Half term is here again! It only feels like yesterday that school started again post-summer, but October half term is inevitably upon us. If you need to keep the kids entertained in and around Leeds, here’s our go-to guide for what’s on:
The National Railway Museum – ‘Future Engineers’
The National Railway Museum in York is hosting a hi-tech, hands-on half term family experience this October. You can explore the challenge zones, collect fascinating facts and discover your potential to be part of the next generation of engineers.
There is plenty going on all week, but the highlight for us is the ‘night at the museum’. Between 26-29th October from 7pm until 10pm you can go and see the ‘Locos in a Different Light’ as the museum is brought to life with amazing colour and light with a series of art installations as part of the city’s ‘Illuminating York’ festival.
The events at the museum run between 22nd – 30th October and best of all, it’s free!
Where is it: National Railway Museum York, NRM York, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ
Oxygen Freejumping
If your little ones have excess energy to burn, head to Oxygen Freejumping for some all-action fun. Between Friday 21st-31st October, the first 100 bookings each day will be half price. Just use the discount code HALFTERM50 for your chance to get 50% off the regular jump price. In case you don’t know, Oxygen Freejumping is basically a trampolining paradise. Check out their Twitter feed for some images if you want to see more.
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey boast a range of fun events, but the highlight for us is the mini owls morning (on 25th October). A range of owls-themed crafts will be on offer, and plenty of dressing up! It’s free with museum admission and is best for those under five years of age.
On the same day, the spooky scarecrow trail hits the abbey, so this really is a date to put in your diary whether your kids are big or small.
Where is it: Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH
Buttercups in Otley
Although closed on Mondays, Buttercups is a hidden gem in Otley. This play area is perfect for children big and small and offers the option to grab a quick lunch for yourself and the kids at a reasonable price. Be warned, there is no free parking on-site, but there is plenty of parking around Otley if you know where to look! If you live in north-west Leeds and want to scope out somewhere a little quieter, this could well be a good option.
Where is it: 2, Westgate Arcade, Otley, LS21 3AT
Billy Bob’s Parlour
A treat for adults and children, Billy Bob’s Parlour combines play with serious eating. The ice cream parlour is worth the drive from Leeds in isolation, but combine it with the play barns and quality of the savoury food, and you’re really on to a winner coming here.
This is one of those rare locations that keeps kids happy whilst genuinely finding a place in your heart as an adult, with little doses of nostalgia popping up everywhere on-site. It’s bound to be busy during half term, so bookings are recommended.
If you’re lucky enough to bump into Hilda the Friendly Witch, you might even get an ice cream voucher if you’re in costume!
Where is it: Calm Slate Farm, Bolton Abbey, BD23 6EU (6AD closest for SatNav)
Categories: Family Days Out