Set across four floors, there is something to do for children on every floor; with a different theme on each and lots of opportunities for children to learn in a fun hands-on way with dressing up, quizzes, ‘did you know?’ sections and school holidays events running. And they have a Museum Minis Trail, a free guide for toddlers to help them explore the museum.
They also have a weekly craft session aimed at families and under 5’s, every Saturday morning at 11-11.45am, called Rory’s Tiger Club, which is free to attend and no booking necessary.
Suitable for babies and toddlers. Entry is FREE.
Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH. Tel: 0113 3785001
3. Abbey House Museum and Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre
Abbey House Museum is a family-friendly museum exploring social history and childhood in Victorian era Leeds. Explore the Victorian Streets to find out what life was like. And venture upstairs to find a fascinating range of toys, games and 19th century dolls on display; as well as iconic toys over the last decades. The Abbey is a great place to explore with little ones, with lots of nooks and crannies, as well as a mud kitchen.
There is a child-friendly café onsite at Abbey House Museum and if the weather allows, you can have a play in the park across the road from the museum which has a great toddler area.
Suitable for babies and toddlers. Entry to the museum is FREE for under 5’s; Entry to Visitor Centre is FREE. Normal admission applies for adults.
Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH Tel: 0113 3784079
Discover Tiny Tetley Studio, an artist-designed play space for children under 5 at The Tetley, a contemporary art gallery in Leeds’ South Bank.
In Tiny Tetley Studio, Jefferies uses play and contemporary art to create an alternative to commercial spaces for children and their families.
As well as this free play space, visit The Tetley to see free art exhibitions and grab a bite to eat in the Bar & Kitchen.
The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ, is a 10 min walk from Leeds Train Station, 10 min walk from Leeds Bus Station and 5 min walk from Trinity Leeds. The Tetley and Tiny Tetley Studio are open Wednesday – Sundays, 10am–5pm and are free to visit.
The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ. Tel: 0113 320 2323
Little Burrowers play cafe is designed for babies to preschool. Come along and explore our magical baby playroom designed for babies aged 0-18 months. Join us for our exciting stay and play sessions, baby rave, messy play and bouncing bunnies’ interactive classes. Sensory sessions filled with stimulation for you and your baby.
Have you seen our play village? At Little Burrowers we also have our exciting George Town interactive play village for confident walkers to pre-school. Let your child’s imagination run wild in our five exciting stations: fire engine, vets, stables, tea rooms and a hairdressers. Learn and explore through play.
Young children love stories and rhymes, and they’re never too young to join the library! North Leeds Libraries have a huge range of board books, picture books and e-books for under 5s, and each library has a dedicated children’s area. Why not try one of the FREE drop-in Storytime and Rhymetime sessions; filled with songs, stories, crafts and bubbles.For a full list of Library times and sessions, click here.
Suitable for babies and toddlers. Entry is FREE.
The cinema is always a good choice to just kick back and relax and get out of the house to escape the everyday, whilst watching the latest movies. And with Baby and Child Friendly Screenings you can do just that! Here is a handy list of local cinema screenings in North Leeds:
For a full list of cinema times and sessions, click here.
9. Soft Plays Centre’s and Playgroups
Soft play centre’s and Playgroups are a great place for children to let off steam, while parents can take a moment to relax with a drink or a snack, without the worry that their little ones are running riot. North Leeds has a good range of options with many who have specific areas aimed for babies and under 5’s. Mumblers in the chat group have recommended the following Soft Plays specifically for under 5’s:
For a full list of soft play centres, click here.
For a full list of Playgroups, click here.
And for our latest reviews, check out Cottonbudz in Rodley, Grasshoppers, Tong Garden Centre, Jigsaw Juniors in Horsforth, The Hangout at Our Place in Meanwood and Tiny Boo in Headingley.
You can take your little ones (18 months – 5 years) to experience the fun of a trampoline park with designated Toddler Sessions where you don’t have to worry about you larger jumpers getting in the way. Toddler Sessions last 1hr and take place:
Visit Gravity website for more details on pricing and themed toddler events.
Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2DG Tel: 0330 159 5815
If you fancy trying somewhere a little further afield, the following have been recommended by other Mumblers
*Details correct at time of publishing, November 2021
5. Little Burrowers