“How is it half term already!” we hear you cry. Well freak out no more, we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep the kids occupied in Leeds and Manchester this autumn break.
LEEDS
Oxygen Freejumping
Leeds’ brand new freejumping arena on Kirkstall Road has been going down a storm since opening in September. If this half term is your first opportunity to discover the delights of 100 interconnected trampolines (yes, really!) then head on down if you can. With lots of activities lined up for the break, including face painting and competitions, you’ll have to get the little ones down from the ceiling when you’re done!
Oxygenfreejumping.co.uk/locations/leeds/
Technicolor Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam always has oodles of activities for all the family throughout the year, and this autumn is no exception. A packed holiday programme at the house and estate includes the chance to celebrate the changing colours of the season with crafts, trails and hands-on things to do. Have a go at making your own autumn collage window or colourful dreamcatcher to take home.
Leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam
Circus Skills Workshop
Clown around on 29th October with Leeds Children’s Circus at Leeds Grand Theatre. Learn basic clowning and circus techniques, have fun with the smallest mask in the world and learn how to connect with your audience at this entertaining workshop. Suitable for ages seven to 11. £6 per child.
Leedsgrandtheatre.com
MANCHESTER
Big Kid Circus
There is a circus theme in Manchester, too. The Bulgarian Big Kid Circus is a travelling show returning to Altrincham with a dynamic new show for the October half term. Join ringmaster Laszlo, crazy clown Georgie, and a host of amazing aerial and ground acrobats for a circus production that will delight all ages. It runs until this Sunday (23rd October).
Bigkidcircus.co.uk
Digital Kids Show
Thousands of Minecraft, gaming, YouTube-loving children and parents will gather at EventCity for a day out like no other at the Digital Kids Show on 29th and 30th October. The full day is £25 and includes workshops and events on coding, STEM, digital toys and e-safety advice. Split across five zones, the event has an unrivalled array of events and activities all included in the ticket price.
Digitalkidsshow.co.uk
Bear Hunt, Chocolate Cake & Bad Things
Experience the work of former children’s laureate and author of the much-loved ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’, Michael Rosen in this interactive experience as it’s brought to life at Z-arts, the creative learning space. Visitors can step inside a humongous chocolate cake, explore a secret larder, and swishy swashy and splash splosh through a bear hunt. Do you dare to explore the Bad Things in the Dread Shed? Discover hidden rooms and brilliant clues that inspired Michael Rosen’s writing. Runs until 17th December.
Z-arts.org