Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Alverthorpe

"One of the most complete medieval abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was founded over 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It’s another great free day out in Leeds with kids, with regular family events and activities during holidays, including trails and art packs. Whenever you visit, you can stroll through the ruined abbey buildings and the lovely parkland on the banks of the river, plus more about the monks who lived here, on display at the visitor centre."

"Grade I listed Kirkstall Abbey sits in leafy grounds and offers a snapshot into the lives of the monks who resided there. Entry to the dramatic ruins is free through the visitor centre, which illustrates the history of the abbey, which was surrendered to Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries. The abbey grounds also host regular farmers markets, open cinema events and Christmas fairs."

"Kirkstall Abbey has a wooly great summer of sheep themed activities in the abbey!. Cistercians loved their sheep and they Kirkstall Abbey will celebrate that fact with a baa-tastic trail. Pick up or download a trail to find the whole flock and discover the different types of sheep that the UK call home."

"At one point the majestic centerpiece of York Castle, this historic keep has had a long and troubled life. Originally built to intimidate and subdue the Viking north by William the Conqueror, it has been twice burned to the ground in its lifespan. The other surviving fragments of the castle (such as the bailey wall and parts of the south gatehouse) blend seamlessly into the bustling city streets."

"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."

"This 700-acre park is a firm favourite with local families, who flock to its open green space and two huge lakes on a sunny day. It’s the biggest park in Leeds and one of the biggest in Europe, so there’s plenty of space for outdoor activities with the kids. They can play tennis, let run wild at the playground, or enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens."

"Next, there’s no better way to escape the busy city than going for a stroll in Roundhay Park. The grand park covers over 700 acres and is just 3 miles north of Leeds City centre. Undeniably, it is one of the most popular parks in Leeds."

"Get behind-the-scenes access on matchdays with the Elland Road Stadium Tour, with sneaky peeks at the dressing rooms, the tunnel and the managers dugout!. Tours begin from Billy’s Bar at 10am (before a 3pm kick-off) and 2pm (prior to an evening game) and last around an hour and a half. Tours cost £15 for adults, £10 for juniors (aged under 16) and seniors (aged 60 and over)."

"Here’s one of the best farms in Leeds for kids, but with a difference. Hope Pastures is all about rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. After they’ve managed to do that, they let people come and visit the animals seven days a week, learning all about them and how tp look after them as you go."

"Boasting the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens, Tropical World is also popular for its adorable meerkats, terrapins, turtles, tropical birds and butterflies (which are free to flutter around the attraction). As the name suggests, the tropical origins of its inhabitants mean the attraction is kept warm and humid - but you soon adapt to the balmy setting. Tropical World, Princes Avenue, Roundhay LS8 1DF (within Roundhay Park)."

"Finally, this indoor attraction is home to one of the largest collections of tropical plants anywhere in the UK, and a whole host of exotic creatures including crocodiles, butterflies, piranhas, and meerkats. The different areas will take you on a thrilling journey through mangroves, desert and rainforest, exploring the habitats of some amazing animals. The rainforest canopy and waterfall areas are a particular highlight."

"Nestled inside Roundhay Park, Tropical World offers the UK’s largest collection of tropical plants outside of London. Expect a large collection of tropical plants, lush indoor exotic gardens and an impressive array of wildlife including giant catfish, colourful butterflies and even baby meerkats. Tropical World | © Rept0n1x / Wikimedia"

"Built in 1897, Grand Arcade is a stunning building with a one-off William Potts and Sons clock, but that’s not the only reason to visit the Leeds Landmark. It’s an independent haven, full of shops, bars and restaurants worth checking out. Nip over to Our Handmade Collective for jewellery and crafts or try The Traditional Shaving Company for everything you need to stay well groomed."

"Grand Arcade is another beautiful Grade II listed building, with a beautiful Victorian architecture consisting of arched windows and wooden floors. It is again home to lots of independent shops, such as a wedding dress shop, as well as some well-loved eateries like Zaap Thai Street Food."

"Considering its relatively small stature, the Grand Arcade definitely packs plenty in. It’s full of places to eat and drink – this is where you’ll find the hidden entrance to The Domino Club tucked away inside Lords’ Barbering, and the quaint Just Grand!"

"One of the most exciting contemporary structures in the city is Victoria Gate, part of the Victoria Leeds shopping centre that includes a car park and a flagship John Lewis store. The £164 million development immediately captures your eye with huge diamond-shaped glass panels that cover the John Lewis building. The arcade is made up of 360,000 bricks placed in a complicated pleated pattern, and the carpark features distinctive twisted metal panels."

"Victoria Gate isn’t just a shopping centre, it’s a landmark building with a unique design. The John Lewis store has an intricate crisscrossed pattern that gives a nod to the city’s textile heritage, while the arcade itself is adorned with an intricate pattern of 360,000 individual drawn and located bricks. Even the car park stands out with 228 twisted metal panels hiding the cars within."

"Victoria Gate shopping centre, one of Leeds’ newest additions, is a fascinating building inspired by Leeds' Victorian heritage and its historic shopping arcades. From the outside, the latticed concrete design is noticeable from miles around. Inside, there’s zigzag patterned stonework, shiny glass and plenty of beautiful natural light."

"It may be on the grounds of Leeds Beckett University, but Beckett Park is open to everyone. It’s a huge park that stretches from Queenswood Drive to Batcliffe Mount, with vast swathes of grassy parkland and a beautiful patch of woodland. There are two tennis courts here and if you head into the woods, you can hunt out Queen Victoria Arch, which was built 250 years ago and altered in 1858 to commemorate the monarch’s historic visit to Leeds."

"Due to its location right next to Leeds Beckett University's Headingley campus, this park is dominated by students during term time. The big, open grass spaces mean it's the perfect place to throw a frisbee or kick a football around. And when it starts to get dark, Headingley's pubs and bars are just a short walk away!"

"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."

"Like a moment frozen in time, York’s Cold War bunker takes visitors back to an era where the threat of nuclear explosions prompted the construction of this space. The partially-underground bunker is a glimpse into the recent history of the British Cold War, built in 1961 to monitor fallout. It was decommissioned in the 1990s, but remains a reminder of what it is like to live under the threat of nuclear war."

"Leeds Art Gallery reopened in October 2017 following an extensive refurbishment, including works on its original Victorian roof and renovation of the Central Court - meaning visitors can now see the stunning glass ceiling as part of the gallery. As well as the gallery’s main collection, artist room feature regular exhibitions. The Headrow, Leeds,LS1 3AA, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-3pm, closed Mondays."

"Part of the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle, tie in a visit to the Henry Moore Institute with a walk around Leeds Art Gallery. The gallery is currently undergoing repairs to the roof and will reopen in October this year, when visitors will be treated to a series of interesting exhibits."

"Lotte Inch Gallery first came to York in 2012 in the form of a pop-up art gallery space – but many glorious years later and after several small pop-up exhibitions, the gallery moved from its previous space near York Minster to its current location in bustling 14 Bootham. The eponymous Lotte comes from a background in Art History and Heritage, having worked for The National Trust; Scampston Hall and Gardens; and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at The University of Leeds, amongst others – making her a mastermind when it comes to art. The gallery is the ideal place to discover new artists, designers and makers, alongside established names and figures, hoping to be a “welcoming and inclusive place with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions."