Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Louise
The vibrant city of Leeds is jam packed full of exciting things to do with teenagers.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills such as paddleboarding or immersive cultural experiences like art galleries and museums, Leeds has what your teen is looking for and lots more.
Explore historic landmarks, chill out on a boat ride, indulge in retail therapy, solve an escape room – whatever you choose to do, your teenager will have a fantastic time in this wonderful city.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey with 22 of the most exciting things to do for teens (and the young at heart.)
Table of Contents
Tour Leeds United Football Stadium
If you have a teenage football fan, they will love a guided tour of Elland Road, the home stadium of Leeds United.
During the summer holidays, teens can see inside the players’ dressing rooms and walk down the iconic tunnel during a pre-booked tour.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for football enthusiasts to learn about the club’s rich history, experience the atmosphere of the stadium, and gain insights into the workings of a professional football club.
Book your Leeds Utd football stadium tour
Walk Down “Disease Street”
“Disease Street” at the Thackray Medical Museum.
Photo Credit: Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia
At The Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds, explore the fascinating and sometimes gruesome history of medicine, from Victorian times to the modern era.
A highlight of the museum is “disease street” where you experience authentic smells of disease while walking through a 19th Century Street. Learn about how illnesses were caused and spread. See the poor hygiene and sanitation of the people who lived in squalid and dirty conditions.
Other exhibits let you discover medical instruments from the past and see how medicine has advanced over the years. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and fascinating displays. Some are not for the faint hearted!
Find out more at the Thackray Museum of Medicine.
Chill Out at the Kitty Cafe
Belle in Leeds Cat Cafe. Photo credit: Kitty Cafe Facebook page
Great for teenage animal lovers, the Kitty Cafe in Leeds is a great place to enjoy a hot chocolate and cake while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of interacting with friendly felines.
See the Weapons at The Royal Armouries Museum
The Royal Armouries Museum is one of the top destinations for people of all ages visiting Leeds. If you have a teen who has an interest in history, a visit here is a must.
Across five floors, there’s an impressive collection of arms and weaponry. With everything from caveman spears, to medieval swords and spears as well as sci-fi blasters from Star Wars, there’s plenty to see.
In addition, interactive exhibits, interesting talks and live demonstrations are sure to engage and entertain teens and their families.
Best of all it’s free, so if you don’t enjoy it, you’ve not wasted any of your hard earned cash.
Find out more at the Royal Armouries Museum.
Break Out of An Escape Room
Escape Rooms are super fun to play with teenagers and are great for a rainy day activity. Work together to solve clues and break out of the room in as quick as time as possible.
The Great Escape Game is just one option in Leeds to try out. There are a variety of games to choose from including King Arthur’s Secret, Raid and Underworld.
Bike Ride Along the Aire Valley Towpath
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
If your teens have their own bikes, consider cycling along the Aire Valley towpath which follows the route of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The route takes you out through Leeds and into beautiful countryside. It’s lined with historic features such as Kirkstall Abbey where it’s great to stop and have a picnic.
Other picturesque spots include Bramley Fall Woods, Rodley, Calverley Woods and Apperley Bridge.
There are various access points and parking areas along the towpath, making it convenient for cyclists to start and end their rides at different locations. However, like any shared path, it can be busy with pedestrians, especially during weekends and sunny days.
Stand Up Paddleboarding at Leeds Dock
If your teen loves to get active, why not book a paddleboarding session at Leeds Dock?
There are courses for beginners which include tuition and kit hire that run throughout the year.
Challenge Teens To Crazy Golf
Photo Credit: Junkyard Golf Facebook
Junkyard Golf offers a thrilling adventure golf experience in Leeds, with creatively designed courses set in a quirky atmosphere. Teenagers will love the vibrant and lively ambiance with flashing lights, UV lights, and loud music!!
Book Your Game at Junkyard Golf
Climb High
The Climbing Lab is a popular indoor climbing facility in Leeds, providing a range of challenging routes suitable for teenagers of all skill levels. If your teen is new to climbing they can book an introductory session or you can book a session for a family if you want to do it together.
It’s an excellent activity for teenagers to build strength, improve problem-solving skills, and boost their confidence.
Find out more at The Climbing Lab
Immerse Yourself In a VR World
The Park Playground offers immersive virtual reality experiences. Explore new worlds, fight aliens or hunt for zombies with a group of friends of family. Choose from an exciting range of games with themes including battle, adventure, horror and sci fi.
Book Online at The Park Playground
Play and Eat at Roxy Lanes
Photo Credit: Roxy Lanes Facebook Page
Located in Leeds City Centre, Roxy Lanes is a trendy entertainment centre that offers plenty of games for teens including bowling, curling, shuffleboard, pool and more!
The venue’s contemporary design, neon lights, and upbeat music makes it a cool venue. After your chosen activity, tuck into some food. The menu offers many teen favorites incuding burgers and pizzas.
Find out more at Roxy Lanes
Go Karting
TeamSport Go Karting Leeds is a perfect activity for teen adrenaline junkies. It’s the longest circuit in Yorkshire with 580m of racing track to enjoy.
Book at TeamSport Go Karting Leeds
Watch a Movie
The Everyman Cinema is the best rated cinema in Leeds on Trip Advisor and it’s not hard to see why. Enjoy a luxourious cinema experience and watch a film from a comfy sofa. There’s also a waiter service to your seat.
Book Your Cinema Ticket at the Everyman Cinema
Battle Family and Friends at LazerZone
Engage in thrilling lazer tag battles in a multi-level arena at LazerZone, Leeds. Equipped with state of the art ‘Helios’ laser packs and phasers, teens score points by zapping your opponents and blasting their bases.
Book Online at LazerZone Leeds
Shop!
Photo: County Arcade Victoria Leeds
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Leeds is an excellent city for shopping. Most teenagers will want to head to Trinity Leeds first. It’s located in the city centre and has a large range of high street shops and restaurants. The Everyman Cineman is located here, so you can combine a shopping and cinema trip if you wish!
For high end shops, try Victoria Leeds which comprises Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate. Here you’ll find luxury brands, designer boutiques, and premium department stores.
If your teen likes the independents, check out The Corn Exchange. Located in a historic building, it’s been transformed into a hub for quirky boutiques, vintage shops, handmade crafts, and alternative fashion.
Other options include Briggate, one of Leeds’ main shopping streets, lined with well-known stores, department stores, and cafes.
There’s also the White Rose Shopping Centre which is located a short distance from the city centre. This large retail complex has stores, restaurants, and entertainment.
Ride the Wheel of Light
From the middle of November 2023 to the middle of Feburary 2024, the Leed’s Wheel of Light will be a feature at the back of Victoria Gardens in Leeds City Centre.
As teens ascend on the illuminated big wheel, they’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city. Experience the city lit up at night and soak in the breathtaking views from the top.
Find out more about the Wheel of Light.
Visit the Leeds Art Gallery
If you have a teenager who studies or is passionate about art, a visit to Leeds art gallery should be on your list of things to do.
The gallery is housed in a beautiful Victorian building which has ornate stonework, stained glass and beautiful tiles. It’s worth the visit alone. Inside, the Tiled Hall has a magnificent ceiling that sparkles with clever lighting.
There is an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art which includes works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Antony Gormeley and Damien Hurst who has one of his sheep on display.
It’s free to enter so is well worth a visit.
Find out more at Leeds Art Gallery
Hurl Some Axes
Axe Throwing is perfect for teens. It’s a simple yet adrenaline filled activity which is super fun. The activity is growing in popularity and you can find axe throwing venues in many cities throughout the UK. It involves throwing axes at a target. Coaches show you how to throw the axes and then you can have a go yourself.
Throw some axes at Wistle Punks Axe Throwing
Visit Roundhay Park
If you want to experience some green space during a visit to Leeds, head to Roundhay park. The park covers over 700 acres of rolling parkland with lakes, woodlands, formal gardens, cafes, playground
Teens may well enjoy the skate park at the top end. However it’s also a lovely space to stroll around and grab some refreshments at the cafe by the lake or take a picnic.
Tropical World is also located at the park. If your teen has an interest in animals they can see meerkats, snakes, crocodiles, butterflies and tropical fish.
Treat your Teen To Afternoon Tea at the Sky Lounge
Picture credit: Sky Lounge Leeds Facebook page
Afternoon tea is a treat at anytime but why not make it extra special and book it at the Sky Lounge? Enjoy tea, cakes and scones with an impressive view of the city skyline for an experience to remember.
Things To Do with Teens Near Leeds
Hop Aboard a Canal Cruise
Skipton is a 40 minute train journey from Leeds and about an hour in the car. It is intersected by the picturesque Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Why not hop on a canal trip for a 1 hour trip with funny and informative commentary? Or to make it extra special take afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, desserts, and drinks served on board.
Book Your Leeds and Liverpool Canal Cruise
Xscape Yorkshire
Xscape Yorkshire is situated in the town of Castleford, (a short distance from Leeds) and offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Active teens can try indoor skiing or blast bouncing at the trampoline park. For those seeking a vertical challenge, Clip ‘n Climb is the perfect option.
Teenagers will also love the Volcano Falls Adventure Golf which has two 18-hole mini-golf courses with adventurous themes, including erupting volcanoes and tropical landscapes.
In addition to the indoor attractions, Xscape Yorkshire features outdoor adventure activities too. Depending on the season and weather, teenagers can enjoy activities like high ropes, zip lines, and more.
Plus there are some shops where you can find sporting goods and other retail items.
After a adrenaline filled day, why not can grab some food in one of the many restaurants or chill out and watch a film at Cineworld?
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