Welcome to your weekend guide for Essen! We've sifted through the listings to find the best family fun for February 28th and March 1st, 2026. Don't miss the Taylor on Ice Family event at Kennedyplatz on Sunday or the children's performance Nur für Mädels! (...und mutige Jungs).
See our top picks
Flea Market at Heckerschule
Heckerschule
A free local market browse on Saturday afternoon.
Tabaluga and the Signs of Time
Zeiss Planetarium Bochum
An engaging indoor planetarium show on Saturday afternoon.
The Olchis - The Great Space Adventure
Zeiss Planetarium Bochum
A fun space show featuring the beloved children's characters, the Olchis.
· February 28
5TABALUGA AND THE SIGNS OF TIME : A captivating planetarium show featuring Tabaluga. This is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon indoors, regardless of the weather.Planetarium shows are excellent rainy-day entertainment, and this one is specifically listed for Saturday.
FREE : As part of the COA Action Week, the children's section features a thematic book exhibition. A great, free, quiet activity for Saturday morning before the evening rush.It’s free, located centrally at the main library, and runs all day Saturday, fitting well into any itinerary.
FREE : ElsE hosts a free storytime focusing on a specific theme, followed by a crafting session. Head to the central library Saturday afternoon for this engaging activity.It’s free, explicitly invites families, and involves crafts—perfect for younger kids on Saturday afternoon.
: Take the little ones to see The Smurfs live on stage! This musical is running on Saturday afternoon just outside Essen.A classic children's musical happening Saturday afternoon is a reliable choice for younger kids.
FREE : Head to the Heckerschule on Saturday afternoon for a local flea market. Entry is free, and it’s a fun way to browse for treasures together.A free, local market event on Saturday afternoon is always a good plan for families.
· March 1
5: Time to hit the ice! This is a family-oriented session as part of the larger Essener Wintertraum. Perfect for gliding around the rink together before the winter season fully wraps up.This is explicitly listed as a family event at a central location and is a great way to enjoy the tail end of the winter season.
: Catch the family-friendly concert by Bummelkasten. They tour with great songs specifically designed for the whole family, so this should be a hit.The source explicitly mentions this is a concert for the whole family, making it a strong contender for the Sunday afternoon slot.
: A theatre performance that invites girls—and brave boys—to join. It sounds like a fun, engaging show happening Sunday evening.The title suggests content specifically appealing to younger audiences, and it’s one of the few events listed for Sunday evening.
HARPE D'OR : An early start on Sunday morning at the Philharmonie for this event featuring the harp ('Harpe'). Could be a lovely introduction to classical music for older children.It's a cultured morning event at the Philharmonie, offering something different for Sunday.
: This is the final day for the Parkleuchten light installations! If you haven't been to see the dazzling displays in the dark park setting, this Sunday evening is your absolute last chance.This event ends precisely on March 1st, making it a perfect closing weekend activity.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Take the kids on a cosmic adventure with the popular Olchis characters. This show in the planetarium is ideal for little ones who love space and fun stories.It's a children's show at the planetarium, making it a great indoor activity for Saturday morning.
: Take the family for a free tour of the Red Dot Design Museum this Sunday afternoon. Even if you pay for the tour, exploring design can be very engaging for creative kids.Free entry for the general public (though some tours might have costs) on Sunday afternoon makes this an excellent, low-commitment cultural visit.
FREE : Check out this exhibition at the Kunsthaus Essen on Saturday afternoon—entry is free. It's a nice, culture-focused way to spend a few hours indoors.Free entry exhibition on Saturday makes it an easy, flexible indoor option.
: A family-focused event listed on Sunday morning near Essen. Check local listings for details on this musical offering.It's a specific family concert listing for Sunday morning near the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Essen this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) you can find free activities at the COA Action Week Book Exhibition at the Zentralbibliothek on Saturday, the COA Action Week Picture Book Cinema & Craft Session (also Saturday afternoon at the library), and the Flea Market at Heckerschule on Saturday afternoon.
Are there any family events scheduled for Sunday?
Yes, Sunday, March 1st, offers the Taylor on Ice Family skating session, the Harpe d'or concert at the Philharmonie, Public Guided Tours at the Red Dot Design Museum, the Bummelkasten family concert, and it's the Last Chance to see the Parkleuchten light installations in the evening.
Are there any family activities happening just outside Essen?
Yes, for Saturday, you can head to Bochum for the The Olchis - The Great Space Adventure planetarium show or the Tabaluga and the Signs of Time show. For Sunday, there is the BoSy Familie concert in Bochum as well.
