This weekend, February 14th and 15th, 2026, Mainz is celebrating Carnival, but we also found great outdoor fun and science opportunities! Make sure to check out the Winterwelt closing weekend and enjoy some mountain air before it’s gone.
See our top picks
Winter World at Hofgut Laubenheimer Höhe
Hofgut Laubenheimer Höhe
Enjoy views and outdoor fun on the final weekend before it closes Sunday.
Carnival Party and Face Painting at Galli Theater
Galli Theater Wiesbaden
Indoor theater combined with carnival face painting and party vibes on Saturday.
Carnival of the Animals Guided Tour
Opel-Zoo (Kronberg)
A short, celebratory guided tour perfect for younger attention spans near the zoo.
· February 14
10FREE : This is the final weekend for the Winterwelt event! Head over to Hofgut Laubenheimer Höhe to enjoy the fresh mountain air and great views across the region. It’s a perfect low-key outdoor activity.This event ends on Sunday, Feb 15th, making this the absolute last chance to attend.
CARNIVAL PARTY AND FACE PAINTING AT GALLI THEATER : Catch the Carnival celebrations indoors with a fun theater performance about a visitor from another star, complete with face painting. A great way to stay warm and get into the Fasching spirit.It combines theater with festive activities like face painting for a complete indoor afternoon.
: The TSG 1846 Darmstadt is hosting their annual children's costume party (KiKoFe). Get those costumes ready for some classic Carnival fun outside of Mainz proper.It's a clearly defined children's costume party happening on Fasching Saturday.
CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS GUIDED TOUR : Enjoy an hour-long guided tour themed around the 'Carnival of the Animals' near the zoo grounds. A nice way to blend nature and celebration.The theme is classic and family-appealing, and it happens right at the zoo location.
CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL PARTY IN BAD HOMBURG : Join the children's carnival in Bad Homburg starting mid-afternoon. Doors open at 13:11, so aim to be there early to grab a good spot.A specific time is given for this large children's carnival event.
CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL IN FRANKFURT RIEDERWALD : Celebrate Fasching at the adventure playground Riederwald! Expect lots of colorful, cheerful, and boisterous carnival fun tailored for kids.It's a pure children's carnival event happening on Fasching Saturday.
FATHER-CHILD MEETUP : Fathers, bring your kids for a relaxed morning of play and casual exchange without needing to sign up beforehand. Great for dads looking to connect.It is a specific, short block of time on Saturday morning targeting fathers and their children.
: Join the local carnival club for their children's event in Schierstein, starting exactly at 14:11. This is traditional, local Fasching fun.Very specific start time and location for a pure children's Fasching event.
: Experience animals through classical music! This is an interactive concert designed to engage young listeners with musical interpretations of the animal kingdom.It blends culture and music in an engaging, interactive format suitable for young ears.
: This is the final Saturday to check out the 'Ball Kid Master' pop-up exhibition at the science center before it closes on Sunday. Expect lots of interactive fun related to balls and movement.It is the second-to-last day of this limited-run exhibition, offering guaranteed indoor STEM entertainment.
· February 15
3: Another chance to celebrate Fasching at the Galli Theater, featuring the Zauberine character, costume fun, and plenty of face painting.Offers a dedicated second-day option for the Carnival activities happening near Mainz.
OPEN HOUSE DAY AT TECHEROESFREE : This is a fantastic free opportunity to see what Techeroes does! They focus on playfully introducing school-aged children and teens to educational technology.It's free, runs in the afternoon, and targets the older elementary/middle school bracket.
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES AT BIOVERSUM KRANICHSTEIN : Every Sunday, the bioversum center hosts their 'Visitor Lab' with hands-on activities tailored to the current season. A great spot for curious families to explore nature science.It occurs every Sunday, so parents can rely on this structured, nature-based activity for their Sunday itinerary.
Also On· anytime this weekend
1: If you're heading toward Frankfurt, take part in the special family tour of Goethe’s childhood home. This happens every second and fourth Saturday of the month.It's a culturally rich, indoor tour, and this Saturday is one of the designated dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Mainz this weekend?
The best free option this weekend is visiting the Winterwelt auf dem Hofgut Laubenheimer Höhe, which is open Saturday and Sunday, although entry cost is implied as free. Additionally, the Techeroes Open House in nearby Bad Vilbel is completely free on Sunday afternoon.
Are there any Fasching (Carnival) parades happening?
While Mainz is known for its celebrations, the specific data provided points toward neighborhood costume parties (Kinderkostümfest in Darmstadt, Kinderfasching in Bad Homburg) and theatre parties in Wiesbaden instead of a large city parade event on these exact dates.
What can families with younger kids (under 5) do on Sunday?
For younger children, we recommend the Piano Papa participatory concert in Darmstadt at 2:00 PM, specifically aimed at ages 4+, or the hands-on activities at the bioversum Kranichstein Visitor Lab.
