Looking for Spring Half Term ideas? We’ve got you covered.

No matter what your family likes to get up to, Leeds has got you covered this Spring Half Term. Because when the schools are out, it’s time to get out there and find your type of fun. So whether you’re a tribe that likes to explore, a creative crew, or a curious collective, you’ll find a whole host of activities, attractions and destinations to fill that week of holiday goodness.

 

For the outdoor explorers and nature lovers…

One of the best ways to make the most of family time is to get outdoors – there’s nothing better for using up kids’ energy, and getting those much needed steps in too. Luckily, Leeds has a wealth of green space, parks and trails to take to.

 

 

You might want to head to Kirkstall Abbey for a wander amongst the Medieval ruins, or roam the grounds of Harewood House where you’ll find its adventure playground, or Temple Newsam where pulse-racing Go Ape is ideal for older kids.  The Valentine’s Fair is returning to the city this year in Millennium Square, Cookridge Street and Victoria Gardens – the perfect place for all thrill seekers to get an adrenaline rush! There’s more about the outdoors here.

 

For the creative and curious…

Just because school’s out, it doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. But maybe it’s time to forget the maths homework and make things a little more exciting? Leeds’ awesome array of museums and galleries offer loads more than rooms of exhibits. There are loads of ways to get involved!

 

The City Museum has an exhibition on the 50 years of Hip Hop history including a subway car which you can help decorate with ‘graffiti’.

Over at the Royal Armouries, you can book a free ticket to ‘Superheroes’ and see your favourite heroes battle the villains, acrobatics and even participate in some (Peter) parkour yourself. On Saturday the 17th February you can also enjoy a roarsome adventure herding dinosaurs with Jurassic Earth at the Armouries.

 

For the cultural…

Should the weather be too damp and dreary for a walk outside? Leeds has several theatres, spaces and cinemas to go watch a show at and this Half-Term there is plenty for kids of all ages!

 

 

Northern Ballet is taking over the Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre for the classic story of the Tortoise & The Hare. 

Wanting some larger than life theatrics? Join Morgan & West for their Massive Magic Show For Kids! at the Carriageworks. Zog and the Flying Doctors (based on the bestselling book) will be playing down at the Leeds Playhouse, or for another literary adventure at the Carriageworks The Selfish Giant (inspired by an Oscar Wilde story) will have puppetry, music and magic. Or for a sporty show the First Direct Arena is showcasing the amazing skills and athleticism of the Harlem Globetrotters.

 

For the flavour hunters…

Everyone needs to eat, but for some families trying new things is what spending time together is all about! So why not plan a trip to some of Leeds’ best family-friendly dining destinations?

 

 

Street food is a good place to start – there’s something for everyone, whether they love fish and chips or Vietnamese Pho. So Trinity Kitchen must be on the agenda, with a rotating cast of stalls and trucks changing seasonally. Then there are the award-winning stalls found in Leeds’ Kirkgate Market, where you can also get face to face with the butchers and fishmongers to see where the produce starts off. For the truly adventurous, Zaap Thai offers real Thai tuk tuks and an authentic menu with loads of options for kids to choose from. There are some handy offers on the horizon too, like Banyan Bar & Kitchen, where kids eat free until 6pm during half term. Or you can find more food and drink here.

 

Planning your break…

If you’re planning to make a break of it, Leeds has all the family-friendly accommodation you could need – suitable for everyone from babies to teenagers. Well-located city centre hotels, like the Hilton, Marriott or the Clayton will give you a perfect base to explore, with great links to public transport too. Adjoining rooms will be available on request, as well as sofa beds and cots where required. Other city centre hotels include the Crowne Plaza and Novotel, but these are just to name a few, with many other options to explore. Outside of the city centre, cricket fans will love the Headingley Lodge which overlooks the pitch or try Oulton Hall which provides a great starting point to get out into the countryside. Check out our Where to Stay guide for more hotel options in the city centre and beyond.

 

So you’ve booked your accommodation, now how do you get here? The train station is connected to Manchester, London and Edinburgh and it’s so easy to travel to neighbouring city York. Leeds is also at the heart of the motorway network, so bringing your own car and parking in an accessible city centre car park is a good option too and you’ll be able to have a day trip and explore the Yorkshire Dales. Take a look at the day trips you can take from Leeds and for help with transport look at our transport guide for more details.

 

There’s so much to do in Leeds this Spring Half Term and with a host of activities and events to get involved with, there’s something for everyone!

 

Find out more about Family Adventures in Leeds here!

 

*This blog was originally posted in January 2023 and has been updated for 2024