Our city guide to Sheffield’s most-loved local classes, activities, parks, farms, businesses and services for babies, toddlers and parents
A Bit About Sheffield
Whilst being known historically as “The Steel City”, due to its international reputation for steel production in the 19th century, Sheffield is actually surprisingly green! They have the highest ratio of trees-to-people in Europe, with roughly 4 trees to every one person in the city. It’s also home to not one football club, not two, but three! They include Sheffield F.C., Sheffield United F.C., and Sheffield Wednesday F.C., with Sheffield F.C being the oldest club in the history of association football.
Over 250 parks, a ton of green spaces, and lots of family-activities across the city. It’s no wonder that so many families are choosing to live here. When it comes to having fun in the Sheffield area, the very youngest members of the population (and their carers) have their pick of things to do. So, after receiving their recommendations, we thought we’d hone in on some of the most-loved activities, destinations and services for little ones.
We’re always keen to hear about great classes, activities and businesses for babies and toddlers. If you’re a class provider, we would love to feature you in our listings – you can sign up below.
Sheffield’s best… Soft Play & Roleplay Centres
Whether it’s a colourful soft play that allows your tots to bounce off the walls safely, or a roleplay centre that allows them to explore the expanse of their imagination, these centres are fantastic for the under 5’s. And, FYI, all of the below have a café nearby for when you need your that well-needed tea break. We’ve checked for you!
With a good mixture of frames and roleplay areas, this centre is a good pick for those with tots and toddlers. They provide both an under 4`s and over 4`s frame, as well as interactive garage, supermarket role play areas, and are a chosen venue for a selection of baby classes!
51a Orgreave Drive Dore House Industrial Estate, Sheffield S13 9NR
Located in Gulliver’s Theme Park and Resort, Gully Town Tots is a soft play and activity centre for specifically 5 and under, and so is a perfect fit for this list. With Indoor toddler rides, entertainment and a very special appearance from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this pick has more than enough entertainment for a full day out.
Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park, Mansfield Rd, Sheffield S26 5QW
Does your little one often want to do what you do? Kids often explore their curiosity through replication, and so they often want to copy what their parents or guardians do. In Curious Kids Town, they get the opportunity to live that out to a tee! They provide your child with a them-sized town complete with its own supermarket, post office, police station, cafe and more!
Bankside Works, Lumley Street, Sheffield, S4 7ZJ
Playtown Imaginary Role Play Center
Another amazing tiny town to add onto our list. This mini Sheffield PlayTown has both an indoor and outdoor play area with 8 areas for you and your children to explore. Join in yourself or simply sit back and watch as they explore with wonder.
25, Leigh St, Sheffield, S9 2PR
Sheffield’s best… Family Days Out
If you’re looking for a treat that could occupy the little ones as well as any big kids in the family (yes, this could include spouses), then these are some great day-trips out for you.
Catered to tots and school-age, this could be the perfect place to venture with the whole family, either after school or at the weekend. Jump Inc is a bouncy trampolining wonderland, with several different areas to get out their energy. They have a cafe too, so if you or your kids get those post-bounce munchies, they’ve got you covered.
Meadowhall, Vulcan Road, Sheffield, United Kingdom
National Emergency Services Museum
This museum has a lot to explore and discover for inquisitive young minds. Winner of the 2022 #FamilyFriendlyMuseum awards, they were recently crowned as one of the “best family-friendly museums in the whole of the country”. With several different areas to explore (including an outdoor zone with “Mega Machines”), we’re not surprised!
West Bar, Sheffield, United Kingdom
If you have a number of screen-lovers and videogame junkies under your roof, then this pick would be the best fit for you. Explore how videogames are made, and try out a range of retro arcade machines in their collection (From Ms. Pacman and Dance Stage fusion, to modern hits like Super Smash Bros. Brawl).
Castle House, Angel St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S3 8LN
Travel back in time, and discover what it was like to live and work onsite in the Manager’s House, Worker’s Cottage and Counting House. With a Picturesque Waterwheel and Dam, and the last complete surviving crucible steel furnace in the UK, there’s some impressive history to check out here.
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Abbeydale Road South, Sheffield, S7 2QW
At The Light Cinema, they offer screenings that won’t make you cringe in fear at the idea of your baby crying loudly, or having to pop out mid-show to do a nappy change. Once a week, they offer a Baby-friendly screening (for those with a baby aged under 1). These aren’t films for your baby, but more films for you. If your little one is older than that however, they also run “Toddler Time”, showing a number of films at a variety of times, all fairly short (30mins-1hr) and costing £3 per child (parents/carers go free!)
The Moor, Sheffield, S1 4PF
Sheffield’s best… Baby and Toddler Classes
Do you fancy sampling a class that will help your little one develop a new skill? Or maybe you’re looking for somewhere to relax and find your tribe? Try some of these!
Picks for babies and toddlers:
Designed to stimulate, educate and provide precious memories during the all-important first year of life, baby sensory is an award-winning franchise both nationally and internationally. A familiar name that offers all the right stuff.
Multiple Venues
An established gymnastics centre for all ages, and a brilliant variety of sessions for the under 5’s too! When asking the parents of Sheffield what classes they loved, Tiny Gym came highly recommended, so we’re going to assume this tiny gymnastics play session is a great one!
The Forge, 1 Wallace Road, Sheffield, S3 9SR
Award-winning producer of musical events and activities for young children and their adults in Sheffield and beyond, Concerteenies is a great place to see concerts, become involved in creative music projects, and attend online events in early years settings, and at home.
Multiple Venues
Picks for parents and carers:
With antenatal classes (that includes baby first aid), hypnobirthing classes and more, this is worth checking out if you are an expectant parent!
Hotel Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall & Spa, Kenwood Road, Sheffield S7 1NQ
Have you missed the feeling of getting a sweat on? Sweaty Mama is a franchise that is perfect for postnatal fitness -with classes that are baby friendly (and new-mum friendly). A super supportive group that holds ZERO judgment for any of the wobbly bits you might have gained through pregnancy.
Multiple Venues
One of the biggest postnatal fitness classes in the UK, Buggy Fit is well known for being a great way to get fit again after having a baby. They cater to all mums, no matter what postnatal stage they are in. Check out the link above to see what programme would be best for you.
Endcliffe Park, Rustlings Road, Sheffield S11 7AB
Sheffield’s best… Baby-Friendly Cafes
One of the most stressful ventures out as a parent with a little one can be visiting a cafe or restaurant. Worried about pushchair access or if your little one makes too much noise? Don’t worry, these venues are the best place to sit in a judgment-free zone!
Whimsical and magical, this little tearoom is a great place to grab a cake and a coffee in a welcoming space. They’re child-friendly, offering activities suited for under 5s, and hold “Little Wizard” sessions on Wednesday and Fridays from 11am, where there’s a play area and a regular story-telling from a resident magician.
3 Spooner Road, Sheffield, S10 5BL
This independent coffee room is making a name for itself in Sheffield, with tasty food and delicious drinks. There’s a small play area to help keep your kids entertained while you enjoy.
1 Brooklands Avenue , Sheffield, S104GA
Sheffield’s best… Parks & Farms
The great outdoors is sometimes all you need to keep your kids entertained. And it does a world of good to breathe in that fresh green air.
Rivelin Valley Conservation Group
A beautiful nature reserve to explore! This area has been the inspiration for a ton of artwork, with its beautiful winding river and a full Nature and Heritage Trail to see. This may not be one for those tiny explorers who wander too much. Whilst the path is safe, and there’s lots of animals to discover, there are a few spaces next to open water. As long as you and your little ones stay sensible when you need to, this place is a great one for tiny explorers
Rails Road, Sheffield, S6 6GF
Millhouses park contains a gorgeous open green space, as well as, woodlands, and floral displays. They also have a number of attractions located around the park, including a Boating lake for paddle boats and model/radio controlled boating, Cafe, a variety of sports pitches, children’s playground, skate park, Splash Water Play area, 9-hole putting course and more!
Abbeydale Road South, Sheffield S17 3LA
Mayfield Alpacas Animal Park in Sheffield offers a fantastic day out for all the family. Not only do they care for Alpaca’s, but also reindeers, meerkats, exotic birds and more! They offer a day out for the whole family.
Fulwood Lane, Sheffield, S10 4LH
Want to meet the pigs and the chickens of South Yorkshire? This is a lovely family-friendly farm, with an under-8s playground, cosy cafe, and a garden centre to cater to your planting needs
Heeley City Farm, Richards Road, Sheffield, S2 3DT
This lovely animal farm is a great place to take your little one, and is free-entry 7 days a week. Every so often they might run events where they’ll charge an additional price, but otherwise it’s completely free to make friends with the horses and sheep.
Hemsworth Rd, Norton, Sheffield S8 8LJ
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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