We’ve got a great mix of science fun, art play, and huge outdoor events happening in Wellington this final weekend of February and start of March 2026! Don't miss the messy fun at Space Place or exploring the Performance Arcade before it closes.
See our top picks
Children's Day 2026
Ngati Toa Domain, Porirua - Mana
The main National Children's Day celebration on Sunday.
Wellington Art Show 2026
Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre
A large indoor exhibition providing hours of exploration.
Dancing Oobleck Aliens
Space Place at Carter Observatory
Messy, hands-on fun with science slime on Sunday morning.
· February 28
7: See car parking spaces magically transformed into temporary parks, art installations, and performance areas. A great way to see the city centre transformed for the day.It’s a unique one-off event that turns a normal street into a creative play space for the day.
FREE : Kick off the inaugural MTB festival with three days of rides and community fun celebrating the city's trails. Saturday is a great day to check out the central hub.It's a large, free, active event celebrating Wellington's outdoor scene, perfect for active families.
: Take a one-hour guided walk to explore how cacti and succulents survive in desert conditions. A nice way to learn about botany while strolling through the beautiful gardens.It’s a scheduled, educational tour happening outdoors in one of the city's best spots.
: This is your last full day to experience this acclaimed live art event housed inside shipping containers along the waterfront. It’s always quirky and engaging.It's one of the last chances this year to experience this unique, container-based arts festival.
: See a massive collection of art from various artists in one spot at the Tākina Centre. Saturday is a full day to explore the show.It’s a major, city-wide exhibition happening this weekend, providing guaranteed indoor entertainment.
: Wellington is buzzing with the Fringe Festival. While it has mature shows, there are many whānau-friendly spectacles, comedy, and interactive pieces to catch.It’s the height of a major cultural festival, guaranteeing diverse and unique performances all weekend.
FREE : Check out the action on the water at the Dragon Boat Festival! Teams from all over descend on the waterfront for this iconic spectacle.It's a dynamic, exciting, and free waterfront event happening all weekend.
· March 1
4FREE : Head to Space Place to get gloriously messy with Oobleck, which acts like both a solid and a liquid at the same time. This activity is tied into National Children's Day celebrations.It's a fantastic, hands-on science activity that capitalises on the National Children's Day activities.
: Take the family to Sky Stadium to cheer on the Wellington Phoenix in this A-League fixture against Sydney FC.A major sporting event happening right on Sunday afternoon—great for older kids and teens.
FREE : Celebrate Te Rā o ngā Tamariki (National Children's Day) out in Porirua with what looks like a large community event.It's the main National Children's Day celebration, promising a big turnout and plenty of kid-focused activities.
: A talk diving into the fascinating, glamorous, and scandalous lives of the aristocratic Mitford sisters. Great for families with teens interested in history or biographies.A unique Sunday afternoon talk happening at Te Papa that appeals to families with older children who enjoy storytelling.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: Start your Sunday with some peace and quiet among the nature at ZEALANDIA. Take a calming walk before participating in the session.It's a serene activity available on Sunday morning at a top Wellington attraction.
FREE : If you are at Te Papa on Sunday, pop into Toi Art for a super quick 15-minute zoom-in session on specific artworks. Perfect for short attention spans.It is a reliable, free, short, indoor activity happening on Sunday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Wellington this weekend?
The best free options this weekend are the main Children's Day 2026 event at Ngati Toa Domain on Sunday, the Dancing Oobleck Aliens session at Space Place on Sunday morning, and checking out the community activities at the Wellington MTB Festival hub on Saturday.
Where can we find kid-friendly art activities?
Te Papa has two different options: the short Toi Art Saturdays performance on Saturday afternoon, and the free Lucky Dip Art Talks happening Sunday morning. The massive Wellington Art Show at Tākina is also running all weekend.
Are there any unique outdoor events happening on Saturday?
Yes! Head to Cuba Street for PARK(ing) Day where car parks are turned into art installations, or check out the community rides and events at the Wellington MTB Festival Hub.
