Leeds boasts various free outdoor play parks, from sprawling country parks with adventure playgrounds to hidden neighbourhood gems. Below is an overview of some of the best free public play areas in the Leeds (LS) postcode region, followed by detailed descriptions for each.
As a Wakefield-based family who were originally based in both North & South Leeds, we love to explore the free public play areas within the West Yorkshire area. The recurring theme with all the recommended parks is that they are completely free of charge and are open to the public.
We have chosen a breadth of options located within a 10-mile radius of the city centre, so they appeal to all families within the district.
We will continue to work through more extensive reviews of every park so you can get the lowdown before visiting. We understand that people’s interests are very different, so by giving you the insight before visiting, you can see if the park is right for you. It’s also worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list but should give you some ideas. If you have any to contribute, please feel free to comment. It’s appreciated.
- Leeds Parks Overview Table:
- Additional information:
- Bramley Fall Park and Woods (LS13)
- Cross Flatts Park (Beeston LS11)
- Fun Arium at The Arium (LS14)
- Horsforth Hall Park (LS18)
- Meanwood Park (LS6)
- Middleton Park (LS10)
- Pudsey Park (LS28)
- Roundhay Park (LS8)
- Sandringham Park (Wetherby LS22)
- Scatcherd Park (Morley LS27)
- Springhead Park (Rothwell LS26)
- Temple Newsam Park (LS15)
- Wharfemeadows Park (Otley LS21)
- Woodhouse Moor (Hyde Park LS6)
- Yeadon Tarnfield Park (LS19)
Leeds Parks Overview Table:
| Play Park Name | Pros | Cons | Overall Rating |
| Bramley Fall Park & Woods | Woodland setting, creative rope-swing additions, trails for walks | Some play equipment is older and can be muddy after rain. | 4.5/5 |
| Cross Flatts Park (Beeston) | Two playgrounds merged with new equipment, sports courts, and community events | Inner-city location; past issues with litter and anti-social behaviour | 4.3/5 |
| Fun Arium (The Arium) | Large, secure play area with age zones, unique features, and on-site café | Can get busy; no outside food allowed | 4.7/5 |
| Horsforth Hall Park | Big playground, inclusive design, Japanese garden, and mini railway | Very popular – parking can get crowded | 4.6/5 |
| Meanwood Park | Upgraded in 2023 with accessible equipment, nature-integrated play | Limited parking; can get boggy in wet weather | 4.7/5 |
| Middleton Park | Expansive with a well-equipped playground, lake and visitor centre | Slightly out of the city centre; hilly paths | 4.6/5 |
| Pudsey Park | Recently refurbished, formal gardens; kiosk reopening | Not very large; can fill up quickly | 4.5/5 |
| Roundhay Park | Two large playgrounds, massive open space, cafés | Busy on sunny days; lots of walking | 4.8/5 |
| Sandringham Park (Wetherby) | Community park with upgrades planned for 2025 | Basic facilities until refurbishment; limited parking | 4.0/5 |
| Scatcherd Park (Morley) | Large playground, skatepark, outdoor gym | Near a main road, no café | 4.4/5 |
| Springhead Park (Rothwell) | Three age-appropriate playgrounds, a café, and a skatepark | Spread out play areas; it can be windy | 4.6/5 |
| Temple Newsam Park | Adventure playgrounds, farm, and Go Ape nearby; cycle training area coming | Some attractions are not free; a large estate to navigate | 4.7/5 |
| Wharfemeadows Park (Otley) | Scenic riverside park; hydro screw water feature; boat rentals | Unfenced river; closed toilets | 4.5/5 |
| Woodhouse Moor (Hyde Park) | Historic city park, skatepark, and sports courts | Dated play area; poor accessibility | 4.4/5 |
| Yeadon Tarnfield Park | Lakeside play, plane-spotting, updated equipment | Windy, toilets out of use | 4.5/5 |
Note: Although we have visited most of the parks on the list we shamefully haven’t reviewed them all! Check back here often for more comprehensive reviews.
Additional information:
Bramley Fall Park and Woods (LS13)
Location: Leeds & Bradford Rd, Bramley, LS13 2ET
A woodland park by the canal, featuring a fenced playground with swings, slides, and climbing frames. Locals have added rope swings in nearby trees, giving it a more adventurous edge. Good for woodland walks and canal-side strolls.
Pros: Natural setting, creative rope swings, good for exploring.
Cons: Equipment is older, and muddy in wet weather.
Rating: 4.5/5
Cross Flatts Park (Beeston LS11)
Location: Beeston Rd, LS11 7AQ
Revamped with a merged playground catering to toddlers and juniors, plus basketball courts and community events. Security has improved with added CCTV.
Pros: New equipment, events, sports options.
Cons: Urban setting, sometimes busy.
Rating: 4.3/5
Fun Arium at The Arium (LS14)
Location: Thorner Rd, LS14 3FB
Free entry outdoor play within Leeds City Council’s Arium garden centre. Includes separate areas for age groups, a big wooden castle, sand zone, and music cottage. On-site café and picnic spots.
Pros: Spacious, well-designed, fenced, café and toilets available.
Cons: Busy at weekends, no outside food allowed.
Rating: 4.7/5
Horsforth Hall Park (LS18)
Location: Hall Ln, LS18 5JE
Large community park with sandpit, climbing nets, skatepark, Japanese garden, and seasonal miniature railway.
Pros: Variety of play options, inclusive, seasonal events.
Cons: Crowded during peak times, limited shade.
Rating: 4.6/5
Meanwood Park (LS6)
Location: Green Rd, LS6 4LE
Revamped in 2023, now includes accessible equipment and natural play elements. Trails through woods and along the beck.
Pros: Nature-themed, inclusive play, bug hotels.
Cons: Limited parking, muddy paths.
Rating: 4.7/5
Middleton Park (LS10)
Location: Town St, LS10 3SH
Massive park with a well-equipped play area, pond, woodland walks, heritage railway, and seasonal café.
Pros: Big playground, woodland and lake, and visitor centre.
Cons: Out of town, hilly terrain.
Rating: 4.6/5
Pudsey Park (LS28)
Location: Church Ln, LS28 7RR
Refurbished with modern equipment, water play features, and a soon-to-open kiosk. Compact but well used.
Pros: New equipment, formal gardens, near town.
Cons: Small size, no toilets currently open.
Rating: 4.5/5
Roundhay Park (LS8)
Location: Princes Ave, LS8 2ER
Two large playgrounds: one near the skatepark with a big slide, the other by the lake with inclusive features.
Pros: Variety of equipment, scenic, extensive facilities.
Cons: Busy, lots of walking.
Rating: 4.8/5
Sandringham Park (Wetherby LS22)
Location: Sandringham Rd, LS22 6PG
Basic play area in a quiet community space. Upgrade with new equipment scheduled for 2025.
Pros: Open field, community-backed improvements.
Cons: Current kit is dated, no facilities.
Rating: 4.0/5
Scatcherd Park (Morley LS27)
Location: Queen’s Promenade, LS27 0PD
Large playground, skatepark, outdoor gym and gardens. Well-maintained and close to town.
Pros: Clean, variety of facilities, good for all ages.
Cons: Near road, no café or toilets.
Rating: 4.4/5
Springhead Park (Rothwell LS26)
Location: Oulton Ln, LS26 0DY
Three playgrounds for various ages, tennis courts, a skatepark, and Pavilion Café.
Pros: Age-appropriate zones, café, beautiful grounds.
Cons: Areas spread out, exposed on windy days.
Rating: 4.6/5
Temple Newsam Park (LS15)
Location: Temple Newsam Rd, LS15 0AE
Large estate with two playgrounds, farm, gardens, and an upcoming cycle training zone.
Pros: Unique setting, range of activities, historic estate.
Cons: Attractions are spread out, some are paid.
Rating: 4.7/5
Wharfemeadows Park (Otley LS21)
Location: Farnley Lane, LS21 2BH
Split-level playgrounds, riverside setting, hydro screw water feature, and scenic grounds.
Pros: River play, nature, and boat rentals.
Cons: Unfenced river, closed toilets.
Rating: 4.5/5
Woodhouse Moor (Hyde Park LS6)
Location: Woodhouse Ln, LS6 1SJ
City centre park with a basic playground, skatepark, and tennis courts.
Pros: Central, historic, multi-use.
Cons: Dated equipment, no café or toilets.
Rating: 4.4/5
Yeadon Tarnfield Park (LS19)
Location: Cemetery Rd, LS19 7UR
Lakeside playground, plane spotting, flat walking path, and a BMX track nearby.
Pros: Scenic, updated kit, free parking.
Cons: Windy, toilets are currently shut.
Rating: 4.5/5
Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.