Forget the usual haunts! This weekend, Sheffield is kicking off the National Year of Reading with some brilliant hands-on fun, plus an epic earth pigment workshop that's way cooler than a standard art class. Check out these obscure gems perfect for local families!
Quick Picks
K-Pop Mini Disco
Cambridge Street Collective
High-energy Sunday morning fun for the under-10s without spending a penny.
National Year of Reading Launch: drawing workshop with Matty Long
Surrey Street
Get the kids drawing and inspired by stories in the city centre.
Hatchlings Storytelling Show
Surrey Street
Puppets, crafts, and laughter perfect for the youngest attendees (0-7).
· January 31
3NATIONAL YEAR OF READING LAUNCH: DRAWING WORKSHOP WITH MATTY LONGFREE : Join the launch of the National Year of Reading and get the kids sketching with Matty Long. A brilliant way to spark story inspiration through hands-on creativity.It’s a launch event for a national initiative happening right here in Sheffield, and it’s focused on getting kids actively drawing, not just watching!
HATCHLINGS STORYTELLING SHOWFREE : If your little ones love puppets and crafts, this is the place to be! It’s part of the Reading Launch celebrations, so book your spot ASAP.Perfect for the under-7s, this intimate storytelling session includes crafts, making it a great hands-on activity on Saturday afternoon.
AQUATICS GB DIVING INTERNATIONAL 2026 : Watch Britain's top divers go head-to-head in an international competition. Great adrenaline rush for older kids who love action sports.It's high-stakes live sport happening locally; way more exciting than watching on TV, especially for teens.
· February 1
3FREE: K-POP MINI DISCOFREE : Get ready for a Sunday morning blast of high-energy K-Pop music and movement. This is such an unexpected and brilliant free slot for younger kids!It’s a completely free, high-energy session that’s quirky and completely different from the usual weekend soft play options.
WORKSHOP: THE WORLD OF EARTH PIGMENTS – FROM ROCK TO PAINT : Seriously cool workshop where you learn to process actual local rock into paint. Think geology meets art!This is genuinely obscure and interesting—turning rocks into paint combines science, history, and art, which is great for older kids who like getting stuck in.
BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH & CHILDREN'S CRAFTSFREE : Get some fresh air counting birds as part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Afterwards, stick around for some themed crafts.It gets you out exploring a historic cemetery area for a great cause, finishing off with a creative hands-on activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Sheffield this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 31 - Feb 1) you can join the FREE K-Pop Mini Disco on Sunday morning (3-10s) or the free storytelling session and drawing workshop at Surrey Street on Saturday.
Are there any unusual workshops happening for older kids?
Yes! For ages 8+, check out the 'World of Earth Pigments' workshop on Sunday where you learn to turn rock into paint—it’s fascinating!
What can I do with my toddler (under 5) this Saturday?
The Hatchlings Storytelling Show at Surrey Street on Saturday afternoon is perfect for ages 0-7, featuring puppets and crafts, and it's free to book.