Leeds City Museum, in West Yorkshire, is the perfect destination for a fun and educational day with the kids. With free entry and pram-friendly access throughout, it’s easy to explore all four floors packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on displays. From ancient history to natural wonders, there’s something to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages – making it a must-visit spot for families in the heart of Leeds.
Tickets and Opening Times:
All parts of the museum are completely free entry for everyone. It is usually closed Mondays, except for Bank Holidays. Click here for more information on opening times.
Parking/ Travelling:
There is plenty of multi-storey car parks in Leeds, though they can get quite busy and be expensive. Woodhouse Lane car park is the closest to Leeds City Museum at a 7 minute walk. The Light, Merrion Centre and Rose Bowl car parks are also nearby.
Leeds train station is a 10 minute walk from Leeds City Museum.
Several buses also stop on The Headrow or Woodhouse Lane, which are both just over 5 minutes walk. Click here for more information on bus routes.
Prams/ Accessibility:
There is a public lift that goes to all floors of the museum, and there is level flooring throughout. There is plenty of space for prams and wheelchairs and an accessible toilet on each floor. Most floors also have baby changing facilities too.
Things to do at Leeds City Museum
1. Visit the special exhibitions
Leeds City Museum always has an exciting exhibition on which frequently changes, making each visit as exciting as the last one. At the time of writing, there is a wonderful interactive exhibition celebrating Miffy’s 70th birthday. There are giant books, a vibrant forest of trees you can move, cosy play tents and plenty of spots to curl up with a good Miffy book and read with your little ones.
2. Visit the Ancient Worlds exhibition
Always my favourite part since being a child myself, this part of the museum has an actual 3000 year old Egyptian mummy! There is so much opportunity to play in this area too, from building your own temple to digging up artefacts.
3. See Life on Earth
With more than 800,000 animals, vegetables and minerals, this exhibition is jam packed with interesting things to see. There are dressing up opportunities, a trail to follow through time and a kids colouring station, as well as many more interactive displays.
4. Events
Leeds City Museum are always hosting fun events to keep your little ones busy, such as Rory’s Saturday club, where children of all ages can visit for free craft sessions. There are often messy craft events for specific age groups too, as well as the occasional ticketed event not to miss out on. At the time of writing, Miffy’s family fun day is coming soon and promises to be a great day out! Click here for more information about what’s on at Leeds City Museum.
Things to do with kids nearby
A free museum like no other, the Royal Armouries has tons of weapons and armour from throughout history on display. There are many activities for children to interact with and daily events such as live sword fighting. In the school holidays then even host international jousting competitions.
A farm, historic house and extensive grounds, Temple Newsam Estate has something to offer everyone. Spring is an especially lovely time to visit as they have lots of baby animals.
3. Tropical World
Visit the desert, rainforest and mangroves at this zoo, a 13 minute drive from Leeds City Museum. Here you can see reptiles, meerkats, crocodiles and other wonderful animals. A highlight for me at Tropical World is the butterfly house. Just outside Tropical World are the beautiful Specialist Gardens and Canal Gardens too.
5. Discovery Centre
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, this museum has free tours where you can explore their collection of over one million objects. If you and your children have a particular interest, such as meteorites, insects, historical fashion or anything really, the tour guides will tailor the tour and make sure you get to see the objects that will be of most interest to you, and to hear the stories about them.