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Summer is almost here, and if you’re looking for tons of family-friendly activities to enjoy around Harrogate and Leeds during the school holiday, read on! From parks and gardens bursting with blooms, to museums full of exciting exhibits, and waterparks ideal for a cool escape from the heat – it’s easy to keep everyone entertained over the summer.
HARROGATE
Birchfield Farm is a picturesque working farm nestled in the valley of Nidderdale, North Yorkshire in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit the café and ice cream parlour for some delicious ice cream, and enjoy seeing the animals, from Guinea pigs and goats to sheep and cows.
They are open Tuesday – Sunday 10 – 4 pm
(Closed Monday except for bank holidays and North Yorkshire school holidays)
The Valley Gardens, Harrogate, is a 17-acre English Heritage Grade II Listed Garden in regal Low Harrogate, next to the Pinewoods woodlands. There are plenty of activities on offer such as mini golf, tennis and even a skatepark to play on!
Valley Gardens are perfect for a relaxed stroll or a family day out. It is open all year round.
If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure in South Yorkshire for young kids, you’ve found it. Gulliver’s Valley Resort features all exciting things, like indoor attractions, outdoor rides, short break packages and exclusive experiences – all for you to discover. From toddlers to teens this attraction has something special for all kids!
Stockeld Rox is the ultimate family music festival that takes place in the beautiful countryside of Yorkshire. From original and emerging pop acts to our own in-house entertainers, there will be something for everyone.
This year, it’s bigger and better than ever, with headliners Symphonic Ibiza and Scouting For Girls! The event will take place on Saturday 19th August – Sunday 20th August. Gates open at 5 pm, with music from 6:30 until 10 pm.
Harrogate Climbing Centre is a superb climbing and bouldering facility on Harrogate’s Hornbeam Park. The centre caters for climbers of all abilities from 5 years and over with a wide range of courses and one-off sessions to suit everyone including Family Taster Sessions, Birthday Parties, Casual Kids’ Club sessions and progressive climbing courses for kids or adults.
Get ready to explore the wonders of England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630. Uncover the secrets of the UK’s most famous prophetess, Mother Shipton, as you explore her home and the ancient woodland that surrounds the cave. The park features themed trails and events, including a crazy playground!
Looking to get active with your family? Ninja Warrior UK Leeds is a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by the hit ITV programme Ninja Warrior UK!
Kids aged 4 years+ can unleash their inner Ninja as they grip, climb, jump and swing their way around the awesome obstacle course and inflatable before taking on the famous warped wall.
LEEDS
From 30th July – 4th September, the dinosaurs are back for the Leeds Jurassic Trail! This free event is the perfect day out for all dinosaur lovers, where 12 dinosaurs will be taking over Leeds city centre. You will be able to pick up a free trail programme across Leeds or use the digital map to hunt them down. How many dinosaurs can you find? Watch out for the T-Rex!
Between July – August, Breeze in the Park will be coming to parks across Leeds. Get caught up in the sun, fun, chills and thrills with an interactive play system, art zone, food and classic inflatables.
Tickets for 2023 go on sale from 27th June, so keep an eye out on social media for updates!
Ilkley Lido is the stuff of school holiday legend. Nestled in the countryside, just on the outer edge of Leeds, it offers stunning views of the moors and a double whammy of pools that will keep the kids splashing come rain or shine. Not only is there an outdoor pool for those sunny days, but there is also an indoor pool just in case it rains.
The full Summer Lido Programme will be active from Saturday 27th May.
Tropical World is home to loads of exciting and exotic animals. They have meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles, butterflies and so much more. From the Waterfall House to the Rainforest Canopy, there is plenty to do and explore. Why not also take a stroll through Roundhay Park to finish off your visit? The park covers over 700 acres of rolling parkland with lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, and playgrounds.
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best Cistercian monasteries in the country, founded over 800 years ago. Explore the historic ruins of the Abbey and learn all about its history in the Visitor Centre. Enjoy wandering through the park and woodlands and take a leisurely stroll beside the River Aire. There’s plenty on throughout the year, including the Kirkstall Market.
Hope Pastures rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses, ponies, and donkeys in need. The Visitor Centre is open every day with tea, coffee, soft drinks, and refreshments, as well as information, activities and Hope Pastures’ goods and gifts. The Visitor Centre and yard are wheelchair friendly and have disabled facilities. Dogs on leads are also welcome!
Check out the website to see upcoming events this summer, including the Summer Fayre on Sunday 16th July.
Hope Pastures is FREE to visit. The animals love to meet new people!
None Go Bye Farm is a family run farm that is a key part of the community. There is lots of fun to be had for the kids, with a walkway to see and feed the animals, and an indoor play area if you need to rest your feet, they pride themselves on being a great place for the young ones. There is a range of animals to be seen, including llamas, goats, donkeys, sheep and pigs.
If you’d like some more inspiration as to where to take the kids for a summer day out, take a look at the North Leeds Mumbler website which always has lots of inspiration for local activities
Gateways Educational Trust Limited is a registered Charity No. 529206.
Gateways Educational Trust Limited is registered in England No. 702484.