Things to do this weekend in and around Leeds

Sometimes the only antidote to cabin fever is letting kids just go wild in a space where that's actually encouraged. Jump Inc by AirHop Adventure and Trampoline Park has multiple activities spread across the venue, so younger kids won't feel overwhelmed and older ones won't get bored halfway through. The foam pits and climbing walls mean they can challenge themselves at their own level. Parking's straightforward, and there's a café on site for when everyone needs a break.

If your kids are into climbing or bouldering, The Climbing Lab has a dedicated kids' room with routes suited to different abilities. You don't need experience to join in, and they run intros at weekends. City Bloc Indoor Climbing Wall is another solid option if you want something closer to the city centre. Both spots have good facilities and staff who actually understand that kids progress at their own pace.

Not every Saturday needs to be chaotic. If your kids are under five and you're after a space where they can actually focus and you can have a decent cuppa, Monster Kidz offers multi-area play without the sensory overload you get at bigger centres. The play areas are separated by age, which means toddlers aren't getting knocked over by excited eight-year-olds. There's baby change, parking, and a café.

Bambinis Play Cafe is worth the trip if you're after a genuinely calm environment. It's wooden toys and quieter play rather than bright flashing lights. Parents actually chat to each other here instead of watching the clock. It's in Bradford but only a short drive from Leeds, and the free parking makes it easy. If you've got a really small one, Baby Sensory at East Leeds runs sensory play sessions designed specifically for babies up to 13 months, though that's more about you and your baby connecting than somewhere to park older siblings.

Sometimes you want to do something the whole family can enjoy together without anyone ending up frustrated. Putt & Play Leeds at The Springs combines mini-golf with arcade games, so there's something for different ages and moods. It's the kind of place where a six-year-old can focus on golf while a teenager messes about on the arcade machines. The café and toilet facilities are solid, and it's in a proper shopping centre so there are other options if you need them.

Hollywood Bowl Leeds is similarly good for mixed ages. The bumpers go up for younger kids, the music's loud enough to feel fun but not loud enough to cause a headache. The arcade games keep people entertained between turns, and the diner does decent food if you want to make an afternoon of it. Bowling's brilliant for building confidence too. Kids genuinely improve over a couple of games, which matters when you're five and want to feel like you're winning.

If you're after something completely different, Vue Cinema Leeds on Kirkstall Road is worth checking for films. There are usually weekend matinees, family deals on tickets, and the seats are comfortable for sitting through something longer than your attention span at home.

Just because it's raining doesn't mean you can't teach them something new. Art classes like art-K in Leeds let kids experiment with proper materials in a structured but creative environment. They've got weekend workshops during school holidays, and materials are included in the fee, so no hidden costs. It's non-competitive, which means kids actually relax and enjoy making something rather than worrying whether it's good enough.

If your kids are into performance, Stagecoach Performing Arts Leeds Roundhay runs drop-off classes in singing, dancing and acting. Younger kids get a mix of all three in 90-minute sessions, older ones get more intensive training. It's the kind of activity where shy kids often surprise themselves. The Leeds City Museum is free and genuinely worth a visit when it's wet. Three floors of exhibits, interactive displays, and enough to keep kids engaged without feeling like a school trip. The mummy is always a hit, and there's a café if you need a sit-down.