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

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

Your family weekend in Southampton is sorted for Feb 28th and March 1st! We've got theatrical performances, cultural parades for Chinese New Year, and nature fun out by Testwood Lakes. Don't miss the last chance to see 'Goat' at the cinema either.

See our top picks
Filter to show only free events15 events this weekend

· February 28

4

: Catch this family show at Turner Sims this Saturday. It sounds like a gentle performance ideal for younger ones dealing with big feelings.It's a specific performance running only on Saturday, making it a great weekend booking.

📍Turner Sims, Southampton· 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM · Family · Ticketed

🏠indoor🎭theatre5-11 yrs

Ruby's Worry

A delightful musical adventure based on the book 'Ruby's Worry', told through live music, song, puppetry, and physical theatre, where children learn that talking about worries makes them go away.

WhenSaturday 28 February 2026, 11am and 2pm
WhereTurner Sims, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ
Price£5
BookingRequired — book in advance

FREE : Celebrate the Lunar New Year with parades, Dragon Dances, and other cultural performances right in the city centre on Saturday.A major, one-day cultural event happening right on the Saturday.

📍Southampton City Centre, City Centre· Festivities throughout the day · All ages · Free

indoor or outdoor🎪festivalAll ages
FREE

Chinese New Year Southampton 2026

The event celebrates Chinese New Year with a vibrant programme including dragon parades, live performances, and family-friendly traditional arts and crafts.

WhenThe Lunar New Year begins on 17 February 2026, with specific events listed on Feb 7, Feb 15, Feb 20, and Feb 28.
WhereVarious venues including Turner Sims, Guildhall Square, Westquay, Shanghai 1814, and The Marlands Shopping Centre.
PriceSome events are FREE (e.g., festival in Guildhall Square/Westquay, festival at The Marlands), others require booking/payment (e.g., Gala at Turner Sims, dining at Shanghai 1814).

: A great behind-the-scenes Saturday activity at the Mayflower Theatre, involving clues and challenges for 7 to 11-year-olds.A unique Saturday behind-the-scenes experience running specifically on the 28th.

📍Mayflower Theatre, City Centre· TBC · 7-11 years · From £8

🏠indoor🎭theatre5-11 yrs

Children's Theatre Trail

A fun-packed 1-hour behind-the-scenes tour of the Mayflower Theatre where kids solve clues and complete challenges to help a time-traveling director save a show.

WhenSaturday 28th February 2026, 9:00AM
WhereMayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE
PriceFrom £8.00
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Catch the animated sequel 'Sing 2' at Showcase Southampton on Saturday. You can also check out the Family Ticket Offer at this cinema!A specific film showing confirmed for Saturday.

📍Showcase Southampton, Southampton· TBC · Childrens Events · Not explicitly mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Sing 2

The animated sequel to the hit film features an optimistic koala and his cast launching a dazzling stage extravaganza in the entertainment capital, requiring them to persuade a reclusive rock star to join them.

WhenShowtimes are available; the page shows dates from Feb 18 to Mar 1, but specific times require cinema selection.
WhereShowcase Cinemas, location not specified beyond UK context, need to select a cinema.
PriceNot specified
BookingRequired — book in advance

· March 1

5

: If Saturday's show doesn't suit, head here Sunday morning for another family concert tailored for younger audiences.A dedicated family classical music session happening specifically on Sunday.

📍Turner Sims, Southampton· 11:00 AM · Family · Ticketed

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Dvořákathon | Family Concert

A relaxed family concert exploring Dvořák's first symphony, guiding families through the music and introducing them to the instruments of the orchestra.

WhenSunday 1 March 2026 11:00
WhereTurner Sims, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ
Price£5
BookingRequired — book in advance

: This is the last day to see the film about the little goat playing roarball. A good option if you're looking for a cinema trip on Sunday.It is explicitly listed as running until March 1st, making it a 'Last Chance' cinema outing.

📍Showcase Southampton, Southampton· TBC · Not specified · Not explicitly mentioned

🏠indoor🎭theatreAll ages

Goat

This is a showing of the animated action-comedy film 'Goat' about a small goat who joins a professional roarball team.

WhenStarts February 13, 2026. Showtimes are available for selection on subsequent dates.
WhereShowcase Southampton
PriceNot explicitly mentioned
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Drive just outside Southampton to Winchester for a family trail exploring the cathedral's astronomy-themed decorations. This is the final day of the trail.It concludes on Sunday, March 1st, making it a perfect final weekend family activity nearby.

📍Winchester Cathedral, Winchester (nearby)· TBC · Ages 5-11 · Not explicitly mentioned

🏠indoor🖼️exhibition5-11 yrs

Sun, Moon and Stars Family Trail

This is a free, interactive family trail where children aged 5-11 can explore the cathedral and complete stellar challenges inspired by the sun, moon, and stars.

When30th January - 1st March 2026
WhereWinchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester Hampshire, SO23 9LS, United Kingdom
PriceFree with your annual pass. Children aged 11 and under go free when accompanied by a paying adult.

FREE : Get muddy and help create native woodland at Hinton Ampner on Sunday. Booking is essential for this free, hands-on earth project.It's a unique, free, hands-on outdoor event confirmed for Sunday, requiring booking.

📍Hinton Ampner estate, Hinton Ampner (nearby)· TBC · Families · Free

🌳outdoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs
FREE

Family Tree Planting Days

Families and kids can enjoy the hands-on, earthy delight of planting saplings that will grow into native woodland as part of a major estate project.

WhenMarch 1, 2026, 10:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00
WhereHinton Ampner, near Alresford, Hampshire
PriceFree event (ticket includes access to café, house, shop and gardens)
BookingRequired — book in advance

: If you have little ones aged 3-6, this trail bringing Eric Carle’s story to life with giant food cut-outs is a perfect Sunday outing near Southampton.It runs through the weekend and is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, ending the following week.

📍Mottisfont, Mottisfont (nearby)· TBC · Ages 3-6 · Not explicitly mentioned

🌳outdoor🌿nature3-5 yrs

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ Trail

An enchanting outdoor trail for little ones inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar book, featuring illustrated markers, activities, and games to follow the caterpillar's journey.

WhenRuns 19 January to 15 March, daily from 10:00 - 16:00 (last entry 3:30pm)
WhereMottisfont, near Romsey, Hampshire
PriceFree event (normal admission charges apply for the venue)

Also On· anytime this weekend

6

FREE : Drop into the John Hansard Gallery for free creative workshops inspired by the current exhibitions. Great for kids four and older.Free, drop-in art fun happening every Saturday.

📍John Hansard Gallery, Southampton🔄 Recurring· 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM · Ages four and up · Free

🏠indoor🎨workshop5-11 yrs
FREE

Space to Create!

Join in every Saturday to draw, make and build together with family-friendly activities inspired by the current art exhibitions.

WhenEvery Saturday 11am–1pm
WhereJohn Hansard Gallery, 142 – 144 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DU
PriceFREE

FREE : If you don't mind a short trip out of the immediate city, this free, drop-in family workshop at Pallant House sounds like a wonderful creative session.It's a free, scheduled workshop specifically on Saturday morning.

📍Pallant House Gallery, Chichester (near)🔄 Recurring· 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM session · Family workshop session · Free

🏠indoor🎨workshopAll ages
FREE

Saturday Art & Craft

This is a free, creative workshop session inspired by art from the collections, perfect for families to enjoy together.

WhenOnce per Month, 10am-12pm (Two drop-in slots: 10-11am and 11am-12pm)
WherePallant House Gallery, 8-9 North Pallant, Chichester West Sussex, UK, PO19 1TJ
PriceFree for children and accompanying adults; two accompanying adults can get half-price exhibition admission.
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Get the little ones outdoors exploring nature at Testwood Lakes reserve first thing Saturday morning.A specific nature group session confirmed for Saturday morning.

📍Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, Testwood🔄 Recurring· 10:00 AM · Toddler/young children likely · Check ticket price

🌳outdoor🎨workshop0-3 yrs

Testwood Lakes Wildlife Tots

A nature-based session for under 5s involving outdoor activities and potentially indoor crafts, allowing families to reconnect with local wildlife.

WhenEvery last Saturday of the month, 10am-12noon, or Every Tuesday 10.30am-12noon (for Testwood Tots & Babies)
WhereTestwood Lakes Centre, Brunel Rd, Totton, SO40 3WX (map ref. SU 353 149)
Price£5 per child (for the Saturday session); £4 per child (for the Tuesday session)
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Run by Eventbrite, this session runs alongside the 'Wildlife Tots' but is aimed at older children looking for a more involved outdoor activity.Provides an alternative outdoor activity on Saturday morning for slightly older kids.

📍Testwood Lakes, Testwood🔄 Recurring· 10:00 AM · Older children likely · Check ticket price

🌳outdoor🎨workshop12+ yrs

Testwood Lakes Wildlife Rangers

A monthly meet-up for 12-18 year olds who love wildlife to get outdoors, learn practical skills, and discover local wildlife.

WhenLast Saturday of the month from 2-4pm
WhereTestwood Lakes Nature Reserve, Totton, Hampshire
PriceNot specified
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Take a historical tour covering Romans, Normans, and WWII history starting at The Bargate. This is the final day for this specific tour run.It's the last opportunity to catch this specific walking tour on Saturday.

📍The Bargate, City Centre🔄 Recurring· TBC · Not specified · Not explicitly mentioned

🌳outdoortouristAll ages

Discover Southampton Walking Tour

Explore the hidden history of Southampton, covering everything from the Romans to the Titanic, making it an engaging tour for families interested in local heritage.

WhenFebruary 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 2026, all at 13:30 - 15:00
WhereThe Bargate, High Street, Southampton, SO14 2DJ
PriceNot explicitly mentioned
BookingRequired — book in advance

: Explore Sir Harold Hillier Gardens on a self-guided trail as spring begins to wake up. This is a great family walk for Sunday afternoon.It runs all weekend and gets the whole family outdoors looking for signs of spring.

📍Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey (nearby)🔄 Recurring· 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM · All the family · Not explicitly mentioned

🌳outdoor🌿natureAll ages

Spring Spotter Trail

Families can enjoy self-guided fun exploring the garden to see what signs of spring they can find, whatever the weather.

WhenSunday 1 February – Thursday 26 March, 10am to 4pm
WhereSir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane SO51 0QA
Price£1 for spotter sheet plus normal garden admission fees apply

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in Southampton this weekend?

For free activities, check out the drop-in 'Space to Create!' art workshop at the John Hansard Gallery on Saturday, or consider booking the free 'Family Tree Planting Days' at Hinton Ampner for Sunday.

Are there any outdoor activities planned for Sunday?

Yes, you can visit Sir Harold Hillier Gardens for their Spring Spotter Trail or head to Hinton Ampner for tree planting, both running on Sunday, March 1st.

What's happening in the city centre on Saturday?

The main draw is the Chinese New Year celebrations in the City Centre, featuring Dragon and Lion Dances. Plus, you can get creative at the John Hansard Gallery or catch the theatre trail at the Mayflower Theatre.

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