SHEFFIELD & ROTHERHAM P2 P4 to P6 P18 MAGAZINE & WEBSITE THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD raring2go.co.uk SUMMER 2026
chasing either a new Have you ever dreamed of taking control of your working We’re looking for a special person to join our network by pur w, or existing, magazine franchise ed, with hing g g area. You really can have a rewarding career and bring up your family! Raring2go! The role of Editor is vari everything from research attend sports days, and take time of I decide my working hours, so Raring2go! has allowed me the f in the school holidays. to try so many new activities and days out. We’ve reviewed after hours events at Marwell and attended opening events at Paultons. Most of all, I love working with organisations. Sometimes, as I’m sat chatting with them over a hot everything from researching what’s on, social media, design, Raring2go! Franchise. No previous an interest in the local area is helpful. investment required to get started. families having fun and you’re love to talk to you. Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family-friendly lifestyle – apply for details now! Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family friendly lifestyle. Ask for more details by calling 01273 447101 or by email to info@raring2go.co.uk Have you ever dreamed of taking control of your working life to fit around your family? We’re looking for a special person to join our network by purchasing either a new, or existing, magazine franchise area. Could you be the next Raring2go! Editor? Local Franchises Available! Here’s what one of our franchisees says about Raring2go! You really can have a rewarding career and bring up your family! I decide my working hours. Raring2go! has allowed me the flexibility to do the school run, attend sports days, and take time off in the school holidays. My family & I have been privileged to try so many new activities and days out. We’ve reviewed after hours events at Marwell Zoo and attended opening events at Paultons Park. Most of all, I love working with some fantastic local businesses and amazing organisations. Sometimes, as I’m sat chatting with them over a hot chocolate, I can’t believe how lucky I am that this is part of my job! Being a Raring2go! Editor The role of Editor is very varied, with everything from researching local what’s on info, social media, design, distribution and sales. Support is ALWAYS available from the Raring2go! Franchise. No previous experience is necessary although an interest in the local area is helpful. Please note that a financial investment is required to get started. But, if you’re passionate about local families having fun and you’re eager to be your own boss, we’d love to talk to you. Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family friendly lifestyle. Ask for more details by calling 01273 447101 or by email to info@raring2go.co.uk Don’t miss out on this rewarding career and family friendly lifestyle. Ask for more details by calling 07515 397248 or by email to sheffield@raring2go.co.uk
Published by Raring2go! Sheffield & Rotherham Tel 0114 3211814 sheffield@raring2go.co.uk K Goding Ltd, t/a Raring2go! Sheffield & Rotherham, The Circle, 33 Rockingham Street, Sheffield, S1 4FW Copyright © 2025 by Mojo Publishing Ltd No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Publishers. Whilst the publisher makes every effort to ensure that the businesses featured in this magazine are of the highest quality, we do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured. As such K Goding Ltd, t/a Raring2go! Sheffield & Rotherham accepts no legal responsibility for loss arising from the use of services featured or any of the information published. Printed by Gemini Print 01273 464884 Twitter - @raring2gosheff www.facebook.com /Raring2goSheffield Kerry Goding- Editor Welcome to the Summer edition of Insta - Raring2goSheffield Kerry x Hello summer! I am loving this sunshine, I hope you are too! Our summer issue has lots of ideas for What’s On for your family and friends this summer. Please check with all venues before packing up the kids, as sometimes things change and events get cancelled and we don’t want you having any wasted journeys. Have a great summer with the family and kids and remember, wherever you visit and wherever you go, make sure you tell them you found them in Raring2go!
Little Kickers have four different football classes each tailored to a different age group. However, they have two core beliefs that we take into every session. Firstly, they believe in something we call “Play not Push”. It means teaching football in a fun, pressure-free environment. They want to give children a positive introduction to sport as a whole, not just football, so they’re more likely to stay healthy and active throughout their lives. Secondly, they believe football can be educational. Coached in the right way it can stimulate imagination and aid early development skills such as learning colours and numbers, following instructions and playing as a team. It’s an approach that has bagged them numerous awards and helped them expand globally over the last 16 years. And like all their Kickers, they never stop learning. They’re continually improving and updating classes, based on feedback and input from child health specialists as well as their network of over 2,250 football coaches worldwide. If you’d like to know how Little Kickers started you can read more them here www.littlekickers.co.uk For more details about local classes call 07532180852 Email bmorton@littlekickers. co.uk Raring2go! Little Kickers 4 raring2go.co.uk
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Raring2go! 6 raring2go.co.uk We live in an increasingly global community where understanding different cultures, building confidence, and communicating creatively are essential skills for young people. Yet these don’t always come naturally. Social media pressures, the lasting effects of lockdowns, and the desire to fit in mean many young people struggle to express themselves authentically. Razzamataz Sheffield supports them by using performing arts to help children and teens find their voice, celebrate individuality, and connect with others. Performing arts develops communication, collaboration, and confidence, which is why Razzamataz offers global experiences such as performing at Disneyland Paris, enrichment trips to New York and Dubai, and international partnerships. These opportunities broaden horizons and show students how creativity can open doors around the world. We also believe in accessible opportunities, including local performances and community events such as performance opportunities in Sheffield and beyond. Whether on a global stage or in a local care home, every student builds resilience, curiosity, and adaptability - qualities valued by future employers. Razzamataz Sheffield provides a nurturing space that supports wellbeing, helping students feel secure, valued, and proud of their progress. Alongside the main school for ages 4 -18, we offer Tots classes to encourage exploration and creativity for children aged 2-3. Free Taster Session To enquire about joining us in 2026 for a free taster session please contact: sheffield@razzamataz. co.uk or alternatively call us on 07979189177. Local (AREA) performing arts school with global ambitions
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Raring2go! 8 raring2go.co.uk Tynemouth Beach • Easy access, great for rock pooling • Nearby fish & chips + cafés. • Often has a weekend market. Hamsterley Forest • Bike trails, play areas, Gruffalo sculptures. • Great for picnics and den-building Seaton Sluice • The beach is huge so isn't quieter bigger beaches. We are lucky up he as all our beaches are enormous an quiet! • Combine with a trip to Seaton Del Hall (National Trust). . Kielder Water & Forest Park • England’s largest forest and locati of the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe. Perfect for big out adventures • Family-friendly cycling trails, play areas, sailing and lakeside walks. H to the famous Kielder Observatory f unforgettable stargazing. The North-East of England is fantastic for family days hands-on museums. With so many fantastic places snapshot of what you can discover. For even more fa websit Family Days Out
Raring2go! What’s On 9 Adventure & play parks Adventure Valley- Durham • Indoor & outdoor play areas • Animal feeding, tractor rides • Great for full-day visits. Druridge Bay Country Park • Large play area with zip wires and climbing equipment. • Right next to a lake and close to the beach. • Ideal for a full day of play, walking, and picnics. Easy scenic days North Yorkshire Moors Railway • Steam trains through countryside • Feels like stepping into a storybook. Durham Cathedral • Impressive but still accessible with kids. • Combine with riverside walks and ice cream. Newcastle Castle & Castle Keep • Climb to the top of Newcastle Castle. • Amazing panoramic views over the city and river. • A mix of history and scenery in one stop. g g. r than ere nd laval ion tdoor Home for out, loads of variety, from castles and beaches to s to explore across the North-East, this is just a amily-friendly ideas, head over to the Raring2go! te. t in the North East Interactive museums Locomotion- Shildon • Huge trains, interactive exhibits. • Plenty of space for kids to explore. • Free entry. Life Science Centre- Newcastle • Hands-on science experiments. • Planetarium & live demos. • Great rainy-day option. National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool • Climb aboard a historic ship. •Interactive exhibits make it fun. Animals & wildlife Tynemouth Aquarium • Sharks, penguins & much more • Easy to combine with the beach. Whitehouse Farm Centre- Morpeth • Petting animals + big play zones • Great for younger children. Northumberland Zoo • Home to a fantastic mix of animals including lemurs, meerkats, etc. • Regular keeper talks and feeding times plus opportunities for animal experiences.
Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read!Raring2Read! British Science Week 5th - 14th March You’re a Bad Man, Mr. GUM! by Andy Stanton Raring2Read! BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FAMILIES Brilliant age-appropriate books reviewed by a growing army of brilliant junior reviewers www.raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! would like to thank LoveReading4Kids, for this wonderful review. LoveReading4Kids, the UK’s leading children’s book recommendation website, is now a bookstore with social purpose, where 25% of the cover price can be donated to a school to buy books. Because books change lives. Buy a Book. Support a School. Make a Difference. Click anywhere on this page to buy this book or visit: www.lovereading4kids.co.uk Five stars. You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum is a really funny book. My favourite part was when Jake the big dog was saved by some magical dolphin chocolate. My favourite character was Polly because she really cares about Jake the big dog. I’ve read other books in this series and this is the best one! I really liked the extra bonus material for the 20th anniversary edition, especially seeing the original illustrations for the book and the original ending because they made me laugh. I would recommend this book for children who like funny stories. Review by ABI, aged 9 Five stars. I really enjoyed the 20th anniversary edition of You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum because the extra bonus pages were really funny and I really liked the original drawings. “ ’’ Raring2go! 10 raring2go.co.uk
Raring2go! 11 THE Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating. READING AND BOOKS 1 Name the race of small people who help Willy Wonka operate his factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? 2 Who wrote the book that follows the antics of Peter Rabbit as he is chased about the garden of Mr. McGregor? 3 Who lives in a children's residential care home nicknamed "The Dumping Ground"? 4 Which fantasy novel by Mary Norton features a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house? 5 What sort of food does Paddington Bear like? 6 The White Witch who rules Narnia made it always winter but never what? 7 First published in 1969, complete the title of Eric Carle's book "The Very Hungry ....."? 8 Sophie uses her local knowledge to take the BFG to which location in London? 9 Who has a younger brother called Perfect Peter in a series of books written by Francesca Simon? 10 Harry Potter learns he is a wizard on his birthday when he becomes what age? ANSWERS: 1. Oompa-Loompas • 2. Beatrix Potter (The Tale of Peter Rabbit) • 3. Tracy Beaker (by Jacqueline Wilson) 4. The Borrowers • 5. Marmalade • 6. Never Christmas 7. Caterpillar • 8. Buckingham Palace (The BFG by Roald Dahl) • 9. Horrid Henry • 9. 11
GOLF COURSES TWO 8 HOLE ADVENTURE SET AMIDST A TROPICAL PARADISE ATVALLEY CENTERTAINMENT - SHEFFIELD 20% OFF ONE ROUND Simply enter R2G2025 when you book online t&c’s apply Offer is valid on online booking only, not valid on our already discounted Family Ticket or 2 course prices, valid until end Dec 2025, PIAG t&c’s apply
THE PAR-FECT FAMILY DAY OUT! BOOK ONLINE Under 5’s £6.00 5-16yrs £9.25 Student £9.75 (Valid Student ID with expiry date) Concession £9.75 Adult £11.50 Family of 4 £37.50 (Maximum of 2 x Adults) Group of 4 £44.00 Set sail for Valley Centertainment in She eld! We've got two 18 hole Adventure Golf courses taking over 14,000 sq/ft over 2 levels! Your adventure takes you from the boat at the Caribbean Quay, through mysterious sea caves before being marooned on a desert island full of exotic palm trees and mystical jungle ruins! This truly is an adventure like no other! Walk ins are welcome, but why not make life easier by pre booking online via our website www.paradiseislandgolf.com Call us: 0114 256 0950 Email: sheffield@paradiseislandgolf.com KIDS PARTIES We provide an excellent setting for children's birthday parties. Book golf with us recive 20% O food at Frankie & Bennies. For full details visit www.paradiseislandgolf.com
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Raring2go! 15 DANGERS Can you match the following advice with the dangers on the picture? 10 8 9 6 7 4 5 2 1 3 STOP AND THINK STAY TOGETHER 999 CALL 999 FLOAT Always follow the WATER SAFETY CODE Empty paddling pools and buckets after use Cover all outdoor water containers Be careful around ponds and lakes close to home Garden gates and fences should be secure Open water in the garden can be dangerous. Take care around ponds and pools Always carefully watch children around water Always watch children when in the bath and empty after use Empty sinks when finished Children can fill baths or sinks, keep plugs out of reach Washing machines should be kept shut For more resources and advice visit www.rlss.org.uk Water Safety in the Home
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Raring2go! 20 raring2go.co.uk Wordsearch: 1. ROALD DAHL - THE BFG 2. JULIA DONALDSON - THE GRUFFALO 3. JK ROWLING - HARRY POTTER 4. JEFF KINNEY - WIMPY KID 5. FRANCESCA SIMON - HORRID HENRY Types of Book: A=4 B=2 C=3 D=1 ROALD DAHL THE GRUFFALO JULIA DONALDSON WIMPY KID JK ROWLING HORRID HENRY JEFF KINNEY THE BFG FRANCESCA SIMON HARRY POTTER Can you draw a line between the Author and their character? Then find them in the wordsearch below - which is missing? • CHOOSE A RANDOM LETTER • START A 30 SECOND TIMER • FILL IN THE ANSWERS BELOW USING WORDS THAT BEGIN WITH YOUR CHOSEN LETTER SCATTEGORIES An author A fiction book A comic-book Character E.G. Roald Dahl E.G. Rainbow Magic E.G. Robin Robin C. AUTOBIOGRAPHY A. FICTION 4. A made-up story B. NON-FICTION D. BIOGRAPHY 2. A true story or book of facts 1. Written about someone else’s life 3. Written about a person’s own life Do you know what these different types of books are? Draw a line to match each book type to its correct description.
Raring2go! 21 ANSWERS: 1: Goldilocks - 2: Bucket - 3: RMS Titanic - 4: Egypt 5: A fox - 6: The X-Men - 7: Sixteen- 8: The Raven 9: Old Trafford- 10: Yellow - 11: The Sahara - 12: Afghanistan LITERATURE 1 Who had an encounter with the three bears? 2 In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, what is Charlie’s surname? HISTORY AND POLITICS 3 Which liner sank on her maiden voyage in 1912? 4 In which country in ancient times was mummification carried out on important people when they died? ENTERTAINMENT 5 What sort of animal is Basil Brush? 6 Wolverine is the leader of which band of superheroes? SCIENCE AND NATURE 7 How many ounces are there in a pound? 8 Which jet-black bird has lived in the Tower of London for centuries? SPORT AND LEISURE 9 What is the name of Manchester United’s home ground? 10 What colour jersey is won by the leader in the Tour de France? GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL 11 Which desert covers much of northern Africa? 12 Kabul is the capital city of which country? Answers at the bottom of the page. No cheating. THE
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Birthday on a budget 1. Keep the Guest List Small Fewer kids = fewer goodie bags, less food, fewer activities. Instead of inviting the whole class, invite: • A few close friends • Cousins only • “As many guests as the child’s age” (e.g., 6 guests for a 6th birthday) 2. Host at a Free Location Avoid paid venues. Great free or nearly free spaces include: • Home or Garden • Public park • Neighbourhood community room • Nature trail (great for scavenger hunts) 3. Choose a Theme You Can DIY Pick themes that are easy to decorate with handmade items or things you already have. Examples: • Movie night. • Dino dig. • Superheroes • Art party • Pokémon • Princess tea party 4. Plan Simple, Low-Cost Games Kids don’t need expensive entertainment. Ideas: • Scavenger hunt • DIY piñata • Sack races • Obstacle course • Musical chairs • Simon Says • Beanbag toss • Treasure hunt 5. Combine Food & Activities A themed food craft is fun • DIY tacos • Build-your-own sundaes • Decorate cupcakes • Make mini pizzas Raring2go! 24 raring2go.co.uk
6. Save on the Cake Instead of buying a Supermarket/bakery cake: • Bake one at home • Use a boxed mix & decorate nicely • Cupcakes instead of a full cake • Make a brownie or sponge cake in one pan 7. Skip Goodie Bags (Or Do Low-Cost Alternatives) Most goody bags get tossed anyway. Alternatives: • One nicer item per child (e.g., a book or colouring pack) • A party activity they take home (art project or slime) • A bar of chocolate/ bag of sweets after the piñata Or skip favours entirely—totally acceptable now. 8. Decorate Smart Avoid themed plates, cups, banners, etc. They add up fast. Instead: • Buy solid-colour partyware • Print your own banners or signs • Use pound store décor • Borrow folding tables/chairs if needed A few well-placed themed items make the whole party feel decorated. 9. Use Digital Invites Skip printed invitations. Free sites include: • Canva • Facebook events • Email or text 10. Shop Strategically The best party deals are usually at: • Supermarkets • Thrift shops • Facebook Marketplace • Ebay You can often buy like-new party décor used cheaply or free. Final Tip Focus on fun and presence, not perfection. Kids remember: • Laughing with friends • Running around • Eating cake • Feeling celebrated They don’t remember: • Fancy balloon arches • Designer character plates Raring2go! 25
Imaginary play, also called pretend play, is a powerful and natural part of childhood development. During imaginary play, children use objects, actions, and ideas to represent other situations, people, or experiences. A block may become a phone, a stick may become a magic wand, or a child may take on the role of a parent, doctor, superhero, or teacher.Through this type of play, children practice problem-solving, language, creativity, and emotional understanding. Imaginary play gives children a safe space to explore emotions and experiences they may not fully understand yet. A child pretending to care for a “sick” doll, for example, might be processing a recent doctor visit. It also supports social development as children negotiate roles and storylines with peers, learning cooperation and empathy. By inventing scenarios and characters, children strengthen imagination and flexible thinking—skills that benefit both academic learning and everyday life. Imaginary play: Raring2go! 26 raring2go.co.uk
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Raring2go! 28 raring2go.co.uk The Sun Safe Schools Programme was established in 2012, and is a trusted national resource that provides a simple and effective way for primary schools to support pupil health and meet curriculum requirements. Why This Matters Sun safety is an important aspect of pupil health and wellbeing and is included within statutory health education. Childhood is a key period for developing healthy behaviours, with early-life sun exposure contributing to future skin cancer risk. Schools therefore play an important role in supporting both education and protection in this area. What is Sun Safe Schools? Sun Safe Schools is a free, national accreditation programme developed by SKCIN, the UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity. It supports primary schools to safeguard pupils from harmful exposure UV and promoting lifelong sun-safe awareness. It provides: Over 40 curriculum-linked teaching resources and activities for KS1 and KS2 Whole-school assembly materials A structured sun protection policy framework Parent communication tools A clear accreditation pathway Underpinned by three core principles: Protection – reducing UV exposure within the school environment Education – improving knowledge and influencing behaviour Collaboration – engaging parents and the wider community This integrated model enables sun safety to be embedded within routine school practice, rather than delivered as an isolated topic, thereby promoting a whole-school, community-wide approach to sun safety and skin cancer prevention. Key Benefits: Free to access Easy to implement Minimal additional workload Fits within existing curriculum Engaging resources Accreditation recognition Why Sun Safe Schools: Over a decade experience Proven effectiveness Thousands of testimonials Recommended by: PSHE Leads, Dermatologists, Public Health Organisations and Cancer Alliances To Start Your Sun Safe Journey, register today at: www.sunsafeschools.co.uk Supporting Sun Safety in Primary Schools Why This Matters What is Sun Safe Schools? It provides: Underpinned by three core principles: Key Benefits: Why Sun Safe Schools:
Raring2go! 29 Learn basic lifesaving and CPR skills. Visit www.rlss.org.uk STOP AND THINK Take time to assess your surroundings. Look for the dangers and always research local signs and advice. STAY TOGETHER When around water always go with friends or family. Swim at a lifeguarded venue. CALL 999 If you are at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t enter the water to rescue. FLOAT Fall in or become tired - stay calm, float on your back and call for help. Throw something that floats to somebody that has fallen in. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE WATER SAFETY CODE Whenever you are around water: In an emergency:
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Raring2go! 32 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! turns 21 In 2026, Raring2go! proudly celebrates its 21st birthday and in so doing marks over two decades of being the Go-To Guide for Families looking for things to do, places to go and ways to make the most of family life locally. What started 21 years ago as a simple idea has growninto a much-loved family magazine and website, trusted by parents, carers, schools and local businesses alike. Our aim has always been the same: to bring together the very best activities,events, classes, days out and family-friendly services in one easy place. Over the years, we’ve supported thousands of local businesses,helped families plan brilliant days out and become a trusted source for everything from toddler groups to teen activities. As family life has changed, so have we; embracing digital alongside our much-loved magazines and continuing to evolve to meet the needs of modern families onthego. Turning 21 is a huge milestone, and we couldn’t have done it without our wonderfully engaged community.A heartfelt thank you to our readers, advertisers, contributors, schools and local partners.Your support means everything to us and is the reason for our enduring success. So here’s to raising a (family-friendly!) glass to 21 years of Raring2go!.We’re excited about what’s ahead and remain committed to championing local businesses, inspiring family adventures and helping families create new memories for years to come. Here’s to the next chapter of Raring2go! – still raring to go, 21 years on.
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