May Half Term Day Out, Events & Activities
Find all the fun-packed days out, events & activities in Wharfedale & Craven and surrounding areas for this May Half Term!
Featured Listing
27 May – 4 June 2023
This May half-term is all about fun and playing in nature here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. This 800-acre site is bursting with life and splashing its colour. How do you play in nature? Do you run and jump through the long swaying grass? Or do you sit still and watch the nature around you, spotting a frog in the water, watching the birds fly overhead or seeing little beasties flee as you lift a log? Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has so much for you to explore.
Get crafting in Swanley Grange with our free family-friendly drop-in sessions every day from 27 May – 4 June. Design and create your own bug house using sustainable and natural materials. Once completed, explore the estate and gather materials to go inside. Who knows which bugs will make their new home there? We have quiet crafting sessions daily between 2-3 pm for those who might find quiet crafting a better experience.
Join the family trail, every day from 27 May – 4 June, exploring nature in the deer park. Discover and learn where different animals and insects live. What beasties will you find living in the grassland, woodland or freshwater habitats?
Walk with the wildlife volunteers on Saturday 27 May to find out more about the Red, Sika and Fallow deer that call Studley Royal deer park their home.
There are acres of space for little legs to run riot at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Wobble, jump and climb your way through the play area. Why not take a walk through the summer garden or climb to the high ride to see some of the best views?
For everything you need to know about visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this May half term – visit Visiting Fountains Abbey with kids | National Trust
No need to book, just pop along and have fun!
Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
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Featured Listing
Hop along to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play area at Tong and Tingley Garden Centre for a proper playtime!
You’ll find a huge outdoor adventure playground with sand pits and bouncing pillows and a large indoor play area, with sports court, a big play frame and a baby and toddler zone, where your young ones can enjoy playtime – whatever the weather!
There’s also great grub including pizzas, toasties and award-winning ice cream in Woody’s Kitchen!
For more information and to book your playtime session, CLICK HERE
Booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Booking required. Suitable for babies and toddlers.
Tong Lane, Bradford, BD4 0RY
0113 285 3506
grasshoppers@tonggardencentre.co.uk
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Featured Listing
Featured Listing
Around the World in 80 Stories
27 May 2023 – 04 June 2023
Visit Lotherton for Spring half term as we delve into stories old and new and travel around the world in 80 stories.
There will be stories for all ages, excitement and adventure around the estate for families to get involved in.
Pick up a trail and follow the stories around the estate using your map. Pop into the house for more stories and dressing up, and then head into the beautiful gardens for outdoor games and a picnic if it’s nice!
Take a stroll to Wildlife World to see amazing animals and meet Edwardian zoologist Dr Henrietta Wright-Legge for lively tales of animals from around the world. There will be family activities in the Nestbox, all themed around Love Your Zoo Week, and plenty of opportunities to find out more about the animals that call Lotherton home.
Don’t miss Wildlife Corner with natural den building, the deer hide, bird spotting, and lots of space to let off steam!
READ MORE AND BOOK TICKETS
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Featured Listing
The Three Bears | Sun 26 May, 11am & 2pm | Age Guidance: 6 and under
Deep in the forest live Mammy, Daddy, and Baby Bear. Each day the Three Bears head into the woods to collect interesting things to re-use in their home. Soon their cosy house is turned upside down by a colourful whirlwind that threatens to sit in their chairs, eat their porridge and sleep in their beds. It’s Goldilocks!
Comedy Club 4 Kids | Tue 28 May, 2pm | Age Guidance: 6+
Like the name says, it’s a comedy club for kids!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly | Fri 31 May, 2:30pm | Age Guidance: 3+
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly… I don’t know why she swallowed a fly… but The People’s Theatre Company does!
And now you can too as this much-loved story is brought to life with a stunning combination of live action, animation, and puppetry.
You Choose | Sat 1 – Sun 2 Jun | Age Guidance: 2-7
Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt, Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary) brings you an interactive musical show for all the family. But in this show – YOU CHOOSE what happens!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW
0113 376 0318
boxoffice@leeds.gov.uk
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Featured Listing
Mission Out is a thrill-seeking family day out where both adults and children can experience active entertainment and epic challenges in the great outdoors! All day access to the Mission Out park including the Jump Tower, the Lake, the Adventure Golf Course and many more activities…
EPIC NEWS ALERT- TICKETS NOW LIVE! 
Get ready for an AWESOME adventure because MISSION OUT is reopening on SATURDAY 23RD MARCH!
And that’s not all! They’ve got 100% EPIC offers lined up just for YOU!
BOOK TICKETS HERE
PLUS! NEW FOR 2024 
ADULTS pay ONCE and come back 4 FREE throughout 2024!*
KIDS ANNUAL PASS: For just £39.95, you can play ALL SEASON LONG!*
FAMILY TICKET SPECIAL: The Family Ticket is back and better than ever! Add additional tickets, and you’ll get AN EXTRA 15% off each single ticket. Concessions/max card not applicable*
Don’t miss out on EPIC FAMILY FUN at even better VALUE this season.
BOOK HERE
Tingley Garden Centre, Thorpe Lane, Tingley, Leeds WF3 1SL
Thorpe Lane, Tingley, Leeds, UK
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Lost Boys 25th May – 2nd June 2024
This May Half Term, all you need is FAITH, TRUST and PIXIE DUST. Join us for a fantastical journey at Mother Shipton’s from 25th May to the 2nd June, step into the enchanting world of Peter Pan with ‘Lost Boys’.
Embark on an adventure like no other as you explore themed displays inspired by the wild children from the beloved story of Peter Pan. From shipwrecks to pirate hideouts and fairy-themed displays, pose amidst scenes straight out of a storybook. Share your enchanting photos with us on social media using #mothershiptons for a chance to win free tickets to visit again!
Dressing up is thoroughly encouraged!
As England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction, Mother Shipton’s offers something for the whole family. Explore the birthplace of the Yorkshire Prophetess Mother Shipton, marvel at the incredible Petrifying Well, and let the little ones roam free in our Adventure Playground (weather permitting). Indulge in scrumptious treats from our vintage-style kiosks, including ice cream, pies, hot dogs, and sweet delights.
With plenty of picnic benches nestled amidst our blooming woodland, take a moment to soak in the beauty of spring and enjoy panoramic views of the River Nidd. Plus, furry friends on leads are welcome to join you on a picturesque mile-long walk.
Booking is essential. Don’t miss out on this magical journey to Neverland!
www.mothershipton.co.uk
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Knaresborough, HG5 8DD 01423 864600
01423 864600
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Featured Listing
27 May – 4 June 2023
Get sowing this May half term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr and learn how to grow your own food.
From sowing peas to edible garden tours with the Garden Detectives, take part in the veg olympics, or explore a family trail with plenty of grow-your-own ideas to inspire you along the way.
All activities are included with garden admission. Free to RHS members and children under 5.
Sow Awesome family trail
Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June
9.30am – 6pm, self-led trail
Sowing peas
Monday 29 May and Friday 2 June
Drop-in sessions from 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 3pm, location TBC
Salad growing workshops
Monday 29 May – Friday 2 June
12noon – 3pm, Sunley Room
Veg Olympics with the Garden Detectives
Tuesday 30 May and Thursday 1 June
11am – 2pm, Main Lawn
Edible garden tours with the Garden Detectives
Tuesday 30 May and Thursday 1 June
3pm, Kitchen Garden
Story yoga sessions
Wednesday 31 May
11am, 1pm and 3pm, Main Lawn (weather dependent)
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01423 565418
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Easter 2024
All events taking place throughout the Easter holidays!
Prehistoric Egg Hunt:Grab an UltraViolet torch and embark on an exciting quest through the natural showcaves to uncover hidden letters, ultimately revealing the name of our resident Dino to win a FREE prize! 🏆
Cavern Exploration:Venture deep into the caverns and witness the enchanting beauty of the calcite as it sparkles under UV light after 3pm, release your inner explorer as you discover formations carefully carved out by nature over hundreds of thousands of years!
Sluice Gem Mining:Our Gem Panning sluice is back! Channel your inner miner and pan for treasures in our Sluice. Discover up to 30 different gems and minerals to take home as souvenirs of your adventure.
Discovery Days:Spend the full day immersed in exploration. Participate in The Fossil Dig, embark on a UV adventure, and try your luck at panning for gems in our Sluice.
Fossil Digs:We have Fossil Digs taking place daily throughout the Easter holidays, Embark on a prehistoric adventure with our enthralling Fossil experience! Join one of our captivating team in our comfortable cinema for an hour of exhilarating discovery.
01756 752780
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Featured Listing
DINO LIVE at Thornton Hall Country Park
Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June 2023
DINO LIVE returns this May half term for a ROAR-SOME event! Head over for a prehistoric adventure to remember! As well as all the usual hands-on animal encounters, visitors can enjoy:
DINO Live Show – Brand NEW show for 2023! (INCLUDED)
Enjoy a fun (and educational!) LIVE stage show. Meet Thornton Hall’s Park Rangers who will train you to become park rangers too – including a very special DINO Dance song!
DINO Live show – at intervals throughout the day.
DINOS Meet and Greet (INCLUDED)
Then travel back to prehistoric times to meet Thornton Hall’s dinosaurs! And don’t forget the adorable baby dinos too.
Meet & greet sessions available after the DINO Live show – at intervals throughout the day.
DINO Trail (INCLUDED)
Venture around the DINO Trail to learn more about the different Dinosaurs. Complete the quiz and become an official DINO ranger.
DINO Dig (INCLUDED)
Dig through the sand with our DINO ranger to see what you can find.
Plus:
· Full day entry into the farm park(10am – 4.30pm)
· Walkabout characters
· Farm Tours and animal activities
· Indoor soft play area (book time slot online on booking)
· Outdoor play areas
· Jumping Pillows (weather permitting)
· Rides (weather permitting/additional charge)
www.thorntonhallfarm.co.uk
Prices: £0 – £14.95 pp
Full event information/Ts&Cs/book tickets HERE
01282 841148
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BOOK TICKETS
27th May – 4th June. Various times.
Gnomes have set up home in our Victorian streets. Gnome doors are popping up all over the place! Find them planting in the pub, camping in the chemist and gardening in the grocers. There will be the usual range of trails and quizzes plus crafts in the Education Room.
Abbey Walk, Leeds LS5 3EH. Tel: 0113 378 4079
6th May – 28th September 2023
Grow your little one’s confidence on two wheels with our safe area for children to cycle, away from the hazards of traffic and pedestrians. With “roads” cut through the grass and signs to mark the way, children can enjoy endless fun manoeuvring the roundabout and junctions!
- This is a free activity. The usual Estate admission fee applies.
- Children must be supervised at all times
27th May – 29th October 2023
Embrace the outdoors and get ready for a muddy adventure! The Welly Walk leads you from the stepping stones to the Cavendish Pavilion cafe, whilst coming across lots of fun obstacles along the way. Pack a picnic and enjoy a family fun day out.
This is a challenging adventure and some obstacles are not suitable for all age groups. Children must be supervised at all times.
Useful Information
- This is a free activity. The usual Estate admission fee applies
- Tickets must be booked in advance
- Children must be supervised at all times
- This path is steep in sections with unguarded steep drops. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Dogs are welcome, however we do ask that you remember not all children like dogs, so please keep them on a lead.
- Please wear appropriate footwear, especially when it has been wet – it’s not called the Welly Walk for no reason! A spare set of clothing is recommended!
Join us for Free Half Term Activities at Bradford Museums and Galleries to celebrate spring!
Monday 29 May
Bradford Industrial Museum
Spring Bank Holiday Street Party, 11am-3pm You are invited to join us for a post-coronation spring bank celebration. Come and join us for our street party with Live Music, Victorian street games and enjoy a free drink and slice of cake (while stock lasts)
Tuesday 30 May
Cliffe Castle Museum
Mary Anning and the Pholiderpeton, 11am – 2pm
Meet pioneering palaeontologist and fossil collector Mary Anning whilst she meets our Pholiderpeton for the first time. Take part in a dig and fossil identification activities.
Read nature inspired books in our story corner in the Bracewell Smith Hall. Grab a spring trail and explore the museum.
Wednesday 31 May
Bradford Industrial Museum
Storytelling with Richard O’ Neill, 10.30am – 3pm
Meet internationally acclaimed storyteller and author Richard O’Neill as he tells the story of Polonious, The Pit Pony, plus others from his collection of children’s books. Richard is from a traditional, nomadic, Romani Gypsy family.
Make some of the characters from Richard’s stories in our peg doll making workshop.
The Literacy Trust have kindly donated books for a treasure hunt – search for a book voucher hidden in the Museum and collect your free book from reception.
Read stories of travelling communities in our story corner in the Weaving Gallery. Grab a spring trail and explore the museum.
Thursday 1 June
Cartwright Hall
Celebrating Biodiversity, 11am – 2pm Learn about habitats and the biodiversity which lives in our parks. Contribute to a giant, collaborative map.
Plein Air drawing for all
(weather permitting)
Read nature inspired books in our story corner in the Place gallery. Grab a spring trail and explore the museum.
Friday 2 June
Bolling Hall
Spring Planting, 11am – 2pm
Plant herbs in our kitchen gardens with the BMG Volunteer Heritage Gardeners before making your own lavender bag to take home. Find out about how lavender was traditionally used at Bolling Hall in Tudor Times.
Read nature inspired books in our story corner in the Cold Kitchen. Grab a spring trail and explore the museum.
Saturday 3 June & Sunday 4 June
The National Science and Media Museum
10am – 4pm
Join Bradford Museums at Bradford Science Festival. Explore Vision with Zoetropes, Thaumatropes and Kaleidoscopes and make your own Thaumatrope to take home.
Curious About Leeds:
Have fun (re-)discovering Leeds, spotting things you’ve never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks – a safe, fun and affordable way to get some fresh air.
Visit our website to buy in printed booklet or instant download format, using code Mumbler20 for 20% off all purchases.
Looking for something fun and active for all ages and abilities?
Welcome to Gravity Active Entertainment, Leeds. The perfect day out.
Grab your Gravity Socks and wristbands and get bouncing.
For those who are looking to relax, head upstairs to our Newtons café. Coffee, cake, ice cream and a full view of the park!
Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Kirkstall Rd, Leeds LS4 2DG
Newborn lambs, eggs hatching in our incubators, beautiful fluffy chicks to hold and baby guinea pigs to cuddle after a lonely winter.
On the tractor ride during the month of May, the cows will be outside enjoying the lush grass with their new baby calves.
No booking required.
Hedgehog Headbands
30 – 31 May 2023
10am – 12pm & 1 – 2pm
Transform into a hedgehog this May half-term by making a spiky headband. Will you have sonic speed or curl into a ball? Something for all ages. Free, drop in.
Why not have a go at our Hedgehog Hideaway Trail while you’re here too?
27th May – 4th June 2023: 10 am – 5 pm
Join us for an action-packed May half-term with an Old West theme.
Daily activities include:
Horse Shows – Stunt-riders, gunslingers and dare-devil stagecoach drivers in an exciting western-themed spectacular. Two shows every day at 11:00 and 14:00. Must book.
High Noon shootout – Gun firing demonstrations by our western sharpshooters | Daily at 12:00
Have-go-activities – Tin can alley shooting gallery, Nerf gun showdown and cactus ring toss.
Stories from the Old West – Fascinating tales of cowboy adventurers, buffalo hunters, sheriffs and outlaws.
Make & take craft activities: Sheriff’s badges
Pre-book your museum visit
Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT
Tel: 0113 220 1999
Mar 22 2024 – Apr 14 2024
Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail
Explore the amazing world of Ancient Egypt at Cliffe Castle Museum this Easter. The Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail from Kids in Museums and Walker Books celebrates the release of hit historian Greg Jenner’s new book, Totally Chaotic History Ancient Egypt Gets Unruly, with expert interruptions from Egyptologist Dr Campbell Price and illustrations by Rikin Parekh.
Discover intriguing objects, pretend to be a Pharoah planning what you’ll take to the afterlife and learn about some of the hundreds of Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. Complete the activity sheet to receive your Totally Chaotic History sticker!
01535618231
Keighley BD20 6LQ
Train from Pickering to Goathland, Grosmont and through to Whitby over 24 miles of beautiful Yorkshire Scenery.
UNLIMITED Annual Pass Ticket £49.50. Plus KIDS GO FREE! A Shorter Journey Ticket allows day return travel between up to one station (e.g. Goathland to Grosmont day return) for a fixed fare price of £13.50 per adult (16+) and up to two stations (e.g. Pickering to Goathland day return) for a fixed fare price of £25 per adult (16+). Both are free for children (0-15).
Pickering Station, YO18 7AJ. 01751 472508
Friday 26th May till 4th June 2023
Silsden mega value funfair and summer beach
£12 entry unlimited rides
None riders £2
Session times
Friday 26th 6-8:30pm
Saturday 27th till Saturday 3rd 12-2:30. 3-5:30. 6-8:30pm.
Sunday 4th 12-2:30. 3-5:30pm.
Free children’s beach with deck chairs for the parents
Come see transformers free both Saturdays
Over over 30 rides Attractions
Game stalls for everyone
Free giant car park
On site security
Toilets
No card facilities on entry cash only
Riverside field silsden, Keighley road bd20 0eh
Join us this May half-term for nature-inspired activities around the Hall and gardens
BOOKING NOT NEEDED
FREE EVENT (ADMISSION APPLIES)
This May half-term there will be 5 activities to try around the gardens and Hall. Who can build the tallest tower? How long can you hoola hoop?
Can you spot all of the flowers hiding around the historic Hall?
Admission applies, free entry for National Trust Members and under 5s
Keighley, West Yorkshire
Don’t miss out on the great high ropes and water activities for children aged 9+ at Doe Park reservoir in Denholme.
All our activities are suitable for novices and can be made fully accessible.
Doe Park Swing and Splash
Our swing and splash sessions involve half the day on the water kayaking and raft building and half the day on the high ropes.
Age range 9 – 16
Times 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Full price £35
Bradford Leisure Card price £28
Doe Park Water Adventure
Have a splash on our 2-day water adventure, your chance to try out a variety of water activities.
Activities on the day are chosen to best suit the group and weather conditions on each day and may vary on each course.
Age range 9 – 16
Times 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Full price £70
Bradford Leisure Card price £56
For more information and to book visit Doe Park Water Activities Centre holiday courses
22nd April – 24th September 2023
There is magical mayhem at Studfold Adventure and Fairy Trail!
The Studfold Fairies have flown into Upper Nidderdale, although some pesky pixies have locked a number of magical gateways! Find the lock codes to travel through wonderful dales countryside, discover clues to find treasure, make wishes, explore the amazing world of nature and have lots of interactive fun!
Booking is essential
Studfold Adventure Nature Trail, Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5SG
27 May 2023 – 04 June 2023
We are exploring ‘Happy’ this week for May half term. Come along and take part in activities that make us feel good. Discover your happy place at Temple Newsam!
Join us for fun activities in the house and garden for all the family. Make sure to visit the animals at Home Farm, explore the grounds, and stop off at the café too!
Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam, LS15 0AD Leeds
Call 0113 336 7460
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a unique walk-through wildlife park located just outside Doncaster. The wildlife attraction brings families face to face with some of the world’s most beautiful – and at-risk – species. The indoor and outdoor play area offers a fun-filled day whatever the weather. Open daily, special events throughout the year. Accessible site. Admission charges apply.
Tongue Ln, Branton, Old Cantley, Doncaster DN4 6TB. Tel 01302 535057
