The Best Things to Do With Kids in Washington, D.C. This March

By Kim Humphrey
Posted Feb 22, 2020 Things to Do DC/MD/VA

In like a lion and out like a lamb, March is here! The ushering in of warmer weather and the cherished sight of those iconic pink blossoms set the stage for Washington, D.C.'s signature spring event, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and all of the fun family activities that come along with it. 

But there's a lot more going on this spring than just blossoms. Check out our list of the top things to see and do with kids in Washington, D.C. this March (and don't forget to spring forward your clocks on Sunday, March 8th for Daylight Savings Time!).

YAO YAO at The Kennedy Center Family Theatre

South Korea's Brush Theatre uses interactive screen art technology and live music to capture the whimsical adventures of Yao, a mischievous little girl who accidentally pulls a thread from her Dad's overcoat that leads her into a magical world. Kids ages 3-7 will be delighted by the adventures that follow. HURRY - YAO YAO is at The Kennedy Center for two days only, February 29th and March 1st. Save 25% off tickets.

Visit Great Country Farms and Bring Home Baby Chicks! 

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 20 minutes west of Leesburg, Virginia, Great Country Farms is one of our favorite destinations in the D.C. area for a day of old fashioned family fun. GCF offers seasonal pick-your-own fruits and veggies, lots of adorable farm animals to pet and feed, and a huge five-acre play area for the kiddos that includes a farm ninja warrior course, 18-hole mini golf course, rope swings, barrel slides, jumping pillow and more. Starting March 2nd, families can sign up for GCF's annual spring Chick-Keeping 101 Program, which allows you to buy baby chicks to bring home and raise until they are ready to go back to the farm and join their flock. This is a great way to welcome spring and teach kids about caring for a farm animal without the long-term commitment (and let's face it, baby chicks are adorable!). Read our Real Mom Review to learn more about Great Country Farms.

Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Anacostia Community Museum - FREE

On Tuesday, March 3rd from 5 - 8 p.m., celebrate Fat Tuesday with mask-making at Anacostia Community Museum. All materials including feathers, beads, bangles, and glitter will be provided. Listen to authentic zydeco music and participate in a second line wearing your masks through the museum. This program is part of the museum’s new Twilight Tuesdays series of drop-in programs. No registration required and light refreshments will be provided.

Experience the Best Indoor Playgrounds in the DMV

Photo: BusyBees Fairfax Corner

While spring officially arrives this month, it usually takes the weather some time to catch up to our desire to do nothing but play outside all day long. But playing inside can be just as fun when you have so many awesome indoor playgrounds in the D.C. area to explore. Check out our guide to the best in the area and save up to 50% off admission.

Welcome Back Command Module Columbia to the Air & Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia - FREE

Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia Photo by: Arjun Sarup

After two years touring the nation, Apollo 11 command module Columbia will return home on March 3rd. On that day, Museum staff will be on hand to talk about the module, its conservation, and what's next for this iconic artifact. The Museum's youngest guests can experience a special Moon-themed Flights of Fancy story time and hands-on activity. 

It's a "Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" at Smithsonian's Discovery Theater at Ripley Center

Kids ages 3-6 will have a "Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" during this special Discovery Play Series presented by Smithsonian's Discovery Theater, March 4th - 6th. Meet the grocer, the baker, the pizza-dough maker, and all of the friendly people who make our neighborhoods terrific places to live every day. Recycled crafting, interactive songs, literacy and numeracy elements make this community day the perfect blend of learning and just plain fun. Tickets are required and range from $3 - $8.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Fest™ Millennium Stage Performances at The Kennedy Center - FREE

Now in its second year, BGR! FEST! is a multi-day, immersive live experience that celebrates, empowers, and elevates women and girls of color through concerts, discussions, workshops, and free community events taking place over International Women's Day Weekend, March 6th - 8th. Part of the festivities include FREE Millennium Stage Performances at 6 p.m. on March 6th and 7th. 

Operation Secret Sleepover at the International Spy Museum

When the lights go down on Saturday, March 7th, the adventure begins at the International Spy Museum! The Museum doors have been locked for the night, but in the shadows a group of exclusive recruits and their handlers stand ready to begin a night of top-secret KidSpy® training. Perfect your alias and cover-story, check in at “Border Patrol,” and prepare for a night of intrigue and adventure. During the night, transform yourself through disguise, make and break secret codes, interrogate real spies, and uncover important secrets. This event is for kids ages 9-13 with their adult handlers. 

Celebrate Nowruz Persian New Year at Freer|Sackler and Ripley Center - FREE

Nowruz Persian New Year Celebration at Freer|Sackler and Ripley Center

Ring in the Persian New Year at this 12th annual celebration at the Freer|Sackler and Ripley Center with hands-on activities, performances, and interactive storytelling on Sunday, March 8th from 11 a.m - 5 p.m. Experience the Persian culture with traditional food and sweets, displays of new year's objects, Persian music and dance, an opportunity to create your own Nowruz crafts, including decorated eggs, and more.

Homeschool Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, Virginia

Photo: George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is hosting a special day for homeschooling families on Monday, March 9th with a special ticket rate of $9 for homeschool students ages 6-18 and $10 for adults (children 5 and under are free). Discover the 18th century by participating in hands-on activities and exploring the Pioneer Farm where you can watch costumed historic trades interpreters produce 18th-century goods, learn about George Washington's innovative farming practices, play colonial games, and meet some of Mount Vernon's animals. 

Shen Yun at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia

The world renowned classical Chinese dance and performing arts company, Shen Yun, is coming to Fairfax March 10th and 11th with all new choreography, music, songs, backdrops and stories. Shen Yun takes you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture through mesmerizing performances by classically trained dancers performed against dazzling animated backdrops. Shen Yun has become an international sensation, traveling to over 100 cities in 20 countries to bring the wonders of ancient Chinese culture to  millions around the globe in sold-out shows. Don't miss it while it's in your own backyard! Click HERE and use promo code CKID20 to waive all ticketing and facility fees (up to $6 off per ticket) PLUS get access to 15% off all merchandise coupon to be used online or on-site.

Visit the Newly Reopened National Building Museum

After closing for a three-month renovation in December, the family-favorite National Building Museum reopens to the public on March 13th with a brand new layout and visitors center. The kid-favorite PLAY, WORK and BUILD exhibit returns, which includes a supersized, hands-on foam block play area and a digital interactive virtual block building wall. The National Building Museum also hosts an array of daily activities and programs for kids. Save 50% off admission to National Building Museum.

Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co. in Glen Echo, Maryland

This timeless tale is brought to life in puppet form by The Puppet Co.'s talented master puppeteers, March 13th, 21st and 22nd in Glen Echo Park. Imaginative scenery and beautiful costumes support this large-scale marionette version of the classic love story. Save 34% off tickets to Beauty and the Beast.

Women in Aviation and Space Family Day at The National Air & Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia - FREE

Head to Udvar-Hazy on Saturday, March 14th between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for a day of family fun learning about the significant contributions women have made throughout the history of aviation and space exploration. Meet inspiring women working in the field today - from STEM professionals to air traffic controllers, test your skills in a flight simulator, and experience story time, photos ops, and lots of hands-on activities and fun challenges.

Family Fun Day at the National Law Enforcement Museum - FREE

On Saturday, March 14th, explore the world of health and wellness in law enforcement at the Museum’s Free Family Fun Day. Activities will include a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, take-home crafts, and more! Admission to the Museum and all activities are FREE on this day! Read more about the National Law Enforcement Museum and why it's great for kids.

Don Your Green and Celebrate Saint Patty's Day!

White House Fountain dyed green for Saint Patrick's Day, Photo by Chuck Kennedy

It's that time of year again when leprechauns sneak about, luck is in the air and the color green abounds - it's St. Patty's Day on March 17th! Join in the fun at one of these family-friendly St. Patrick's Day events in the D.C. area:

Ireland at The Wharf Festival - FREE
Bring the family to the District Wharf on Saturday, March 14th from 1 - 6 p.m. to celebrate the rich culture and tradition of the Emerald Isle with bagpipers, live music, and Irish dancers on District Pier. Adults can grab a pint from the Guinness beer garden while the whole family jigs along to live music.

Danú “St. Patrick's Day Celebration” at Alden Theatre in McLean
Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of today's leading traditional Irish ensembles whose high-energy performances feature a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. Save 26% off tickets for their March 15th performance at Alden Theatre.

St. Paddy's Day Party at Smithsonian Discovery Theater at Ripley Center
On Tuesday, March 17th, join Pete (aka Mitch Fanning) and his troupe of talented young musicians as they pick up their fiddles and bodhran drums to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Spirited music, lively step dancing, and a dash of Irish musical history guarantee “a rattlin’ good time!” Recommended for ages 5 - 12. Tickets are $3 - $8 and can be purchased HERE.

Irish Step Dancing at the Anacostia Community Museum - FREE
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17th from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. with cookies, green kool-aid, and traditional Irish step dancing with the Shannon Dunne Dance Company outside on the Museum's garden plaza. 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Kicks off on March 20th

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.

Join in this annual celebration commemorating Japan's gift to the U.S. in 1912 of the 3,000 cherry trees that adorn the Tidal Basin in pink blossoms each spring and honoring the lasting friendship between these two countries. The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20th - April 12th this year and includes a full slate of family-friendly events, activities and performances throughout the D.C. area, commencing with the Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre on March 21st at 5 p.m. Check out the official events calendar on the National Cherry Blossom Festival website so you don't miss out on any of the fun! And be sure to read our tips for viewing the famous blossoms with kids in tow. 

Catch the Harlem Globetrotters in Fairfax, Virginia or Washington, D.C.

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are dribbling into the area this March to show off their amazing ball handling and slam dunk skills. This is a family favorite that keeps all ages entertained and laughing. Save 35% off tickets for the March 20th or 21st shows at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax or the March 21st show at Capital One Arena in D.C. with promo code CERTIFIKID.

Cherry Blossom Celebration at Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) - FREE

SAAM and the National Cherry Blossom Festival are co-hosting a celebration of Japanese culture on March 21st from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Kogod Courtyard. The day begins with a taiko drumming performance, followed by Japanese music and performances. Young guests can also enjoy a spring-themed scavenger hunt and participate in cherry blossom crafts and face painting. 

Japanese Fashion Family Day at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum - FREE

Celebrate Japanese fashion on March 21st from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., featuring kimono, happi coats, accessories, and the creativity of contemporary Japanese fashion designers. Enjoy performances of traditional dances from Okinawa. Watch a kimono dressing demonstration, design your own kimono, and make a cherry blossom pendant to take home.

Blossom Kite Festival - FREE

National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kite Blossom Festival, D.C.

Part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival activities, the family favorite Blossom Kite Festival is back for its ninth year! Head to the grounds of the Washington Monument on March 28th from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to watch thousands of kites take flight, competitions and demonstrations of kite flying. Bring your own kite or purchase onsite. Kids can also make a kite at the activity station (while supplies last). 

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Check out our family-friendly getaway deals for more affordable family fun this month! From tiny cabin stays to water park resorts to beach resort getaways, we have a family getaway deal for every interest and budget -- at prices up to 50% off!

Tags: free cheap January events fun kids families Washington, DC

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