My little boy is not only about to turn one (sob) but is also getting closer and closer to walking! I want him to get used to walking outdoors as soon as possible. With this in mind, I’ve pulled together a list of places that I can take him to have a little potter and a picnic. Walks are a mile or less long, with places to sit down and eat, and plenty to look at and explore.

Free walks for toddlers in and around Leeds

Billy Wood, Kippax is a new discovery for us! It’s great for little explorers, with lots of little trails to discover. Beautiful woodland, masses of wildflowers, stunning views, and you’re onto a winner.

Bramley Fall has a little bit of everything, a stretch along the canal (with locks) woodland, fields and a play area. Tons to see and enjoy.

Woodlesford Lock also has a multitude of delights for young children, with canal boats, wooden sculptures and lots of ducks. Although it’s nearly two miles for a circular route, you can walk as far as you want! 

Yeadon Tarn doesn’t just have the excitement of lake and small nature trail, but also a picnic area, playground and best of all overhead aeroplanes!

Eshald Wood in Water Haigh Woodland Park is a great distance for little legs, and usually an absolute gold mine for painted rocks!

Moorlands Nature Reserve is a little further away in York, but the little trail, pond and treehouse makes it a great place to visit if you’re in the area.

You might also enjoy;

• Kirkstall Abbey, hiding amongst the ruins.
• Roundhay Park with it’s ducks and play areas.
• Pugney‘s in Wakefield with a trip on the miniature railway
• Middleton Park with more ducks, and another miniature railway.
• Thornes Park in Wakefield, for birds, gardens, ducks and a railway.

Other places around Leeds for toddlers to explore

These places may incur an entry fee or parking charges.

Fairburn Ings has fab little nature trails, pond dipping and birds to spot and feed.

Wentworth Castle and Gardens (National Trust) with its folly, maze and gardens is a toddlers delight!

Longshaw Estate (National Trust) is absolutely worth the drive into the Peaks. The Boggart trail can capture the imagination of little ones and head to Padley Gorge for the most picturesque of picnics.

Thorp Perrow, Bedale, is another drive, but has easy paths, a sand pit in the play area and a wildlife centre in the grounds.

Lotherton Estate is such a great place to visit and is great value, with a wildlife centre, cafe and beautiful gardens. The boundary walk visits an , orchard, a stone circle and the deer park.

Nostell (National Trust) is fab if you have membership, the walk around gardens is short enough to test out those little legs.

So they have been my favourite toddler walks. I am certain there are many more out there, which ones are your favourite?

You might also be interested in seeing all the walks that we’ve done around Yorkshire that we think are suitable for buggies!