Manchester Kids Events This Weekend February 28th - March 1st 2026

February 28th - March 1st 2026United KingdomLast updated: Recently

Get ready for a brilliant end-of-February weekend! We've got hands-on science fun in Widnes, the final chance to see the exciting Jurassic Seas exhibit, and a magical circus coming to Wythenshawe Park. Plus, don't miss Justin Live in Stockport on Sunday!

See our top picks
Filter to show only free events14 events this weekend

· February 28

4

: This is your last chance to catch this turbo-charged circus spectacle! Expect gasp-inducing acrobatics, laughter, and thrilling moments for everyone.It's running until Sunday, so this is a prime opportunity to see a big show before it leaves town.

📍Wythenshawe Park, Manchester· Not mentioned · Every age · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Circus Funtasia

Circus Funtasia is an adrenaline-fuelled explosion of danger, colour, and pure family fun featuring the UK's largest Globe of Death and daredevils on the Wheel of Death.

WhenFeb 24, 2026 - Mar 1, 2026 (Specific times vary, including Feb 26 at 5:00 PM)
WhereWythenshawe Park, Manchester, M23 0BA
Price£16.26 - £19.51 (Group tickets also available)
BookingRequired — book in advance

FREE : Celebrate the Year of the Horse with an evening event full of colour and joy. Expect performances, arts, and crafts to mark the occasion.A special, free evening event happening only on Saturday to celebrate Lunar New Year.

📍Manchester Museum, Manchester· 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM · Not mentioned · Free

🏠indoor🏛️museumAll ages
FREE

Lunar New Year Celebration at Manchester Museum

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with an evening of cultural performances, including a traditional lion dance and music, plus hands-on workshops in arts and crafts for families.

WhenWednesday 18 February 2026 16:00 - 21:00
WhereManchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
PriceFree

: This is the final Saturday night to attend this special after-hours event and meet the magical SEA LIFE mermaids up close.A unique, special ticketed experience happening only on Friday and Saturday nights.

📍SEA LIFE Manchester, Trafford· Not mentioned · Not mentioned · £28 adult, £24 child, £5 passholders

🏠indoor🖼️exhibitionAll ages

After-hours with the Mermaids

An intimate evening event where families can explore the full SEA LIFE Manchester aquarium and meet real mermaids during a magical session in the ocean display.

WhenSelected dates in 2026: Feb 27-28, Mar 27-28, May 23, Jul 24-25, Aug 14-15, Oct 24, Nov 21, Dec 12. Sessions are 5pm - 9pm (last entry 8pm).
WhereSEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium (Full address not provided, but implicitly in Manchester)
PriceTickets from £28 adult, £24 child; £5 for Annual Pass holders. Under 2s go free.
BookingRequired — book in advance

: If you need a Saturday morning activity, head to Cutlery Works for sand art led by The Princess of Adventures. Perfect for keeping little hands busy!A specific craft activity confirmed for Saturday morning.

📍Cutlery Works, Neepsend· 10:00 AM · Kids · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs

Kids Sand Art with The Princess of Adventures

Kids can unleash their creativity through sand art hosted by The Princess of Adventures and take their creations home.

WhenSaturday, Feb 28 from 10 am to 12 pm
WhereCutlery Works, 73 – 101 Neepsend Lane, Neepsend S3 8AT
Pricenull
BookingRequired — book in advance

· March 1

4

: It's your final day to journey back millions of years on the Jurassic Trail and learn about prehistoric ocean creatures alongside current residents.This is the absolute last day to catch the Jurassic Trail exhibit at SEA LIFE.

📍SEA LIFE Manchester, TRAFFORD· Not mentioned · Suitable for all ages · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🖼️exhibitionAll ages

Jurassic Seas

Travel back millions of years at SEA LIFE Manchester to complete Jurassic challenges, uncover fossils, meet a baby Triceratops, and explore the aquarium alongside sharks, turtles, and rays.

When07 February - 01 March
WhereSEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium
PriceIncluded with SEA LIFE admission; Standard tickets from £16 per adult (booking in advance), or £26 on the day; Under 2's go free.
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Catch the BAFTA Award-winning star of Something Special and Gigglebiz for a live show with his friends this Sunday afternoon.A popular children's entertainer performing a one-off show on Sunday.

📍Stockport Plaza, Stockport· Not mentioned · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Justin Live

A high-energy, feel-good family show featuring BAFTA Award-winning Justin, star of Something Special, full of music, dancing, and plenty of giggles for everyone.

WhenSunday 1st March 2026 at 11.00am and 2.30pm
WhereThe Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire. SK1 1SP
PriceCost/range not specified, no kids discounts mentioned
BookingRequired — book in advance

: See the stage adaptation of the famous Julia Donaldson book! Expect songs, snow, and laughs in this production that ends today.This stage show based on the beloved picture book wraps up its run on Sunday.

📍Z-arts, Manchester· Not mentioned · Not mentioned · From £14.70

🏠indoor🎭theatre3-5 yrs

The Gruffalo's Child

An enchanting family theatre show based on the beloved picture book where the Gruffalo's Child ventures into the deep dark wood following snowy tracks and meeting mysterious creatures.

WhenFriday 27 February – Sunday 1 March, various times
WhereZ-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
Price£14 plus 20% discount for Bright Sparks and M15 members; special school/nursery ticket offer available
BookingRequired — book in advance

Also On· anytime this weekend

6

: Head over to Widnes for an interactive family science show! You can expect lots of fun with optical illusions, sound experiments, and general scientific mayhem.It's a great interactive day out focused purely on sensory fun for the whole family.

📍Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes🔄 Recurring· Not mentioned · Family · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🖼️exhibitionAll ages

Sensational Senses Show

Come along to this interactive science show to investigate our senses through optical illusions, sound experiments, and much more.

WhenWeekends between 9th Sep - 15th Oct (times not specified for this run, but previous/other runs show 12:30pm and 3:00pm), and specific dates 28th Feb - 1st Mar at 12:30pm and 3:00pm
WhereCatalyst Science Discovery Centre, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF
Price£1.95 per person in addition to normal admission charge
BookingRequired — book in advance

: This workshop lets families work in teams to construct a working mini hydrogen-powered car. You'll also learn how to produce hydrogen using electrolysis of water.A hands-on engineering activity perfect for budding scientists before the exhibition closes.

📍Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes🔄 Recurring· Not mentioned · Family · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs

Hydrogen Cars Weekend Workshops

Join a hands-on workshop to explore and compare fossil fuel, electric, and hydrogen-powered cars, culminating in teams building a mini hydrogen car and producing hydrogen via electrolysis.

WhenWeekend Workshops from 31st January to 8th February, running twice daily at 11:30am and 2:00pm. Also listed for 28th February and 1st March.
WhereCatalyst Science Discovery Centre, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF.
Price£2.75 per person
BookingRequired — book in advance

FREE : Kick off the weekend with FREE storytelling sessions designed for kids and their grown-ups. Expect creative play used to spark imaginations.It's a fantastic free option happening right here in Bolton this Saturday morning.

📍Octagon Theatre, Bolton🔄 Recurring· Selected Saturday mornings · Families/children and their grownups · Free

🏠indoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs
FREE

Family Saturdays

Join the Octagon for FREE family storytelling sessions on selected Saturday mornings where stories are brought to life through creative play, drama, dance, and crafts to spark imaginations.

WhenEvery Saturday morning, Jan-Mar 2026: 9:45am-10:45am and 11:30am-12:30pm (specific dates listed in event details)
WhereOctagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, BL1 1SB
PriceFREE - but places must be booked in advance
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Spend quality time making art together as a family and learn some new creative techniques. It’s a great way to bond while getting messy.A dedicated Saturday slot for families to create art side-by-side.

📍Z-arts, Manchester🔄 Recurring· Every Saturday · Families · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshopAll ages

Family Art Stars

Come down, muck in and make some art as a family, spending quality time and learning new techniques.

WhenSaturdays at 10:00am & 11:30am
WhereZ-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
PriceFree for Bright Sparks Members
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Visit the Discovery Centre to learn some awesome LEGO skills, tips, and tricks directly from the Playmakers and Master Model Builder. Be ready to stretch your imagination!A major attraction with specific building activities running all weekend.

📍LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester, Trafford🔄 Recurring· Throughout the day · Not mentioned · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshopAll ages

LEGO® Creativity Academy

Kids can explore their creativity by learning awesome LEGO skills, tips, and tricks from talented Playmakers and Master Model Builders through various hands-on building activities.

When07 February - 01 March 2026
WhereLEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, Trafford Palazzo
PriceIncluded in standard admission (Book early & save from £17.50 Per adult)
BookingRequired — book in advance

: An event taking place in Accrington this Saturday at noon, focused on educational sessions for kids about Islam.It is one of the few confirmed Saturday events on the raw data, even though it is slightly outside Manchester.

📍Raza Jamia Masjid, Accrington🔄 Recurring· 12:00 PM · Kids · Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs

Islam for Kids | Accrington

Engaging and fun weekly classes explaining core Islamic values and teachings, including Qur'an, fiqh, hadith, and seerah, designed for children to build a strong foundation in Islamic studies and ethics.

WhenEvery Saturday 12:00pm – 1:00pm
WhereRaza Jamia Masjid & Islamic Education Centre, 13 Grimshaw Street, Accrington, BB5 0AZ
Price£10 per child per month
BookingRequired — book in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in Manchester this weekend?

The best free option this weekend is the Family Saturdays storytelling session at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton on Saturday morning.

What's on for toddlers on Sunday, March 1st?

Check out the A Taste of Altrincham's Mud Cake Munchkins workshop in Altrincham on Sunday morning, or catch the very last performance of The Gruffalo's Child at Z-arts.

Are there any science-focused events running on both Saturday and Sunday?

Yes, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes is running both the Sensational Senses Show and Hydrogen Cars Weekend Workshops across both Saturday (Feb 28) and Sunday (Mar 1).

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