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Free in March: 20 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Celebrate the return of the swallows. Photo courtesy of the Swallows Day Parade Facebook page
Celebrate the return of the swallows. Photo courtesy of the Swallows Day Parade Facebook page
3/3/23 - By Kylie Williams

There are so many free in March events that it will be hard to choose just one each weekend. Spring is in the air this month, but you don't have to spring for high-priced admission to have a good time.

There are plenty of free and festive fun happenings throughout LA. Look to the skies to enjoy the Point Mugu Air Show, the 49th annual Festival of the Kite, and the San Juan Capistrano swallows parade. From the sky to the sea, keep an eye on those Pacific Ocean waves as it's whale watching season, and there are free celebrations in Dana Point and Oxnard. Leprechauns are among us at several St. Patrick's Day parades, and Purim brings free carnivals to the city. Save your cash for spring cleaning projects and Easter baskets because March has enough free fun to take you through the month. 

Think this is it for events in March? Not so fast. Here are even more things to do in March with kids. Plus, our calendar is frequently updated. If you're looking forward to springing ahead as much as we are, embrace the new season with the beloved butterfly pavilion at NHM, and start planning your springtime outings with our spring fun guide. 

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Dancing and rides? Purim is stacked with entertainment. Purim Carnival photo by Steve Sherman, courtesy of Temple Judea
Dancing and rides? Purim is stacked with entertainment. Purim Carnival photo by Steve Sherman, courtesy of Temple Judea

Free Events in March in Los Angeles and Orange County

Storypalooza at Santa Monica Public Library

Santa Monica - Saturday, March 4, 2023
Santa Monica Public Library's Storypalooza champions literacy and celebrates the diversity of children’s literature. Attendees receive a free book while supplies last READ MORE

Spring Fest 2024

Chinatown - Saturday, March 4, 2023
Formerly known as the Lantern Festival, Spring Fest 2024 is a day of family-friendly activities, Lunar New Year crafts, and cultural performances at the Chinese American Museum. It is hosted in partnership with the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.  READ MORE

53rd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

Dana Point - Saturday & Sunday, March 4 & 5, 2023
The Festival of Whales celebrates migrating whales who use Dana Point's headland as a landmark on their journey southward. Festivities include whale watching, a street fair, a parade, classic cars on display, and an art show . READ MORE

Family Festival: Nubia (Getty Villa)

Malibu - Saturday & Sunday, March 4 & 5, 2023
The Getty Villa celebrates the rich traditions of Nubian culture in this free, interactive festival for all ages. Guests can experience the sights and sounds of the region through music and dance, hands-on workshops, and photo ops. READ MORE

Purim Carnival (Tarzana)

Tarzana - Sunday & Monday, March 5 & 6, 2023
 Temple Judea hosts the biggest Purim Carnival in the Valley, at the corner of Lindley Avenue and Ventura, with plenty of room for dancing in the street. The area becomes a mini-Disneyland with rides.  READ MORE

ArtNight Pasadena

Pasadena - Friday, March 10, 2023
Pasadena's Art Night is once again a go! Select museums and institutions in Pasadena, (including the Pasadena Public Library, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and Armory Center for the Arts) open their doors for this free semi-annual event. READ MORE

Abilities Expo

DTLA - Friday - Sunday, March 10 - 12, 2023
The Abilities Expo opens up a world of possibilities for adults and kids with disabilities. In addition to a full program addressing adult needs, Abilities Expo presents an abundance of fun, engaging things for kids to do and see. READ MORE

Free to Be Me Festival

Santa Clarita - Saturday, March 11, 2023
The family-friendly Free to Be Me Festival celebrates the special needs community and their families. This free community event features inclusive and adaptive activities, live sensory-friendly entertainment, arts and crafts, recreational activities, sensory play and more.  A chill zone is available for those that need a calming space READ MORE

County Ventura St. Patrick's Day Parade

Ventura - Saturday, March 11, 2023
The annual County Ventura St. Patrick's Day Parade marches to the theme of "Shamrocks & Shenanigans!​" with bands, Irish dancers, fire trucks, antique vehicles, four-legged pets, and anything remotely green that can march down Main Street.  READ MORE

Hermosa Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade

Hermosa Beach - Saturday, March 11, 2023
It's the pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow: the Hermosa Beach Saint Patrick's Day Parade returns for its 28th year on March 16, 2024.  READ MORE

50th Annual Festival of the Kite

Redondo Beach - Sunday, March 12, 2023
The Redondo Pier hosts one of Southern California’s longest-running kite festivals.  Prizes are awarded in various categories from the youngest kite flier to the highest flying kite. READ MORE

Teen Science Cafe

Long Beach - Thursday, March 16, 2023
This FREE EVENT was created for teens by teens! The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Teen Science Café hosts a monthly series associated with the Antarctic Women in Science Project. High school and middle school students are invited to learn from these scientists engaged with various aspects of science in Antarctica. Teens participate in hands-on activities related to the various topics presented. READ MORE

Point Mugu Air Show

Point Mugu - Saturday & Sunday, March 18 & 19, 2023
The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, are joined by the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds, as co-headliners for the 2023 Point Mugu Air Show held at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. This is the first time the two renowned demonstration squadrons have performed together at Point Mugu. READ MORE

Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival 2024

Sierra Madre - Sunday, March 19, 2023
The biggest event of the year in Sierra Madre is always this festival to celebrate the Guinness Book of World Records' honoree for world's largest blossoming plant.  READ MORE

Free Day at the Arboretum

Arcadia - Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Free Day at the Arboretum has become so popular that tickets must now be booked in advance.  READ MORE

Swallows Day Parade 2024

San Juan Capistrano - Saturday, March 25, 2023
We all know that the swallows always return to San Juan Capistrano, but did you know that they are welcomed with an annual homecoming parade? The annual event holds the distinction of being the nation's largest non-motorized parade. This year's theme is "Saddle Up San Juan". READ MORE

How to Write Really Rad Comics

Santa Monica - Saturday, March 25, 2023
The writer of the famous Archie comics visits the Pico Branch Santa Monica Library to teach teens and tweens how to write comics. Find your literary voice with help from Ron Robbins.  READ MORE

A Chance to Dance by the Los Angeles Ballet Company

Exposition Park - Sunday, March 26, 2023
One Sunday each month during Los Angeles Ballet's season, LAB dancers offer free ballet classes and more. The day's classes are usually centered around a theme. After several years of virtual events, the Los Angeles Ballet is offering their dance courses in person. Some classes are specifically geared towards children, like Children's Creative Movement, so make sure to check the schedule to find specific times. READ MORE

2024 Celebration of the Whales Festival

Oxnard - Sunday, March 26, 2023
A free festival celebrating Pacific Gray migration? Whale be there! The 24th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival at the Channel Islands Harbor offers educational exhibits,  a “paint a whale” mural project, chalk art, live music, and a children’s fun zone. Food is available for purchase at BBQ and seafood booths, as well as at the local farmer's market.  READ MORE

César Chávez Family Day

LA Plaza d Cultura y Artes - Sunday, March 26, 2023
¡Viva la Causa! LA Plaza celebrates the life of inspirational labor leader César Chávez. Guests can learn about the fight for farm labor rights at this free family day. The day features dance and music, and art and garden workshops. READ MORE

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