Bolton Kids Events This Weekend February 28th - March 1st 2026

February 28th - March 1st 2026United KingdomLast updated: Recently

Get ready for a busy last weekend of February and start of March! We have some exciting one-offs, including a unique light show ending Saturday and plenty of free fun at the library. If you need adventure, Go Ape Rivington wraps up its half-term fun on Sunday!

See our top picks
Filter to show only free events13 events this weekend

· February 28

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: This is the final day to see the spectacular light and sound show by Luxmuralis inside Blackburn Cathedral. If you missed it earlier in the week, Saturday is your last shot.It is confirmed to end on Saturday, Feb 28th, making this the last opportunity to attend.

📍Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn (Nearby)· Not mentioned · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🖼️exhibitionAll ages

Time at Blackburn Cathedral

TIME is a spectacular and immersive light and sound show by Luxmuralis that transforms the Cathedral into an artwork exploring humanity's relationship with time, promising a captivating and awe-inspiring journey through history and science.

WhenTuesday 24th - Saturday 28th February 2026. Entry available every 15 minutes starting from 6:30pm on Tue-Thu, and 6pm on Fri-Sat, until the last entrance at 8pm.
WhereBlackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, BB1 5AA
PriceAdults (16+) £10, Children (4-15) £5, Family ticket £25, Infants (Under 4s) Free
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Supporters are invited to spend the night at the stadium for this event. While possibly aimed at older participants, it's a major local community event happening Saturday.A large, headline event happening specifically on Saturday at the stadium.

📍Bolton Wanderers' Toughsheet Community Stadium, Horwich· Not mentioned · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

indoor or outdoor🎯otherAll ages

Stadium Sleepout 2026

Supporters are invited to spend the night at the stadium for this event. While possibly aimed at older participants, it's a major local community event happening Saturday.

WhenSaturday, February 28, Not mentioned
WhereToughsheet Community Stadium, Burnden Way, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 6JW
Price£0.00
BookingRequired — book in advance

· March 1

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FEBRUARY HALF TERM ADVENTURES AT GO APE RIVINGTON : This is the last day for their half-term adventure promotion! Discover where boring ends and adventure begins in the treetops. Ideal for older kids looking for a thrill.This is the final day this limited-run activity is available, making it a great Sunday outdoor plan.

📍Go Ape Rivington, Chorley (Near Bolton)· 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM · Not mentioned (but Go Ape activities usually have age/height restrictions) · Not mentioned

: Get active this Sunday by joining the Half Marathon or 10k run that loops through the best parts of Bolton. A great way to cheer on runners or participate as a family (depending on race rules).A major sporting event happening right in Bolton on Sunday.

📍Event HQ, Bolton· Not mentioned · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🌳outdoor⚽sport12+ yrs

XMiles Bolton Half Marathon & 10k

This is a road running event featuring a Half Marathon and a 10k race that loops through the historic parts of Bolton, suitable for keen runners.

WhenSunday 1 March 2026, Half Marathon & 10k start at 0900hrs
WhereQueen's Park, Bolton, BL1 4RU
PriceHalf Marathon: £37 (UKA affiliated) or £39 (Non-affiliated); 10k: £30 (UKA affiliated) or £32 (Non-affiliated). No specific kids discounts mentioned.
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Kicking off Sunday is this large festival in Chorley featuring family activities, workshops, and possibly comic con elements. Check locally for specifics on what's on Sunday.This event series starts on Sunday, March 1st, offering a day packed with varied activities nearby.

📍Not specified, Chorley (Nearby)· 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

indoor or outdoor🎪festivalAll ages

What's Your Story, Chorley?

A month-long celebration featuring various exciting events and activities centered around the theme of storytelling for everyone to enjoy.

When1st March 2026 - 31st March 2026
WhereChorley town centre
PriceVarious/TBC

: If you have older kids or teens who enjoy sharp comedy, Mark Simmons is touring with his new show packed with expertly crafted one-liners on Sunday.A dedicated Sunday performance by a known act, fitting the evening entertainment slot.

📍Not mentioned, Bolton· Not mentioned · Not mentioned (Likely best for older children/teens) · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Mark Simmons - Jest to Impress

Mark Simmons returns with 'Jest To Impress', a brand new show packed with expertly crafted one-liners and off-the-cuff jokes based on audience suggestions, which families who enjoy comedy acts will appreciate.

WhenSun 1 Mar 7:30pm
WhereOctagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, BL1 1SB
Price£22
BookingRequired — book in advance

KPOP FANTASY : Catch an immersive KPOP show blending choreography and live vocals on Sunday morning in Burnley. This will definitely appeal to teens interested in pop culture.A high-energy Sunday morning show catering to older, musically inclined children/teens.

📍Burnley Mechanics Theatre, Burnley (Further afield)· 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

Also On· anytime this weekend

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FREE : A lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, bring your little one for a free storytelling session at the Central Library. Perfect for keeping toddlers engaged.A great free, local activity specifically scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

📍Bolton Central Library, Bolton Town Centre🔄 Recurring· 2:00 PM · All ages (implied for young children) · Free

🏠indoor🎯other0-3 yrs
FREE

Saturday Storytime at Bolton Central Library

The event offers regular activities like toddler tales and book groups at the library for children to enjoy.

WhenRegular (implied by 'regular activities' including 'toddler tales', check 'My Life in Bolton' for specifics)
WhereBolton Library And Museum Services, Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SE
PriceFree

FREE : Explore the historic grounds of Smithills Hall for free this Sunday afternoon. It’s a fantastic spot for a post-lunch walk and runaround.A reliable, free, outdoor option available specifically on Sunday.

📍Smithills Hall, Smithills🏛️ Permanent· 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM · All ages · Free

🌳outdoor🏛️museumAll ages
FREE

Smithills Hall Grounds Entry

The event is general entry to Smithills Hall Grounds, which offers a fascinating look at one of the oldest and best-preserved manor houses in the North West, complete with Tudor, Victorian, and Medieval wings, making it an interesting historical visit for families.

WhenWednesday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Sunday Noon - 4pm
WhereSmithills Hall, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, Lancashire, BL1 7NP
PriceFree entry

FREE : Catch a free family film showing in the Library Lecture Theatre this Saturday afternoon. Ideal if you need a budget-friendly, dry escape.It occurs every second Saturday, confirming it for Feb 28th, and is free.

📍Library Lecture Theatre, Bolton, Town Centre🔄 Recurring· 2:00 PM · Family · Free

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages
FREE

Cinema at the Crescent

Families can enjoy free family films in the Library Lecture Theatre.

WhenEvery second Saturday of the month at 2pm (Fridays during half-term)
WhereLibrary Lecture Theatre, Bolton Central Library (Inferred from surrounding events and context for the location)
PriceFree

FREE : Head to the Bolton Aquarium on Saturday afternoon for a free fish feed. This runs during school holidays, so it should be on this weekend.A free, specific Saturday time slot at a local attraction, likely running due to the half-term period.

📍Bolton Aquarium, Town Centre🔄 Recurring· 1:00 PM · All ages · Free

🏠indoor🌿natureAll ages
FREE

Fish Feeds (Bolton Aquarium)

Families can enjoy free fish feeding sessions at the Bolton Aquarium during all school holidays.

WhenDuring all school holidays: Tuesdays 1pm, Thursdays 1pm, Saturdays 1pm
WhereBolton Aquarium (Address not fully provided, assumed to be in Bolton, UK)
PriceFree

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in Bolton this weekend?

This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 01) you can find free fun at Saturday Storytime (Bolton Central Library, Sat 2 PM), Fish Feeds at Bolton Aquarium (Sat 1 PM), and free entry to explore the grounds at Smithills Hall (Sun 12 PM - 4 PM).

Are there any family activities happening on Sunday, March 1st?

Yes! Sunday features the XMiles Bolton Half Marathon & 10k, free entry to Smithills Hall Grounds, the start of the What's Your Story, Chorley? festival, and the final day of Go Ape Rivington Half Term Adventures.

What activities are available for older kids or teens this weekend?

Teens might enjoy the comedy show Mark Simmons - Jest to Impress on Sunday, or the final day of the adrenaline-pumping Go Ape Rivington adventures. For something slightly further afield but unique, check out the KPOP Fantasy show in Burnley on Sunday.

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