Free and low-cost half-term fun across Leicester
Families in Leicester can access a wide range of free and low-cost activities this May half-term as the city’s museums, libraries, and parks open their doors for the school break. Leicester City Council and local partners have coordinated a schedule designed to support parents looking for affordable ways to keep children of all ages entertained.
Creative workshops at The Spark Festival
The Spark Festival remains a centerpiece of the half-term calendar, offering performances and workshops through Sunday, 24 May. Many of these sessions are entirely free, alongside other city cultural options such as a free summer exhibition at Attenborough Arts Centre. On Saturday, 23 May, the Phoenix hosts a Paper Movies workshop, providing a hands-on creative outlet for young filmmakers. Simultaneously, Curve will hold a free Family Community Day, inviting the public to explore one of the city’s premier performing arts venues without the barrier of ticket costs.
Lego coding and storytelling in local libraries
Leicester’s library network provides a vital resource for educational and creative play during the holidays. At Knighton Library, children can participate in Lego coding workshops, while the Pork Pie Library hosts a Learn to Knit Club.
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On Tuesday, 26 May, the Central Library welcomes award-winning storyteller Tim Ralphs and community storyteller Jos Razzell for “Life’s Full Of Stories.” These sessions allow children to bring magical worlds to life through their own craft creations. Due to the popularity of these workshops, pre-booking for the two scheduled sessions is essential.
Railway days and underwater adventures
For those interested in local heritage and unique experiences, the Abbey Pumping Station holds its Half Term Railway Day on Tuesday, 26 May. Visitors can take rides on the narrow-gauge railway for £1. On the same day, the Haymarket shopping centre hosts a free “Under the Sea” event, featuring mermaids and a large-scale octopus installation.
| Event | Date | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Movies Workshop | Saturday 23 May | Free |
| Family Community Day | Saturday 23 May | Free |
| Half Term Railway Day | Tuesday 26 May | £1 for rides |
| Fairies & Bugs Crafts | Wednesday 27 May | £4 (online) / £5 (door) |
| Clay Play Day | Thursday 28 May | £4 (online) / £5 (door) |
| Bike Fest | Saturday 30 May | Free |
Nature trails and outdoor activities
Abbey Park and Newarke Houses Museum offer outdoor-focused fun mid-week. On Wednesday, 27 May, Newarke Houses hosts “Fairies & Bugs,” where children can follow a bug hunt trail through the gardens and create ladybird hats. Tickets are £4 when booked online, and accompanying adults enter for free.
Wednesday also marks the return of Funky Feet and Wacky Wheels to Abbey Park. This annual event encourages children to decorate their bikes or scooters before joining a grand parade around the Oval. For those who prefer animals, Pets’ Corner in Abbey Park remains open throughout the break.
Active afternoons and street art
Young cyclists are invited to the Leicester Cycle Circuit at Herewoode Academy on Saturday, 30 May. From 1pm to 4pm, the traffic-free circuit is open for unlimited free laps during Bike Fest.
The week concludes with the return of Open Streets on Sunday, 31 May. This event features the Graffwerk Street Art Jam on Jarvis Street, where professional artists create live works alongside spray-paint workshops for the public. The afternoon also includes bike repair workshops and accessible cycling sessions from Wheels 4 All.
Star Wars and Ancient Egypt at Leicester Museum
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery continues to host the “May The Toys Be With You” exhibition, which features over 400 Star Wars exhibits spanning five decades. This display is a significant draw for fans of memorabilia and film history. Visitors to the museum can also view the permanent Ancient Egypt gallery and the Dinosaur gallery, which houses the massive cetiosaurus skeleton.
Additional craft activities are available at Leicester Cathedral throughout the week. The full directory of events and booking links is maintained on the city council’s dedicated family information website.
Source: Leicester City Council
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