Your essential guide to budget‑friendly family fun!

Half term doesn’t need to be expensive. Sheffield and Rotherham are bursting with free and excellent value activities — perfect for keeping kids busy, creative and active without the big price tag.

SHEFFIELD: FREE & VALUE ACTIVITIES

🌱 Family Bird Box Building – Longshaw Estate

A hands‑on nature session where families build bird boxes with real tools.
Cost: Free (parking charges apply; free for National Trust members)
[nationaltrust.org.uk]

🌿 Free Family‑Friendly Places to Explore

Enjoy some of Sheffield’s cost‑free attractions:

• Graves Park Animal Farm
• Heeley City Farm
• Sheffield Winter Garden
• Sheffield Botanical Gardens
  [sheffieldrocks.co.uk]

🧧 Sheffield Lunar New Year Festival (21–22 Feb)

A vibrant, free celebration across Sheffield city centre with cultural performances and family activities.
Cost: Free
[welcometos...ield.co.uk]

🎮 National Videogames Museum (Value Option)

Low‑cost interactive museum packed with hands‑on gaming fun.
Cost: Good value compared to major indoor attractions
[sheffieldrocks.co.uk]

ROTHERHAM: FREE & VALUE ACTIVITIES

🎨 Bronze Arts Award – Four‑Day Creative Programme (17–20 Feb)

A free arts course for ages 11–15 with crafts, drama and creative writing — plus a Level 1 qualification.
Cost: Free
[eventbrite.co.uk]

✨ Rotherham Loves Music: Winter Light Festival (14–15 Feb)

Stunning light projections, workshops, roaming performers and a giant silent disco.
Cost: Free
[fluxrotherham.org.uk]

🪄 Wand Making at Grimm & Co (14 Feb)

Kids create their own birchwood wand complete with spell and wand box.
Cost: £10 per child
[eventbrite.co.uk]

🤸 Shane Wright Sports Multi‑Sport Camps (16–20 Feb)

Fantastic value childcare option with full days of sports, dance and outdoor play for ages 5–12.
Cost: From £15 per day
[shanewrigh...sports.com]

🏛 Clifton Park Museum – Half Term Sessions

Family activities including Cub Club sessions and local history meet‑ups.
Cost: Mostly free or low‑cost
[rotherhamm...eums.co.uk]

💡 TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING COSTS DOWN

1️⃣ Pack Your Own Snacks & Drink

Food can be the biggest hidden cost on days out. Bring packed lunches, refillable water bottles and snacks to avoid café prices.

2️⃣ Look for Free Parking or Use Public Transport

Events like the Winter Light Festival and city‑centre celebrations can get busy — using buses or trams can be cheaper and easier.

3️⃣ Plan Free Mornings & Low‑Cost Afternoons

Start with a free park, museum or walk, then add one small paid activity later — it helps balance the budget.

4️⃣ Bring Reusable Items

Things like glow sticks, torches or craft items can be reused at home and brought to events instead of buying on the day.

5️⃣ Check If Booking Ahead Saves Money

Some workshops and indoor attractions offer discounted advance tickets — book early where possible.

6️⃣ Take Advantage of Memberships

If you have National Trust, English Heritage or local passes, use them! Parking at Longshaw, for example, becomes free for NT members.

7️⃣ Use a “No‑Spend Day” Challenge

Pick one full day over half term where everything you do is free — parks, walks, farms, libraries, window‑shopping or exploring trails.