Why not escape to Sheffield with the family this summer? With so many child-friendly activities, you’ll be spoilt for choice whatever the weather! Here are our ten favourites:
- Sheffield Treasure Hunt Trail
Looking for a novel way to explore the city? Then look no further! This exciting quest takes you on a 1.5 mile loop of the city as you search for hidden clues on the buildings, statues and signposts sites you pass! But be warned: there are red herrings to confound you, too…Treasure-seekers can go at their own pace; and if you get stuck, helpful hints only a text message away. There’s even real treasure on offer: all correct entries are entered into the £100 monthly prize draw! Treasure Hunt Trail is excellent for all ages, and is a brilliant way to get familiar with our beautiful city: simply buy your treasure map online, and let the adventure begin!
- Parkwood Karting
For adrenaline-seekers, Parkwood Karting is a must. Located just a mile outside the city centre, you’ll soon be whizzing around this 470 metre floodlit tarmac course at up to 50 miles per hour! The course operates perfectly in both wet and dry weather; and if you’re after an extra thrill, why not choose a night ride? Suitable for drivers aged 9+, you’ll be talking about the fun you had here for the rest of your holiday!
- Endcliffe Park
Two miles southwest of Sheffield’s city centre lies Endcliffe Park, a stunning fifteen-hectare city park that dates back to 1887. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, this picturesque park abounds with quaint Victorian-era features, such as its Grade II-listed ornate pavilion, Jubilee Monument and statue of Queen Victoria. Find the waterfalls as you follow the charming Porter Brook through the park, and enjoy feeding the ducks and wildfowl abounding in the park’s two ponds. Whether you’re after a gentle hike, a peaceful picnic, or a raucous run in the adventure playground and gym, Endcliffe Park has it all! If you’re lucky, you might also catch one of the park’s many outdoor events – anything from music and theatre to summer play schemes and carnivals.
- Budding Picassos Ceramic Café
If you’re after something less high-octane, visit Budding Picassos Ceramic Café just a couple of miles outside Sheffield. This bright and airy café is the perfect setting to release your inner artist: choose from over a hundred pottery pieces – plates, mugs, money banks – and then paint, stamp, stencil and stick your way to a fine new work of art! Enjoy a delicious, home-baked cake while you work, and then leave your finished piece to be fired in the kiln: your personal masterpiece will be ready to collect just a few days later!
- Millennium Gallery
In the heart of Sheffield stands the Millennium Gallery – an internationally-renowned art, craft and design museum. If your children are art enthusiasts, this is the place for them: the gallery’s permanent metalwork collection is one of the finest in the world, with items collected from every continent; and the Ruskin collection dates back over 130 years, created by a Victorian writer who wanted to share the world’s beauty with Sheffield’s workers. With plenty of diverse collections, there’s enough to keep even the youngest eyes occupied!
- Winter Garden
Just next door to the Millennium Gallery is the Winter Garden. Discover a stunning green world sitting incongruously in the busy city centre as you enter this vast temperate greenhouse – one of the largest to be built in the UK in the last hundred years, and big enough to fit 5,000 normal-sized greenhouses! Let your senses be captivated by the delicious sights and smells from over 2,500 plants from around the world as you explore this peaceful oasis.
- Playtime: Soft Play
If you’ve got smaller ones, soft play centre Playtime is the perfect place to visit. Solely for under 7s, this family-run centre allows your children to explore away from the (sometimes) rambunctious exuberance of older children. With a three-tiered play structure, a spooky maze, several slides (including a racing slide) and an impressively deep ball lagoon, little ones will be entertained for hours. There’s a separate space for toddlers – and of course a café for parents to catch their breath!
- Treehouse Board Game Café
Sheffield’s first board game café has over 400 games to choose from – far more than the cupboard at home! With classic family favourites and brand-new releases, there really is something for everyone. Light and airy, the Treehouse Café provides the perfect place to spend some quality family time; and you can also enjoy scrumptious food, locally sourced teas and coffees, and even a craft beer or chilled glass of wine!
- Highfield Adventure Playground
This brilliant adventure playground has more than enough to keep young explorers occupied for a few hours. Zoom along on the zip wire; reach new heights on the rope swing; dare to brave the extra-tall slide – and much more! With both indoor and outdoor play areas, there’s plenty to do whatever the weather: older children can test their skills on the pool or table tennis tables, while toddlers can enjoy a special indoor mezzanine area. Entry is free, and you can also take advantage of the numerous arts and crafts events that regularly take place.
Stay the night at Sheffield Metropolitan and take advantage of all these Summer activities.
- Paradise Island Adventure Golf
Test your skills on Paradise Island Adventure Golf’s two separate 18-hole courses, which take over two levels and nearly 14,000 square feet! Disembark from your ship at Caribbean Quay, then travel through mysterious sea caves, finally landing on a desert island complete with palm trees and ancient jungle ruins. These impressive courses are excellent value for money – the perfect choice for a rainy day.
Make it a summer to remember and stay in Sheffield! Located in the heart of the city, the Sheffield Metropolitan provides the perfect base for all your family activities.
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