Six ways to make the most of the six-week holidays
Six weeks off school is stretching ahead...and for parents the battle against boredom begins!
But fear not, as we’ve curated six family days out in Sheffield city centre to help keep your little and not-so-little ones busy.
Half of the main attractions are free at the point of entry, and we’ve also signposted to nearby lunch spots and accompanying activities so you can make the most of your time in the city centre.
📖 Article published on 6 July 2026.
All information correct at time of publication.
1️⃣ Family gaming day in Sheffield city centre 🕹️
2️⃣ Family day by the seaside in Sheffield city centre 🏖️
3️⃣ Family free day out in Sheffield city centre ⭐
4️⃣ Family festival day out in Sheffield city centre 🎉
5️⃣ Family museum day in Sheffield city centre 🚓
6️⃣ Family trail challenges in Sheffield city centre 👣
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Family gaming day in Sheffield city centre 🕹️
National Videogame Museum, Angel Street
From Saturday 18 July to Tuesday 1 September
Open daily, Thursday to Sunday between 10am and 5pm
Special summer holiday ticket offer available
Making and playing will come together with summer holiday events at Sheffield’s National Videogame Museum.
The museum is home to more than 100 videogames from all genres and decades. But it has a mission stretching far beyond just plugging in - exploring the history, future and potential of videogames.
New for this summer, from Saturday 18 July, the Together We Play exhibition.
Together We Play celebrates the fans videogames create, shining a light on the players and celebrating the memories, communities and friendships that grow through a shared love of videogames.
And if you want to enjoy the fun again and again, check out their ‘One Ticket. Play All Summer’ offer.
There are plenty of other gaming activities to choose from in Sheffield city centre - from bowling at Tenpin or Lane 7 to a variety of interactive games, laser tag, karaoke and much more.
See our full 'What to do in Sheffield city centre' guide for more ideas on cranking up your leisure time!
Where to eat:
Enjoy great coffee, baked goods and the quirky environment of Hygge, just a short stroll away from the National Videogame Museum, on Fitzalan Square. The kids will love the hanging chairs and cosy corners to lounge in.
Where to shop:
For pocket money treats, head to B&M Bargains on Haymarket, also a great-value destination for home and gardening essentials.
Bonus activities:
Take the gaming vibe 'offline' with an afternoon spent at The Gamers Guide, on East Parade. They have a huge collection of board game adventures for all ages, including plenty of niche ones to try.
Alternatively, you could get building at Builders Brew Cafe, next to Sheffield Cathedral. With hundreds of sets to choose from, and thousands of bricks if you want to create your own masterpiece.
Family day by the seaside in Sheffield city centre 🏖️
Sheffield by the Seaside, Peace Gardens
Thursday 23 July to Saturday 29 August
Open daily from 10am to 6pm
Free activity
Dig out your bucket and spade...for the beach is back in town!
When the schools are out, Sheffield by the Seaside brings its free sandy beach back to the Peace Gardens.
Sheffield by the Seaside gives families the chance to enjoy building sandcastles without the need to travel to the seaside itself.
There’s also a traditional helter skelter, swing rides and the ever-popular hook-a-duck to enjoy.
The fun continues along Fargate, where you can enjoy classic fairground rides, including Dodgems and a vintage carousel.
Please note: extra charges apply for some activities.
Where to eat:
Continue the theme with a classic fish and chips lunch from city centre favourite Brenda’s, on Earl Way. This traditional chippy has plenty of regulars who rave about the food, and provides the option of sitting in or taking away, so you can enjoy your catch in the sun!
Where to shop:
If you are heading on holiday, pick up new swimwear, shoes and summer fashions at TK Maxx in Orchard Square, known for its designer ranges at discounted prices. Or head to The Moor for plenty of retail inspiration.
Bonus activities:
Make a splash at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Kids will love the wave and toddler pools. For parents, floating along the lazy river is as close as it gets to taking it easy during the school break.
Family free day out in Sheffield city centre ⭐
Millennium Gallery, Arundel Gate
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm and Sunday, 11am–4pm
Free entry
With an ever-changing exhibition progamme, alongside Sheffield's Metal work collection, there should be something to suit all tastes at the Millennium Gallery. Highlights this summer include:
Until Sunday 30 August, discover the magic of The Bobeam Tree.
An interactive world of discovery for 0-5-year-olds and their grown-ups - together, you'll have the chance to play, learn and explore through stories and activities inspired by Sheffield’s museum collections.
Coinciding with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Football Art Prize showcases the work of over 60 UK and international artists.
Along with other exhibitions and displays at the Millenium Gallery, there is also Graves Gallery just across the road on Surrey Street.
See our 'Culture in the city' guide for additional ideas.
And just next door is Sheffield Central Children’s Library - always a great place to stop in for a sit-down, a book and some free playtime. There host regular babytime, storytime and chatterbox sessions plus one-off activities to enjoy.
Where to eat:
Bring a picnic to eat al fresco in the Peace Gardens, or find a bench to relax on inside the Winter Garden. Alternatively, take a stroll and call into independent cafe Couch on Campo Lane for a recharge on their sofas, plus enjoy delicious breakfasts, brunches and lunches.
Where to shop:
Pick up dinner items at M&S on Fargate, where you can also stock up on school uniform essentials before the new term begins.
Bonus activities:
Visit the PLAY Festival between Wednesday 29 July and Sunday 9 August at the Showroom Cinema.
This new festival of 'interactive creativity for families' features films, gaming, and hands-on workshops for children and young audiences on big and small screens.
Or why not get creative at Splash Art Rebublic Sheffield, located on Arundel Street and new to Sheffield this summer. They plan to deliver 'high-energy, immersive art experiences' for all skill levels, abilities and ages. Think flying paint. Spinning canvases. Pouring colour over sculptures. One-of-a-kind results, every time!
Family festival day out in Sheffield city centre 🎉
The Fringe at Tramlines, city-wide with the main stage at Devonshire Green
Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July, with the main stage on Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.
Fancy a free, family-friendly festival where you can get the bus home afterwards?
The Fringe at Tramlines - which attracted 45,000 people last year and is supported by Sheffield BID - is the answer.
The Fringe to iconic Tramlines, in Hillsborough Park, incorporates more than 40 venues with a main stage at Devonshire Green again this year.
Devonshire Green headliners include host Dixie, alongside Kavita Varu and Jesus Hairdo on the Friday; Kiziah and the Kings, known for their uplifting blend of reggae, soul and Caribbean rhythms on the Saturday; and Jungle Lion closes the weekend on the Sunday.
Across the city centre, music events will also be held in pubs, outdoor spaces like the Peace Gardens, shops and independent venues.
The thronging streets create a carnival atmosphere and there’s always plenty of extra entertainment for all ages - from face-painting to fairground rides, delicious food and much more.
And this year you can make it even cheaper if you pick up a special 'Weekender ticket' from the TravelMaster app, they're a great option for people travelling in pairs or as part of a larger group.
Get all your travel needs sorted for this summer with our handy guide to travel and transport.
Where to eat:
You’ll be spoiled for choice with festival food traders. Away from the crowds, we recommend Rudy’s Pizza on Division Street if you need a sit down, or the classic Sheffield pork sandwich shop Béres on Pinstone Street for a quick, satisfying lunch on the go.
Where to shop:
For festival outfits, head to pre-loved clothing store St Luke’s on The Moor. Or you may like lifestyle label Lucy & Yak, known for their funky dungarees, which is now open on Cambridge Street. There are plenty of vintage and pre-loved shops on and around Division Street.
Bonus activities:
Head to Pounds Park - ideally located between the main stage and Peace Gardens - to let little legs run around or cool down in the Peace Garden fountains.
Family museum day in Sheffield city centre 🚓
National Emergency Services Museum, West Bar Green
Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
From £7.50 for a child ticket
Get into the role of a lifesaver with a trip to the award-winning National Emergency Services Museum on West Bar Green.
This treasure trove of a museum takes visitors on an immersive journey to discover the history of our emergency services.
There’s vintage vehicles, a jail, lifeboat and life-saving equipment packed into three floors, plus an outside yard.
This summer the museum is also hosting 'Whodunnit Crime Investigators', between 25 July and 30 August. Something suspicious is going on in the museum… and they need your help to crack the case.
With trails, hands-on activities and creative challenges, young detectives will need sharp thinking, teamwork and curiosity to uncover the truth.
Where to eat:
A short stroll away on Snig Hill lies Albies coffee shop. Refuel with French toast, loaded bagels and all kinds of baked goodies.
Where to shop:
Stock up on art supplies and summer craft activities in Fred Aldous, in the heart of Fitzalan Square.
Bonus activities:
And just a third of a mile away from the National Emergency Services Museum, head to The Dice Box Sheffield on Shepherd Street for a rest while playing board games, building with bricks, and enjoying food and drinks, all in a café setting.
Family trail challenge in Sheffield city centre 👣
With a choice of amazing city centre trails this summer, you're never far from taking on your next big advenyure. We've highlighted three for you to choose from this summer!
1️⃣ The Star Seekers
Friday 24 July to Wednesday 2 September
Free activity
Become a Star Seeker this summer.
The new 'Star Seekers' city centre puzzle adventure will see you visiting locations across Leah’s Yard, The Moor and Orchard Square hunting for star posters displayed in participating store windows.
The Star Seekers then plot their maps to ‘reveal real life constellations’, with various prizes on offer including ‘one big prize.’
Where to eat
If you're in need of a hot drink or a sweet treat, the Chocolate Bar at Leah's Yard offers an extensive hot chocolate menu.
Where to shop
While at Orchard Square, pop into the new In the Making gift shop - stocked with items from over 100 independent makers, you'll be spoilt for choice. Or Forbidden Planet on The Moor is always a popular choice.
Bonus activities
Catch a movie at The Light Cinema on The Moor, where there are often family-friendly offers and events. Before or after your screening, why not visit the musical pocket park, just outside in Charter Square.
And, to celebrate the release of Paw Patrol The Dino Movie (only in cinemas), head to The Moor on Friday 14 August for a special Meet and Greet with Chase at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for a PAW-some day of family fun!
2️⃣ Pride of Yorkshire
On daily throughout the summer
Free or £1 for the trail map
Have fun exploring the city centre in search of these life-sized lions, lionesses and lion cubs.
All part of the Pride of Yorkshire sculpture trail to celebrate 150 years of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, this exciting initative by Sheffield Children's Hospitals Charity is one trail not to be missed!
The Pride of Yorkshire website has full details of where to find these roarsome sculptures, there is a downloadable map and details of where you can buy a trail map from.
Where to eat
Howard Street has a couple of popular new hospitality places to check out - Racky Sushi and Ramen or Drop Bear Cafe.
Where to shop
Find 'back to school' essentials or summer treats while on The Moor - from stationery, backpacks and school shoes, to trainers, sportswear and maybe a little summer treat.
Bonus activity
Call into Waterstones children's section - every Wednesday at 11am they will be reading a selection of new and bookseller recommended picture books.
3️⃣ Sector Safari, city centre wide
On daily and running until 31 August
Free activity
Discover different careers - and Sheffield’s vibrant independent businesses - on a new interactive trail.
Sector Safari is a walking adventure through the city centre, where young people and their families can learn more about different careers.
Every venue on the trail has a QR code which can be scanned to find out information about the company and its jobs, some fun facts and puzzles to complete.
The trail takes around two to three hours to complete, and calls at organisations as diverse as bookshops, architects, Sheffield Theatres, a gallery, pubs, food halls, charity Roundabout and even a fire station.
It’s an alternative to work experience placements for older children, and a great way to get all ages fired up about potential careers.
To take part, collect a map from one of four hubs, detailed here.
Sector Safari is part of the See It Be It Campaign from Sheffield Council.
Where to eat:
Two of the stops on the trail are Sheffield's wonderful food courts - Sheffield Plate at Orchard Square and Cambridge Street Collective. You'll have your pick of cuisine and can take advantage of 'kids eat free' offers - see venue websites for details.
Where to shop:
Tick summer haircuts off the list, and pick up summer reading material, at retail and leisure destination Orchard Square, another stop on the trail.
Bonus activities:
After all that walking, take a seat and catch one of the latest blockbusters at the Odeon Luxe on Arundel Gate.
Or why not take a look at our 'ultimate guide to city centre cinema' for even more big screen inspiration!
We hope we've helped you to make the most of the six week holidays.
Whatever you're up to...have fun!
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