What’s on in Wakefield for kids: Our district is a fantastic place for families to explore
The Wakefield district is a fantastic place for families to explore, with so many family-friendly events and activities at all our major attractions.
If your little ones love getting creative, you’re in exactly the right place! As the Sculpture Capital of the UK, there’s plenty here for tiny artists to enjoy.
The Hepworth Wakefield, in Wakefield city centre, is completely free to Wakefield district residents, and all under 18s. They run regular Family Workshops, inspired by current exhibitions, and their Explore & Draw Kits are available every time you visit, helping kids look at the sculptures in different ways, and create artworks of their own.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an outdoor gallery carved from rolling Yorkshire countryside - which makes it a brilliant place for kids to run and play! In addition, regular family events, like Thursdays In The Hidden Forest, provide space to connect nature with drawing, sculpture building and sensory activities.
Over at WX - Wakefield Exchange, kids will adore up-coming exhibition The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years (21 March-12 April), a 10-metre-long robotic cat that snores, purrs, swishes its tail and loves a cuddle!
Is history more your thing?
If you’re more into history, that’s no problem either - we’ve got plenty of it!
At National Trust Nostell, the house is full of adventures, with trails, puzzles and regular craft activities. Outdoors, the parkland can be visited for free, with little ones getting active in the adventure playground, and the wild play area in Joiners Wood.
Pontefract Castle was once so mighty it was known as the Key to the North, but today it’s a place for little historians. Families can explore the historic ruins, conquer the castle playground, take part in family workshops throughout school holidays - and even take a tour of the dungeons!
And this time of year means one thing: Dragon Egg Week is coming – expect a Dragon egg hunt, crafts, and the annual parade!
And Castleford steps back in time on 30 May as the Roman Festival returns. Families can dig for artefacts, take part in craft activities, plus enjoy demonstrations, Roman entertainment, a bustling themed market and Roman tours.
Time to set out on an adventure
If you’re after sport and adventure, fear not, there are plenty of big days out for fearless families in this district.
Diggerland is perfect for kids who love big machines and muddy adventures. Families can climb aboard real diggers and dump trucks, try mini‑land rovers, and enjoy gentle rides designed for younger visitors. It’s an unforgettable, hands-on day out.
Xscape is ideal for families who love a big day out all under one roof. From e‑karting and bowling to climbing walls, mini‑golf and snowboarding at Snozone (for those budding Olympians), there’s something for every energy level. Plus with plenty of places to eat, it’s a brilliant go‑to for weather‑proof adventure.
Rugby league matches are a brilliant way for families to soak up some local pride. Whether you’re cheering on Castleford Tigers or Wakefield Trinity, match days are full of colour and community spirit. With mascots, family zones and a friendly crowd atmosphere, it’s an easy, energising day out - don’t forget your team scarf!
Time for a little energy boost
Kids are notoriously picky eaters, it’s true, but they’re sure to eat up these food-based experiences.
If they have a sweet tooth, Pontefract Liquorice Festival on 12 July will have plenty of treats to tempt their taste buds. Previous years have brought colourful parades, family workshops, street entertainment and live music, so expect a deliciously fun day out for all ages.
Grown-ups come for the farm shop, but kids come for Blacker Hall Farm’s Little Farmer’s Trail! Meet farm animals, take part in outdoor hunts and games and enjoy seasonal experiences – like bottle-feeding lambs at Easter!
On the other side of the district, Farmer Copleys has a programme of festivals all year long, with plenty to do for all ages. Coming up is the Tulip Festival, featuring tasty Dutch street food, a big wheel, funfair rides and - of course - stunning fields of vibrant flowers!
Sound good? We’ve barely scratched the surface! There’s so much more to see and do across our amazing district. See it all and plan your visit at ExperienceWakefield.co.uk