Sheffield boasts a wealth of free outdoor play areas suitable for families. From expansive parks with diverse facilities to charming neighbourhood playgrounds, there’s something for everyone. We have visited approximately 5 of these parks, but shamefully have only written up two of them. We plan to write the rest up shortly. We can vouch for the two we have written up, though. They are both excellent parks.
The beauty of our location in Wakefield is that you can venture into Barnsley, Leeds, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Bradford (to name a few) quite easily and enjoy the amenities they have to offer. Our weekends are typically spent venturing around parks and spaces throughout the county. Sheffield is just 30/40 minutes away so we can sample all the parks they have to offer with just a short drive into South Yorkshire.
Below is a summary table to help you compare the parks at a glance, followed by detailed breakdowns for each one.
Sheffield Parks Overview Table:
| Play Park Name | Pros | Cons | Overall Rating |
| Millhouses Park | Extensive facilities including a splash area, a skate park, and a boating lake | Can be crowded during peak times | 4.8/5 |
| Endcliffe Park | Large green spaces, a playground, and a café. | Limited parking availability | 4.7/5 |
| Graves Park | Animal farm, multiple play areas, and woodlands | Some areas may be muddy after rain | 4.6/5 |
| Rivelin Valley Park | Splash pools, nature trails, and café | Limited public transport access | 4.5/5 |
| Norfolk Heritage Park | Historic park with playground and open spaces | Play equipment is somewhat dated | 4.4/5 |
| Hillsborough Park | Large park with playground and sports facilities | Adjacent to the museum, playground, and duck pond | 4.3/5 |
| Forge Dam Park | Woodland setting with playground and café | Limited parking spaces | 4.2/5 |
| Weston Park | Adjacent to museum, playground, and duck pond | Smaller play area compared to others | 4.1/5 |
| Meersbrook Park | Scenic views, playground, and open fields | Hilly terrain may be challenging for some | 4.0/5 |
| Bingham Park | Natural play areas and walking trails | Limited facilities on-site | 3.9/5 |
Each park below includes location details, highlights of the play facilities, pros, cons, and overall rating.
Note: Although we have visited most of the parks on the list we shamefully haven’t reviewed them all! Check back here often for more comprehensive reviews.
Additional information:
Millhouses Park
Location: Abbeydale Road South, Sheffield, S7 2QQ
Description: Millhouses Park is a vibrant urban park offering a variety of facilities, including a splash area, skate park, boating lake, tennis courts, and a well-equipped playground. It’s a favourite among families for its diverse activities and scenic setting.
Pros: Extensive facilities, well-maintained, suitable for all ages.
Cons: Can become crowded during weekends and holidays.
Rating: 4.8/5
Read Our Full ReviewEndcliffe Park
Location: Rustlings Road, Sheffield, S11 7AB
Description: Endcliffe Park features expansive green spaces, a children’s playground, a café, and is part of the Porter Valley Parks. It’s ideal for leisurely walks, picnics, and family outings.
Pros: Large open areas, playground, and café on-site.
Cons: Parking can be limited, especially during events.
Rating: 4.7/5
Read Our Full ReviewGraves Park
Location: Hemsworth Road, Sheffield, S8 8LJ
Description: As Sheffield’s largest park, Graves Park offers woodlands, open spaces, multiple playgrounds, and an animal farm. It’s a great spot for nature walks and family fun.
Pros: Diverse attractions, including an animal farm and play areas.
Cons: Some paths may be muddy after rainfall.
Rating: 4.6/5
Rivelin Valley Park
Location: Rivelin Valley Road, Sheffield, S6 5GL
Description: Nestled along the Rivelin River, this park features splash pools, a playground, and nature trails. It’s perfect for hot summer days and nature exploration.
Pros: Splash pools, scenic trails, and a café are available.
Cons: Limited access via public transport.
Rating: 4.5/5
Norfolk Heritage Park
Location: Guildford Avenue, Sheffield, S2 2PL
Description: A historic park offering open spaces, a children’s playground, and panoramic views of the city. It’s a peaceful retreat with a rich heritage.
Pros: Historic charm, spacious areas, and a playground.
Cons: Play equipment is older and may need updates.
Rating: 4.4/5
Hillsborough Park
Location: Middlewood Road, Sheffield, S6 4HD
Description: Hillsborough Park is a large green space featuring a children’s playground, sports facilities, and a duck pond. It’s a popular spot for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Pros: Variety of facilities, ample space for activities.
Cons: The Playground can be busy during peak times.
Rating: 4.3/5
Forge Dam Park
Location: Whiteley Lane, Sheffield, S10 4GL
Description: Set in a woodland area, Forge Dam Park offers a playground, café, and walking trails. It’s a tranquil setting for families seeking a nature escape.
Pros: Peaceful environment, café, and natural beauty.
Cons: Parking is limited; it can be challenging during busy periods.
Rating: 4.2/5
Weston Park
Location: Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TP
Description: Adjacent to the Weston Park Museum, this park features a playground, a duck pond, and open lawns. It’s an educational and recreational spot for families.
Pros: Proximity to the museum, well-kept grounds.
Cons: Play area is smaller compared to other parks.
Rating: 4.1/5
Meersbrook Park
Location: Brook Road, Sheffield, S8 9FL
Description: Known for its stunning views over Sheffield, Meersbrook Park offers a playground, open fields, and the historic Bishops’ House. It’s a blend of culture and recreation.
Pros: Scenic vistas, cultural site, and play area.
Cons: Hilly terrain may not be suitable for all visitors.
Rating: 4.0/5
Bingham Park
Location: Rustlings Road, Sheffield, S11 7AB
Description: Part of the Porter Valley Parks, Bingham Park features natural play areas, tennis courts, and walking paths. It’s ideal for families seeking a quieter setting.
Pros: Natural surroundings, less crowded, and sports facilities.
Cons: Limited amenities compared to larger parks.Rating: 3.9/5
Last Updated on May 21, 2025 by Ryan
Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There’s no better way to travel than via bike and it’s an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.