Top 10 places in West Yorkshire to explore with kids this summer!

01 August 2022

We all need that bit of inspiration this summer, to keep the kids occupied and the tantrums to a minimum. Here are our top 10 destinations to visit this summer, all accessible by bus & train.

The MCard Mobile app is available for both IOS and Android smartphone users. Customers can purchase and store on their smartphones, daily, weekly, and monthly bus only and bus and rail tickets* for travel on any bus or train, anywhere in West Yorkshire - for a quicker, easier and more convenient way to travel.

Take a look at the tools to help you plan your journey in West Yorkshire and beyond!

Plan a journey | Metro (wymetro.com)

National Science and Media Museum

The National Science and Media Museum explores the science and culture of light and sound technologies - inspiring the scientists and engineers of the future to see more, hear more, think more and do more. You can get hands on in the state-of-the-art Wonderlab, filled with live experiments, thrilling shows and more than 20 mind-bending exhibits. Located in the heart of Bradford city centre, the museum is easily accessible by bus or train as it’s just a short walk from Bradford interchange.

Admission to the National Science and Media Museum is also FREE!

Harewood House

With bags of space to run around, a massive adventure playground, penguins, flamingos and parrots there’s no shortage of adventure for kids of all ages (even the grown up ones!). Harewood House is located about 15 minutes from Leeds City Centre and has a regular bus from Leeds Bus Station. 

Yorkshire sculpture park

The only one of its kind, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international centre for modern and contemporary art. The open-air displays are something to behold by some of the world’s finest artists, enjoy fascinating exhibitions throughout four stunning galleries, be inspired by the natural beauty of an historic estate, and get involved in a dynamic line up of events and activities over the summer. YSP is located in Wakefield, there is a regular bus leaving from Wakefield City centre, that takes around 15 minutes.

Eureka!

Located right next door to Halifax train station, A visit to Eureka! is unique, interesting and FUN for all the family and a fabulous MCard day out this summer! Eureka! is a great, inclusive family friendly interactive museum and its best suited for children aged 0-11. Eureka continue to limit the number of people in the museum, to avoid crowds so all visits must be booked in advance.

Whistlestop Valley

Although you cant use your MCard on the miniature railway, Whistlestop Valley offers a scenic spot in the Pennine foothills with steam-train rides plus a play area, shop, cafe & tea room. With miniature steam trains and children's attractions for a jam-packed day, it’s a great day out for all the family, located in Huddersfield its about a 30-minute bus ride from Wakefield City Centre.

Golden Acre Park

The popular Golden Acre Park, well known for its circular lakeside walk, wonderful gardens and tea rooms, is just six miles North of Leeds city centre on the A660 and has a regular bus running from Leeds Bus station. Golden acre is one of the best places in West Yorkshire to enjoy a picnic and cool off with an ice cream!

Royal Armouries

Home to Britain's national collection of arms and armour, the Royal Armouries Museum houses a world-renowned collection of over 75,000 objects! With exciting hands-on history activities and live combat demonstrations you'll get closer to the action than ever before! A fascinating FREE day out for the whole family. Located in the heart of Leeds City Centre, the Armouries is walkable from both the bus station and the train station. Alternatively, the water taxi (£1) is a great way to get from the train station to Leeds Dock.

Temple Newsam

Travel just a short bus ride from Leeds city centre to explore 500 years of history and 1500 acres of scenic parkland. At Temple Newsam you can come face-to-face with a variety of farm animals and get hands on with the piglets, chickens and geese running free in the yard. At Temple Newsam, you can roam over 1,500 acres of stunning woodland, parkland and gardens landscaped by the famous 18th century gardener Capability Brown. The perfect backdrop for all those Bridgerton fans!

Xcape

Xscape is the ultimate family day out destination with a variety of fun-fuelled activities, places to eat and outdoor sporting brands to shop.

From urban climbing, laser tag and adventure golf to skiing, sledging and riding the skycoaster, Xscape is bursting with all your favourite pastimes as well as something a little more adventurous. Guaranteed non-stop fun for everyone. Located at Junction 32 on the M62, Xcape is easily accessible by bus and is just a short walk from Castleford train station.

The Hepworth

For all those culture vultures, finally The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield is must this summer. Named after Barbara Hepworth, one of the most important artists of the 20th century who was born and brought up in Wakefield, the gallery presents major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art. The Hepworth is a 20-minute walk from Wakefield Westgate train station or alternatively there is a regular bus leaving from the city centre to the gallery.

About MCard

MCard makes travelling on buses and trains across West Yorkshire really simple and great value too! 

If you want the freedom of unlimited journeys on any bus or train operator across the county, MCard is the one for you.

Benefits of the MCard Mobile App

  • Available for both Android and iOS devices
  • Quick, easy and convenient, available to buy 24/7
  • User friendly screens to browse, purchase and activate tickets
  • Faster boarding, just scan the ticket and go or use as a flash pass
  • No need to top up tickets to a plastic MCard
  • Customers can easily switch between bus and rail
  • Ticket codes for scanning
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