Things to do this weekend in and around Leeds with kids

Saturday's when you can catch a few different things depending on what your kids are after. Start your morning at Farsley Farmers Market if you're after proper produce and homemade bits from local growers. It's at St John's Church Hall and gives you a chance to grab something decent for lunch or a picnic later in the day.

If you want a bigger day out, the Great British Food Festival at Harewood House kicks off this weekend and runs through to Monday. It's the kind of place where you can actually find food worth eating (not just hot dogs and chips), plus there are demos and activities scattered around the grounds to keep the kids occupied. Fair warning: it's not cheap, but if you're treating it as your main weekend outing rather than a quick stop, it works out alright.

For something completely free, The Dusty Miller in Mirfield is running a Family Fun Day with bouncy castles, face painting and balloon artists. No cost at all, which is a genuine bonus when you're juggling a few children. Perfect if you want to let them burn off some energy without breaking the bank.

Sunday's got proper range depending on what your lot are into. If your kids dream about tiaras and magic wands, the Disney Princess Brunch at Salute At The White Swan is exactly that sort of thing. You'll need to book and it's not cheap, but they get the full experience with music and character moments. On the flip side, if you'd rather keep it casual and free, the Spring Bank Holiday Family Funday at Seacroft Village Hall runs midday to 7pm with a BBQ, bouncy castle, raffles and tombolas. You can rock up whenever it suits you, no booking required. That's the beauty of it.

For something musical, Birstall Cricket Club's hosting the BCC Music Festival outdoors on Sunday. The line-up's still being finalised but it's worth checking what's on before you head over. If you've got little ones and actually want to sit down with a decent coffee while they play, the Pop-Up Play Village at Brewed Coffee Co runs 90-minute sessions throughout the day. You get to relax, they get space to move around. Tickets start from a fiver for the youngest ones.

Bank Holiday Monday’s the point where everyone needs to get out of the house - preferably somewhere that feels fun without costing a fortune or requiring military-level planning.

There’s actually loads happening around Leeds this weekend if you want proper activities rather than just another park trip. BOOMCHIKKABOOM Family Rave at Belgrave Music Hall on Monday chaos in the best possible way. Think bubbles, foam machines, dance routines, glow sticks and full-on party energy designed for families. It’s loud, high-energy and honestly ideal if your kids need to burn off some energy.

If your lot are obsessed with tractors, diggers or anything with massive wheels, Mighty Machines at Swithens Farm runs from 23–31 May. Kids can get up close to combine harvesters, vintage tractors and huge farm machinery - and somehow never seem to get bored of it.

For a rainy-day option, Amazing Anatomy at Thackray Museum of Medicine is one of those activities that ends up being surprisingly good for all ages. It’s hands-on, interactive and packed with weird and fascinating facts about how the human body works.

And if the weather behaves, there are still plenty of easy outdoor wins nearby too. Yeadon Tarn is one of the best low-effort family spots around Leeds. The flat circular walk is pushchair-friendly, there’s a playground that actually keeps kids occupied, plus a café and ice cream van if snacks become an emergency. Free parking helps too.

If you want somewhere a bit more adventurous, Churwell Urban Woodlands at Daffil Woods has woodland trails, a wooden assault course and sensory garden woven through the trees. Hirst Wood Nature Reserve is another good shout if you want somewhere quieter for a riverside wander away from the crowds.

A long weekend with kids burns through snacks and coffee faster than you'd think. Fat Hippo in Leeds city centre does proper burgers with a kids' menu and wheelchair access, so everyone gets fed properly rather than surviving on chicken nuggets. Water Lane Boathouse over in Holbeck is worth knowing about for a canalside break. pizzas and drinks with bench seating outside when the weather's decent. Just note it's not ideal with pushchairs if that's relevant to you.

If you want something a bit quieter than city centre chaos, Cafe Patisserie in Bradford is genuinely welcoming to families and does everything from shakshuka to eggs Benedict alongside creative drinks. Open seven days a week, which is useful when you're juggling plans. The Bloom & Brew combines a plant nursery with a cafe, so you can browse flowers while the kids settle in with cake and food that's actually worth eating.