This summer, entertain kids with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities that guarantee instant fun without any splurging.
Leeds
Leeds Royal Armouries
Combining an educational opportunity with a day of fun couldn’t be easier thanks to the Royal Armouries.
The museum – in which admission is free and some events potentially chargeable – hosts a regular itinerary of special events, including jousting knights and falconry displays. There are 70,000 exhibitions of arms and artillery permanently on display, from early history right up to the present day.
In terms of upcoming spectacles that will leave children enthralled, its superheroes weekend commences on 29th August. Fantasy meets reality with an invasion of the recognisable personalities, including Iron Man, Batman and Star Wars Storm Troopers.
Visit Royalarmouries.org.
Meanwood Park
Make the most of the much-improved weather and explore the great outdoors further at Meanwood Park. Boasting an assorted range of facilities, including a play area, bowling green, and tennis and basketball courts, the green space will entertain little ones while parents catch up at the picnic area.
And it gets even better – there’s also the opportunity to see wildlife at the easily accessible Meanwood Valley Urban Farm which spans a 16.5 acre site and is open to visitors. The location is home to various farm animals, like fish, frogs, newts and crayfish, in addition to an organic market garden, nature area and bird feeding station.
Visit Leeds.gov.uk.
Golden Acre Park
Based on the far northern outskirts of the city, Golden Acre Park is widely renowned for its 135 acres of mature gardens and woodland, based around a large lake.
Established in the 1930s, kids will be gripped by news of its floral heritage, as well as taking in the sight of its large collection of mature trees and herbaceous flower borders.
Why not make the most of the location and spend the whole day at it? Dine at the outdoor seating facilities, and picnic-goers will particularly enjoy the adjoining Breary Marsh Local Nature Reserve. A shop is also nearby for browsing opportunities, or to purchase selling gifts and plants.
Visit Leeds.gov.uk.
Manchester
Museum of Science and Industry
Manchester has a wealth of museums scattered across the city that will entertain the whole family; a standout being the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).
All of MOSI’s permanent exhibitions are free, while other highlights include a display on the life and work of the chemist John Dalton, and a rebuild of the world’s first computer.
From the world’s first industrial city to 24-hour party capital, MOSI takes you on a journey through Manchester’s heritage with sights, sounds and even smells. You can see what it was like to work in a cotton mill during one of our textile demonstrations, as well as view one of the world’s largest collections of working steam mill engines, or even venture into a Victorian sewer.
With so much to see and do, make sure you get the most out of your day by giving yourself plenty of time to explore
Visit Mosi.org.uk.
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is offering an inspiring solution for playdates, encouraging families to go along and witness a host of events.
The newly renovated Nature Discovery will especially be a point of intrigue in which children can lead their parents through an object exploration of the natural world. Those under five years will have the chance to search for creatures, produce fantastical stories based on the natural world and immerse themselves in a series of habitats. The on-site den provides a cosy area for reading and the meadow is filled with plants and butterflies for little ones to find.
Visit Museum.manchester.ac.uk.
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