The school summer holiday is in full swing. Here are some suggestions of events to keep the kids entertained, writes Keely Bannister.
At the time of publishing all details are correct. The Dispatch strongly advises you to always double check before travelling.
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, LS5 3EH
Bramley Cluster Little Explorers, Thurs 8th Aug, 10am to 12pm
Explore and work together with your child to solve puzzles.
No booking required for this free event and lunch is provided.
For more information, call 0113 386 2360.
Communal Foraging Walk Through The Kirkstall Valley & Nature Reserve, Thurs 15th & 22nd Aug, 11am to 3pm
The walk takes a slow relaxed pace to allow people to share stories & local history as well as a spot of foraging which are pointed out along the route so don’t forget the camera & foraging basket. There will also be the opportunity to do some pond dipping, sailing paper boats & bark rubbing.
Under 16’s free & £5 per adult to help us cover costs, create communal growing spaces & provide educational opportunities for all to enjoy.
Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic or food to share.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. The walk is wheelchair / buggy friendly
For more information please contact incrediblekirkstall@gmail.com
Armley Community Hub, Stockshill, LS12 1UQ
Various free activities throughout the summer inc multi-sport activities, storytelling and secret cinema.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult for all activities other than multi-sport.
Hot and cold vegetarian and halal friendly food provided.
Limited places. Booking essential. Thriving@leeds.gov.uk.
Armley Leisure Centre, Carr Crofts, LS12 3HB
Various activities throughout the summer inc Baby Boogie, Arts & Crafts, Mini Mermaid and Shark Adventure and Football Fun plus much more.
Check timetable for full details of sessions, times and costs.
Armley Park, Stanningley Road, LS12 3LW
Breeze in the Park, Mon 5th Aug, 1pm to 5pm.
Arts and crafts, multimedia workshops, and sports activities. Visit the performance tent and a large range of inflatables such as obstacle courses, rock climbers, challenge games and sporting inflatables as well as an under 5 play section.
All welcome. Free event.
Bramley Community Centre, Waterloo Lane, LS13 2JB
Bramley Cluster Little Green Fingers, Thur 8th Aug, 1:15pm to 3:15pm
A free growing and gardening session.
No booking required and lunch is provided.
For more information call 0113 386 2360.
Bramley Cluster Mini Makers Arts & Crafts, Mon 12th Aug, 1:15pm to 3:15pm
Come along and see what you can create! And you’ll get the chance to enter Bramley Elderly Action’s Challenge.
No booking required and lunch is provided.
For more information call 0113 386 2360.
Bramley Cluster Movie Club & Crafts, Tues 20th Aug, 1:15pm to 3:15pm
Bring your popcorn and settle down to watch the classic Madagascar.
No booking required and lunch is provided.
For more information, call 0113 386 2360.
Bramley Baths, Broad Lane, LS13 3DF
Various activities throughout the summer which The Dispatch has previously fully previewed.
Check out the Baths’ timetable for full details.
Bramley Community Hub, Hough Lane, LS13 3ND
Various free activities throughout the summer inc multi-sport activities, storytelling and secret cinema.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult for all activities other than multi-sport.
Hot and cold vegetarian and halal friendly food provided.
Limited places. Booking essential. Thriving@leeds.gov.uk.
Bramley Falls Park, Leeds & Bradford Road, LS13 1HL
Go Wild Free Activity Sessions.
Want to meet new friends, face minibeasts, make 3D natural art and more?
Two sessions – 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm – every Thursday throughout the summer holidays.
Lunch provided 12pm to 1pm. Give dietary requirements when you book.
Places are limited. Booking required. Contact Groundwork on 0300 303 3292 (Option 0) or email leeds@groundwork.org.uk
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bramley Park, Westover Road, LS13 3PG
Go Wild Free Activity Sessions.
Want to meet new friends, face minibeasts, make 3D natural art and more?
Two sessions – 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm – every Friday throughout the summer holidays.
Lunch provided 12pm to 1pm. Give dietary requirements when you book.
Places are limited. Booking required. Contact Groundwork on 0300 303 3292 (Option 0) or email leeds@groundwork.org.uk
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bramley Resource Centre, Fairfield Terrace, LS13 3DQ
Bramley Cluster Summer Party, Tue 27th Aug, 11am to 1pm.
Please join us for our seaside themed celebration!
No booking required and lunch is provided. For more information, call 0113 386 2360.
Burley Park, off Cardigan Lane, LS4 2EN
Mini Breeze, Fri 16th Aug, 1pm to 5pm.
Sports, outdoor games, arts activities and inflatable. There will also be smaller rides and refreshment stands.
All welcome. Free event. Funded by inner West Community Committee.
Calverley Woods, Parking Lane, LS28 5QP
Mythical Picnic! Fri 9th Aug, 12pm to 2pm.
Bring your blankets and picnic baskets and let’s gather for lots of fun!
Little Rainbows taster activities, Glitter tattoos, face painting, hook a Unicorn, pin the fire on the dragon, unicorn hoopla and much more!
Children £5 (3+). Babies 4 months up to 2 years £3 (Mythical messy play). Adults £1
Magical Trail! Fri 23rd Aug, 12pm to 2pm
For the second year we are looking for the lost Magical Doors! We have glitter tattoos, face painting, magic wands making, story telling, little rainbows taster, Fairies Wardrobe stall and fancy dress competition with fantastic prizes for 2 winners!
Refreshments and biscuits available.
Booking in advance is essential. Children £5. Adults £1. PayPal or bank transfer.
Christ Church, Armley Ridge Road, LS12 3LN
Food Frenzy: Young People’s Cooking, Tuesdays throughout the summer, 2pm to 4pm
Cook and eat, meet new friends and make something tasty. Suitable for children aged 8 to 17 years.
Funded by Inner West Community Committee. Free to attend but you must book a place. Please contact esther@fgfleeds.org or call 01133504207 or 07523515268.
Climbing Lab, Kirkstall Industrial Park, LS4 2AZ
Free indoor bouldering taster session.
Thursday & Friday afternoons throughout the summer.
Please contact Steve Harper to find out more or to book a place; stephen.harper@leeds.gov.uk.
Farnley Hall Park, Hall Lane, LS12 5HA
Breeze in the Park, Fri 9th Aug, 1pm to 5pm.
Arts and crafts, multimedia workshops, and sports activities. Visit the performance tent and a large range of inflatables such as obstacle courses, rock climbers, challenge games and sporting inflatables as well as an under 5 play section.
All welcome. Free event.
Farsley/Calverley Children’s Centre, Farsley Farfield Primary School, Cote Lane, LS28 5ED
Playtime at Farsley/Calverley Children’s Centre – Tuesday 27th August 10.30-11.30am.
£1.50 per child. For adults and children aged 2-5 and their siblings.
Booking is essential on 0113 205 8134.
Farsley Springbank Primary, Wesley Street, LS28 5LE
Summer Sports Camp, Mon 20th Aug – Thurs 23rd Aug, 9am to 3pm
The camps will cover football, rugby, cricket, athletics, a fun ping-pong and pool competition, cheerleading, inflatable footpool, and zorbing. There will be a sports day with prizes and rewards.
£15 per child per day or £50 for all four days
Contact 07766 113801 or e-mail info@ledsports.co.uk.
Farsley Library, Old Road, LS28 5DH
Aliens Love Underpants Workshop, Wed 21st Aug, 2pm to 3pm.
Meraki Creative Hub will be retelling the story of Aliens love Underpants in a way you’ve never seen before.
As well as an interactive performance, children will be able to explore the story through a variety of sensory play activities, crafts and games. With characters from the story to chat, play and sing with, too! Booking essential.
Gotts Park, Armley Ridge Road, LS12 2QX
Woodland Play Activities, Friday’s throughout August, 1pm to 3pm.
Den building, bug hunting, nature crafts, games and lots more. Meet at Gott’s Mansion House. All children must be supervised by a responsible adult. Younger siblings can attend with older ones.
Booking essential. Please call Claire on 07891277006 or e-mail: claire.rogers@leeds.gov.uk.
Night Time Safari, Mon 12th Aug, 8:30pm to 10pm
The kids will use bug pots, magnifying glasses, head torches and bat detectors to explore the grounds and woodland around Gotts Mansion looking for wildlife. Let’s see what exciting creatures we can find or hear.
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Booking essential. Contact Claire 07891 277006 or email: claire.rogers@leeds.gov.uk.
Gym Magic, Unit 5, Grangefield Industrial Estate, Pudsey, LS28 6QN
Breeze Camp, Mon 5th Aug to Fri 9th Aug, 9am to 4pm.
A week-long multi-activity camp for eight – 13 year olds. Come along and join in a wide range of activities including sports, arts and crafts, drama, music, games, outdoor survival and more.
Booking required, £20 per day or £85 for the week.
Hainsworth Park, The Boulevard, Farsley, LS28 5UG
Mini Breeze, Thurs 15th Aug, 1pm to 5pm
Sports, outdoor games, arts activities and inflatable. There will also be smaller rides and refreshment stands.
All welcome. Free event. Funded by Leeds Community Committee.
Hawksworth Wood Children’s Centre, Broadway, LS5 3PS
Various free activities throughout the summer inc multi-sport activities, storytelling and secret cinema.
Suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult for all activities other than multi-sport.
Hot and cold vegetarian and halal friendly food provided.
Limited places. Booking essential. Thriving@leeds.gov.uk
Hollybush Conservation Centre, Broad Lane, LS5 3BP
Bramley Cluster Mini Beasts, Thurs 15th Aug, 11am to 1pm.
What beasts and bugs will you find? And there’s pond dipping too.
No booking required and lunch is provided.
Call 0113 386 2360 for details.
Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, LS5 3EH
Incredible Edible Kirkstall Photography & Nature Walk, Sat 10th Aug, 11am to 3pm and Sun 11th Aug, 10am to 3pm.
All welcome to join us on an Incredible photography & nature walk through the kirkstall valley where you can share / tips Ideas, learn new skills, visit amazing locations inc local history, natural landscape & wildlife.
Under 16s free. £5 per adult. The walk starts from outside the Abbey House Museum at 11am.
All welcome to bring along your own equipment or have a go with ours.
Everyone will receive free digital copies of all pictures taken via e-mail / social media. For more info contact incrediblekirkstall@gmail.com.
Mini Dragons, Every Tuesday throughout the summer, 10am to 11am.
Create your own mini dragon, and prepare to get messy!
Takes place in the visitor centre, but if the weather is nice activities can be moved outside.
For Under 5s. Bring along older siblings too – everyone’s welcome!
Kirkstall Children’s Centre, St Stephen’s Church Hall, Norman Street, LS5 3JN
Animal Boogie Stay and Play, Fri 23rd Aug, 10am to 11:30am.
Themed messy play for families with children under the age of 5. Older siblings are welcome. £1 per child.
[insert Animal Boogie flyer]
Bridge Inn, Bridge Road, LS5 3BW
Summer Community Foraging & Nature Walk To Rodley Nature Reserve, Wed 14th & 21st Aug, 10am to 3pm.
Free for children under 16 & £5 per adult to cover costs, create communal growing spaces & provide other educational opportunities for all to enjoy.
The walk takes a slow relaxed pace to allow people to enjoy the local nature sites, share stories, local history as well as a spot of foraging along the canal & bird watching which are all pointed out along the route so don’t forget the camera & foraging basket. The children will also have the opportunity to do some pond dipping, paper boat making / sailing & other activities depending on weather.
Dogs are not welcome in the nature reserve.
Younger children are welcome to bring bikes or scooters as it is a longer walk. The walk is wheelchair / buggy friendly.
Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic or food to share and we are happy to bring along some herbal tea & other foraged treats.
For more information, contact incrediblekirkstall@gmail.com.
Kirkstall Leisure Centre, Kirkstall Lane, LS5 3BE
Various activities throughout the summer inc Baby Boogie, Mermaid and Shark Experience and Mini Activities.
Check timetable for full details of sessions, times and costs.
Moorside Community Centre, St Catherine’s Drive, LS13 2JY
Food Frenzy: Young People’s Cooking, Tuesdays throughout the summer, 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Cook and eat, meet new friends and make something tasty. Suitable for children aged 8 to 17 years.
Funded by Inner West Community Committee. Free to attend but you must book a place. Contact esther@fgfleeds.org or call 01133504207 or 07523515268.
Popalong, Bradford Road, LS28 6AT
Lego Freeplay, Sat 17th Aug, 10am to 12pm
Throw yourselves into our growing Lego collection for a super chilled out Saturday morning.
Free to customers.
Pudsey Leisure Centre, Market Place, LS28 7BE
Various activities throughout the summer inc Baby Boogie, Mermaid and Shark Experience and Multi-activities & Swim.
Check timetable for full details of sessions, times and costs.
Pudsey Library, Church Lane, LS28 7TY
Code Club – Pacmania, Sat 10th Aug, 11am to 12pm
Make a Pacman game, from scratch in Scratch. During this session you’ll draw your own maze and characters and code your Pacman to gobble up all the tokens and escape the hungry ghost – if not, your players will be declared the loser! Suitable for ages 7-13.
Aliens Love Underpants Workshop, Wed 21st Aug, 10:30am to 11:30am.
Meraki Creative Hub will be retelling the story of Aliens Love Underpants in a way you’ve never seen before. As well as an interactive performance, children will be able to explore the story through a variety of sensory play activities, crafts and games. With characters from the story to chat, play and sing with, too! Booking essential.
Space Chase: Astronaut Academy, Wed 28th Aug, 11am to 12pm.
Prepare for blast off! We are seeking budding astronauts for a mind-boggling mission to restock the Moon Library. Join us for a series of space themed challenges and activities to test your outerspace abilities. There will be cosmic codes to crack, out of this world crafts and intergalactic games. Have you got what it takes?
Queens Park, Victoria Road, LS28 7SR
Mini Breeze, Thurs 15th Aug, 1pm to 5pm.
Sports, outdoor games, arts activities and inflatable. There will also be smaller rides and refreshment stands.
All welcome. Free event. Funded by Leeds Community Committee.
Swinnow Community Centre, Swinnow Lane, LS13 4RF
Breeze Camp, Tue 27th Aug to Fri 30th Aug, 9am to 4pm.
A week-long multi-activity camp for 8 – 13 year olds. Come along and join in a wide range of activities including sport, arts and crafts, drama, music, games, outdoor survival and more.
Booking required. £16 per day or £65 for the week.
Have a great summer!
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