If you’re stuck indoors on one of these days, why not try some of Mumbler’s tried and tested activities to do at home. From spy games to creating time capsules, you’re guaranteed to have fun. Click here to read.
Child Friendly Leeds have been consulting with children and young people in Leeds to find out what they would like to see on a city centre map. They have helped to co-produce an amazing map with lots of useful features and activities to do in our amazing city!
What a great place! We had a visit in-between Christmas and New Year (2017) and had to drag the kids out!
It took us about 45 minutes from North Leeds even when Huddersfield were playing at home!
Credit: Huddersfield Leisure Centre
The Splash Park is ideal for all ages and is a nice size meaning that if you have confident swimmers you can see them on most parts of the splash park. A key point to note is the two main slides have a height requirement of 1.2metre and they are strict on this. The Splash Park operates a band system which gives you 90 minutes to enjoy the park but also means it is never too busy.
Huddersfield Splash Park has a fun pool for the younger ones which is warmer than the main pool and has a few ‘animals’ which the children can sit and slide on.
In the main pool there is a lazy river, toddler area with slide, “things” to turn and twist and a water bucket. There are two slides (a water flume and Slidewinder) which you ride in inflatable rings (single and double), three water guns and an area where you can have free play. We have been to a few “Waterparks” when on holiday and both my husband and daughter have not stopped talking about the Sidewinder! It doesn’t look that much from the ground but apparently, it feels almost vertical when you go down it!
One thing to note is there is a lot of squirting water, my two wanted their goggles on! Apparently included in your entrance there is also another pool where you can do length swimming but we never made this!
There are plenty of lifeguards throughout the Splash Park who were very helpful and friendly. There is also a great little viewing area which means that swimming with adults isn’t a necessity if your children are competent and confident swimmers.
Pre-booking advised. Website Tel: 01484 766269.
Spring Grove Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4BP
DEEP CLOSURE – In line with Government guidance on COVID-19 and the recommendation to avoid gatherings and crowded places, The Deep will be closing to members of the public from 6pm on Sunday 22nd March 2020. Please keep watching our social media feeds for updates on the situation.
Located in Hull, The Deep is an award-winning aquarium that is home to almost 3,500 fish including green sawfish, sharks and tropical fish. Not forgetting an array of invertebrates, amphibians, turtles and a colony of Gentoo penguins!
Journey through the story of the world’s oceans travelling through a unique blend of spectacular marine life from warm tropical waters to the cold Antarctic seas. . Enjoy the fun and educational interactive and audio-visual presentations on your voyage of discovery.
Highlights include the daily dive show, touchpool sessions, twice-daily penguin feeds, the underwater tunnel and bubble lift through the 10m Endless Oceans exhibit. Details of feeding times and all other info is on their website here.
The Deep has its own café serving a range of homemade hot/cold meals, snacks, drinks and excellent children’s boxes, plus a snack bar that is open in during peak times inside the attraction. There are also indoor and outdoor picnic areas for those who wish to bring their own food.
The Deep is fully accessible for people with disabilities or accessibility requirements and can provide and range of things to help visitors enjoy a more pleasant visit.
Save 10% by booking your tickets on their website before you visit. The Deep also accepts Tesco Days Out vouchers, which form part of the Tesco Clubcard scheme.
Don’t forget to sign up to the Day Plus Pass scheme which allows FREE return visits to The Deep for 12 months (this is included in the normal price of a ticket, T&C’s on their website).
During the school holidays there are also arts, crafts at Craft Corner, see their website for details of the next events.
Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4DP (Sat Nav HU9 1TU). Tel: 01482 381000.
Open daily 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm), closed 24th/25th December.
Abbey House Museum has a huge range of activities, from dressing up to special tours and much more! Take a break in the cafe and then step outside to use the children’s play area or wander over to Kirkstall Abbey and explore the abbey grounds.
Muddy Monkeys – under 5s craft activities: Tuesdays, 10am-11am. In the Visitor Centre.
Fun, free messy and imaginative craft play activities
Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH Tel: 0113 3784079
A ‘Ninja’ style obstacle course designed to test the fitness and agility of children allowing them to use their body for what it was intended for: to run, to jump, to climb and to think. For those that are looking for a bigger challenge can try the Warrior course (12+)
Nether Poppleton opposite Manor CE Academy on Millfield Lane, YO26 6QY. Tel: 01904 340495
Children at AMF Hollywood Bowl Leeds who are determined to throw their own can pick from a range of lighter weight balls designed just for the younger player!
Cardigan Fields, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS4 2DG, England. Tel: 0844 826 1462
Bead is a jewellery-making, art & craft shop and kids party venue in central Harrogate and home to the town’s only drop-in “Bead Bar” for children. A home for everything and anything bead related and one of many great things to do with kids in Harrogate!
Bower Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5NQ, Tel: 01423 313030
If you go for a day trip to the coast I have heard great reviews of the recently renovated Bridlington Leisure Centre and the Splash Zone.
The new exciting Splash Zone has two interactive slides and a fun play structure, tipping buckets and water toys. Aqua Smash and Slide Champ will have users of all ages going round and round again.
East Riding Leisure Bridlington, Promenade, Bridlington YO15 2QQ. Tel: 01262 606715
A real working farm which allows people to learn about all things farming and countryside.
Offers spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, a café serving home cooked food and cakes, outdoor viewing areas to see the animals and an indoor petting barn with a large variety of friendly animals.
Term time weekly “Little Farmer” sessions and themed school holiday events.
Fiddlers Green, Brimham Rocks Road, Harrogate, HG3 3HB. Tel: 01423 779759
Barnsley is home to one of the best waterparks in the UK, in the form of Calypso Cove. There are four swimming pools for you to choose from – Still Waters is a standard 25 metre pool open for general swimming and lessons, Calypso Cove is an adventure pool with slides, water flumes and a wave machine.
Calypso Cove, The Metrodome Leisure Complex, Queens Ground, Queens Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 1AN.
The home of Leeds’s first dedicated indoor bouldering centre with 475 square meters of climbing. There are 150 boulder problems ranging from very easy to very hard and a section gets reset every week so there’s always new climbs to have a go at. Adult & kids lessons, birthday parties. Age 6+.
Ceramic painting is an activity which can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You don’t have to be an artist to achieve great results. We have a large variety of products to paint, ranging from small animals, plates and mugs to large vases.
Also offer children’s parties, pottery & storytime sessions and adult evenings.
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am-5.00pm
30 High Street, Tadcaster, LS24 9AT. Tel: 01937 918100
Garforth’s action-packed indoor climbing centre, fit for the whole family. Enjoy an exciting day out with 25 colourful climbing walls, stair ay to heaven walls and vertical drop slide.
Childre from 2+ years can clim with specific toddler sessions running throughout the week.
Viewing gallery and Costa Coffee available upstairs in the cafe.
Parties available.
Unit 2A1 Aberford Road, Garforth, LS25 2EB. Tel: 0113 4572699
A new indoor climbing centre in Leeds, Clip ’n Climb invites budding and courageous climbers to explore its 32 individually-designed climbs. It offers a range of challenges for the vertically adventurous including the jaw-dropping 9m Vertical Drop Slide, a Stairway to Heaven and Astroball amongst many others.
Clip ‘n Climb Leeds caters for families of all abilities from four years up. Families can also enjoy a homemade pizza, pasta, cakes and a variety of hot and cold drinks at Woodpeckers, the fully-licensed on-site diner.
The Cottage Road Cinema is the oldest cinema in Leeds and one of the few remaining independently run cinemas in the country.
Headingley, Leeds, LS6 4DD. Tel: 0113 2751 606
A well established children’s soft and adventure play centre and cafe, providing an exciting range of activities and parties for children in a safe, fun and enjoyable environment. Fresh home cooked food and delicious afternoon teas!
Parking onsite.
54A Oaklands Ave, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1LQ, Tel: 0113 2571188
Crazy Tykes is a large soft play area with plenty of equipment for all ages. There is a great babies/crawlers area in the centre of the place and good visibility from the seating area into most of the large play equipment. There is a football/ball games area and party rooms around the edge.
*New for Summer 2018 outdoor play area
The café is well priced with a good variety of foods. Offers various party packages.
Open 7 days a week, parking onsite.
Unit 650 Thorp Arch Trading Estate, Thorp Arch Wetherby, West Yorkshire IS23 7BJ. Tel: 01937 541007
Eureka! is a unique place for families to visit, where children aged 0 to 11 are inspired to learn all about themselves and the world around them by playing, imagining, experimenting and – above all – having fun. Accessible site. Cafe, toilet facilities & shop.
Closed Monday’s Term Time, check website opening times before visiting.
Eureka, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE. Tel: 01422 330069
Multi screen cinema with with a passion for quality. Bar and adjoining restaurant for blockbuster and cult films with drinks service. Special events, private parties, birthday parties.
Goose in Harrogate is focused on exploratory and imaginative play.
The zones include:
Mumbler would recommend suitable to age 9 years.
The Lenz, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, HG2 8RE Tel: 01423 815444
The trampoline park includes over 150 connected trampolines, foam pits and angled trampolines that will see you bouncing off the walls!
Also includes new inflatable assault course and ‘Ultimate Wipe Out’ machine which will see you ducking, diving and jumping over the spinning inflatable arms.
Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2DG Tel: 0330 159 5815
Hailed as “The cosiest cinema in Leeds” the Picture House has been in constant operation since 1914. The programme features a rich mixture of traditional arthouse films, key cross over titles and a varied array of special events with family Hyde & Seek screenings on a Saturday and Baby Cinema on a Wednesday.
**Closed for redevelopment from 19th March 2020 until early 2021, find details of ‘On the Road’ screenings HERE**
73 Brudenell Road, Leeds, LS6 1JD Tel: 0113 275 2045
A family friendly indoor soft play centre located in Farsley, for children upto 148 cm in height (or approx 8 years old). Multi-level soft play area, with separate areas for babies and toddlers. Cafe and parking on site. Open Mon-Fri.
Unit 10a Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ. Tel: 0113 255 2110
Jackrabbits is a family and buggy-friendly studio for adults and children of all abilities to explore their creative sides, with a wide selection of pottery items to choose from. Great cafe with homemade cakes!
633a Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 4BA. Tel: 0113 318 9315
Jigsaw Gym’s is a unique play and party venue, catering for children from birth to 11 years. Featuring an exclusive multi sensory play area for children under 1 year old, a dedicated toddler area for 1 – 3 years and a large multi level play structure for children aged 4 years and over.
Offer birthday parties which are all private parties having exclusive use of the whole play facility.
Cafe and onsite parking provided (Limited). Open Mon-Fri
546 Broad Lane, Stanningley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 6PA. Tel: 0113 2574805
This huge urban arena boasts over 200 trampolines, 3-Sided Walk the Wall, Slam Dunk lanes, Jump Tower, Tumble Tracks, Big Air Bags, Jump Ramps, Slack Line, Battle Beams and a huge Dodgeball Arena. Brand new 6,00 sq ft inflatable section with huge slides, obstacle course and toddler area.
Toddler sessions, family sessions, fitness classes, trampolining lessons & birthday parties.
1 Benyon Park Way, LS12 6DP. 0800 121 7567.
A Great Family Day Out! Climb aboard the little steam trains for a scenic railway journey from Clayton West to Shelley, in the beautiful South Pennine Foothills. Cafe, shop, playground, miniature railway, picnic areas and bouncy castle. Special seasonal events. Birthday parties.
Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Clayton West HD8 9XJ.Tel: 01484 865727
For the Kids (0 -12 years) 4m high Twin wavy slide and Tube slide, Kart track, Sports area, Dizzy disc. Separate toddler area with bumpy slide, ball pool, ball boggler and much more.
Relaxed family orientated atmosphere, contemporary café bar with wifi.
Also offer a range of party packages
Open Mon-Sun. There are a number of parking spaces to the side of the building on Clarence Drive with a larger parking area to the rear on Clarence Gardens.
New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4QD. Tel: 01133933340
This is a large bright soft play area and there is excellent visibility of the equipment from the café. The crawlers area is good and there are separate ‘function rooms’ for parties and various classes which are run here.
Open 7 days a week, parking onsite.
Beech Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 8DS. Tel: 01423 816111
The home of the slidiest slides, the most colourful crafts, and the Wackiest kids around! Whether its birthdays or bank holidays, after school or after dinner, there’s nowhere better to set them loose.
Otley Road, near Leeds LS16 7PH. Tel: 0113 267 1823
A great family day out with 4.5 billion years of discovery. If you love Leeds history, the ancient worlds, natural sciences, there’s plenty to enjoy. Cafe & toilet facilities. Accessible site. Free admission, closed Mondays.
Join Rory, the Leeds City Museum tiger for regular craft activities at the Museum every Saturday between 11am and 12.15pm. Also offers free craft activities for children under five during Tiny Tigers sessions at 10am – 11.45am on Fridays.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH. Tel: 0113 378 5001
Step back in time to discover the industrial history of Leeds that the city was famous for. From textiles to printing, clothing to manufacturing, engineering and locomotives. Great fun for all age groups. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Call 0113 378 3173.
The three-tier adventure play area includes a slide, tube slide, twin aerial glide, sports court and a car track. Toddler area with ball pool, role play areas, tree with sound effects, piano and drums and other great features. Separate baby room with a sensory area.
Cafe onsite. Onsite parking
Unit 19, Limewood Road, Seacroft, Leeds, LS14 1LU. Tel: 0113 232 9822
The Science Adventure Centre is a hands-on experience, packed with interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. Explore the wonders of Science and Technology in the four pavilions – Air, Earth, Fire & Water! Splash in water, operate real JCB’s in Earth, marvel at a tornado made of fire and even explode a rock face! Magna is a coats-on experience; set in the old Templeborough steelworks, The Big Melt and Face of Steel offer an exciting journey into the world of steelmaking.
Magna Way, Rotherham, S60 1FD Tel: 01709 720 002
A genuine 3 dimensional jungle maze with bridges, slides, dark corners, ball pools and more. This soft play area will keep your children occupied for hours. Parties catered for. Cafe & toilet facilities.
Onsite parking.
Monkey Maze, Link House, Ninelands Lane, Garforth, Leeds LS25 1NT. Tel: 0113 287 2766
Ahoy there, me hearty! Arrrr you ready for a swashbuckling adventure? Then it’s time to follow me to Mr Mulligan’s Pirate Golf in Castleford. You can play two rip-roaringly adventurous 18-hole out-of-doors courses at Skull Cove and Smugglers’ Bay. BEWARE: all 36 holes are riddled with peril and dastardly traps…Birthday parties catered for.
Junction 32 Outlet Village, Tomahawk Trail, Glasshoughton, Castleford, WF10 4FR. Tel: 01977 550030
Discover 300 years of history and over 1 million objects that changed the world in the UK’s largest railway museum. Explore opulent carriages of the royal family including Queen Victoria and her ‘Palace on Wheels’ in Station Hall. Watch engineering work in progress in the Workshop, discover previously unseen artwork, papers, reports, photographs, and small artefacts at the Search Engine research centre and blow off some steam in both the indoor and outdoor play area.
Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily. Closed 24, 25, 26th December.
Free Entry
NRM York, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Explore the science and culture of light and sound technologies and their impact on our lives. The museum aims to inspire our scientists and engineers of the future to see more, hear more, think more and do more.
The galleries and exhibition spaces help illuminate world-famous collections in photography, film and television and the team of Explainers create learning activities that fuel the imagination.
Three cinema screens—including an IMAX theatre—showcase the magic of moving images
Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD1 1NQ. Tel: 0844 856 3797
A family run farm, providing an excellent farm shop. You can take a walk around the outside animal area and feed the animals (charge applies), they even have Alpacas!. There is also an indoor sandpit and small play area with ride-ons and Little Tikes slide etc for children. There is lots of free parking and a special picnic area.
Closed on a Monday January – April.
None Go Bye Farm Shop, Otley Old Rd, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5HZ. Tel:0113 284 2206
Puttstars will offer mini golf with a unique and modern twist, with three interactive and fun filled nine-hole courses suitable for all ages and abilities. At Puttstars, scores are digitally calculated using high-tech screens at each hole.
The centre also has a large amusement area with family favourite games, a bar and diner.
Due to open 6th March 2020 at The Springs at Thorpe Park. Tel: 0844 248 3226
The Royal Armouries is home to the United Kingdom’s national collection of arms, armour and artillery. Look out for special seasonal & school holiday events. Free entry. Family friendly. Accessible site. Cafe & toilet facilities.
Royal Armouries, Leeds, LS10 1LT. Tel: 0113 220 1999.
School of Sew takes a fresh new approach on teaching traditional sewing skills to people of all ages. Covering all aspects of sewing, from threading a needle to creating fabric masterpieces, you’ll learn advanced sewing techniques whilst making new friends with people who share your passion. We also offer sewing parties for children age 8 – 16 to get creative, have loads of fun and take home a gorgeous hand made gift!
No 1 The Spinning Mill, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds LS28 5UJ. Tel: 0113 418 2718
Welcome to the world of SCRAP: Everything you need for a crafty project under one roof and cheap as chips too. They also host a range of Design, Tinker, Make and Play sessions suitable for all ages.
The Spinning Mill, Sunny Bank Mills Paradise Street/Charles Street, Off Farsley Town Street (opposite the Bay Horse, near Jackaboos), Farsley, LS28 5UJ. Tel: 0113 3452627
Snozone Castleford houses a 170m slope. This fabulous indoor slope means you can year round ski, snowboard and toboggan with all the family. With a SnoAcademy for children just learning as well as special family fun activities including sledging the traditional way. Situated in the Xscape complex.
Play, climb, trek, bowl, skate, ride, ski, eat, drink Summit Indoor Adventure has something for everyone whether you’re a parent with a toddler to entertain, group of friends looking for a somewhere to go or want to do something together as a family Summit Indoor Adventure has it all.
Summit Indoor Adventure, Scott Road, Selby. YO8 4BL. Tel: 01757 293292
TAG X is a real life, active gaming experience that will challenge players to take part in a variety of games and challenges. The aim of the game is to collect points on your wristband by swiping against different illuminated TAGs hidden within the different games throughout the arena.
Children have to be a minimum of 1.2 metres high and over 8 to do the main Tag X course but there is a Stompers play gym for younger children.
Great place to take children of all ages from babies – teenagers. (Mumbler MD, May 18)
The concept is that you go through the 3 zones and use your wristband to tag the sensors, with different points depending on how hard the challenge is. It was also great fun for adults to do alongside children and they said you could do it instead of a workout!!! (Mumbler AR, May 18)
Approx 35 minutes from North Leeds.
Windmill Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 0QD. Tel: 01924 565059
Get ready for high-octane go karting over 580m of racing tarmac! Glide through hairpins and speed along the straights as you tackle the longest indoor circuit in Yorkshire. Perfect for family days out, kids’ parties and corporate events, this Leeds track offers an unforgettable experience for true thrill seekers. Age 8+.
69 South Accommodation Road, Leeds LS10 1NQ. Tel: 0844 998 0000
**Closes for re-development 1st May 2019**
Through nine interactive galleries go on a journey of discovery to explore the incredible world of medicine. Travel from the Victorian age to the present day to explore the fascinating world of surgery and find out how breakthroughs in science have changed all our lives for the better.
Exciting family activities take place at weekends and during every school holiday. Car park and cafe.
Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN. Tel: 0113 244 4343
Jam packed with vertical, overhanging and slab walls. There are also a Bodyweight Workout Area, Zlag board, Peg Board and Campus Boards. And for those with children there is a dedicated area for younger climbers. Kids lessons & birthday parties. Age 5+
Units 14 & 15, Kirkstall Industrial Park, Leeds LS4 2AZ. Tel: 0113 263 2742
The gallery brings together work from Wakefield’s art collection, exhibitions by contemporary artists and rarely seen works by Barbara Hepworth. Regular special events & kids art sessions. Cafe, shop, outdoor play area. Free. Closed Mondays.
Yorkshire’s Premier Climbing Centre for climbing routes, bouldering, dry tooling & outdoor climbing. Adult & kids courses, kids holiday clubs, birthday parties. Age 6+
The Rainbow Factory specialises in storytelling through the creative arts, including theatre, crafts and games that inspire and delight children aged 10 and under.
Activities are run by a talented team of performers and include learning hieroglyphs, model-making, robot-building, superhero-training, CSI workshops, treasure hunts, crafts, silly science and more.
Gate 3, Springfield Commercial Centre, Bagley Lane, Farsley, LS28 5LY. Tel: 0113 257 5750
Contemporary art centre with galleries, learning studio, workspaces for creative industries, restaurant and bar, in the heart of Leeds’ South Bank. Special events and school holiday activities.
The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ. Tel: 0113 320 2323
Conquering Volcano Falls is a quest you will never forget. Set on a mysterious island amid dense jungle with a ferocious T-Rex, exploding volcano and a plunging waterfall lies 2 challenging courses of 18 holes waiting to be defeated.
Located in Cardigan Fields Leisure Park on Kirstall Road, Vue Leeds Kirkstall has ten screens – including an IMAX screen – with over 1,880 seats.
William’s Den is a new and exciting adventure attraction, giving children the chance to connect with nature and get active as they explore a custom designed complex that brings the great outdoors inside. Children can play, explore, run, climb, build dens and learn, all in an open, rural and natural setting with a range of facilities tailored to families.
Special events and activities in the school holidays.
William’s Den, Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, HU15 2LS. Tel: 01430 47223
World of Their Own is a fantasy themed play and party venue for children which is role play at its best!
From crawlers through to age 8. Little outlaws enjoy escaping from the Sheriffs Jail, robbing the Wild West Bank, experimenting with mocktails in the Cowgirl Saloon, trying their luck in Tin Can Valley, taking cover in the Cowboy Shoot Out, exploring down the Spooky Gold Mine and trying to stay on their feet in the Rodeo Bounce House!
Throughout term time, they offer 3 play experiences a day lasting 2 hours. During this time, their Deputies will initiate Wild West inspired activities and role play to inspire your little outlaw’s imaginations and learning. The first session of the day is 9.30am – 11.30am and is aimed at toddlers – if you can get down on a Tuesday or Friday they do a special “Honky Tonk Toddler Adventures” which offer a more sensory experience. The next play experience is from 12.30pm – 2.30pm, with the last one from 3- 5.30pm – perfect for after school!
Also hire for exclusive party use on weekends.
Check website for opening times and sessions.
I7A Hornbeam Park Oval, Harrogate
Bring your family to Visit England’s quality assured visitor attraction, and discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate. Unwrap the secrets of chocolate making, and even learn the art of the chocolatier for yourself.
King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD. Tel:01905-541441
This place has a great (free) outdoor play area with wooden structures and indoor barn area for those having the full dining experience. Separated out into under and over 7 year olds, and just £1.00 per child entry, the bigger kids can enjoy high adventure, whilst the little ones can take it more gently in their own play space. Brilliant 1950’s style parlour serving sundaes, breakfasts, burgers and hotdogs, coffees, cakes & all sorts!
Calm Slate Farm, Halton East, Bolton Abbey, BD23 6EU. Tel: 01756 711826
