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Why does everything seem so much more fun when it is free?
So excited to share all the best free things to do in Sheffield with your kids in 2026.
Freebees are fun, but if you are up for splashing out too, don’t miss on these 34 Fun things to do in Sheffield with kids, there are some surprisingly unique and creative things to do. We have also put together a great blog post focused on Indoor things to do in Sheffield. We all know it sucks when you have outdoor plans and you get rained off, so definitely check out that blog post for some great fun back up ideas for indoor things to do in Sheffield with the kids.
Sheffield is our favourite city in Yorkshire, but if you are looking to make your summer more fun and want to explore Yorkshire at large, you will love these surprising fun things to do in Yorkshire. This blog post however is all about fun FREE stuff to do in Sheffield. Whether you’re on a budget or just know that some of the best things in life are free, you will love this top 10.
Everything we will share with you in this list has a free way of doing it, but there are always options to splash out. Often if you’re on holiday, whether a local staycation or weekend getaway, it’s nice to find free things to do and then splash out on the things you really love.
1. Free city bouldering spots
There are over 10 giant boulders and free climbing spots spread out across Sheffield City. They really vary in challenge and make for a super fun way to explore the city one climb and a time. If you love climbing, you can also visit places like The Climbing Works, but if you are looking for free things to do in Sheffield it’s great to know you can explore free climbs across the city. Make it a fun family challenge to do them all in a day.
2. Wild swim in Sheffield city
Wild swimming in the summer is the best! Because Sheffield is so wonderfully green, there are a surprising amount of wild swims that are technically within Sheffield city. Rivelin Valley has to be our favourite spots, fun for a swim and lots of great picnic spots! This is top of our list for adventurous free things to do in Sheffield. Park in Rivelin Valley car park, then cross the road, drop down to the path that takes you over the big stone bridge. The stone bridge area is a popular wild swimming spot itself. If you want to find the waterfall spot where you can jump in you have to follow the river down. The whole area is full of great wild swimming spots, there are areas for younger kids to paddle too. Please just be careful.
3. Botanical gardens
Botanical gardens is such a gem! Stunning wildly varied exotic and historical gardens, bang in the heart of Ecclesall Road. The more you explore this park, the more you will find, trust me, it is way bigger than you think and full of little surprises. Make sure you don’t miss the famous botanical gardens bear pit! It’s also full of the crazy overconfident squirrels, which is fun. If you are looking for free things to do in Sheffield with your kids add this to you list aaaaand consider popping down to Ecclesall Road where you can always grab a great coffee and locally made treat.
4. DIY street art walking tour
This fun free thing to do in Sheffield is expanding all the time and makes for a great way to explore the city. The more you explore the more you see! If it is your first time going on a street art hunt in Sheffield, try the Wicker, London road and the Steel works. This can be super fun with kids as much of the art work is bright and colourful.
5. Sheffield water gardens
This one is more aimed at families looking for Free things to do in Sheffield, but they’re all set in beautiful parts of the city like Millhouses Park and Rivlin Valley that can be enjoyed by everyone. Another thing we love about Sheffield is how everyone makes the most of rivers. When summer hits, Sheffielders know how to make the most of water gardens and rivers; they become like feel beaches. Join in, grab your swimwear and a picnic and enjoy summer, Sheffield style!
6. Paternoster lift
Possibly the most unique of all the free things to do in Sheffield! As long as you are quiet and respectful, it is free to visit the Sheffield University Arts Tower and ride the paternoster lift any time it is open. If you haven’t heard of it, it will blow a hole in your brain. It is a lift that moves consistently and you jump on and off it at your own risk. The crazy thing is that they used to have ones that squashed and tipped people upside down if the didn’t jump out before at the top floor. Thankfully, this one doesn’t. Or does it …
Seriously, do be careful and please note that they don’t let younger children go on it due to obvious safety reasons.
7. Green city hikes
There are some fantastic green walks through Sheffield City where you can walk from park to park, woodland to woodland without feeling like you’re in the city. Many are signposted to make it easy and accessible to everyone. This is particularly special for a city, definitely one of the more healthy and refreshing free things to do in Sheffield with your kids. As you may well know, Sheffield is on the edge of a world of amazing walks! If you don’t mind heading out the city a bit, the closest Peak District walk to Sheffield that is ideal for kids has to be the Padley gorge to Grindleford station cafe walk.
Also, if you love a good walk we think you will love these amazing walks in Ecclesall Woods
8. Local pop up markets
Towards summer more and more pop up markets can be explored for free around Sharrow Vale, Nether Edge and other lovely community spots across the city. Of course, they may not be free by the time you’ve made it through the local produce sections but if you’re just happy exploring it still counts as one of the free things to do in Sheffield.
9. Explore The galleries and museums
If possible, please do make a donation, but if you can’t it’s nice to know that you are still welcome to explore the local galleries in Sheffield for free. Millennium gallery, Graves gallery and Western park Museum are all great local places to explore. Museums are a great way to really connect with a city and it’s great that you can do it as one of the free things to do in Sheffield. Western park is particularly great for younger children.
10. Hike to the peaks from the city!
One of the best things about Sheffield is that you can hike out to the Peak District from the city itself. You can take local buses or you can start somewhere such as Endcliffe park and just keep walking until you are in the peaks. There are not many cities that you can walk into a National Park from, which is why we had to include this in our list of the best free things to do in Sheffield!
If you can drive or can take a bus, there are so endless stunning walks you can do with your family. We have put together the very best walks in The Peak District to do with your family. We have found kids walks are so much better when they have a bit of a mission, so have picked walks based around challenges, iconic landmarks and impressive notable nature spots. Or if you have little ones we have also published a guide on the best Peak District walks with toddlers.
11 Explore the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
Check out our FULL GUIDE for the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
If you’re interested in the culture, history & heritage of Sheffield don’t miss the AMAZING Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet. This is one of the most complete traditional steelworks in the world. It is totally FREE to visit (although you can make a donation in the Exhibition Centre). The Hamlet is open Thursday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm. Not only can you explore the various workshops and rooms, you can also learn about steel production step-by-step. There are often demonstrations and events at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet and there is plenty to learn here. Don’t miss the impressive managers house and workers cottage to get a feel for the living conditions on the Hamlet. You can even take private Blacksmith Classes in the Corner forge. And definitely don’t miss the amazing on-site cafe (it has baby chairs and a kids menu too!)
ONE MORE THINGS… you may be interested in our super savvy UK Budget Travel Tips
