If you plan a visit to Sheffield but still wondering what are the top things to do with your kids in the city, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will highlight the best attractions to do in Sheffield that are perfect for families, whether it rains or not.
Before I reveal my recommendations, let’s look at what this English city is all about. Sheffield is one of the largest cities in England located in South Yorkshire. The city is probably one of the best representative example of the Industrial Revolution where factoring were flourishing until the 19th century.
Fast forward, Sheffield has changed so much in the past decade with lots of projects to make the town more attractive to its residents and visitors. For instance, the Winter Garden was opened in 2003 and has over 2,000 plants and trees sheltered in a massive glasshouse.
Fun Fact: did you know that the famous 80s rock band Def Leppard was actually formed in Sheffield?
I think it is time to check out my list of the best things to do in Sheffield with your kids. Let’s go!
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1. Millenium Gallery
Looking for a way to spend a rainy holiday with the kids in Sheffield? The Millennium Gallery is a number one choice. Whether you want to browse historical objects from around the world, enjoy temporary exhibitions, or take part in workshops, visit the Millenium Gallery.
The Millenium Gallery is open all week. It is even open on Sheffield bank holidays and school holidays. And it’s free to enter, but donations are welcome to maintain an excellent level of service. The Gallery is especially good for families with kids as there are workshops for all age groups.
Address: 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2PP
2. Laser Quest
Bring the spirit of a first-person sci-fi shooter to life with a trip to the Laser Quest in Sheffield. On the weekends or during the holidays, it can be challenging to peel your children’s eyes away from the computer screen and socialise instead, but not if you have a Laser Quest in your town.
Laser Quest Sheffield is located conveniently in the city centre and uses the latest lightweight packs and special weapons that feature rapid-fire and rocket launchers. There are also multiple in-game characters to engage their imaginations. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Address: Unit 3-7, Valley Centertainment, Broughton Ln, Sheffield S9 2EP
3. The National Videogame Museum
Again, catching the attention of your kids on a weekend or holiday is challenging, especially when all they want to do is play video games and level up. So what if you suggest a trip to the National Videogame Museum where they can play video games and learn how they operate?
The National Videogame Museum might be geared toward children, but it’s the perfect family excursion, get ready to learn a few things you didn’t know about video games and try your hand at making one in a workshop. It might inspire them to play more games, but at least you tried.
Address: Castle House, Angel St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S3 8LN
4. The Winter Garden
The Winter Gardens is a large modern glasshouse in the heart of Sheffield; it was constructed in 2003 as part of a regeneration project that included the Millenium Gallery and the Peace Garden. This modern building is now home to 2000 plants from around the world, with lots to see.
The Winter Garden makes an excellent family excursion on the weekend or on the school holidays; not only is the glasshouse an awe-inspiring experience to walk through, but it’s also educational. If you want to make learning fun, you can create a plant-finding activity for the kids.
Address: 90 Surrey St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2LH
5. Swimming at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Sightseeing is fun, but if you want something more active to occupy the family on the holidays, visit the Swimming at Ponds Forge run by Sheffield City Trust. Swimming at ponds Forge is a leisure centre with an Olympic size swimming pool, water slides, an ice rink, and lots more.
There is something for all the family at Swimming at Ponds Forge; whether you’re kids want some playtime in the water or a swimming lesson with a qualified instructor, you can spend a pleasant afternoon productively at the roomy pool. Have fun and improve the family’s wellbeing.
Address: Sheaf Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2BP
6. Kelham Island Museum
If there is one thing, Sheffield is known for its industry and the role it played in the industrial revolution. Kelham Island Museum is a testament to the city’s illustrious past and is the perfect way to teach children about the local history and enjoy a fun trip to an island museum as well.
Kelham Island Museum first opened in 1982 to house all of the objects, artefacts, and practices of the industrial revolution and grew the city into a household name. The museum charts the history of steel and more through the Victorian era and two world wars up to the present day.
Address: Alma St, Sheffield S3 8SA
7. Foundry Climbing
Whether you are climbing enthusiasts in Sheffield or you are looking for something fresh to do in the city during the holidays, make time to visit Foundry Climbing. Foundry Climbing is dedicated to climbing and allows you to learn and practice your skills in a safe environment.
Children and young adults with climbing experience can practice their skills on the outside walls with harnesses for safety, while younger children or those without experience can enjoy learning on the smaller indoor walls. The Foundry is a fun, accessible, and healthy way to spend the day.
Address: 45 Mowbray St, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8EN
8. National Emergency Services Museum
The emergency services are always there when we need them, so it’s no wonder they enjoy a heroic status with children and adults alike. If your youngsters want to see emergency service vehicles up close, this museum is the best place in Sheffield; it’s an educational experience.
The modern world is very different from the world of 1900, but thanks to the national Emergency Services Museum, you can transport yourselves back in time to see how the work was organised over a century ago. The museum is housed in an original building in Sheffield.
Address: Old Police/Fire Station, W Bar, Sheffield S3 8PT
9. The House Skatepark
If you’re kids spend all their time outdoors practising their staking skills, why not take a trip to the House Skatepark in Sheffield, if you haven’t already? Even if your youngsters don’t skate, a trip to the park is a fun excursion on a wet weekend or something different on a bank holiday.
The House Skatepark is conveniently located in Sheffield and offers a safe and dry environment for young folk to test out their skating skills. Whether they use skateboard, roller blades, or something else, there are plenty of jumps and bumps to keep them occupied.
Address: Unit D, Bardwell Road, Sheffield S3 8AS
10. Highfield Adventure Playground
Spring, Summer, and Autumn are perfect times of the year to take your young family to the Highfield Adventure Playground for an afternoon of fun and exercise. The playground has plenty of interesting and exciting features like sand play, equipment, tunnels, facilities and lots more.
Not only does Highfield Adventure Playground have lots to do for young folk parents love it because it is fully staffed and has facilities. This means you can allow your kids to play freely while you watch or enjoy a coffee. The facility also has plenty of arts and crafts workshops.
Address: Crowther Place, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1BJ
11. The Steel Cauldron
It’s not hard to find a fan of wizards this day; we have Harry Potter to thank for that, a gift that keeps on giving in each generation. The Steel Cauldron has embraced this generational trend and provides a wizard-themed venue for fun events like the Magical Menu and Owl Experience.
Whether it’s for a birthday booking, a day out, or some summer fun, book an event at the Steel Cauldron and enjoy excellent food and original entertainment. Indulge your family in a world of fantasy in the heart of Sheffield with a visit to the Steel Cauldron any day or on the holidays.
Address: 3 Spooner Rd, Sheffield S10 5BL
12. iceSheffield
Ice skating might not be an essential skill to learn growing up, but it’s a lot of fun when you get the hang of it, and it’s excellent for all-around health and fitness. Not only that, there are some top ice-based sports that your kids might take to, such as ice hockey and curling at iceSheffield.
Whether your family are ice skating enthusiasts or ice tourists, you are destined to have a fun and healthy time at the iceSheffield facility. iceSheffield is open on weekdays from 8:00 to 17:00, making it super convenient to get along for an afternoon of public skating or some training.
Address: 23 Coleridge Rd, Sheffield S9 5DA
13. Bounce Sheffield
There’s no better way for kids to burn their excess energy off and have an amazing time than with a bouncy castle, but these days bouncing apparatus doesn’t have to be castle-shaped; in fact, it’s more interesting when it’s not. Bounce Sheffield has some fun jump and play activities.
Bounce Sheffield is conveniently located and under a roof, so it’s the perfect place to head on a rainy afternoon. Not only that, the facility has an entire floor of interconnected trampolines with plenty of jump and play apparatus for your kids to have fun with. The apparatus is safe for use.
Address: 17 March Street, Sheffield S9 5DQ
14. Ninja Warrior Sheffield
If your kids want to be little ninjas for the day and you don’t think that’s such a bad idea – after all running through assault courses is one of the best ways to burn off excess energy, head along to Ninja Warrior Sheffield for an afternoon of fun. It’s a excellent family day out in Sheffield.
Based on the popular UK TV series Ninja Warrior has all the events you might expect, including hang tough, climbing, swinging, and padded assault courses. Whether you want to compete against your friends and family or join one of the popular events, you can have fun for hours.
Address: Unit 1B, Meadowhall Retail Park, Attercliffe Common, Sheffield S9 2YZ
15. Playmania Sheffield
Think of Playmania as Ninja Warrior for younger kids, it doesn’t have the same grown up aesthetic as Ninja Warrior, but it should tire them our all the same. In Playmania, you can find a soft play, climbing frames, along with an interactive garage and supermarket for role-playing.
Playmania is targeted at younger kids, but there are also classes for toddlers and babies, as well as adult nights and events. If you’re looking for a venue for a special birthday, consider Playmania, which is well-priced and gives your young party plenty of lasting birthday memories.
Address: 51a Orgreave Drive Dore House Industrial Estate, Sheffield S13 9NR
CONCLUSION
That’s a wrap. I wish you have found enough activities to do with your family during your trip in Sheffield. The Northern part of England is indeed a great region to visit all year around and if feel like spending a day in the green, don’t hesitate to head out to the Peak District National Park which is not too far from Sheffield. Happy Travels!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
15 BEST Things to Do in Sheffield with Your Kids
1. Millenium Gallery
2. Laser Quest
3. The National Videogame Museum
4. The Winter Garden
5. Swimming at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
6. Kelham Island Museum
7. Foundry Climbing
8. National Emergency Services Museum
9. The House Skatepark
10. Highfield Adventure Playground
11. The Steel Cauldron
12. iceSheffield
13. Bounce Sheffield
14. Ninja Warrior Sheffield
15. Playmania Sheffield
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