Here are some fun things to do with the kids in Sheffield over the summer holidays
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We are well into the summer holidays now, and for those of you who haven’t gone on overseas holidays (yet!), there's plenty to do in and around Sheffield
It’s fair to say that the summer holidays are fully underway and for those of you who haven’t left the city for a holiday trip elsewhere, there's plenty to do in and around Sheffield.
From Together We Play at the National Videogame Museum to Sheffield by the Seaside and even child-friendly Victorian Crime, there are plenty of things to keep the kids occupied.
Whether you’re looking for some inspiration or simply assessing your options, here are some suggestions to keep the fun intact and the children entertained and occupied – whatever their age may be.
‘Together We Play’ comes to the National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum’s new summer exhibition is putting the spotlight on fans and celebrating videogame communities.
The exhibition opened to the public on July 18, ‘Together We Play’ celebrates the communities, collections, friendships, and spaces created through a shared love of videogames – all with the support of the BFI National Lottery Screen Heritage Fund.
If you enjoy your time at the summer exhibition there’s more good news. Any ticket purchased to visit the Museum from July 18 can be used again to return for free, as many times as you like until the end of the summer holidays.
Sheffield by the Seaside returns to the city centre
Summer is here in Sheffield - and now so is the seaside!
The annual Sheffield by the Seaside event opened up on July 24, with plenty of families taking advantage of the fun on offer.
Much of the event is focussed around the Peace Gardens, but there are also classic fairground rides, including dodgems and even a vintage carousel just around the corner on Fargate.
Sheffield by the Seaside runs from from Thursday July 23 to Saturday August 29.
A spokesman said: “Perfect for families, this summer favourite transforms the city centre with real sand, lively entertainment and a vibrant holiday atmosphere - ideal for making the most of the school holidays without leaving Sheffield.”
Grab your bucket and get on down!
Whodunnit: Victorian Crime Investigators
Step into the shoes of a Victorian Crime Investigator this summer and explore the museum like a true detective. Hunt for clues, analyze the evidence, and unravel the truth behind the mysteries hidden across the galleries at the National Emergency Services Museum.
Learn how investigators spot clues and discover how crimes were solved in Victorian Britain.
Unlock your child’s inner Sherlock or Watson, and enjoy a variety of fun detective trails, hands-on activities and creative challenges – alongside some really fun historical insights
PLAY Festival
PLAY is a brand-new festival in Sheffield dedicated to interactive family creativity, offering an array of films, gaming sessions, and interactive workshops designed for young crowds across both its large and small screens.
The festival will be taking place over the course of 12 days at the Showroom Cinema during the Sheffield Summer Holidays, PLAY! is bringing a captivating lineup of family-friendly screenings and hands-on activities that place imagination and creative expression at the forefront.
PLAY Festival starts on July 29 and is perfect for families with children of all ages looking for things to do in Sheffield this summer.
Rock Up Meadowhall
Keep those cheeky little monkeys entertained in the best way possible, give them something to safely climb.
Rock Up Meadowhall offers 25 epic climbing walls, toddler-friendly sessions, and group activities galore. Scale exciting climbing walls such as the iconic Stairway to Heaven and there’s even a brilliant soft play area that’s just perfect for young adventurers.
It’s a great way to let the young ones burn off some excess energy, traverse obstacles and scale heights up to 8-metres
Great for all ages & abilities. Kids’ can climb from 4-years-old. No experience or equipment needed. There is also a café serving fresh coffee & food.
Rock up is also a great venue for hosting birthday parties and other special events.
Yard Ball - Sheffield
Unleash your inner child and enjoy a nostalgic means of playing football, like in’t good ol’ days. You can even take your children as well – if you want.
Yard Ball is Sheffield’s indoor street football experience, created for families who want something active, affordable and a little different to do during the summer holidays.
There are no drills, teams or muddy five-a-side pitches. Just loads of football challenges that anyone can have a punt at.
World Cup fever may well be over, but loads of us still enjoy a good old-fashioned kickabout. A trip to Yard Ball in Sheffield is a great way to spend time with your kids and friends.
Plus, during the summer holidays under-16s can play at Yard Ball for just £10 per person.
So line-up up, take your shot and score this summer at Yard Ball.
If you’ve tried out everything so far, why not try Somewhere Different? Situated in The Moor, Sheffield's Gallery of Illusions features over 120 exhibits to explore and discover, each one made by hand.It’s an incredibly entertaining way to challenge the mind and bamboozle your brain. Whatever the age, there is something for everyone to probe, query and enjoy
Step inside the venue’s large bubble, or take a tour through the mirror maze, or if you’re feeling really brave… test your relationship with gravity in Somewhere Different’s tilted room.
The self-guided gallery tour takes a couple of hours to make your way through, so if you fancy ‘summat different’, why not try Somewhere Different?