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The best things to do in Leeds this Easter
19th March 2026
With Easter and the springtime holidays right around the corner, it’s a great time to get outside, discover something new and have fun!
Over the next few weeks Leeds will come to life with family fun activities for all ages. Here we’ve rounded up the top things to do this Easter which are guaranteed to put a spring in your step no matter the weather.
Shows
Hot Wheel Monster Trucks Live
first direct bank arena – 28th and 29th March
Hot Wheels fans will be thrilled for the ultimate monster truck show coming to first direct bank arena this Easter with high-flying stunts and even a fire-breathing, car crushing robot dinosaur!
International Jousting Tournament
Royal Armouries Museum – 3rd to 6th April
Cheer on knights from Poland, Portugal and the UK at this authentic medieval jousting tournament as they clash on the battlefield.
Planet Omar
Leeds Playhouse – 7th to 25th April
Step into the fantastically imaginative and chaotic world of Planet Omar, following the adventures of an 8-year-old with a wild imagination, a big heart, and a knack for getting into trouble. Based on the beloved books by Zanib Mian.
Out of the Box
City Varieties Music Hall – 7th April
This family-friendly circus comedy show is a celebration of play for all ages with plenty of audience participation.
Shrek: The Musical
Leeds Grand Theatre – 7th to 11th April
Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and a host of fairy-tale characters on a hilarious journey with a playlist of beloved songs including I’m A Believer.
The Gruffalo’s Child
Carriageworks Theatre – 11th & 12th April
An adaption of the award-winning picture book, The Gruffalo’s Child is a show filled with songs, laughs and scary fun for the whole family.
Exciting Science
City Varieties Music Hall – 12th April
Stand clear and prepare for action as the science team experiment to recreate volcanic eruptions, missile launchers and bring the ‘exciting’ back into ‘science.
Peter Rabbit™
Merrion Centre – 15th April
The Merrion Centre will be visited by Peter Rabbit™ for free live story telling sessions, perfect Easter fun!
Outdoors
Easter on the Farm
Temple Newsam – 28th March to 19th April
Lambs are a-leaping over at Temple Newsam Farm. Meet the springtime babies, including lambs, pigs, goats and cows, as well as all the trees and flowers springing to life.
Easter Estate Adventure
Harewood House – 3rd to 6th April
BRAND NEW FOR 2026! Climb aboard this trailer tour of the Harewood Estate, discover secrets of the working farmland and see keep watch for the various animals including Deer, Red Kites and some Highland Cows.
Golden Age Heist Trail
Harewood House – 28th March to 19th April
Head to the South Garden at Harewood House for a magical mystery. The Golden Goose’s precious egg has been stolen, and you’re needed to help crack the case with puzzle boards, playful installations and photo moments. For ages 7 and under, check out the simpler family-friendly trail here.
Dragon Quest: The Search for the Lost Eggs
Lotherton – 28th March to 19th April
Go on a family-friendly adventure through Lotherton Estate to discover the secrets of dragons. Head to Bae Camp, collect everything you need for your epic expedition and find eggs from across the world and reawaken the magic in them.
Silly Sheep Round Up
Kirkstall Abbey – 3rd to 19th April
Round up the silly sheep in the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey on this family trail. A variety of rainbow, gingham, and polka dot flocks can be found throughout.
Go Ape Temple Newsam
28th March to 19th April & various dates after
With wobbly crossings, Tarzan Swings and zip wires, Go Ape is the day out for everyone. With trails for kids from age 4+ up to epic challenges, the whole family gets a chance to adventure in the treetops.
Indoors
Medieval Easter
Royal Armouries – 28th March to 2nd April, 7th to 19th April
An action-packed Easter awaits at the Royal Armouries Museum. With medieval themed demonstrations and activities, as well as the International Jousting Tournament on Easter Weekend.
Story Explorers
Leeds Central Library – until 30th May
Take a fantastical trip to the far reaches of outer space, the depths of the jungle and the bottom of the ocean floor in a free family experience, in collaboration with the British Library.
Edith’s Scullery School
Harewood House – 31st March to 14th April
It’s time for a spring clean, and the collections team will lead this child-friendly experience to show young historians and curious minds how to take care of the House’s historic items. Investigate domestic objects, historical cleaning remedies and some special treasures of Harewood
Book your day out to Harewood here.
Leeds Young Film Festival 2026
28th March to 19th April
A celebration of cinema and film for children and family, this festival will host a selection of family-friendly features. Alongside screenings will be workshops, VR experiences and hands-on activities.
Medicine in Space
Thackray Museum of Medicine – 3rd to 19th April
Get ready for blast off and explore the wonders of medicine in space.
Hats off to History
Temple Newsam – 28th March to 19th April
From bonnets to bowlers, fascinators to flat caps – try on a variety of historical styles learning the stories behind and get the chance to create your own headpiece for the Hat Parade.
Roman Rabbits Trail
Leeds City Museum – 28th March to 19th April
Explore the Leeds City Museum in search of rabbits, learn about the history of them in Roman Britain, and spot Emperor Carrot-ius!
Sparky Saturdays – Colour!
M&S Archives – 11th April
Head up to the M&S Archives for this special Spark Saturdays event. Explore the science and magic of colour from food to homeware.
Birds and Bumblebees
Tropical World – 28th March to 18th April
Discover exotic birds, learn about the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, speak to keepers and drop into the activity room at Tropical World.
Store Tours & Workshops
Leeds Discovery Centre – various dates
The Leeds Discovery Centre holds over 1 million objects, and this Easter get a behind the scenes tours of the collection store. There will also be the chance to join some egg-citing workshops to discover the centre’s egg collection.
Bunny Fun
Abbey House Museum – 3rd to 19th April
Hop down the Victorian Streets at Abbey House Museum where bunnies have taken over. Grocer bunnies weighing carrots, pulling pints, and even a famous bunny or two can be found.
Felted Egg Hunt
Leeds Industrial Museum – 3rd to 19th April
Drop into the Leeds Industrial Museum for an egg-cellent Egg Hunt, count all the woolly eggs and win a prize!
Musical Museum Crafts
Leeds City Museum – 7th to 9th April
Bring the whole family down to the Leeds City Museum for a variety of musical activities and games set to the soundtrack of Leeds music, inspired by the exhibition Music Leeds Us: Celebrating 60 years of Music in Leeds.
The Hole in Wand
St John’s Shopping Centre – Every day
A sorcerer has muddled an Easter spell and now needs your help to search for the hidden dragon eggs over 9 crazy golf courses and break the curse!
Woodland Wonderland
White Rose Centre – 7th to 12th April
Enjoy a variety of free nature-inspired activities from decorating masks to creating your own treasure chests.
Travelling into Leeds
Did you know that when you choose Park & Ride that the parking is free AND with every fare-paying adult, three kids (under 19) travel for free!
Then it’s only 10-15 minutes into the city centre to enjoy your Easter adventures!
Find out more about Leeds Park & Ride here.
*This blog was originally posted in 2025 and has been updated for 2026