of wetland, woodland, meadow and hedgerows. You certainly won’t be short to things to spot on your walk.
???? Cost: Free and roadside parking is available at the top of Bullough Lane.
???? Where: Rothwell Colliery, Leeds, LS26 0JY
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️ See the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 8 miles
Leeds Urban Bike Park is a chance for people who want to get into riding or experienced riders to get out and ride somewhere new and safe. With cross country mountain bike trails, a BMX track and a jump zone, you certainly won’t be bored!
There is also a bike shop and cafe on site. You can also hire bikes and helmets if you are thinking about starting mountain biking and want to test one out before you invest.
???? Cost: Free to ride & park. Leeds Urban Bike Park is a not for profit organisation.
???? Where: Ring Road, Beeston Park, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 3TN
⏰ Opening times: Open all year, 9am – 5pm Mon & Thur-Sun and 9am-8pm on Tues & Wed
ℹ️ See the Leeds Urban Bike Park website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds 7 miles
The lake (or rather the tarn!) at Yeadon is sounded by a network of paths, so perfect for a family walk. There is also a playground, BMX track and water sports on the lake which you can enjoy watching.
If all that activity isn’t enough, the park is also in a great location to watch the planes taking off and landing at Leeds Bradford Airport. Why not take a picnic and stay for a relaxing family day out?
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Cemetery Road, Yeadon, LS19 7UR
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️ See the Leeds Gov website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 9 miles
Overlooking the market town of Otley, this designated nature reserve is 280 metres above sea level so offers fantastic views of the Wharfe Valley. Don’t miss the amazing views from the appropriately named ‘Surprise View car park’.
There is a great network of paths, so you can easily go on a circular walk or follow one of the themed trails – Geology, Heritage Time or Tree Spotters. You could also enjoy a bike ride (be aware much of the land is steeply sloping) or follow one of the two orienteering course and discover some of the geocache sites waiting to be discovered. There is also a cafe opening at lunchtime every day except Tuesdays.
???? Cost: Free, including 5 free car parks
???? Where: Chevin Forest Park is in the Wharfe Valley, on either side of East Chevin Road, Otley. The postcode is LS21 3DD.
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️ See the Friends of Chevin Forest website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 10 miles
The Lines Way is a delightful traffic-free stretch of a disused railway line that continues for four miles across South East Leeds. It’s flat, smooth surface makes it an excellent route for a family walk or cycle ride, taking in lovely countryside, passing a nature reserve and an RSPB site, along a river and canal ending at Woodlesford station.
There are wildlife information boards along the route, so you can learn about the wildlife and history of the nature reserve.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Leeds, West Yorkshire, WF10 2DJ
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round
ℹ️ See the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website for more information.
???? Distance from North Leeds: 10 miles
To the south of the city, Middleton Park is only marginally smaller than Roundhay Park. It has a café, bowling greens, playground, fishing lake and community events held throughout the year. There is also a nature reserve on-site, providing opportunities to spot lots of wildlife.
Middleton Railway also runs through the park, with the opportunity to spot small steam trains operating on, believe it or not, the worlds oldest working railway! Entry to the Railway’s museum is free, however, there is a small charge to ride the train (children under 3 years travel free).
????Cost: Free. Charges apply to ride the train
????Where: The park doesn’t have an official postcode, but directions to the main entrance on Town Street can be found by using the postcode LS10 3SH.
⏰ Opening times: Park is open year-round. Opening times of the Railway & Museum vary so check before you set off.
ℹ️See the Friends of Middleton Park website and the Middleton Railway website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 10 miles
The National Science and Media Museum allows you to explore the science and culture of image and sound technologies and the impact they have on our lives.
Alongside many events, festivals and temporary exhibitions, there is also the permanent gallery called Wonderlab. Here you can touch, try and photograph your experience as you wander through 20 amazing exhibits. You can get lost in mirrors, make art using light and even travel through a laser tunnel.
There are also three cinema screens, including an IMAX theatre.
???? Cost: Entry to the museum, exhibitions and permanent galleries is free. You may need to book tickets for some of the special events. Some arcade games have a small charge and there is a charge for cinema and IMAX tickets.
???? Where: Bradford BD1 1NQ
⏰ Opening times: Open 10am – 6pm daily (Cinemas 10am – late)
ℹ️ See the Science and Media Museum website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 13 miles
The Hepworth is named after Barbara Hepworth, born and brought up in Wakefield and one of the most important artists of the 20th century. The award-winning art gallery offers major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art and also has galleries exploring Hepworth’s art and working processes.
There are free activities available for families every weekend and during school holidays. You can explore, play and create art together. There is also a garden to explore and an outside playground.
???? Cost: Free
???? Where: Gallery Walk, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5AW
⏰ Opening times: Open 10am – 5pm year-round
ℹ️ See the Hepworth Wakefield website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 15 miles
With 500 acres of parkland, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and running around. There are 80 sculptures throughout the park and unlike traditional art galleries, you can touch many of the works.
Why not enjoy a walk around the lake or through the woodland where you can discover bridges, follies, an Obelisk and Stepping Stones. There are also five indoor galleries to explore, with frequently changing exhibitions.
???? Cost: Free entry. Onsite parking is £12 all-day
???? Where: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG (use WF4 4JX for satnav)
⏰ Opening times: Open 10am – 5pm year-round (galleries & restaurants close at 4pm)
ℹ️ See the YSP website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 20 miles
If you have a train enthusiast in your family then the National Railway Museum is a must-visit! From a replica of Stephenson’s world-changing Rocket to the world’s fastest steam locomotive, you can explore giant halls full of locomotives.
In the Station Hall, you can climb onboard historic carriages, and discover plenty of history about the fantastic collection of royal carriages. Watch the engineers at work in the Workshop and enjoy whilst you learn with the interactive exhibits. There are daily demonstrations and regular special events, guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.
Let off steam in the outdoor play area or take a ride on the miniature railway. A visit is a full train packed day out!
???? Cost: Free entry. Car parking charges apply.
???? Where: Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round, daily 10am – 5pm
ℹ️ See the National Railway Museum website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 25 miles
There is a lot to see and do at the National Coal Mining Museum. There are 14 galleries and buildings to explore, where you can find out all about the lives of miners. Plus there is an outdoor adventure playground, the opportunity to meet the pit ponies or talk to the blacksmiths who are busy restoring metalwork and creating new works of art.
Plus if you are over 5, you can put on a hard hat, grab a lamp and go on an adventure 140 metres underground into the coalmine (£5 donation welcomed for this activity). At if all that isn’t enough, you can explore the acres of woodland surrounding the museum and see how the bright orange mine water is cleaned.
???? Cost: Free admission
???? Where: The museum is on the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield WF4 4RH
⏰ Opening times: Open year-round, daily 10am – 5pm
ℹ️ See the National Coal Mining website for more information
???? Distance from North Leeds: 35 miles
We hope you enjoyed this post of free things to do in Leeds and it’s inspired you to have a free day out and to visit somewhere new. Remember there are even more ideas of things to do on the North Leeds Mumbler website, such as where to go on a rainy day, top picnic spots around Leeds, some great cycle routes and great places you can feed the ducks.
Disclaimer: Whilst North Leeds Mumbler has extensively researched these suggestions we recommend you check the opening times, the suitability of the venue for your needs/family and any changes to the entrance or parking fees before setting off. All distances are approximate and based on travelling from Chapel Allerton by car.
Published January 2020