Get ready for a fun weekend in Irvine! We've found great activities for families on February 28th and March 1st, including hands-on science fun and outdoor exploration.
See our top picks
Free Saturday Morning Story Time
Bookworm Nook Bookstore
Lively reading sessions perfect for preschoolers every Saturday morning.
Family Movie Afternoon: Animated Classics
Regency Irvine Stadium 22
Catch a matinee screening of a family-friendly animated feature.
Pop-Up Puppet Show: The Great Escape
Pretend City Children's Museum (Outdoor Stage)
A short, charming marionette show designed specifically for the 3-7 age group on Sunday.
· February 28
5: Kids get hands-on experience building and programming simple robots. This session focuses on basic coding logic and mechanical assembly. Perfect for budding engineers who love a challenge.It's a limited-run, specialized workshop focused on high-engagement STEM activities happening only Saturday.
INTRODUCTION TO DRONE PILOTING BASICS : Older kids can learn the fundamentals of safe drone operation, starting with tethered flights and moving to obstacle avoidance. All equipment is provided for this Saturday afternoon session. Bookings are essential!A unique, tech-focused workshop catering specifically to older children and tweens this Saturday.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING STORY TIMEFREE : A lively, interactive reading of three picture books perfect for preschoolers. The session often includes a short sing-along or craft activity afterward. Get there a bit early as this is a popular free offering.It's the best free, established local morning activity happening Saturday for younger kids.
FAMILY MOVIE AFTERNOON: ANIMATED CLASSICS : Check the local listings for the specific G/PG rated animated feature playing this Saturday afternoon. Great for a break from outdoor activities or if the weather turns.It’s a scheduled, easy indoor fallback option for a Saturday afternoon.
KIDS' CULINARY CORNER: PIZZA MAKING WORKSHOP : Kids get to design, stretch, and top their own personal pizzas, which they eat afterward! This hands-on cooking session runs Saturday afternoon. It's messy but delicious.It combines fun messy food prep with the reward of eating what they made, happening Saturday.
· March 1
4SUNDAY FAMILY NATURE WALK: WETLAND WONDERSFREE : Join a local naturalist for a guided exploration of the local ecosystem at the sanctuary. Bring binoculars to spot migratory birds resting in the wetlands. A great way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon outdoors.It's a free, structured outdoor activity perfect for a Sunday afternoon that connects kids with local nature.
: A charming 30-minute marionette show running just once this Sunday. It tells the funny story of two toys trying to sneak out of the toy box before bedtime. Great for very young audiences.It’s a short, dedicated show perfect for young children that only happens on Sunday.
PARKOUR FUNDAMENTALS CLINIC : Learn safe vaulting, landing, and basic obstacle navigation from certified coaches in a controlled gym setting. This Sunday clinic is designed for teens looking to develop discipline and physical control.A high-energy, skill-based activity perfect for active teens that is only running this Sunday.
COMMUNITY GARDEN PLANTING DAYFREE : Help get the spring vegetables in the ground! This hands-on gardening activity is great for families who want a low-key way to connect with the community and learn about growing food. Tools provided.A great local, community-focused, hands-on activity scheduled for Sunday morning.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3FREE : Messy, engaging fun for the littlest ones using non-toxic, taste-safe materials to sculpt and create. This session is only 45 minutes long to match short attention spans. Arrive early to snag a good spot!This early Saturday morning session is tailored specifically for toddlers, offering safe messy play.
: An introductory session focusing on top-rope safety and basic climbing techniques. This is indoors, but provides a thrilling physical challenge suitable for most school-age kids this Sunday afternoon.A dedicated beginner session offering a great physical challenge scheduled for Sunday.
FREE : While the main center is elsewhere, this satellite location is hosting a special preview of the 'Future of Flight' interactive models exclusively for Irvine residents on Saturday. Show ID for entry.It's an exclusive, free science event happening only on Saturday thanks to a local partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Irvine this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are three free options: the Community Garden Planting Day on Sunday, the Free Saturday Morning Story Time at the bookstore, and the Irvine Science Center Local Access Preview on Saturday.
Are there any STEM activities happening for older kids (10+)?
Yes, older kids can check out the Maker Mania Workshop focused on Robotics on Saturday morning, or try the Introduction to Drone Piloting Basics Saturday afternoon.
What's best for a very active 10-year-old on Sunday?
For physical challenges, consider the Sunday Beginner Rock Climbing Session or the Parkour Fundamentals Clinic, both offering supervised physical activity.
