Sheffield is a bustling city in South Yorkshire, famed for its rich cultural heritage. As well as being the birthplace of artists such as Pulp, The Human League, and Arctic Monkeys, it’s also home to two famed football clubs and a successful ice hockey team.
The city’s friendly people, green spaces, and incredible food options make it the perfect place for a day, weekend, or even week away with the family.
If you’re thinking of heading to Sheffield with the family, but don’t know where to begin, we at The Home Crowd have compiled a list of some of our top recommendations for family-friendly activities in Sheffield. We can even help you out with a place to stay!
Family-Friendly Parks
Weston Park
With gorgeous, curated flowerbeds, memorials, and Sheffield’s oldest standing bandstand, Weston Park has plenty to see and do. The park has paved routes taking you around the grounds, and is perfect for a family stroll.
That’s not all there is to see. Located in the park itself is Weston Park Museum, a free day of fun for the whole family, taking you on a journey through Sheffield’s history. Open Tuesday-Sunday, this museum features a wide range of things to see and interact with and the Ambulo cafe for a refreshment afterwards.
All in the same day, you and your family can tread through the leafy greenery of the park, see real ancient Egyptian artefacts and even play dress-up. Take a look at the website to find out about the many family events hosted there throughout the year.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Stepped access to the bandstand and memorials, step-free access everywhere else. Some surfaces may be uneven |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Stepped access to the bandstand and memorials, step-free access everywhere else. Some surfaces may be uneven |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes, in the museum only |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change and Changing Places facilities in the museum only |
| Dog Friendly | Yes, in the park, but the museum allows assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No |
| Parking Available | No, some on-street parking is available but may be limited |
Graves Park
Graves Park is Sheffield’s largest park. It features children’s playgrounds to let them burn off a little energy, streams, and even an animal farm. Graves Park Animal Farm is open 7 days a week, and most animals can be hand-fed or handled, allowing children and adults alike to experience getting close to donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, and more.
Feel like getting a little sporty? The park also hosts a practice golf course, two bowling greens, two cricket pitches and ten football pitches. Picnics are welcome at Graves Park, or you can visit Rose Garden Cafe for sandwiches, cakes, hot drinks and ice creams. Dogs are welcome there, too!
With plenty of paths to explore and soft grass or seating to rest your feet, Graves Park is perfectly suited to hosting families for a lovely day out.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available in the park, farm and cafe |
| Dog Friendly | Yes, in the park and cafe only |
| Pre-booking Required | No |
| Parking Available | Yes, charged |
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
For a truly breathtaking horticultural experience, visit the Sheffield Botanical Gardens. The accessible pathways take you through 18 different themed garden areas, all of which are filled with beautiful plants.
The gardens are an enjoyable day out as they are, but to keep children engaged, why not embark on The Riddle Trail? This trail sees you follow riddles written by poet Berlie Doherty, look for pieces of art, see unique flowers… and you might even meet a bear!
If your walk through enchanting botanicals has you feeling a little hungry, a pit-stop at Joni, the on-site cafe, could be in order. Joni offers a range of breakfast and lunch dining options, as well as hot drinks and fresh baked goods.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes, some steeper parts but fully accessible |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes, some steeper parts but fully accessible |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | Yes, must be kept on a lead |
| Pre-booking Required | No |
| Parking Available | No, some nearby car parking available at cost |
Family-Friendly Museums
National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum is a fun activity for all members of the family, even if you’re not already a big fan of video games. As well as exhibits of consoles, games and related memorabilia to look at, the museum also hosts interactive exhibits.
There’s so much to try, from old-school classics like Donkey Kong and noughties nostalgia like Rock Band, to brand new experimental games. There’s even a ‘Made in Sheffield’ section, celebrating games made and developed in the city. It’s a great place to visit for families, with plenty of multiplayer games suitable for a variety of ages.
Visit the National Videogame Museum’s website for ticket prices and further information on what to expect from your visit.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No, but recommended |
| Parking Available | No, plenty of close city centre parking available at cost |
National Emergency Services Museum
The National Emergency Services Museumis an immersive experience, found inside a Victorian police, fire and ambulance station. With plenty of hands-on learning opportunities, it’s an excellent way to make a fun day out educational too. Plus, it’s just around the corner from our stunning Sheffield serviced accommodation on Queen Street!
The museum contains exhibits with real artefacts and vehicles, presented in themed areas to really set the scene. Hear the stories of real emergency service workers and read how much impact these heroes have had on our lives today. Refreshments are available in the cafe. All that learning can really work up an appetite.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes, but some areas may be difficult |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes, mostly, some areas may not be accessible |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No, but recommended |
| Parking Available | No, plenty of close city centre parking available at cost |
Kelham Island Museum
Located in the vibrant Kelham Island area of Sheffield, Kelham Island Museum celebrates the city’s industrial heritage. From the Industrial Revolution through to the modern day, find a number of interesting exhibits, including the Crossley Gas Engine and River Don Engine.
The museum hosts multiple events throughout the year, with family activities and workshops aplenty. It’s also a great place to find a souvenir from your Sheffield day out, with local products for sale, including local craft items, honey and the famous Henderson’s Relish.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No |
| Parking Available | No |
Family-Friendly Physical Activities
Climbing Walls
Sheffield is one of the best places in the UK for indoor climbing and bouldering, with multiple venues available across the city. There are options available for different ages and abilities, and it’s a great opportunity for you and your family to try something new.
For something very beginner-friendly for children, take a trip to Meadowhall and visit Rock Up for colourful and varied walls and soft play. For something older children and adults can enjoy too, visit The Foundry, The Climbing Hangar, Climbing Works or Depot Sheffield – though others are available. Take a look at their websites for opening times and instructor-led sessions.
Ponds Forge
For family fun, no matter the weather, head for a swim at Ponds Forge. As well as professional lane swimming and diving facilities, Ponds Forge has a 25m leisure pool, which is ideal for family swimming.
There’s also a sports hall, for activities such as tennis, badminton, netball, football and basketball. Just book a court and get your bodies moving!
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change and Changing Places available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No, but recommended |
| Parking Available | Yes, charged |
Ice Sheffield
Ice skating isn’t just for winter! At Ice Sheffield, you and your family can skate on an Olympic-sized rink during one of the public skates or a scheduled lesson. If skating doesn’t quite do it for you, check match fixtures for the Sheffield Steeldogs and watch a match!
Core Bar Restaurant is available for refreshments and meals too, ideal if you and your family have worked up a hunger after skating.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes, off ice |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | Yes |
| Parking Available | Yes |
Family-Friendly Arts and Games Activities
Treehouse Board Game Cafe
Even if you and your family are seasoned board gamers, you’ll find something new and exciting at Treehouse Board Game Cafe. Find a game you’ve always wanted to try, or ask the experienced staff for some recommendations and gameplay help.
As well as the array of over 800 board games to choose from, there’s a delicious menu of drinks and food. Treehouse Board Game Cafe is great for families with children, but is just as fun for teens and adults.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | Yes |
| Pre-booking Required | No, but recommended |
| Parking Available | No, some nearby car parking available at cost |
Sheffield Central Library
The Sheffield Central Library has an incredible selection of books, including a well-stocked and comfortable children’s section. Take a moment away from the busy city atmosphere and pause, read and enjoy the range of activities and events hosted by the library.
This iconic listed building also hosts art exhibitions, ideal for getting a little culture into your day out in Sheffield.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No |
| Parking Available | No, some nearby car parking available at cost |
Builder’s Brew
At this unique cafe, you and your family can have food and drink, all while building Lego sets! Builder’s Brew is located close to Sheffield Cathedral and is perfect for anyone who likes to keep their hands busy.
With this simple concept, families can choose their own builds or work on one together, and it’s a fun alternative to buying new Lego sets and finding somewhere to display them at home.
With its central location, close to other attractions such as Sheffield Theatres, The National Emergency Services Museum and The National Videogame Museum, it can be worked into most day-out itineraries easily.
Additional Information:
| Pram Accessible | Yes |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Toilet Facilities | Yes |
| Changing Facilities | Yes, baby change available |
| Dog Friendly | No, assistance dogs only |
| Pre-booking Required | No, but highly recommended |
| Parking Available | No, plenty of close city centre parking available at cost |
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Sheffield
When looking for somewhere to stay with the family, especially those with younger children, something that feels as close to home as possible is always beneficial. While hotels are usually the go-to for somewhere to stay, a serviced apartment provides the efficiency of a hotel, with the comforts, space and privacy of home.
At The Home Crowd, we have our beautiful city centre serviced apartments that are perfect for families. As well as comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and an ideal location, each property comes with kitchen facilities and living space, meaning family meals and downtime can still be had.
For the best price, book directly through our website and make your family-friendly Sheffield day out a reality!
