Baby Week is back (14 to 20 November) and this year the opening event is all about creativity, new experiences and having the best start. We're so excited to be hosting the event in the City Centre - so get ready for a winter walk as we host a selection of events across the city centre!

Friday fun-day is a jam-packed day with 5 potential stops along the way, all FREE to attend, with fun activities aimed at 0 to 5s, as well as support and giveaways for parents/carers!

So, wrap up warm and pay a visit to...

Leeds Central Library (9:00 to 12:00 activities)

Join Yorkshire Contemporary and Leeds Central Library for a morning of fun activities, and stay to enjoy the Tiny Totley studio. Whether your little one like to feel the speed of a slide, a quiet moment with a book in a cosy, cushioned nook, or a paddle in a ball-pool, the Tiny Totley space has it all.

Our partners Book Trust will also be joining us to let you know about upcoming, exciting programmes and providing lovely books for your family to enjoy. Why not join the library to read, borrow books and play while you're here.

Please note: Tiny Totley is open all day from 9am-4.30pm.

Leeds City Museum - Tiny Tigers (10:00 to 10:45)

Join Leeds City Museum for fun, messy crafts for under 5s and their carers. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome! Find us near the polar bear in the Life on Earth gallery. FREE, drop-in.

More information here.

John Lewis - 'Let's Talk Baby' event (11:00 to 15:00) with brilliant brand representatives

'Let's Talk Baby' will take place at the Community Hub (floor 4) with a few different brand representatives coming along and delivering talks. This is inclusive to anyone who would like to attend, and is knowledge-based rather than sales-based. Customers will receive a free soft drink on arrival, and can come and go as they please. There will also be opportunities to talk to our Nursery Advice Team.

Book for FREE here.

Leeds Art Gallery - The Play Tent experience, information stalls and more (12:00 to 16:00)

Step into the PLAY tent! A creative, sensory experience for tiny humans and their grown ups! Beautiful textiles, varied textures and gentle musical instruments await the youngest visitors to our cosy baby nook. Bigger ones may choose to construct their own rainbow city, create cosy habitats for the animals or mix up some magical potions with petals and herbs. Play your own way, at your own place!

There will also be information stalls (such as maternity services, infant mental health and speech and language therapy professionals) where parents/carers can access support and information.

Leeds Baby Bank shoebox appeal with St Johns Shopping Centre

To celebrate Baby Week, Leeds Baby Bank are holding a shoebox drive! To take part all you have to do is fill a shoebox (or similar) with the following items:

an outfit (any age range up to a year, e.g. 3-6 months, newborn, 9-12 months, etc.);

a packet of wipes;

a toy (suitable for under 1s);

a cellular blanket;

a pair of socks.

Once your box is full, please drop it off during Baby Week at the management suite on the 2nd floor of St Johns shopping centre or to a member of St Johns' staff. More information here.