Step into a Woodland Wonderland this Easter at White Rose - free family fun

Thinking about what to do with the family over the Easter half term can feel like a bit of a puzzle, especially when the British weather is, well, unpredictable. Finding something that keeps the kids happy without costing a fortune is the golden ticket. It seems White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds might just have the answer this April, transforming a regular shopping trip into a proper day out with a touch of woodland magic. From the 7th to the 12th of April, the centre is rolling out a whole host of free activities designed to spark a bit of creativity and fun for everyone.

Get creative with a woodland wonderland

Between Tuesday 7th April and Sunday 12th April, the Central Atrium at White Rose is set to become a hub of creativity. Families are invited to drop in anytime between 10 am and 4 pm for some brilliant, free crafting sessions. It’s the perfect way to let little ones get their hands dirty and their imaginations firing. Forget trying to set up messy crafts at home; here, it’s all ready to go. These aren't just any old craft sessions, either. The theme is a full-on woodland wonderland adventure, bringing the outdoors, indoors.

The variety of nature-inspired activities means there’s something to catch every child's interest. They could be decorating their own woodland animal masks – maybe a wise old owl or a cheeky fox. Or, they could be creating their very own special treasure chests to hide all their little trinkets in. These make-and-take activities are great because the fun doesn’t stop when it's time to go home; the kids have a souvenir of their day out. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to express themselves and create something they can be proud of. And for parents, it's a moment to see their kids engrossed in something other than a screen. The whole setup promises a bit of woodland magic right in the middle of the shopping centre, offering a welcome break for everyone during the busy half term.

A giant surprise and a chance to win

As if the free crafting sessions weren't enough, there's a rather large guest making an appearance at the centre. From the 7th right through to the 19th of April, a magnificent 2.5-metre-tall bear statue will be taking up residence. This isn't just any statue; it’s a seriously impressive, larger-than-life bear that’s bound to make everyone stop and stare. It’s the kind of thing that kids’ faces will light up at the sight of. It’s also the centrepiece of a brilliant competition.

Visitors are encouraged to grab their phones and snap a photo with the giant bear statue. Sharing that photo gives them a chance to win a £100 White Rose gift card. Just think of what that could go towards – a new school holiday wardrobe, a big family meal out, or a pile of new toys. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the visit. The competition is open to everyone, so grown-ups can get in on the selfie action too. It's a simple, fun way to potentially bag a fantastic prize. More information on how to enter will surely be available right next to the amazing bear statue itself. It’s one of those unique events that makes a trip to the centre more memorable.

Ashleigh Kellett, the Deputy Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, commented on the upcoming events. She said:

“Our free craft sessions are always a hit with families, offering a fun, all-weather activity for all ages to enjoy. With an invitation to get creative with make-and-take activities plus a very special larger-than-life bear visiting White Rose this April, it’s sure to be a fantastic experience for our guests.”

More than just shopping this Easter

The Easter entertainment at White Rose doesn't stop with crafts and a giant bear. The centre is packed with other things to do, making it a reliable destination whatever the weather decides to do. If it's a classic drizzly April day, families can head inside for a huge choice of entertainment. There’s the Cineworld, with 11 screens showing all the latest blockbusters. For those who fancy something a bit more active, King Pins offers bowling, arcade games, and more. And for the puzzle-solvers in the family, The Escapologist has themed escape rooms that provide a fun challenge. There’s genuinely enough to fill a whole day without anyone getting bored.

And if the sun does decide to make an appearance, White Rose is ready for that too. The Village area has a fantastic outdoor play area that’s perfect for kids of various ages to burn off some energy. It’s a safe and accessible space where they can climb, slide, and run around while the adults take a well-deserved break at one of the nearby restaurants. This variety of options ensures that a day out at the centre can be tailored to any family's interests and the ever-changing forecast during the half term. The combination of free events and permanent attractions makes it a solid choice for a family day out.

Refuel the family after all the fun

After a busy morning of crafting sessions and posing with a giant bear statue, everyone is going to be hungry. Luckily, the food options at White Rose are just as varied as the entertainment. Whether it's a quick snack or a proper sit-down meal, there's something to suit every taste and budget. The Village is home to a brilliant line-up of family-favourite restaurants, so there’s no need to head home for lunch.

Families can choose from a wide range of cuisines. For those craving noodles and Japanese-inspired dishes, there’s Wagamama. If it’s burgers and fries on the menu, then Five Guys is the place to go. For that classic American diner feel, there's always TGI Fridays. Those looking for a more relaxed vibe can check out Bianco Lounge, and for a good old pub meal, there’s a Wetherspoon right on site. With all these choices conveniently located near the play area and the Central Atrium, it’s easy to turn a morning of fun into a full day's adventure without any hassle. For more specific information on opening times and menus, a quick visit to the centre's website is a good idea.