Families visiting Sheffield will find a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the children entertained. Sheffield's museums offer a range of fun activities and hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages. Best of all, admission to most city museums is free. Families can find out about Sheffield's history through interactive displays at places like Kelham Island Museum or head a little out of town to find animals, birds, reptiles, and insects from all over the world.
Food-wise, you'll find family-friendly cafés offering snacks and sandwiches in many city parks and gardens, and in most of Sheffield's museums. Not many bars and restaurants in the city center go out of their way to welcome families, but you'll find some excellent exceptions. Follow us through a selection of fun places in Sheffield to take your kids.
- 1
Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Center
- Families
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Children may shudder at the snakes and other creepy creatures here, but they'll be charmed by marmosets and meerkats. Kids can feed pygmy goats at the farm barn. There's a play park with zipper lines, too.
Location: Woodsetts Road, North Anston, Sheffield S25 4EQ, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1909 569416
Mapphoto by Mark Oakley (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
- 2
Kelham Island Museum
- Families
- History
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Sheffield's steel-making heritage comes to life at this riverside museum, where kids under 16 get in free. Exhibits include vintage cars built in Sheffield and a jumbo steam engine.
Location: Alma Street, Sheffield S3 8RY, UK
Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays from 11 am to 4.45 pm (closed on Fridays and Saturdays)
Phone: +44 (0)114 272 2106
Mapphoto by Mick Knapton (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Yorkshire Wildlife Park
- Families
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Children can get thrillingly close to lions, leopards, and tigers in wide walk-through enclosures at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Smaller residents of this open-air attraction include armadillos, squirrel monkeys, and baboons.
Location: Warning Tongue Lane, Branton, Doncaster DN4 6TB, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1302 535057
Map - 4
Zooby's Sandwich Deli & Fairtrade Coffee Bar
- Families
- Food
Health-conscious parents will find appetizing options for kids at this friendly café. The menu includes kids' boxes and vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free dishes. For treats, Zooby's also offers ice cream, cakes, and milkshakes.
Location: 90 Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 2LH, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 8.30 am to 5 pm, Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)114 2788639
Map - 5
Maize Maze
- Adventure
- Couples
- Families
Kids can explore the maze at Jowett House Farm, then drive pedal cars, feed calves, and sample the farm's own ice cream.
Location: Jowett House Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AS, UK
Open: July–September: daily from 10.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1226 791855
Map - 6
Magna Science Adventure Center
- Families
Families can immerse themselves in the world of science and technology at museums and science-based attractions like Magna Science Adventure Center, in Rotherham. Two spectacular multi-media shows devoted to themes like air, water, earth, and fire, and more than 100 interactive exhibits educate and entertain kids. They'll also enjoy activities like bungee jumping, abseiling, zipper lines, and a water-themed outdoor play area named Aqua-Tek.
Location: Magna Way, Templeborough S60 1FD, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1709 720002
Mapphoto by Elliott Brown (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Cannon Hall Farm
- Families
- Photo
Llamas, alpacas, lambs, and piglets are stars of the show at Cannon Hall Farm. Daily ferret races and sheep races add to the fun for families.
Location: Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1226 790427
Mapphoto by Bryan Ledgard (CC BY 2.0) modified
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Sheffield
Radisson Blu Hotel, Sheffield
Village Hotel Leeds South
Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel & Spa
Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa
Novotel Sheffield Centre
Leopold Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Sheffield
ibis Sheffield City
Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
