If you want a place for your youngsters to let off steam and have fun, then there are plenty of exciting play areas across Leeds, many of which are completely free and in wonderful green surroundings. Harewood House offers a woodland wonderland and adventure playscape. You will also find exciting play areas at Temple Newsam, Lotherton and Stockeld Park. Leeds’ great parks of Roundhay, Golden Acre and Pudsey also have wonderful family play areas. Check out the list of parks across Leeds here, many with play areas. If adventure is what you’re after, then Go Ape at Temple Newsam is the perfect high-flying activity, featuring treetop thrills for all ages. Or for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, off road biking and much more see the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre.

Tropical World is one of the UK’s largest indoor tropical rainforest visitor attractions, with monkeys, porcupines, lizards and meerkats. Lotherton Wildlife World is a must and with many different species from all across the globe, and get up close with animal experiences with penguins, capybara and wallabies! Home Farm at Temple Newsam also has a large range of farm animals including many heritage breeds, so make the most of your day and combine a visit to the farm with the house and gardens. Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, situated north of Leeds City Centre, has all of the animals you’d expect in a farm, including cows, chickens, pigs and also a few surprises like Alpacas and turtles! At Hope Pastures, horses, ponies and donkeys have a sanctuary where children can learn about animal welfare, social responsibility and help with the rescue of these animals. Harewood Estate has 4000 acres, home to highland cows, deer, farm animals, squirrels, red kites, bats and more which you can find with a walk around Harewood Circular, or a guided tour from Harewood House.

Leeds Museums and Galleries offer a variety of toddler friendly sessions across their venues, with Tiny Tigers at the Leeds City Museum, Little Lotherton, Little Shoppers at Abbey House Museum and much more. At The Hidden Village, the specially designed role-play villages offer children the freedom to explore, create, and become anyone they dream of being, from budding chefs and tiny doctors to curious shopkeepers and fearless firefighters. Other soft play areas include Grass Hoppers at Tong & Tingley Garden Centres and Little Burrowers in Pudsey. The M&S Archive offers interactive displays, allowing children to go shopping in a Penny Bazaar, play dress up and more.