It's a busy weekend coming up in Derby, with World Book Day inspiring several creative workshops on Saturday, plus opportunities for sensory play and some late-running festival fun across the city on Feb 28th and March 1st, 2026.
See our top picks
Messy Play and Crafts for children with SEND
St Philips Church Hall
Sensory fun starting from just £3.96 on Saturday afternoon.
Big Kids Play Session
Derby Active Venue
Indoor inflatables and games for ages 4-11 on Saturday.
Dance with Rosie - What the Ladybird Heard
Artcore
A World Book Day dance session based on a popular children's book.
· February 28
8MESSY PLAY AND CRAFTS FOR CHILDREN WITH SEND : Head over to Chaddesden for a dedicated sensory session featuring fun, hands-on messy play and craft activities. It’s designed to be a supportive and imaginative environment specifically for children with SEND.It's a dedicated, structured sensory event specifically for children with SEND happening only on Saturday afternoon.
: The Ghost Story Festival is back in 2026 at the QUAD. Depending on the specific programme, this might be perfect for older kids and teens who enjoy spooky tales and drama.This is a limited-run event happening across the entire target weekend.
: If you are near the Market Hall on Saturday, look out for this World Book Day associated art activity focusing on Matisse. Great for creative kids who enjoy hands-on art projects.It is one of several dedicated World Book Day craft sessions happening Saturday.
: A World Book Day event focusing on comics happening at the Market Hall. Ideal for older children and teens interested in graphic novels and drawing.Offers a specific focus on comics which appeals strongly to school-aged children and teens.
: Another World Book Day activity at the Market Hall, this time focused on 3D sculpture creation. Get those hands working on a three-dimensional project.It is a distinct, physical craft activity happening Saturday.
: Another creative opportunity at Artcore on Saturday. Check out this IMP Factory Workshop, likely tied to theatrical or character creation, given the World Book Day theme.Offers a different style of creative activity compared to the drawing/sculpture options.
: If you have very young children, check out this dance session at Artcore based on the popular children's book, 'What the Ladybird Heard'. A lovely way to celebrate World Book Day.The reference to a well-known children's book suggests this event is geared towards younger attendees.
INTERACTIVE CHARACTER DRAWING WORKSHOP : Held at Artcore, this interactive drawing workshop focuses on character creation for World Book Day. A perfect activity for kids who love to sketch.This is a guaranteed drawing workshop happening Saturday at Artcore.
· March 1
3: As part of the larger Ghost Story Festival, check out Dracula's Bazaar at the QUAD for a unique weekend market experience featuring alternative delights.It runs over both days and offers a unique market atmosphere alongside the film festival.
: Explore the Textile Trail at the Derby Museums on Sunday. Derby has a rich history in textiles, making this an interesting historical exploration for curious kids.It's a listed ongoing activity that covers Sunday, offering a historical counterpoint to the WBD events.
: Visit the Museum of Making on Sunday to see the Hetain Patel exhibition. The museum itself is usually fantastic for families interested in making and engineering.The Museum of Making is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a high-quality attraction available Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: If the kids need to burn off energy, this session looks perfect! Expect inflatables, giant games, and obstacles designed for ages 4 to 11.The raw data confirms slots are available for both Saturday and Sunday, making it a great flexible option for active kids.
: Pop into Pickford's House to see rare items related to Dracula and Bram Stoker. While history focused, vampire lore is often a hit with older kids interested in the spooky festival happening nearby.This exhibition runs across the whole weekend and is located near the QUAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Derby this weekend?
The data shows one event starting from £3.96 (Messy Play), so there are no explicitly free events confirmed for this weekend. However, exploring the permanent collections at the Museum of Making or Pickford's House might offer budget-friendly options.
Are there any specific activities for younger children on Saturday?
Yes, look for the 'Dance with Rosie - What the Ladybird Heard' session at Artcore, or the specialized 'Messy Play and Crafts for children with SEND' session in Chaddesden during the afternoon.
What can we do indoors on Sunday, March 1st?
Sunday offers the 'Textile Trail' at Derby Museums and the Hetain Patel exhibition at the Museum of Making. The 'Big Kids Play Session' is also scheduled for Sunday.
