Popular Categories in Leicester

Actual places to start with in Leicester

A first researched set of real museums, parks, attractions and family venues, with official links so parents can check opening times and booking details.

Days out

National Space Centre

Abbey Meadows / Exploration Drive (LE4) · Mixed ages; planetarium, rockets and rainy-day science · Paid admission; planetarium usually included — check current tickets

Leicester’s signature family day out with interactive space galleries, a towering rocket display and the UK’s largest planetarium. Book timed tickets for weekends and holidays, allow three to four hours, and check Small Space / toddler events if you have under-fives — parking is on-site beside Abbey Pumping Station.

Official info →
Days out

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

New Walk (city centre) · Mixed ages; dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt and indoor museum time · Free entry; donations welcome; some workshops may need booking

Formerly New Walk Museum — a free city museum with dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt and temporary shows. Parts of the building are closed for 2026 gallery works, so check open galleries and cafe status before you promise a full day, and pair with a short New Walk stroll for younger children.

Official info →
Days out

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Old Town / St Martins (LE1) · School-age children interested in history; indoor city-centre visit · Paid tickets; check family rates and timed entry

The story of Richard III’s discovery under a Leicester car park, with interactive exhibits and the original grave site view. Better for school-age children than toddlers; no on-site parking so plan Highcross or nearby council car parks, and combine with Cathedral Square for a shorter half-day.

Official info →
Days out

Abbey Pumping Station

Corporation Road / beside National Space Centre · Families who like engines, vintage vehicles and hands-on science history · Usually free general entry; special event days may charge

Leicester’s industrial museum with beam engines, vintage vehicles and a technology play area — general entry is typically free outside event days. Opening is limited (holiday Mondays and special events), so check dates before you travel; park at the neighbouring Space Centre car park and walk across.

Official info →
Days out

Curve Theatre (family shows)

Cultural Quarter / Rutland Street · Family theatre, musicals and seasonal children’s shows · Paid tickets; check age guidance per production

Leicester’s landmark glass-fronted theatre in the Cultural Quarter, with a regular family and Christmas show programme. Check age recommendations and running times before booking littler children, and arrive early for foyer space — useful as a planned evening or matinee rather than a drop-in day out.

Official info →
Free idea

Abbey Park

Abbey Park Road (north of city centre) · All ages; playground, pets corner and miniature railway days · Free park entry; miniature railway and some extras may charge

One of Leicester’s best free outdoor options: playgrounds, pets corner, abbey ruins and space to run beside the River Soar. Check seasonal cafe and miniature-railway days, pack a picnic, and allow time to walk toward the Space Centre if you want to combine free park time with a paid attraction later.

Official info →

Planning family activities in Leicester

Use these pages as a starting point for comparing activities, camps, parties and days out. We focus on practical parent questions: age suitability, location, timings, cost, booking requirements and what to check before you go.

  • For school holidays, start with camps and full-day activities.
  • For weekly routines, compare clubs, classes and local activities by travel time as well as interest.
  • For weekends, keep a mix of free ideas, outdoor spaces and book-ahead days out.

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