Finding affordable activities for the kids throughout the six-week summer holidays can be daunting. But in South Leeds we’re lucky to have lots of freebies!
In fact, through extensive research, I’ve discovered it is possible to do something different for FREE every day of the school holidays! Here is the South Leeds Mumbler pick of daily Summer freebies for families – with options both in and around South Leeds.
I’ve tried to include a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities to suit all ages and interests. Some are one-off events, others running on numerous dates or throughout the summer (the latter are listed only once). In all cases, please pre-book where required and check all the details with the organiser before setting off, to avoid disappointment.
With thanks to Ed Carlisle, Leeds Green Party (and local dad), for his help in putting this list together.
I wish you all a fabulous summer of fun!
Helen x
Rory’s Tiger Club
Every Sat, 11am-3pm @Leeds City Museum, Mill Sq LS2 8BH
This free weekly family club at the museum explores the exhibitions through creative children’s activities. This theme on 20 July is the 50th anniversary of the moon landings.
Swithens Farm Dog Show
Sat 20 July, 10am-4pm @Swithens Farm, Rothwell LS26 0BT
Dog show starts 11am. Stalls and bar open throughout. Completely free to enjoy the show and take in the stalls.
Kirkstall Art Trail
20-21 July, @various venues incl. the Abbey, pubs and people’s homes
Annual celebration of art in the community. Visitors welcomed to take part in family-friendly workshops, enjoy the exhibitions, performances and installations, and buy work from local artists and makers.
Junior Parkrun
Every Sunday year-round, 9am @Cross Flatts Park, Beeston
A free 2km run for ages 4-14. Meet at the top end behind the pavilion. parkrun.org.uk/crossflatts-juniors
Middleton Park Rock and Folk Music Festival
Sun 21 July, 12-4pm @Middleton Park LS10 3SH
Organised by The Friends of Middleton Park as part of their Summer events programme.
**EXCLUSIVE MUMBLER OFFER**
FREE session at LS-TEN skatepark
Any day through the Summer @LS-TEN skatepark, Hunslet LS10 1NT
Quote code LS-TEN/MumblerPromo for one free taster session per person. We have one of the best skateparks in the UK right on our doorstep! Get down to LS-Ten (formerly known as The Works, on Kitson Road near Costco) anytime to scoot, skate, or bike. As well as their established indoor arena, this summer sees them launch a new outdoor zone.
Learn Coding at Seacroft Code Club
Every Mon, 3.30-4.30pm @Seacroft Community Hub LS14 6JD
Easy to follow projects to help children learn coding languages by making games, robots, animations and websites in a supportive environment. Code Club is a global network for children aged 7-11. Book and find more Leeds coding events at ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents
**EXCLUSIVE MUMBLER OFFER**
A week of FREE play at Little Angels PlayZone
Tues 23-Sun 28 July @Little Angels PlayZone, Beeston LS11 7DF
Quote ‘South Leeds Mumbler’ for FREE play ALL WEEK. Includes FREE entry to all the play areas + soft play PLUS free entry into all the activity sessions (10.30am every weekday): Tues & Thurs ‘Mini Me Dance & Sing’, Wed ‘Raise & Shine Storytime’ and Fri ‘Messy Play’.
Active Leeds GO-TRI Sports sessions
Weekly Tues, 10.30am-12pm @Holbeck Moor LS11 9QL
Active Leeds is running free ‘GO-TRI’ sports session for ages 10-14. Free, but spaces are limited, so please pre-book: email rich.sadler@leeds.gov.uk or call 07891 272381.
Active Leeds Sports and Games Sessions
Every Wed, 4-6pm @Holbeck Moor LS11 9QL
Free weekly sports and games sessions ideal for ages 8-13. No need to book, just turn up.
Get into Triathlon!
Every Thurs from 25 July, 10am-12pm @Leeds Urban Bike Park, Middleton LS10 3TN
Free weekly sessions for ages 10-14. Pre booking required. leedsurbanbikepark.com
Mini Breeze
Fri 26 July, 1-5pm @Bramley Park, LS13 3YE
Breeze fun and games for under 19s in your local park, funded by Community Committees.
Wildlife Explorer for the Day
Sat 27 July, 10am-3.30pm @Rodley Nature Reserve, LS13 1HP
Bring a picnic and stay for a day of Bug Safari, Worm Charming, Moth Trapping, Pond Dipping, Big Butterfly Count, Wildflower Walk, Bird Walk and Dragons and Damsels. Visitor centre also open for refreshments.
Lark in the Park
Sat 27 July, 11.30am-3.30pm, East End Park LS9 9DJ
A fun-filled day with inflatables, donkey rides, face painting, climbing, music, arts & crafts, aerial hoop performers and more.
Morley Festival at Miners Arms
Sat 27 July, 12-11.55pm, Miners Arms, Morley LS27 8LG
Live music (outdoors 12-8pm), stalls and entertainment, face painting & glitter, rodeo bull, surfboard ride, food & drinks. Raising money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at LGI. Party tunes and karaoke indoors from 8pm.
Hunslet Nelson Rounders Festival
Sun 28 July, 12-4pm, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club LS11 5TT
Family fun day with rounders tournament, children’s games, bouncy castle, food & drink, stalls and tombola.
Gaping Goose Family Fun Day
Sun 28 July, 12-5pm, Gaping Goose Garforth LS25 1LR
BBQ, tombola, splat the rat, face painting, music, drinks tent.
Mini Breeze
Mon 29 July, 1-5pm @Middleton Park LS10 3SH
Breeze fun and games for under 19s in your local park, funded by Community Committees.
Film Screenings at Hamara
10am, Tues 30 July & 6, 13, 20 Aug @The Hamara Centre, Beeston LS11 6RD
Free family-friendly film screenings. Ring 0113 277 3330, email aziza@hamara.co.uk or drop in for more info or to register.
Summer Reading Challenge
Sat 6 July-Sat 14 Sept, @your local library
If you haven’t already, sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library to receive a joining pack and borrow a book. This year’s theme is Space Chase, an out of this world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Each book read and returned earns prizes and stickers. Reading six books completes the challenge and readers receive their own certificate and medal.
Big Breeze Fest
Wed 31 & Thur 1 Aug @Temple Newsam LS15 0AE
The biggest of all the Breeze Summer events run by Leeds City Council, expect inflatables, sports and arts activities as well as some new challenges for 2019. Relaxed opening from 11am-12pm for young people with additional needs on Thurs only.
Mini Breeze
Fri 2 Aug, 1-5pm @Springhead Park, Rothwell LS26 0ES
Breeze fun and games for under 19s in your local park, funded by Community Committees.
Music:Leeds, ‘Live in the Square’
Sat 3 Aug, 12-10pm, Mill Sq LS2 3AD
Brand new free live music event showcasing the city’s talented and emerging artists.
Hyde Park Unity Day
Sat 3 Aug, all day, Woodhouse Moor LS2 3AP
Huge annual celebration of LS6 local people, culture and community. Music, food, activities, performances and more. Families are welcome but little ones might want ear defenders for some of the stages!
Leeds Big Latch On
Sat 3 Aug, 10-11.30am, Roundhay Park bandstand LS8 2JL
Join in a worldwide “latch on” to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Relaxed event, everyone welcome – especially supportive partners, grandparents, relatives, siblings and friends.
‘My First Mountain’ hike
Sat 3 Aug
South Leeds Community Hiking Group (fb.com/SouthLeedsHiking) hike for ages 4+. Places are limited, donations are requested (max £5/person) and booking essential via FB or email southleedswalkers@gmail.com.
Classic Car Show and Family Fun Day.
Sat 3 Aug, 10am-4pm @Temple Newsam LS15 0AE
Free entry and free parking for visitors. Car entry forms from City of Leeds MG and Classic Car Club. All proceeds go to St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds.
Leeds Pride Festival 2019
Sat 3–Sun 4 Aug, Leeds city centre
This weekend sees the annual Leeds Pride festival (leedspride.com): one of the UK’s largest (and perhaps friendliest) celebrations of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans life. The main street parade and festival takes place all day on Sun 4 Aug. The weekend features free family activities at the Corn Exchange LS1 7BR (12pm-4pm on Sat 3 Aug), and at the Tetley LS10 1JQ (11am-4pm on Sun 4 Aug).
Breeze in the Park
Mon 4 Aug, 1-5pm @Armley Park LS12 2PG
Smaller than the Temple Newsam event (31 July & 1 Aug) but bigger than a Mini Breeze – these events bring Breeze fun and games for under 19s to your local park.
Moo in the Park
Tues 6 Aug, 11am-4pm, Golden Acre Park LS16 8BQ
Moo Music Leeds free festival with singing, instruments and dancing. Aimed at 0-5s but older siblings and family all welcome. Bring a picnic and join in the fun!
Youth Service Free Activity Day
Tue 6 Aug, 12-3pm @Blenkinsop Field, Middleton LS10 4AX
Free activity day with inflatables, arts and crafts, and other activities.
Breeze in the Park
Wed 7 Aug, 1-5pm @Cross Flatts Park, Beeston LS11 7BQ
Smaller than the Temple Newsam event (31 July & 1 Aug) but bigger than a Mini Breeze – these events bring Breeze fun and games for under 19s to your local park.
Space Chase: Astronaut Academy
Wed 7 Aug, 10.30am @Bramley Library in Bramley Community Hub LS13 3ND
Budding astronauts needed for a mind-boggling mission to restock the Moon library. Space themed challenges and activities, cosmic codes to crack, out of this world crafts and intergalactic games. Suitable age 7+. Booking essential at ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents
GO-TRI Duathlon and Mini Fun Run
Wed 7 Aug, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston LS11 7BQ
Run by Active Leeds supported by South Leeds Lakers.
Breeze in the Park
Thur 8 Aug, 1-5pm at Scatcherd Park in Morley LS27 9JU
Smaller than the Temple Newsam event (31 July & 1 Aug) but bigger than a Mini Breeze – these events bring Breeze fun and games for under 19s to your local park.
Kirkgate Market Free Play & Crafts
Daily Mon-Fri, 27 July–27 Aug @Kirkgate Market LS2 7HY
Head to the events space in the market for free play and craft activities. Full info at fb.com/LeedsMarkets.
#onthecornerbeeston Exhibition at Basement Arts Project
Sat 10 Aug 12-5pm (then open Mon 11am-2pm & Thur 11am-2pm from 25 Aug-29 Sept) @28 Back Burton Terrace, Beeston LS11 5JH
Launch of the latest exhibition in this series of 5 projects by 4 artists exploring sculpture and the human impulse to make and connect with objects. Part of the Index Visual Arts Festival during Yorkshire Sculpture International, this exhibition is literally in the basement of a local house!
Birstall Beach Day
Sat 10 Aug, 11am-4pm, Birstall WF17
Beach themed free family event run by Birstall Chamber of Trade. With fairground rides , giant sand pit, deck chairs, donkey rides, face painting, stalls and games.
Oakworth Fairy and Fantasy Festival
Sat 10 Aug, Holden Park, Oakworth BD22 7PB
10th anniversary of this unique festival in the heart of Oakworth, West Yorkshire in the beautiful Holden Park. Complete with bowling greens, children’s play area, and manmade caves, and forests to explore. Free entry family day out with stalls, music, food and themed outfits.
Belgrave Summer Feast
Sat 10 Aug, 11am-5pm, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen LS2 8JP
A whole day featuring street food, art market, kids’ craft activities and pizza making class. Free entry, all the family welcome and super dog friendly.
‘Miles Without Stiles’ hike
Fully accessible walk (prams and wheelchairs) with South Leeds Community Hiking Group. (fb.com/SouthLeedsHiking) Spaces are limited so pre-booking is required by emailing southleedswalkers@gmail.com
Free Family Arts Workshops
Sun 28 July, 11 Aug, and 25 Aug, 11am-3pm @The Tetley LS10 1JQ
Free all-age arts and craft workshops at The Tetley (an arts and community charity based in the old Tetley Brewery on the southern edge of town. thetetley.org
Leeds City Beach
10 Aug – 1 Sept, daily 10.30am-6pm @Victoria Gardens LS1
Take a trip to the beach without leaving the city. Family-friendly giant sandy beach (free), plus paid activities including fair rides.
CHaOS! Science Day
Tues 13 Aug 12-4pm @Children’s Library, Leeds Central Library LS1 3AB
The University of Cambridge Hands-On Science team take over the Children’s Library for an exciting day of science. Have a go, have fun and learn how things work with a wide variety of experiments. Booking required at ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents
Mini Breeze
Tues 13 Aug, 1-5pm @Garforth Academy LS25 1LJ
Breeze fun and games for under 19s in your local area, funded by Community Committees.
Youth Service Free Activity Day
Tue 13 Aug, 12-3pm @Hunslet Moor, Burton Row LS11 5NX
Free activity day with inflatables, arts and crafts, and other activities.
Middleton Railway
Open Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and bank holidays through the summer – and look out for special events. Acclaimed heritage railway running from the station on Moor Road in Hunslet (LS10 2JQ), up to Middleton Park. Entry to the museum is free, rail tickets start at £1. Volunteers of all ages are welcome: just ask. middletonrailway.org.uk
Space Chase: Code Craft Create with Micro:bits
Wed 14 Aug, 10-11.30am @Halton Library LS15 7JR
Young aspiring astronauts will be taught how to use micro bits to drive radio controlled moon buggies, create animated LED light beacons and use Raspberry Pi and Arduino to code space themed handheld animations and play retro games. For age 8+, funded by the Outer East Community Committee. Booking essential at ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents
Borrow a bike for free
Summer is great time to get cycling! Anyone can borrow bikes for free from one of the local Bike Libraries (bikelibraries.yorkshire.com / 0113 322 3500 / 07786 542879). Local hire shops are at the Dewsbury Road Community Hub in Beeston (LS11 6PF) and the St George’s Centre in Middleton (LS10 4UZ). Contact them beforehand to check on availability and opening hours.
Cycle round Leeds Urban Bike Park
@Middleton Park Bike Hub, LS10 3TN
This wildly popular mountain biking and BMXing centre is open daily, with trails for all ages and skills. It’s free to access, if you have your own bikes and kit – you only pay if you need to hire their stuff.
Emergency Services Show – Morley
Sat Aug 17, 11am-3pm @Morley Fire Station & Police Station, LS27 9NB
Police and fire vehicles, live demonstrations, face painting, stalls as part of a family fun day.
Garforth Fire Station Open Day
Sat Aug 17, 11am-3pm @Garforth Fire Station LS25 2AN
Family fun includes Freddie the Fire Engine, Blaze Bear, crash rescue demo, face painting, stalls, fairground rides, bouncy castle, BBQ & ice cream. Raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity.
Vintage bus day
Sun 18 Aug, 10-5pm
Travel for free on beautifully restored 1950s/60s vintage buses between Leeds city centre, Middleton Railway, Leeds Industrial Museum and Thwaite Mills. And visit both the Leeds industrial museums for the price of one.
Summer Play Activities at Middleton Park
Weekly Mon-Wed, 29 July–28 Aug @Middleton Park LS10 3SH
A walk round this park is always nice. But through the summer, the Friends of Middleton Park (based at the Visitor Centre off Town Street LS10 3SH, fomp.co.uk) are also hosting their annual programme of free summer play activities. Features sports, orienteering, den-building, crafts, and more for families.
Youth Service Free Activity Day
Tue 20 Aug @Parkside Field in Belle Isle LS10 3HF
Free activity day with inflatables, arts and crafts, and other activities.
Free Football Sessions
Weds evenings from 7 Aug @South Leeds Youth Hub in Belle Isle LS10 3JA
Free sessions run by The Leeds United Foundation for boys and girls at 3pm for 8-13 year olds and 4.30pm for 14-19 year olds.
Leeds Owl Trail
Any day, all year round
Enjoy a walk around Leeds city centre taking in the landmarks and heritage whilst also spotting some unique owls. Download a map for free at leedsowltrail.com or buy one for £1 from the Art Gallery shop.
Cannon Hall Farm Food Festival
23-26 Aug, 10am-6pm @Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley S75 4AT
Four days of gastronomic delights. 100 exhibitors, tastings and sampling, cookery demos, live music, plus a selection of the finest artisan traders Yorkshire has to offer. +Funfair rides and a pop up beach. Free entry, although parking is £5.
Active Leeds Pop Up Cycling event in Beeston
24 Aug, 10am-12pm @Dewsbury Road Hub LS11 6PF
Traffic free cycling fun for all the family. Skills areas for adults and children.
Reggae Sunday at Outlaws
28 July & 25 Aug @Outlaws Yacht Club, LS2 7DY
Monthly event with Caribbean food, 2-4-1 on Bloody Marys and a laid back selection of vintage Jamaican music styles, from ska to rocksteady through to early reggae, roots, dub & early dancehall. Resident & guest DJs on rotation. All welcome.
Middleton Park Dog Show
Sun 25 Aug, 1-4pm @Middleton Park LS10 3SH
Organised by The Friends of Middleton Park as part of their Summer events programme.
Leeds West Indian Carnival 2019
Mon 26 Aug, 2pm parade leaves @Potternewton Park, Harehills LS7
The hugely acclaimed annual Leeds West Indian Carnival is one of the biggest in the UK. Family friendly, based around Potternewton Park and Chapeltown. leedscarnival.co.uk
Free Football Sessions
Tues evenings, Holbeck Community Centre LS11 0AB
Free sessions run by The Leeds United Foundation for boys and girls every Tuesday. 8-13 year olds at 6.30pm, 14-19 year olds at 7.30pm.
Teddy Bears Picnic
Wed 28 Aug, 1-4pm, Royds Park, Cleckheaton BD19 5LL
Special event with free parking. Free steam train rides for kids with teddy bears (£1 otherwise). Cafe serving hot and cold drinks and light bites.
Musical Museum
Tues-Fri, 5 July-30 Aug, 10am-12pm & 1-3pm, @Leeds City Museum, Mill Sq LS2 8BH
Discover the musical side of the collections by following a Strange Sounds trail, and make and decorate a different musical instrument each week. Drop in for families, all ages.
Organise a street party!
Want to close your street for a neighbourhood party or event? It’s not hard, and it won’t cost a penny – just call the Highways department on 0113 378 7506, to get the low-down, and to find out about the simple application.
Free Cinema Club
Last Sat of every month, 11am, @Kirkgate Market LS2 7HY
Monthly free children’s film screenings in the event space at the market. All start at 11am. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Outdoor Skate Picnic
Sun 1 Sept, 1-5pm, The Brownlee Centre LS16 8NA
Bring your wheels and your picnic to join in. Hill workshops, roller dance, free skate area, flat area for laps, picnic area (BYO). Suitable for all ages, with designated area for younger children. Public event by Leeds Roller Girl Gang.
Let’s Ride Leeds 2019
Sun 1 Sept, 11am-3pm, Headrow LS1 8EQ
Fun cycling activities for all ages, music, street food, stunt shows and a chance to ride around a traffic free city centre for the day. Do as little or as much as you like. Register here: www.letsride.co.uk/events/leeds
Pudsey Scarecrow Festival
1-3 Sept, 10am-6pm, Pudsey LS28
Email pudseyscarecrowfestival@outlook.com to enter your scarecrow (deadline 31 July) or pop on down to see all the weird and wonderful creations. Profits to Pudsey in Bloom.
More South Leeds Summer holiday ideas here:
South Leeds Mumbler also helped The Green Party (Leeds South & Central) compile this downloadable guide of free and affordable activities for parents in and around LS10 and LS11.
Why don’t you join the South Leeds Mumbler Chat Group where you can share reviews of days out/activities and get ideas from others.
Hopefully, some of these ideas will help you entertain the children this summer without costing a fortune.
Hope you have a great summer!
For ideas of FREE activities and events over the summer in North Leeds click here and Wharfedale click here.
