Free and low-cost things to do over May half term

Gnomes Galore at Abbey House Museum
Help! The museum's cheeky gnomes have escaped and are hiding all over the Victorian Streets, grab a trail sheet and see who you can find! Be sure to come and join the mischief and also take part in craft activities inspired by our cheeky friends.
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Gnomes Galore at Abbey House Museum


Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival
Explore the historic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey whilst looking for fun scarecrows during the Scarecrow Festival! You might find a Hungry Caterpillar in the Kitchen, a ladybird in the library or a horse in the hospital! Wander through the park and woodlands and take a leisurely stroll beside the River Aire whilst learning about the historic Abbey.
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival


Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton
Take part in Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton and celebrate all the animals in Wildlife World. Follow the 'amazing animals' trail, hop on board their famous tractor trailer for a deer park tour, get crafty in the House and find out more about the wildlife in the zoo.
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission (crafts and tractor tour are additional costs)
Find out more: Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton


Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam House
In the big house you will find crafts and activities all inspired by the theme of happiness. Families will be able to enjoy joyful crafts, dreamy dressing up, not so tricky trails and more! There is also a brand new exhibition by Leeds Fine Artists which is on display in different rooms throughout the house. See if you can spot the newest paintings and objects on display and how the artists have been inspired by the country house.
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam House


Love Your Zoo Week at Tropical World
Celebrate Love Your Zoo Week by visiting Tropical World and meeting their new sulcata tortoises. Take part in Tank’s Tortoise Trail, experience keeper talks, take part in craft activities, and treat yourself to a tasty snack in the café.
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
Find out more: Love Your Zoo Week at Tropical World



Half term at Kirkgate Market
Visit Kirkgate Market over half term to experience pop-up events and free family activities including giant games, colouring, Lego crafts, and Duplo building.
Saturday 24 May to Friday 30 May, cost: free
Find out more: Half term at Kirkgate Market


Half term at the Royal Armouries Museum
Over half term, the Royal Armouries Museum will be shining a light on the Second World War - with live presentations, battle stories and weapon talks. And experience their new display, Objects in Focus, which marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day.
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, 10am to 5pm, cost: free
Find out more: Half term at the Royal Armouries


Miffy Crafts at Leeds City Museum
Delve into the world of Miffy books and create your own bold, colourful Miffy artwork. Come to the museum for Miffy-themed arts and crafts during the half term. There’ll also be finger puppets and Miffy ears for little bunnies to decorate. Activities are suitable for all ages, designed for families to have a go together.
Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 May, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, cost: free
Find out more: Miffy Crafts at Leeds City Museum


These Are My Rocks with Bethan Woollvin at Leeds Libraries
Do you collect anything? Everyone collects something! Join award-winning author/illustrator Bethan Woollvin at one of our libraries for an exciting workshop based on her brand-new picture book These Are My Rocks, which is all about the joy of collecting things.
Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May (locations and times vary), cost: pay what you decide
Find out more: These Are My Rocks with Bethan Woollvin


Turn Back the Clock at Leeds Discovery Centre
In this family workshop, come and take a closer look at some of the amazing clocks in the discovery centre's collection and have a go at making your own wall clock to take home.
Wednesday 28 May, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, cost: give what you can - bookings required via the website
Find out more: Turn Back the Clock at Leeds Discovery Centre


Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum
Celebrate the wonder of wool with craft stalls, workshops, live demonstrations, a pop-up tea room and loads more - the city’s original festival of wool is back with a bang in 2025! We have it all from packed out crafting markets to expert demonstrations, talks, performances, tea room pop-ups and loads more. Whether you’re a natty knitter or crackers about crochet, it’s a great day out for all ages.
Saturday 31 May, 10am to 5pm, cost: £5 for adults, £2.90 for children
Find out more: Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum