Six weeks is a long time to keep little ones entertained – especially if you’re trying to avoid spending a fortune every day. Luckily, Wellington Place has families covered when it comes to free things to do with kids in Leeds city centre. Taking place throughout August, the Wellington Place Nature Trail offers interactive activities, creative workshops and plenty of opportunities for little explorers.
To help you map out your summer holidays, we’ve also put together a programme of free outdoor activities for kids in Leeds city centre. From craft workshops to beekeeping sessions, there’s something for kids of all ages – and best of all, every session is completely free.
To get involved, all you need to do is book your free spot via Eventbrite – it’s that simple!
Why visit Wellington Place this summer?
Situated just 10 minutes from Leeds Station, Wellington Place is a fantastic choice for families looking for things to do in Leeds city centre. The flat, pedestrianised neighbourhood is perfect for pushchairs, with wide paths and plenty of green space where little legs can roam around. Throw in a packed programme of free family activities, and it’s one of the best places for families to visit in Leeds.
What’s more, with a host of family-friendly food vendors on-site serving everything from pastries to tacos, there’s no need to stray further afield when it’s time for lunch. Prefer a picnic? Find a spot on the grass and enjoy – it’s one of the city centre’s most laidback outdoor spaces.
What is the Wellington Place Nature Trail?
Launching on Saturday 1 August, the Wellington Place Nature Trail is a free, self-guided family trail, inviting children to discover wildlife, plants and take part in nature-themed activities. Pick up a booklet from the Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum and set off on an adventure filled with fun facts and hands-on challenges.
Ideal for curious minds and budding nature lovers, the Nature Trail is a fun way to explore Wellington Place and connect with the outdoors in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect screen-free way to spend time together as a family.
Take part in free family activities this summer
Alongside the Nature Trail, there will be a host of free family activities taking place throughout August. These no-cost activities have been designed to encourage learning through play, while helping kids get to grips with the world around them.
Let off steam in Tower Square
On Saturday 1 August and Saturday 29 August, The Play PATCH will transform Tower Square into a vibrant play area. The pop-up by The PLAY Tent, is the perfect place to blow off steam after a city centre shopping trip, combining fun, creativity and hands-on adventures inspired by nature and wildlife. Book your free spot and you’ll be able to drop in on the playground between 10:30 and 14:30.
Get creative with The Tiny Botanists
If your little ones love all things arts and crafts, head to Wellington Place on Saturday 8 August to get involved with The Tiny Botanists. Children will decorate their own plant pots before taking home bee-friendly seeds they can grow long after the summer holidays are over. It’s a wholesome, hands-on session led by Amy from Esk House, that helps children understand all about bees and other pollinators. Book your free place via Eventbrite.
The Little Beekeepers Club
Ever wondered what goes on inside a beehive? The Little Beekeepers Club has the answers. Taking place on Saturday 15 August, this guided session lets curious explorers get up close and personal with Wellington Place’s resident pollinators. They’ll learn all about how bees live and work together, along with their importance in nature and the wider environment. It’s guaranteed to be popular, so booking ahead of time is essential.
The Bug Craft Lab
There’s more creative fun to be had at The Bug Craft Lab on Saturday 22 August, where bug-loving children can make take-home treasures based on their favourite creepy crawlies. From making a butterfly collage to painting bug rocks, the lab turns observations of real-life insects into arty creations with a little help from Poppy of Poppy 5 Creates. Book your spot via Eventbrite.
Make a day of it
Once you’ve completed the Nature Trail, why not continue your family day out with the LeedsBID Trivial Pursuit Takeover? Part of the Leeds 400 celebrations, the free city-wide experience combines trivia with exploration, making it the perfect way to keep the fun going. Here’s a hint – you can find the Geography category within the Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum at Wellington Place.
Book your free summer adventure
When it comes to outdoor activities in Leeds city centre, Wellington Place’s summer programme ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re dropping in for a play session, following the nature trail or sticking around for lunch, there’s plenty for the whole family to do. And with accessible toilets and changing facilities on-site, there’s no need to worry.
The Wellington Place Nature Trail kicks off on Saturday 1 August. Pick up your trail booklet from the Wagon Lifting Hoist Mini Museum.
