Top 10 free days out in and around Leeds
Come rain or shine, we have you covered.
Last updated 21st Apr 2021
It can be a struggle to think of new, fun ideas to fill the days, even more to do so on a budget. Greatest Hits Radio to the rescue; we've compiled a handy little list of totally free and fun days out around Leeds and the surrounding areas for you to enjoy.
Rodley Nature Reserve
This free nature reserve has a wide variety of birds and local animals to observe in their natural habitat. Rodley Nature Reserve is aimed at encouraging the return of wetlands local wildlife to the local area and has plenty aimed at kids - mini beast hunts, pond dipping, moth trapping and even a quiz for the trail!
The reserve is open on a restricted basis due to Coronavirus. Wednesday and Saturday only, 1pm until 5pm with certain facilities still closed. To read more on the restrictions in place at the Reserve, click here.
Roundhay Park
Roundhay is beautiful in the sunshine and there are play parks for kids to let loose in with lots of fun playground apparatus to explore. Rounday has free tennis courts open all summer, so bring your rackets along and you can have hours of free fun! Tropical World is only over the road and costs just a few pounds, but there are plenty of other free ways to fill the time here including walking around the lake.
It is recommended to pre-book tickets to Tropical World to adhere to social distancing measures.https://tropicalworld.leeds.gov.uk/reopening-faqs
Leeds City Museum
A great way to pass the time on a rainy day, whilst allowing kids (and parents!) to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the history of the local area and the world as a whole.
Royal Armouries
The Royal Armouries are a much-loved and well-visited part of Leeds, but many people seem to forget that the Armouries are actually a really good way to fill a day for free. The Armouries are home to collections of armour and weaponry from across the world and the centuries. There are plenty of free exhibition talks, with many online due to the current climate. If you wish to visit the Armouries, booking a time slot is essential – you can book here.
Salts Mill
A lot of Salts Mill is taken up by shops and cafes, so it may not be the first place you think of for a free day out. The Mill has a huge collection of works by renowned artist David Hockney and exhibitions about the history of the Mill and the industrial background of the area. There are boutique shops to browse and the Alessi section of the homeware store in particular includes lots of fascinating designs and inventions.
The Salts Mill is online, if you want to continue to support them in these hard times, but don’t fancy venturing out.
The Tetley
The Tetley building is a piece of major Leeds history, with the once-brewery now becoming a hub for art and learning within the community.
To help the venue manage the number of visitors, please pre-book your visit here. Once this is done you and your little ones can let your creativity flow.
Leeds-Liverpool Canal
A walk down the canal to see the aquatic birds and even just take in the beauty of our local area is an ideal free way to spend a sunny day. There are also plenty of cafes and pubs available along the way for refreshments, or well-kept fields for a picnic!
We advise that you only do such activities with those that you live with and in your social bubble - remember local guidelines and restrictions.
National Science and Media Museum
This may fall more into the 'around' than the 'Leeds' section of the list, but the National Media Museum in Bradford is definitely worth the trip even if you don't live out that way. The museum is home to a variety of permanent exhibitions which are a combination of interactive fun for kids and a hit of nostalgia for parents.
The National Science and Media Museum is now open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm and booking in advance for the museum and Pictureville Cinema is required before your visit.
Leeds Central Library
If your little ones are into books, or you are aiming to get them more engaged with reading, a library is the best way to do it on a budget. Any local library is a resource to appreciate and protect, but Leeds Central Library in particular is a great way to spend a rainy day. A mixture of thousands of books and beautiful historical architecture in a listed building means that hours can be enjoyed here without a penny spent.
Kirkstall Abbey
Wander down to the riverside, or just stick to the path and investigate the wonderful ancient ruins. If you feel like spending a few quid, the Abbey House Museum has cheap entry currently has weekly Mindfulness Drop In sessions on Tuesdays. Kirkstall Abbey also supports the NHS track and trace system.