CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED

Science & Discovery Centres in Sheffield

Sheffield does this one properly. Weston Park Museum, close to the centre, costs nothing to get in and has Egypt, wildlife and a play bus for under-fives if the rain sets in. Out at Rotherham, Magna Science Adventure Centre turns a former steelworks into fire, water and air pavilions with an outdoor adventure park, from £9.50 and open to all ages. For something further afield, it is a longer trip out to Sutton-in-Ashfield for Sherwood Observatory, where open events let kids get hands-on with telescopes. For free and easy, Weston Park is the one to pick, especially with a buggy in tow, since there is pram storage and a picnic area if you want to make a day of it. Magna suits a family that wants to run about outdoors as well as look at exhibits, and parking is free. Sherwood Observatory is pricier at £50 and needs booking ahead, so it works best as a planned trip rather than a spur of the moment one, with on-site food if you arrive with time to spare.

✓ 3 places✦ 1 free to visit