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

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

Get ready for a fun-filled final weekend of February in South Bend! We have great options for animal lovers at the zoo, art enthusiasts at the museum, and fans of local history. Don't miss the last chance for winter activities before spring arrives!

See our top picks
Filter to show only free events13 events this weekend

Β· February 28

6

: Check out the amazing creativity coming from young artists in the area. This exhibition runs through April, making it an easy indoor activity if the weather is rough.A cultural outing that directly celebrates youth achievements.

πŸ“South Bend Museum of Art, South Bend Museum of ArtΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoorπŸ–ΌοΈexhibition12+ yrs

2026 Scholastic Art Awards

The 2026 Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition celebrates the creativity and achievement of young artists from the Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan region, offering a powerful glimpse into the talent of emerging artists for all to enjoy.

WhenFebruary 6–April 12, 2026; First Friday Reception: February 6, 5–8pm
WhereWarner Gallery, South Bend Museum of Art, 120 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601
Pricenull

: If you have a teen writer in the family, this conference at Saint Mary's College is a specialized opportunity for them to engage with their craft.Specifically targeted at teens, offering niche enrichment.

πŸ“Saint Mary's College, Saint Mary's CollegeΒ· Not mentioned Β· Teen writers Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎨workshop12+ yrs

Get Inked Teen Writing Conference

A writer's conference for young writers in grades 7-12 to connect with published authors, improve writing skills, and experiment with style and form.

WhenSaturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (In-person) and Saturday, March 7, 2026 (Virtual)
WhereSaint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Price$75 (includes two autographed books and a notebook; financial assistance available)
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

: Catch the Notre Dame Hockey team taking on Penn State! A great high-energy event for Saturday night.A confirmed weekend sporting event taking place on Saturday.

πŸ“Compton Family Ice Arena, Compton Family Ice ArenaΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor⚽sportAll ages

Notre Dame Hockey vs. Penn State

Attend the Notre Dame Hockey game as they take on Penn State, an exciting sporting event for the whole family to enjoy.

WhenSat Feb 28, 2026, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
WhereCompton Family Ice Arena, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
PriceCost not specified, check fightingirish.com/buytickets for ticket prices
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

: The South Bend Symphony features Concertmaster Jameson Cooper. This is a sophisticated option for families with older, musically inclined children.A cultural event happening Saturday evening.

πŸ“Morris Performing Arts Center, Morris Performing Arts CenterΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Beethoven's Eroica

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven's revolutionary masterpiece "Eroica," a powerful concert celebrating heroism, resilience, and triumph.

WhenFebruary 28, 7:30 pm
WhereMorris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601 United States
PriceNot mentioned
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

: A chance to see a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer live in concert! This is another excellent cultural outing for families with older children interested in contemporary music.Features a critically acclaimed artist on Saturday night.

πŸ“DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, DeBartolo Performing Arts CenterΒ· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Terence Blanchard's β€œFire Shut Up in My Bones: In Concert”

Terence Blanchard's "Fire Shut Up in My Bones: In Concert" is part of a curated season of five unforgettable performances selected for their artistic excellence and emotional depth.

WhenFebruary 28, 2026
WhereDeBartolo Performing Arts Center, 100 Performing Arts Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556
PriceNot specified, but tickets are part of a Director's Choice package with a 15% adult ticket discount mentioned for the package.
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

Also OnΒ· anytime this weekend

7

: The Potawatomi Zoo is open for limited winter hours! This is a great way to get the kids outdoors for a little wildlife viewing before the season officially wraps up next weekend.This is a recurring weekend activity that is happening both Saturday and Sunday, perfect for planning.

πŸ“Potawatomi Zoo, Potawatomi ZooπŸ”„ RecurringΒ· 11 am to 4 pm Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🌳outdoorπŸŽͺfestivalAll ages

Zoo Winter Days 2026

Visit the Zoo in the off season during Winter Days 2026, which offers special activities or access when the zoo might otherwise be closed or operating on limited winter schedules.

WhenFebruary 28, 2026, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; March 1, 2026, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; March 7, 2026, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; March 8, 2026, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; March 14, 2026, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; March 15, 2026, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
WherePotawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend, IN 46615
PriceAdults and children 15-61: $16; Children 3-14: $14; Adults 62+: $14; Children 2 yrs and under: FREE. Note: Regular daily admission rates apply and may not apply to special events.

: Explore the fascinating and sometimes tragic history of Great Lakes shipwrecks. This is a great, educational stop at the History Museum.It runs all weekend and offers an engaging, educational look at local/regional maritime history.

πŸ“The History Museum and Oliver Mansion, The History Museum and Oliver MansionπŸ›οΈ PermanentΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoorπŸ–ΌοΈexhibitionAll ages

Freshwater Fury: Great Lakes Shipwrecks

This exhibit at The History Museum showcases ancient shipwreck artifacts from the Great Lakes, illustrating the perilous history of maritime travel and loss on the lakes.

WhenSunday, March 01, Not mentioned
WhereThe History Museum, 808 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46601
PriceNot mentioned

: Dive into the legend of Knute Rockne. While football might be more interesting to older kids, the overall history museum environment is solid for a family visit.A hallmark of South Bend history available both days.

πŸ“The History Museum and Oliver Mansion, The History Museum and Oliver MansionπŸ›οΈ PermanentΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoorπŸ–ΌοΈexhibitionAll ages

Rockne: Life & Legacy

This is an exhibition about the life and legacy of Knute Rockne at The History Museum, likely appealing to families interested in local sports history.

WhenNot specified on the page content provided, but being an exhibit, it's likely ongoing or has defined run dates not detailed here.
WhereThe History Museum, 808 West Washington Street South Bend, Indiana 46601
PriceNot specified on the page content provided; Admission Rates link is present but not followed.

: Turn your walk downtown into an adventure! This scavenger hunt gets everyone moving and exploring the city.It’s a highly flexible activity that works for Sunday afternoon exploration.

πŸ“227 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601, USA (Start Location), Downtown South BendπŸ“Έ Tourist favouriteΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

All ages

South Bend Scavenger Hunt: Rollin' Round The Bend

Turn your walk downtown into an adventure! This scavenger hunt gets everyone moving and exploring the city.

WhenSunday, March 01, Not mentioned
Where227 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601, USA (Start Location)
PriceNot mentioned

: A wonderfully serene activity practicing yoga surrounded by greenery. This is a nice, calm indoor option for Saturday.Offers a unique, calm indoor activity environment on Saturday.

πŸ“Potawatomi Conservatories, Potawatomi ConservatoriesπŸ”„ RecurringΒ· Not mentioned Β· All ages Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor⚽sportAll ages

Yoga in the Greenhouse at Potawatomi Conservatories

This event is a yoga class held within the Potawatomi Conservatories, likely offering a serene, nature-focused experience for participants.

WhenWednesdays 11:00am - 12:00pm and Saturdays 9:15am - 10:30am
WherePotawatomi Conservatories, 2105 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana
Pricenull

: An interactive mystery dinner show where attendees try to solve a murder. This is best for older kids/teens who can follow complex plots.A unique, interactive evening experience happening Saturday.

πŸ“Embassy Suites By Hilton, Embassy Suites By HiltonπŸ”„ RecurringΒ· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned Β· Not mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatre12+ yrs

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - South Bend, IN

This is a live, interactive comedy true crime murder mystery dinner show where attendees try to solve a crime while enjoying a full dinner.

WhenFebruary 28, 2026 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST; March 7, 2026 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST; March 14, 2026 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT. Shows are posted 8-12 weeks in advance and run on weekend nights every month year-round.
WhereEmbassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame, 1140 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617
PriceStarting at $64.95 + taxes & fees; Teenagers with adult supervision may be permitted, but no infants, toddlers, or young children are allowed.
BookingRequired β€” book in advance

FREE : A relaxing Sunday afternoon/evening featuring local acoustic music. Since it's early and listed as a recurring event, it should be a good option for unwinding.A free, recurring Sunday afternoon event that is likely welcoming to families.

πŸ“Cheers Bar and Grill, Cheers Bar and GrillπŸ”„ RecurringΒ· 4PM to 8PM Β· All ages Β· Free

🏠indoor🎯otherAll ages
FREE

Cheers Open Jam Open Mic with the Nicole London Acoustic Project, Every Sunday from 4PM to 8PM

This is an open mic and jam session featuring live music and poetry, which families interested in local performances or music might enjoy.

WhenEvery Sunday from 4PM to 8PM
WhereCheers Bar and Grill, 103 S Dixie HighWay SOUTH BEND, IN 46637
PriceFree

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in South Bend this weekend?

The best free option this weekend is the Cheers Open Jam Open Mic with the Nicole London Acoustic Project on Sunday afternoon at Cheers Bar and Grill.

Is there anything fun to do indoors on Saturday?

Yes, you could visit the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards at the South Bend Museum of Art, or enjoy Yoga in the Greenhouse at the Potawatomi Conservatories.

What family events are happening on Sunday, March 1st?

You can visit the Potawatomi Zoo for Zoo Winter Days, check out the Freshwater Fury exhibit at the History Museum, or enjoy the Cheers Open Jam Open Mic.

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