1. Activities at Wakefield Libraries
There’s a summer chock full of exciting activities across all Wakefield District libraries! From crafts, cookery workshops, lego and Lion Learners to name a few!
See more details here
Cost? FREE
When? Whole Summer holidays
Where? Wakefield District Libraries
2. Wakefield’s Story Trail Walks
There four story trails around Wakefield are a wonderful way to get your little ones excited to walk. Encouraging your children to roam and explore!
My absolute favourite is the Gnome Roam, which is a 1.8 mile walk through the beautiful forest at Newmillerdam to find the Gnomes. At each gnome you have to do a little activity!
Another popular choice is the Room on the Broom Trail at Anglers, where sculptures and models are based on the popular story. To learn more about the other story trail walks click HERE.
See more details here
Cost? FREE
When? All day, every day
Where? Wakefield Parks & Country Parks
3. Bear Hunt in Leeds City Centre
Leeds Bear Hunt will bring the magic of Michael Rosen’s iconic children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to life with a blaze of colour and creativity. More than 50 giant Bear sculptures will hide in plain sight for ten weeks on the streets and within the parks of Leeds!
See more details here
Cost? FREE
When? 1st July – 9th September 2023
Where? Leeds City Centre
4. Earnshaws Fairy Trail
We are still obsessed with the new fairy trail walk around Earnshaws Fencing Centre. Hunt for the fairys in the nature based trail. Learn about local wildlife, explore the play equipment as well as loads of summer houses and sheds for the kids to play in!
Grab a coffee and cake at Little Acorns too.
See more details here Cost? Free When? 8am – 5pm (double check Bank Holiday hours)Where? Earnshaws Fencing Centres, Stocksmoor Road, Midgley, WF4 4JG
5. Castleford Museum
Come and create at Castleford Museum this summer and discover more about your local history with exciting activities, crafts and trails!
We’ll have plenty to make, do and discover with a different focus each week of the holidays.
See more details here
Cost? Free
When? 24th July – 1st September 2023
Where? Carlton Street, Castleford, WF10 1BB
6. Summer @ Pit
Enjoy sunshine at the beach, explore the great outdoors, discover the Rescue! stories from the mines and learn about today’s emergency services in a fun filled Summer programme of events & activities!
NCM, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, WF4 4RH
See more details here
Cost? Free
When? 22nd July – 3rd September (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Where? NCM, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, WF4 4RH
7. Nostell – Summer of Play
Enjoy the long summer days with an outdoor adventure at Nostell. Join in with our Summer of Play with games and activities, including badminton, hoopla and football. You’ll find the Active Play Stations on the grass in front of the house Wednesday – Sunday between 26 July and 3 September.
Bring your bike along and join in with the Wakefield District Cycle Forum free skills course and maintaince class, every Wednesday during the holidays between 11am and 3pm.
See more details here
Cost? Normal National Trust Admission Prices apply.
When? 26th July – 3rd September 2023
Where? Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1QE
8. A Grand Day Out
Want a family beach day on your doorstep? Look no further! A Grand Day Out is bringing the sand and sun with FREE family days this August!
Little ones will love the giant sand pit! Expect funfair rides, facepainting and even free crazy golf. Each event will be joined by the Hepworth Wakefield learning team for outdoor creative play. It’s a chance to stack, build, experiment, draw and play with activities inspired by artworks in the gallery.
See more details here
Cost? FREE
When? August 2023
Where? Castleford, South Elmsall & Wakefield
9. Learn to ride a bike
May half term is the perfect time to learn to ride a bike. The weather is usually dry and not too cold so you’re not battling with big coats and chunky wellies.
Whether you are heading out on trikes, balance bikes, with stabilisers or without, heading somewhere with continuous, smooth pathways is essential.
Check out our favourite places to learn here
Cost? Parking costs may apply.
When? All the time
Where? Parks and Nature Parks across Wakefield
10. Pontefract Castle
Super Summer at Pontefract Castle
Make these summer holidays one to remember and come to Pontefract Castle for a different theme each week! With free entry, wide open spaces, dark dungeons and heaps of history, there’s fun for all the family.
See more details here
Cost? Free
When? 31st July – 2nd September 2023
Where? Pontefract Castle, WF8 2JF
Our Summer Holiday Activity & Events Page has loads more ideas of one-off events and day trip ideas.
Why don’t you join the Wakefield Mumbler Chat Group where you can share reviews of days out/activities and get ideas from others.
Hopefully, some of these ideas will help you entertain the children without costing a fortune.
Hope you have a great Summer holidays!
Vicki x
* Information correct at time of publishing, please check all events/activities before travelling in case of last minute changes.
