Days out with Kids in South Yorkshire

The National Cycle Network is 5000 miles of safe, signed, attractive cycle routes, open and mapped in June 2000. It is made up of traffic-free sections and traffic-calmed road and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Sustrans is the charity co-ordinating the project and will continue to work with local authorities to expand the Network to a target of 10,000 miles by 2005.

For more information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans and a copy of their free catalogue of maps, information sheets and technical publications please call the number above or visit their website.

E-Mail: info@nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk

Eureka! The National Children's Museum is a magical place where children play to learn and grown-ups learn to play.

Eureka! is the leading children's museum in the UK and gives children aged 0-11 a fun-packed day out. Everything at Eureka! has been designed to inspire children to find out about themselves and the world around them.

They can see their own skeleton, catch a wave, save a polar bear, build a house and even get a job at the Post Office, all in a day's play! In fact there's so much to see and do that you'll find yourself visiting again and again.

Web: www.eureka.org.uk

Log on for places of interest in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Includes details about Zoos, Theme Parks, Farms, Museums, Galleries and Parks.

MAGNA is the UK’s first Science Adventure Centre. Situated within the former Templeborough Steelworks, the centre offers an exciting exploration of earth air, fire and water - a chance for visitors to create their own adventure through spectacular hands-on interactive challenges.

There are four Adventure Zones where visitors can unearth the mysteries of our world in a playful and stimulating environment. Visitors get the chance to take part in a number of thrilling activities, including dodging lightning, operating real JCB’s, firing a water cannon at live targets and experiencing a fire tornado up close!

Web: www.magnatrust.org.uk

The Museum was the inspiration of Paul Thackray, grandson of Charles F Thackray, founder of the medical company bearing his name in Leeds in 1902.

The displays, which opened in March 1997, explain the ways in which people’s lives have changed over the last 150 years as a result of improvements in public health, medicine and healthcare. The museum collection has over 35,000 objects which, in particular, include a vast range of surgical instruments dating from the late 19th century to the present day. The collection also includes a unique collection of English pharmacy ceramics. The library has over 8,000 books, including the largest collection of medical trade literature in the world.

Web: www.thackraymuseum.org

Having been established by an Act of Parliament in 1758, the Middleton Railway, Leeds, can claim to be the oldest Railway in the world. It also played host to the first commercially successful, revenue earning, steam locomotives which entered service there in 1812.

The railway currently operates passenger services over approximately 1 mile of track between its headquarters at Moor Road, Hunslet, Leeds and Park Halt, which is on the outskirts of Middleton Park.

Harewood is a great family day out. Visit the Adventure Playground, explore the Gardens and Bird Gardens, take a boat trip across the lake or marvel at the collections in the House. With an extensive programme of events and exhibitions, Harewood offers something for all.

Web: www.harewood.org

UKClimbing.com offers a comprehensive list of local climbing centres throughout the UK.

Web: www.ukclimbing.com/databases/listings/clubs.html

Log on for details on museums and galleries in Sheffield.

Web: www.sheffieldgalleries.org.uk