It might seem like the kids have only just gone back to school after Christmas, but many parents are already wondering what February half term Leeds activities are on offer. With most schools shutting their doors on Friday the 13th, and reopening on the 23rd, it’s only a couple of weeks away – so if you want to avoid the repetitive chants of ‘I’m bored!’, it’s probably a good idea to get a few things lined up in preparation!
Ultimately, there are always plenty of things to do in Leeds, but your choices will depend on your budget. Here are our ‘top picks’ for half term activities in and around Leeds city centre this February…
Ice skating
Leeds may not have a permanent ice rink, but the Ice Cube in Millennium Square is a popular annual event and February half term is your last chance to enjoy it before it’s packed away. It’s a bundle of fun, will chase out some of that excess energy and it even offers a nursery rink for the under 9s. There’s also a range of other attractions, such as a 40 metre long snowslide!
Leeds Gallery
Across half term week between 11 am and 4 pm, you can take the kids down to the art gallery to participate in the People in Artspace project. Offering free entry, you can join in or watch the children as they use their artistic skills to create some lovely pictures all about people.
Leeds City Museum
On Tuesday and Wednesday of half term, Leeds City Museum is hosting a Superheroes, Capes and Capers event, in line with their Herakles exhibition. Running between 10 am and 12 pm, and also between 2 and 4 pm, your kids can design their own superhero/heroine at this free or charge event.
On the 17th, there’s also a Manga Comic Strip Workshop from 12 till 4 pm, suitable for kids of 7 and over.
It’s also worth checking out their weekend clubs too: Tiny Tigers, Rory’s Saturday Club and
Tiny Tigers Story Time – more details in our previous blog.
Royal Armouries
This half term’s theme is Eastern Warriers: Japan – with plenty of activities running throughout the week, such as an ‘Arming the Samuri’ demonstration and theatrical performances.
Cinema
A firm favourite for half term fun if you want to keep the kids quiet for a few hours! Head to the Vue Cinema at The Light, and see what’s on – you can even head out for lunch at one of the many reasonably priced restaurants in the centre too.
If you don’t fancy a film, then The Light is also holding a range of free events over half term, brought to you by the Little Lights kids’ club.
Bowling
MFA Bowl in The Merrion Centre will help you while away a few hours – take the whole family for some fast bowling action. You can also play pool or on the arcade games if you want to make a real day of it.
Trinity
The Trinity Centre has the luxurious Everyman’s Cinema where you can lounge around on sofas and get your food and drink brought straight to your seat. There’s loads of shops if your kids like a browse, or if you pop along on a Monday, you could introduce them to fun Japanese dining and take advantage of Yo Sushi’s Blue Monday offer – 50 or so dishes all at a cut down price of £2.50 each! The food travels past your table on a conveyor belt which makes it super fun for the youngsters.
All of these February half term activities are within easy walking distance of Trafalgar Street car park if you’re looking for cheap parking in Leeds city centre – and saving on parking means more money for fun!