My guide to the summer holidays

Parents, you do not need to look far as there are lots of different facilities all around Sheffield and Rotherham that will put a smile on your children’s faces and the fact that they are close to home just makes the experience even better and much more beneficial.

One main attraction that hundreds of people visit every day is Clifton Park.

There are lots of new, exciting and intriguing park facilities that can be used for free. Also, in the past few years the park has been redeveloped and the new facilities that have been put in place make it look more modern, attractive and interesting — a benefit of this is they keep the kids entertained for hours.

In addition, inside the centre of the park there is a funfair with lots of small rides for younger children, but to gain access onto the rides you have to purchase tokens.

They come at a small fee but they keep your children pleased for a long time.

Towards the top of the site there is a huge museum filled with tons of historical and interesting facts and little tasks that keep children occupied.

It is free and I personally would recommend it.

Visit their website at www.cliftonparkrotherham.co.uk.

Another interesting place that you can take your children to is Magna, a science museum which has different sections on air, fire, water and many more.

While you go through the museum there are lots of different activities that you can become involved in.

Alongside this, it helps children develop knowledge about science and it gives them an insight into what the subject is all about.

To get into Magna you pay so that you get a wristband which allows you to access all of the museum and it also gives you access to the adventure park outside (www.visitmagna.co.uk or 01709 720002).

Another marvellous attraction that Sheffield beholds is the Botanical Gardens. All around the garden there is lots of interesting wildlife, thousands of different flowers and also there are a few tents dotted around the site; inside the tents there is a jungle theme. This is created by having long, branching out plants and bright flowers all over.

Botanical Gardens is definitely a high recommendation of mine since it offers a wonderful day out for the whole family and it also gives children a lot of exercise, keeping them fit and healthy.

It is free to enter the garden and there is a cafe which includes luxuries such as hot chocolates and cakes. For more information visit their website at www.sbg.org.uk/index.asp.

Finally, dotted all around Rotherham and Sheffield there are numerous different leisure centres and each one of them holds different activities every day! I think that leisure centres offer the most for children as they have swimming pools, rock climbing walls, sports clubs and much more!

Maltby Leisure Centre offers a variety of different activities most days, making children happy.

For example, on August 3 the leisure centre is putting on a family kayaking session which will teach children new skills which could be very beneficial but it is also lots of fun! (01709 797100 or www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/centres/maltby-leisure-centre).

However, if water activities are not your cup of tea, then visit Rotherham Leisure Complex.

This has a huge climbing wall that keeps children occupied and is a challenge worth experiencing.

There is also the option to hire out the gyms there so that you can play family games in an enclosed area (www.dcleisurecentres.co.uk/centres/rotherham-leisure-complex/activities).

All of these different attractions would be a great day out for you and the kids! Now all you need to do is pick one and you are on your way!

LAUREN GERRARD,

Maltby Academy