Keep the kids entertained with events around the area during the school holidays.
Discover, learn, and play
Eureka! is an exciting and fun-filled museum that boasts hundreds of interactive exhibits for children aged 0 to 11. With six unique zones to explore, young visitors can engage their imaginations and discover more about themselves and the world around them by the magic of learning through play.
The museum is packed full of interactive events activities designed to captivate young minds such as PixelPlay – a mesmerising digital sandbox where pixels come to life as dancing projections, playful creatures, and dot-based creations.
For the littlest explorers, Eureka! has festive activities running throughout December for babies and toddlers to enjoy. Families can explore the museum without school bookings, so its spaces and staff will be available for inquisitive minds explore.
Eureka! also prioritises inclusivity with SEN days with reduced visitor numbers, flexible scheduling, calming chill-out rooms, and ear defenders, so every child can join in the fun.
Shoot your shot | Monday to Sunday
There’s an exciting new crossbow challenge at the Royal Armouries Museum that’s bound to captivate and entertain the kids.
Test your steady hand and sharp aim as you take aim at the targets. With eight bolts at your disposal, see how many points you can rack up and discover if you have what it takes to join the royal ranks as a Master of the Crossbow.
Crossbow Challenge is managed by an expert team, who will provide guidance and full instructions on operating the crossbow to make sure you’re safe while having fun.
Light it up | until 31st December
At Temple Newsam throughout December, you’ll find Northern Lights – Yorkshire’s newest festive attraction that has transformed the grounds of the house into an enchanted wonderland.
Take a stroll through an enchanted world of illumination that’s uniquely crafted by world leading lighting designers. The trails include a spectrum of lights including art installations, interactive elements, and special effects that have been designed with all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in mind to ensure that they can be enjoyed by all.
In the historic courtyard of the stables outside the Temple Newsam house, you’ll find a variety
of street food vendors providing fresh, high-quality food to fuel your evening. With everything from hot dogs and loaded fries to marshmallows and authentic Spanish churros, there’ll be something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
He’s behind you! | until 12th January
What’s a festive period without a pantomime? The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is back for another year at City Varieties Music Hall.
In a slightly different format to what you’d expect from a conventional pantomime, these shows mix traditional elements of audience participation and corny jokes with a jukebox of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by a cast of actor-musicians.
This year’s edition is a re-imagined version of Jack and the Beanstalk where you’ll follow Jack on his magical journey up the beanstalk to the giant’s castle, soundtracked by a wide range of feel-good songs that will get the whole family moving.
Curtain call | until 25th January
Leeds Playhouse has plenty to keep the kids happy this holiday with its productions of Mr Snow and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Mr Snow – which is running until 4th January – follows Blessyou, who lives in a magical icy land with his polar explorer dad and his best friend Beartie. Join Blessyou on a quest round Penguin Corner, over Polar Bear Hill, through Icicle Valley, and out to the Middle of Nowhere, where he ultimately discovers there’s snow place like home.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is coming to Leeds until 25th January, following a UK tour and run in the West End. Step through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia as C.S. Lewis’ classic novel is brought to the stage for mystical adventures in a faraway land. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and hello to Mr Tumnus the faun, Aslan the lion, and the White Witch.
