Here are the top family picks for Colchester this weekend (February 28th & March 1st, 2026). We've found some brilliant creative workshops at Firstsite, plus recurring drama clubs if you have budding performers!
See our top picks
Stories and Fun in the Library
Mersea Island Library
Relaxed, free morning storytelling session on Mersea Island.
Introduction to Cyanotype
Firstsite
Get creative and make unique blue-toned art indoors at Firstsite.
Daddy Cool
Colchester Library
A short, free 30-minute drop-in event ideal for toddlers.
· February 28
9: Check out this fair bringing together diverse artists and art lovers. It’s a great chance to see what’s new in the local art scene and get inspired.This is listed as running on Saturday and is a major event at the main arts centre.
: A hands-on workshop where you can learn the expressive art of cyanotype. You’ll transform memories into beautiful blue-toned artworks to take home.Specific creative workshop running Saturday morning, perfect for older kids or crafty parents.
: Get spontaneous and messy exploring abstract mark-making and simple printing techniques. A fun way to experiment with art materials in a controlled setting.Another great Saturday morning workshop option at Firstsite, offering a different creative focus.
ADP THEATRE SCHOOL 5-11YRS : If your 5 to 11-year-old loves drama, this theatre school session is running on Saturday morning. Great for building confidence through performance skills.Specific session targeted for the 5-11 age group on Saturday morning.
THEATRE SKILLS 7-9YRS (TERM TIME ONLY) : A dedicated theatre skills session running for the 7 to 9-year-old group at the Lakeside Theatre Young Company. Even though it says term time, it's worth double-checking if this one runs over the half-term period.Specific session targeted for the 7-9 age group running Saturday morning.
DISHY DADS COFFEE AND CAKE MORNING : A dedicated session at Jungle Adventure, likely aimed at dads (or parents generally) to relax with coffee and cake while the kids play.It's a parent-focused social event happening at a dedicated play centre on Saturday morning.
FREE : Head over to West Mersea for a session of stories and general fun at the library. These events are usually relaxed and best suited for pre-schoolers and early primary ages.The best explicitly free option listed for Saturday morning, located slightly outside the main town centre.
MINI MAKERS ART TROLLEY : An afternoon drop-in art session hosted on a trolley at the University of Essex Art Exchange. Great for creative kids needing a Saturday afternoon activity.Afternoon timing on Saturday, ideal for filling the lunch gap.
THE SCHOOL OF ROCK JUNIORS (SATURDAY SESSION) : If your child dreams of rocking out, this is The Rock Project session for juniors on Saturday afternoon in Marks Tey.A specific afternoon slot for music lessons on Saturday.
· March 1
1GLOW - CHILDREN'S CHOIR : If Sunday afternoon works better, check out this children’s choir session at Marks Tey Village Hall. Might be a rehearsal or an open session.It is the only event explicitly listed for Sunday, March 1st, focusing on children's activities.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Theatre skills workshop for the older primary school range. Given the date, check if this running as it is marked term-time only.Specific session targeted for the 9-11 age group running Saturday morning.
: Get the kids out in nature for a three-hour session. Forest school usually involves den building, crafts, and exploring the natural environment.A great Saturday outdoor option running mid-morning into lunchtime.
FREE : A short, fun session at the main Colchester Library on Saturday morning. Perfect for a quick drop-in if you are in the town centre shopping.Another excellent free drop-in option on Saturday morning at the central library.
: A rare chance to climb inside the magnificent Jumbo water tower and see amazing views of Colchester from the top. Be ready for a good climb!A unique local landmark experience only available for a limited time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Colchester this weekend?
We found two explicitly free events this weekend: 'Stories and Fun in the Library' at Mersea Island Library on Saturday morning, and 'Daddy Cool' at Colchester Library, also Saturday morning.
Are there any outdoor activities suitable for primary school kids?
The 'Forest School Club' on Saturday morning at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve looks like a fantastic outdoor adventure, running for over two hours.
What can we do on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday is quieter, but there is the 'Glow - Children's Choir' session running from 2 PM to 4 PM at Marks Tey Village Hall.
