Why the NVM is the Best Day Out for Kids in Sheffield

At the centre of Sheffield’s historic Castlegate is where you will find us, the “NVM” (National Videogame Museum) is a celebration of everything video games. Our mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret videogames for everyone! 

Connecting the past, present and future of videogames, the NVM will inspire creative play and learning experiences for all ages. Here you can explore our unique museum, play games old and new, including games exclusively created for the NVM and games that showcase the gaming talents of Sheffield developers such as Sumo Digital and Boneloaf. 

You can even design your own in our Pixel Workshops during the school holidays!

If you are looking for things to do in Sheffield, here are just a few reasons why NVM is the best day out for you and the kids…

NVM is arranged in different bundles! Enjoy mascot fun with Sonic and Mario console games from the early 90’s and modern era, or revisit the arcade with classics like Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

It’s not all about retro though! Play modern classics like Portal 2, FIFA and the excellent Gangbeasts created by the aforementioned local Sheffield Games Developer Boneloaf.

There is something for all generations to discover and even none gamers will find that hidden gem they’ll enjoy!

If you have toddlers or very little ones with you, there is still plenty for you to do at NVM. Our family-friendly venue features playable exhibits that are always suitable for young people. We believe our galleries are the perfect place for all ages to learn about and play videogames.

Our exhibitions include a diverse range of video games from traditional arcade and console games to touch typing games like Epistory: Typing Chronicles. There’s plenty to discover throughout our galleries, which means there is always something for everyone to enjoy. 

The first instalment of the sensory game, Buzz! Junior series, includes forty different mini-games with each player controlling a monkey with their Buzz! Controller. Or work together as a team in our specially modified Four Player Pac-man with each player controlling one direction! Both games are ideal for young families. 

It’s not just about the games however, we have many treasures waiting to be found inside the National Videogame Museum from every era of gaming. From the vintage Magnovox Odyssey (the Grandfather of home videogames consoles) to artifacts from videogame developers such as our Worms 2 developers diary featuring developer notes and storyboard art for the game! These historic artefacts take you through the timeline of video games and provide interactive learning to all young visitors. 

Once the kids have conquered the games of the past, we also have The Lab, a dedicated area where everyone can learn about how games are built and even play games that are currently being developed. Even create your own level on Little Big Planet on an original PlayStation 3 developer kit!

Take a peek behind the curtain and see how universes are created while the kids can interact and help build them. 

Here at the NVM we also offer workshops; Pixleheads events are where young people can learn how to become a professional gamer or how to get into developing video games.

Plus running from the 17th June until the 26th we celebrate Games Careers Week, a festival featuring over 50 events to inspire people from every background to discover careers in the UK’s fastest growing creative industry – video games. Be sure to head over to the GCW Website for more information and take your first steps into learning the gaming industry.

There’s plenty for all the family, for children and adults alike so be sure to come Play The Museum!