Free and low cost summer holiday ideas for people in Leeds
With the cost of living high, many residents and families in Leeds will be searching for fun things to do and days out that won’t break the bank over the summer holidays.
We’ll be highlighting some of the best things to do in the city here that won’t cost too much.
You can also visit www.leedsinspired.co.uk for more ideas and inspiration.
Game token trail at Leeds City Museum
Take a nostalgic look at classic board game tokens while exploring Leeds City Museum.
Search the museum for oversized game pieces, from the iconic Monopoly top hat to a 12-sided dice.
Stop off at Leeds City Museum to enjoy this fun family trail while you take part in the city’s Monopoly Leeds Takeover.
More information: Game Token Trail - Leeds City Museum
COST: Free
Urban nature trail at Kirkstall Abbey
Take a walk around the stunning grounds of Kirkstall Abbey and see if you can spot birds, bees, bats and butterflies.
Join in with nature-themed arts and craft sessions on this theme and learn all about its history in the Visitor Centre.
More information: Summer Holidays: Urban Nature Trail - Kirkstall Abbey (leeds.gov.uk)
COST: Free for Leeds residents.
Summer store tours at Leeds Discovery Centre
Go behind the scenes of Leeds Museums and Galleries with a tour of their spectacular storage facility.
Home to more than a million objects, the Leeds Discovery Centre is a purpose built storage and conservation facility.
Visitors can see everything from toucans to telephones, meteorites and tours take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 11am and 1pm between July 30 and 29th August 29.
More info: Summer Store Tours - Leeds Museums & Galleries
COST: Free but must be booked in advance. To book, please call 0113 378 2100 or email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk
Connect to Home at Leeds Art Gallery
Join artist Kalisha Piper Cheddie and use a photograph from Peter Mitchell’s Nothing Lasts Forever exhibition to create an image that shows your connection to home.
Add drawing and colour, cut them up or collage new parts, and experiment with creative play to explore your idea of home.
Takes place July 30- 01 August 1, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
More information: Connect to Home in Artspace - Leeds Art Gallery
COST: Free, drop in.
Image credit: Kalisha Piper-Cheddie inspired by Peter Mitchell.
Summer reading challenge with Leeds Libraries
Celebrate this year's Summer Reading Challenge theme of Marvellous Makers with sessions where you’ll be an artist for a day.
Taking inspiration from famous artworks and brilliant books, participants will be doodling, collaging, building and crafting.
Work together to make a giant collaborative artwork and create a craft to take home with you. Plus, you'll have a chance to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge, and borrow books. Events take place at Leeds Libraries venues across the city.
More information: Summer Reading Challenge: Marvellous Makers | Leeds Inspired
COST: Free
Save the Planet crafts and storytelling
Meet Mother Nature and her squirrel friend and learn all about how we can better Save The Planet. Play games, make a bug hotel for the garden, and learn about garden birds all in an interactive and enjoyable workshop setting.
Delivered by Same Difference Arts. Taking place at various Leeds Libraries venues across the city.
More information: Save The Planet: Crafts and Storytelling | Leeds Inspired
COST: Pay as you feel
Hip Hop art and dance workshop
Special guest, Bboy Philty from @hellohiphop will be providing taster sessions in Breakin' and Graffiti.
Suitable for all abilities, Phil will demonstrate the art of Breakin', teach the foundational structure of the dance, and finish with a calm and relaxing art class. During the session, children can showcase what they've learnt while making new friends and building their confidence.
Taking place at various venues across the city:
More information: Hello Hip Hop: Art and Dance Workshop | Leeds Inspired
COST: Pay as you feel.
Breeze in the Park events
Head to your local park for fun, chills and thrills with Breeze in the Park’s interactive play, arts zone, food and classic inflatables.
Breeze in the Park will host 26 at spaces events across the city and catering will be available on site but please bring your own picnic blanket.
Relaxed Sessions will also take place for children with additional needs who require a quieter session.
More information: Breeze In The Park – Breeze Leeds
COST: Tickets are priced at 5op per session and must be booked in advance.
Summer bands in Leeds parks
Parks across the city will be filled with the fantastic sounds of local brass, jazz and concert bands this summer.
Held as part of Summer Bands in Leeds Parks series, the programme features performances all across Leeds thoughout July and August.
More information: Summer Bands in Leeds Parks | Leeds Inspired]
COST: Check individual venue
Mystery matinees at Leeds Industrial Museum
Enjoy a mystery classic film in one of the UK’s smallest cinemas at Leeds Industrial Museum.
The beautiful 1920s style Palace Picture House will be showing a family film each day at 2:00pm during the Easter holidays which is included in the museum admission charge, meaning a family of five go to the cinema for just £13.20.
More info: Leeds Industrial Museum - Leeds Museums & Galleries
COST Adult: £5.80, children £3.15, family £13.20