Get ready for a fun end of February in Cleveland! This weekend, February 28th and March 1st, families can dive into winter science fun at the Great Lakes Science Center, catch a unique performance at Playhouse Square, or explore the natural history wonders at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
See our top picks
Storytime at the Main Library
Cleveland Public Library - Main Branch
A cozy, free reading session for toddlers and preschoolers downtown on Sunday.
Children’s Theatre Matinee: The Magical Treehouse
Playhouse Square - Helen Theatre
A vibrant, professional puppet show perfect for sheltering from the cold on Saturday afternoon.
Sensory Play Morning: Edible Mud & Water Beads
The Cleveland Play Factory
Safe, supervised, and messy sensory fun for little ones aged 1-4 on Saturday morning.
· February 28
3: Kids get to become paleontologists for the day in this special simulated excavation pit filled with replica fossils. It’s muddy, hands-on learning that connects directly to the museum's famous collections. Tickets for the museum must be purchased in advance.It's a highly physical, immersive activity usually only available during summer breaks, making it a great winter weekend find.
FREE : MOCA hosts a special Saturday afternoon geared toward older kids, featuring interactive activities related to their current installations. If you live in Cleveland, admission is free, making this a fantastic cultural bargain. Expect abstract art that sparks conversation.Focuses on contemporary art, which can be tougher for kids, but this special session aims to make it accessible and engaging for teens/tweens.
SENSORY PLAY MORNING: EDIBLE MUD & WATER BEADS : If your little one loves getting messy but you hate cleaning up the house, this is your dream Saturday morning. They supply non-toxic, edible materials for sensory bins, perfect for curious toddlers. Spaces are very limited, so book now.Perfectly calibrated messy play event designed for the youngest age group who usually miss out on larger workshops.
· March 1
4PUPPET SHOW: THE ADVENTURES OF PERCY THE PENGUIN : A brand new puppet production designed just for the younger crowd, following a little penguin on a big journey. This show is short enough to hold attention spans and is a great addition to a full morning at the museum. Pre-booking is highly recommended.It's an exclusive performance running this weekend that pairs well with the museum's main interactive exhibits.
FREE : A slow-paced nature walk specifically for toddlers and preschoolers to learn about trees waking up from winter. Guides will show how maple syrup is traditionally collected, often involving tapping a few trees on site. Dress warmly, as this is outdoors!It’s an early nod to the upcoming spring tapping season and is tailored specifically for very young hikers.
BUILD-YOUR-OWN-ROBOT WORKSHOP : Kids get to assemble, wire, and program a simple vibrating Bristlebot or similar small robot entirely by themselves using provided kits. This requires focus but is incredibly rewarding for kids interested in engineering. Registration deadline is Wednesday before.Hands-on robotics workshops are rare on Sundays and cater perfectly to the older, tech-savvy kid demographic.
FAMILY COOKING CLASS: PIZZA PERFECTION : Teens and parents partner up to learn the secrets behind perfect sourdough crusts and sauce balancing, finishing by eating their creations for lunch. This class focuses heavily on technique, appealing to older kids.A rare Sunday class focused on older kids/teens who might be bored by toddler events.
Also On· anytime this weekend
8: Dive deep into winter weather by learning how snowflakes form and exploring real ice crystals under microscopes. This hands-on session is perfect for curious minds who want to understand the science behind the season before spring arrives. Check-in required 15 minutes prior to the session start time.It's one of the last chances to focus on winter science before the exhibits shift fully to spring topics.
FREE : Bring your little ones down for a cozy afternoon of picture books, songs, and movement in the beautiful downtown library setting. This is a wonderful, low-key way to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the joy of reading together. Arrive early to snag a good spot near the storyteller.A reliable, free, indoor option for younger families needing Sunday afternoon entertainment.
: Take advantage of the last reliable indoor ice time before the rink transitions schedule. Rentals are available for all sizes, so even beginners can give it a try. It’s a great way to burn off energy on a cool Sunday afternoon.Perfect indoor physical activity as we approach the end of the traditional ice-skating season.
: While the market is always open, this specialized Saturday tour focuses on kid-friendly vendors, allowing them to sample local cheeses, fresh fruit, and unique baked goods. It’s a busy but delicious way to experience Cleveland culture firsthand.Saturday morning at the Market is peak atmosphere, and the specialized tour makes navigating it with kids easier.
FREE : CIA opens its studio space for free drop-in sessions where families can create art inspired by the winter scenes outside. All materials are provided, so just show up ready to paint, collage, or sculpt a chilly masterpiece. No registration is needed.An excellent, high-quality free art opportunity in a beautiful setting, perfect for a Saturday afternoon session.
: Explore the historical home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artifacts and the fascinating 19th-century streetcar exhibit. Sundays often have fewer crowds than Saturdays, offering a calmer environment for history buffs of all ages.A calmer Sunday afternoon option in University Circle that appeals to history-loving parents and older children.
: This highly anticipated touring production features vibrant costumes and simple, engaging storytelling about adventure and friendship in a magical setting. It’s the perfect length for a Saturday afternoon treat downtown.A high-quality theatrical performance guaranteed for the downtown hub, perfect for a central family outing.
: While the clinic itself is in the spring, registration for this highly popular event opens exactly this Saturday morning! Set your alarms if your kid dreams of taking swings at the stadium—spots fill up in minutes. Online registration link goes live at 9 AM sharp.This is an essential, time-sensitive registration opportunity for young sports fans this weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Cleveland this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are 4 free events available: the Family Day at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Saturday, the Family Drop-In Art Studio at CIA on Saturday, the Little Explorers Hike on Sunday, and Storytime at the Main Library on Sunday.
Where can my older kids (10+) do something engaging indoors?
For tweens and teens, check out the Build-Your-Own-Robot Workshop in Maple Heights on Sunday, or the Family Cooking Class focused on Pizza Perfection on Sunday afternoon.
Which events are best for getting energy out this weekend?
The Figure Skating Public Session on Sunday afternoon offers great physical activity, while the Dinosaur Dig Experience at the Museum of Natural History on Saturday lets kids burn energy while digging.
