Get ready for a fun weekend in Derby! We've found some exciting, one-off events for your 3-14 year olds on Saturday, Feb 7th and Sunday, Feb 8th, 2026. Check out the special family workshop and the outdoor adventure day!
See our top picks
Sensory Story and Play Session
Derby Central Library
A free, gentle sensory start to Sunday morning for the little ones.
Sunday Family Matinee Screening
Derby Odeon Luxe
A relaxing way to spend the afternoon indoors with a big screen showing.
Little Explorers Soft Play Takeover
The Village Sports Complex
Early morning soft play dedicated just to toddlers and preschoolers.
· February 7
3FAMILY FUN CRAFT DAY: VALENTINE'S SPECIAL : Get crafty with the kids this Saturday morning! They're running a special workshop focusing on making handmade Valentine's cards and small gifts. It’s a brilliant way to spend a few hours indoors creating keepsakes.It's a special, limited-run craft session perfect for making unique gifts ahead of Valentine's Day.
MAD PROFESSOR'S EXPLOSIVE SCIENCE SHOW : If your kids love slime and bangs, this is the one! A live, theatrical science show with real (safe!) demonstrations happening Saturday afternoon. Perfect for the budding scientist in your family.A high-energy, live performance event focused purely on engaging older children with science concepts.
LITTLE EXPLORERS SOFT PLAY TAKEOVER : The local soft play area is opening up early for just toddlers and pre-schoolers with extra sensory mats and ball pits set up. A super safe environment for your little ones to tumble and explore before the older kids arrive.It's a specific, timed session dedicated to the 3-6 age group, meaning less chaos from older siblings.
· February 8
3WINTER WILDLIFE EXPLORER TRAIL : Head just outside Derby for a fun nature trail focused on spotting winter wildlife! Pick up a special explorer pack at the visitor centre and see what creatures you can find hiding in the parkland. Great for burning off some energy!It’s a dedicated, structured outdoor activity designed to make a country park visit educational and engaging for kids.
SENSORY STORY AND PLAY SESSION (AGES 3-5)FREE : A gentle, immersive story time involving sensory props, songs, and simple play activities tailored for the youngest ones. A lovely, relaxed way to start your Sunday morning!It's one of the few completely free, age-specific early years events running this weekend.
SUNDAY FAMILY MATINEE SCREENING : Catch a big-screen family movie release perfect for all ages this Sunday afternoon. Great if the weather turns, or you just need a relaxing end to the weekend. Check listings for the specific film.A classic, reliable activity that caters perfectly to the mixed ages (3-14) across the range for a relaxing Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Derby this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 07-08) there is one confirmed free event: the Sensory Story and Play Session at Derby Central Library on Sunday morning.
Which activity is best for my 4-year-old on Saturday?
For your 4-year-old on Saturday, the best dedicated activity is the Little Explorers Soft Play Takeover in the morning, or the Family Fun Craft Day in the afternoon.
Is there anything active outside for the whole family on Sunday?
Yes! Head to Elvaston Castle Country Park for the Winter Wildlife Explorer Trail running all day Sunday for a great outdoor adventure.
