With the summer holidays nearly here, you might be looking for ways to keep the family entertained, without spending a fortune. We’ve picked out five great options, including a rare chance to see a TV show filming in Sheffield, some of the city’s best festivals, and a few kids’ activities and clubs that are well worth checking out.
There’s a mix of free and paid-for events, so you can choose what works for your plans and budget. Whether you’re after a fun day out, something a bit different, or just ways to keep the kids busy, we hope this list helps you make the most of the break.
Meadowhall’s Summer Beach Club
The big summer ‘beach’ party returns for 2025! Marking Meadowhall’s 35th anniversary, the largest shopping mall in Sheffield is inviting people from all around to celebrate from 18th July to 31st August. So you can pop in yourself, or with the kids!
The orange car park is transformed into a sandy beach where you can enjoy the sun, without the long drive. The 1,000sqm beach features daybeds, parasols and a cheeky adult-only bar.
There is a mix of family rides and more thrilling ones for those with a little more courage. Visit to experience the Magic Mouse rollercoaster and the 45m high Star Flyer, in which you can get a view across the city before the stomach-flipping drop.
You can also enjoy the Aqua Splash water park and 3 fun pools for you and the kids to cool off.
The whole event is backed by a fantastic lineup of music with tribute acts for Britney, Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift amongst many fantastic DJs.
Summer Beach Club will run from 18th July to 31St August with tickets starting at £2 and free after 6pm.
Gladiator burst onto our screens in 1992 and 2000, and the UK version became one of the longest-running TV series at the time. So, it was only a matter of time before it hit our screens again. Off to a good start again in 2024 with 8.3 million viewers, they are now in their second season.
Tickets to the live recording of season 3 are totally free through the Utilita Arena Sheffield. This is an amazing opportunity to see, not just an episode of the show before anyone else, but to be part of the show itself. Throw your hat in the ring to possibly be a part of the biggest show in decades.
Botanical Gardens Rhythms Summer Camp
ShakeOut! Movement and Dance return to Sheffield Botanical Gardens to bring dance, movement, drama and art to kids aged 6-12 across Sheffield.
All classes are led by first aid trained, experienced teachers. Jenny created ShakeOut! To allow kids to express their love of music and art in a safe, supportive place where they can learn and grow, no matter their skill level. Every class is under no pressure. There is no choreography or public performances, kids are encouraged to explore and create their own dance and movement with the friends they make along the way.
These classes run after school, but during the summer, there is a chance to experience this freeing and fun experience in the beautiful Botanical Gardens and inside the purpose-built learning centres.
Tickets are £30 a day, so you can choose the best activity for your child. Classes will run on Wednesday, 30th July, and Thursday, 31st July, and the Seeds of Imagination camp on Monday, 18th August, and Tuesday, 19th August, from 9 am to 3:30 pm at the Dorothy Fox Education Centre.
Abbeydale Road Beer Festival 2025
Returning for its 4th year, Abbeydale Road Beer Fest brings a fierce showdown between Lancashire and Yorkshire beers, with you left to decide the winner.
A full mile of indie brews in 12 venues, each serving their best for their chosen side. You can find 7 from proud Yorkshire and 7 from noble Lancashire. Your mission? To try them all and try not to stumble when you accept your limited edition festival print with this year’s ‘War of the Roses’ theme.
Visit every cosy pub, quirky bar, bottle shop and beer garden, stopping for a pint and a taste of local street food, all backed by the best local DJs. Plus, you won’t leave empty-handed with giveaways happening all day.
Running from 31st July to 3rd August, you have 4 days to try every beer, get your stamps and collect your prize. Then come back and let us know who won!
Graves Park Food And Drink Festival
Set in 200 acres of beautiful scenery in Graves Park, this year’s food festival is set to be a big one.
Suitable for the whole family, you can enjoy food and drink from Sheffield’s best and brightest in the culinary arts. Visit the artisan markets for sweet treats and tasty cheese, and check out the Street Food Arena for fresh-cooked food from around the world, from Pad Thai to Churros.
It’s not just food and drink; you can enjoy cookery demos, live music, performances, kids’ activities, funfair and inflatables, art displays and a mobile educational farm. Plus, if you look out, there roaming comedians and entertainers will undoubtedly brighten your day.
The festival will run over action packed two action-packed days, 30th and 31st August. Early bird tickets are on sale now and going fast at £0-6.95, it’s a steal.
Free Summer Activities For The Kids
We understand budgets are tight and the summer holidays are long! So, here’s a list of some of the free activities on offer at Crystal Peaks Market across July and August. Just pop in and join in!
Check out our other blogs for more inspiration and help on your journey to a new home. We are also on Facebook and Instagram where we post little tips and mood boards to help you along.
