A day for curious little people
A little story, a walk through a glasshouse, something surprising in a museum. Here are a few ideas for a family day out — with our own woodland adventure as one stop, not the whole plan.
For story lovers and puzzle solvers
Our own stop on the list: Brumblethorn’s Mischief is a 40-minute, escape-room-style family adventure with clues, puzzles, immersive light and sound, and a colour-changing potion to take home.
It is best for ages 5–10, with younger siblings welcome. Book a session in advance; every child needs an accompanying adult, and adults need tickets too.
Good for: imaginative children, families who enjoy solving things together, and adding a booked activity to a city-centre day.
See what the adventure involves →Check dates & ticketsTwo more city-centre discoveries
Plants · Indoors · Free entry
Step into a glasshouse filled with plants from around the world. It is a lovely change of scene for children who like looking for different leaf shapes, tall plants and unexpected greenery in the middle of the city.
The Winter Garden has direct access to Millennium Gallery, so the two work well as a pair. A simple challenge from us: choose the leaf you think a Tree Spirit would hide behind.
Official visitor information ↗Art & making · Indoors · Free entry
Explore art, design and Sheffield’s metalworking stories. The collections include metalwork and the Ruskin Collection, with changing exhibitions offering different things to notice on each visit.
Pick a few objects rather than trying to see everything. Ask your child which one looks as though it belongs in a magical woodland story. Donations are welcomed by Sheffield Museums.
Official visitor information ↗A different part of the city
Natural history, archaeology and Sheffield stories.
For children drawn to animals, ancient objects and stories about the past, Weston Park Museum offers plenty to discover. Look out for visitor favourites including Spike the Woolly Rhino and Snowy the Polar Bear.
The museum is on Western Bank, rather than beside Leah’s Yard, so plan it as a separate stop and allow time to travel. General entry is free, with donations welcomed; some activities and events may have separate booking arrangements.
Check the museum’s visitor information ↗Keep it simple
Explore the Winter Garden and choose a favourite leaf. Check opening times before you set off.
Leave time for food and a rest, or a short look around Millennium Gallery if it is open and your explorers still have energy.
Head to Leah’s Yard for your pre-booked Tree Spirits session. Follow the clues and take your potion home.
This is a suggested day out, not a package or partnership. Check current opening times, access information and any event charges directly with each venue. Ideas checked in October 2026.
Plan your Tree Spirits visit →