It's Easter weekend in Derby! We've found plenty of fun for the family on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April 2026. Get ready for Easter parties, soft play sessions perfect for toddlers, and unique craft days at local museums.
See our top picks
Light-It-Up Paper Craft Sessions
Mickleover Library
Free, simple paper crafts on Saturday morning.
Create and Play
Derby QUAD & Cinema
Drop-in creative fun indoors on Saturday afternoon.
Bouncy Castle and Soft Play (under 5s, with parents) - 9am session
Derby Arena
Dedicated soft play sessions specifically for under 5s on Saturday morning.
· April 4
9: The annual Children's Easter Party featuring DNA Kids is happening Saturday afternoon. Expect two hours of in-person fun to celebrate the holiday.A dedicated Easter party event happening right in the city centre on Saturday.
: Drop into the QUAD for an afternoon of creative making! This is a great indoor option for Saturday when the kids might need a break from the outdoors.It's running all afternoon on Saturday, offering flexibility for parents.
: Head out to Cromford Mills for an Easter trail adventure that runs all day Saturday. It’s a great way to get some fresh air while keeping the kids entertained.A dedicated trail activity on Saturday outside of the main Derby area.
EASTER EGG HUNT AT ELVASTON CASTLE : Combine an Easter Egg Hunt with a Mini Barrio Fiesta at the lovely Elvaston Castle on Saturday. The main hunt runs for one hour in the middle of the day.Combines an egg hunt with a fiesta element on Saturday.
DECORATE A CARNIVAL MASKFREE : Another free library craft session on Saturday morning! Pop into Spondon Library to decorate a carnival mask. These free, simple sessions are perfect for younger kids.Free, simple craft available on Saturday morning in Spondon.
FREE : Head to Sharpe's Pottery Museum on Saturday for a free family craft day running for five hours. Booking is required, so make sure you sign up in advance!Free craft day at a museum setting on Saturday, requires booking.
: A hands-on workshop at Hobbycraft for kids aged 3 and up to create spring characters out of corrugated materials. It's a good indoor option for Saturday lunchtime.Specific craft workshop aimed at ages 3+ on Saturday.
EGG-CITING EASTER ADVENTURE : This Easter adventure at Mini Donington runs on Saturday (and Friday, which we ignore). Book soon as slots are available throughout the day for this kid-focused event.One of the few events running Saturday that isn't directly Easter-themed, offering variety.
BOUNCY CASTLE AND SOFT PLAY (UNDER 5S, WITH PARENTS) - 1.30PM SESSION : The final Saturday session for toddlers at the Arena, running right through to 3:30 PM. Ideal for a late afternoon energy burn-off.It covers the mid-afternoon slot on Saturday for the toddler demographic.
· April 5
3BOUNCY CASTLE AND SOFT PLAY (UNDER 5S, WITH PARENTS) - 11.15AM SESSION : Another chance to use the soft play facilities on Sunday morning. Great for wearing out the under 5s before the afternoon fun begins. Parking is free for attendees.Perfect for families with toddlers wanting an active morning on Sunday.
FREE : A free Easter Disco for the little ones happening Sunday evening, featuring the Kids DJ. It's a fun-filled extravaganza to wrap up the holiday weekend.It's completely free, making it an easy way to enjoy Sunday evening.
MEET THE WOMBLES : Meet the Wombles at Heights of Abraham on Sunday! This is a great excuse to visit this attraction near Derby for a day out.Character meet-and-greet happening specifically on Sunday at a major local attraction.
Also On· anytime this weekend
1: Keep the little ones busy with a dedicated 2-hour session of bouncy castle and soft play fun. This is specifically aimed at toddlers under 5 and parents must stay with them. Parking is free!A great structured activity perfect for very young children on Saturday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Derby this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are 4 free events: Light-It-Up Paper Craft Sessions at Mickleover Library (Sat), Decorate a Carnival Mask at Spondon Library (Sat), Easter Family Craft Day! at Sharpe's Pottery Museum (Sat), and a free Kids Easter Party at Queens Head Derby (Sun).
Are there any soft play sessions for toddlers this weekend?
Yes! Derby Arena is running dedicated Bouncy Castle and Soft Play sessions specifically for children under 5 (with parents) on Saturday morning (9-11 AM) and Sunday morning (9-11 AM & 11:15 AM-1:15 PM).
What activities are happening on Sunday, April 5th?
Sunday features Bouncy Castle/Soft Play sessions at Derby Arena, and the free Kids Easter Party Disco at Queens Head Derby in the evening.
