Photo courtesy of Andrew Turner, Flickr Attribution 2.0 Generic
12 Kid-Friendly Spots to See the DC Cherry Blossoms
GUIDE
Spring Fun Guide for Kids and Families in Washington DC
Kids get excited about Ramadan because it's a time of celebration! Photo by Nanausop, courtesy of Canva
Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Ramadan with Kids
How many colorful eggs can your little bunny find? Photo courtesy of the Lee-Fendall House
32 Easter Egg Hunts Near Washington, DC for Kids and Teens in 2023
GUIDE
Washington DC Summer Camp Guide
Take a ride on the Bunny Train at the B&O Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of the B&O Railroad
Meet the Easter Bunny: Bunny Brunches, Trains, Egg Hunts, and Easter Bunny Pictures Near DC
Kids can swing, climb, and jump their way through the ninja warrior course at ZavaZone. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour Near DC for Kids
The National Museum of Natural History is free every day. Photo by Paul Fetters for the Smithsonian
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in DC with Kids
The DC area is full of great indoor playgrounds for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of Super, Awesome, & Amazing
Top Indoor Playgrounds in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids
Turn your own home into one of the best indoor birthday party places ever by inviting a beloved character from Stupendous Events. Photo courtesy of the company
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
Getting ready to fly high. Photo courtesy of the Atomic Trampoline Fun Center
7 Awesome Trampoline Parks Near DC for Indoor Family Fun
A cup of coffee from Open City is the perfect complement to a National Zoo visit. Photo courtesy of Open City DC
Best Coffee Shops in DC to Visit with Kids
When it comes to theme restaurants, no place does it up more than Baltimore's Papermoon Diner.
Best Theme Restaurants for Families in DC, Virginia, and Maryland
GUIDE
Kids' Birthday Party Places Guide for DC
Photo courtesy of Croydon Creek Nature Center
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for DC Kids
April is the ideal month to see the Washington, DC cherry blossoms. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
Top Attractions in DC: The Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Explore amazing interactive exhibits at the National Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in DC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Step inside the ballroom of Gadsby's Tavern, where George Washington attended birthday parties in his honor in 1798 and 1799. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
21 Best Things To Do in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia with Kids
The remodeled National Air and Space Museum is a sight to behold. Photo courtesy of the museum
Free Museums Near DC to Visit with Kids
Climb the famous steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a gorgeous view of the reflecting pool and the Washington Monument. Photo by anjanettew via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Visiting Washington, DC's National Mall and Memorial Parks with Kids

25 Best Things to Do in DC March 2023 with Kids: Cherry Blossoms, St. Patrick's Day, and More

Celebrate all things Irish at Ireland at the Wharf. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
Celebrate all things Irish at Ireland at the Wharf. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
2/26/23 - By Jennifer Swope

From St. Patrick's Day to the arrival of spring, March is a great time to get out and enjoy DC!

For those chilly March days, there are lots of great indoor shows happening this month, from The Mortification of Fovea Munson to the hijinks of the Harlem Globetrotters to The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon.

If you're Irish, or just feel like celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Ireland at the Wharf will surely be a festive time. There are also St. Patrick's Day parades in Gaithersburg, Manassas, and Old Town Alexandria. Don't forget to wear your green!

And the arrival of spring in DC can only mean one thing—cherry blossoms! The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off at the end of the month, including the opening ceremony and the Blossom Kite Festival.

Find more March fun in our list of ninja warrior gyms, obstacle courses, and parkour near DC, our Spring Fun Guide for DC Families, and our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 20, but the opening ceremony is March 25. Photo courtesy of the festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 20, but the opening ceremony is March 25. Photo courtesy of the festival

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this March

Sleeping Beauty

Glen Echo, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, March 2 - April 9, 2023
A storyteller who ribbits, offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells bring this classic tale to life at The Puppet Co. Playhouse. READ MORE

All Aboard! Family Activity Day at the National Capital Trolley Museum

Colesville, MD - Saturday, March 4, 2023
On the first Saturday of each month, the National Capital Trolley Museum hosts a family day, exploring different topics of transit history and engineering. The day includes a street-car ride and a family-friendly activity. READ MORE

BSO Music Box at the Strathmore

Bethesda, MD - Saturday, March 4, 2023
BSO Music Box shows are 30-minute, engaging, and interactive concerts featuring an ensemble of BSO musicians performing lighthearted classical and children’s songs to develop children's musicality, creativity, coordination, and literacy. READ MORE

Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, March 4, 2023
Free
Presented by the Ballyshaners, the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade features more than 2,000 participants including pipe and drum bands, historical re-enactors, Irish dancers, and more.  READ MORE

Families Unplugged: 3D Gnomes

Arlington, VA - Saturday, March 4, 2023
Bring the family but leave the phone behind for this unplugged event and be guided through a fun 3D Gnome project. READ MORE

The Mortification of Fovea Munson

Washington, DC - Saturdays & Sundays, March 4 - 19, 2023
Stuck working in her parents' cadaver lab, Fovea Munson never thought she was Dr. Frankenstein's assistant, Igor, until three disembodied heads start talking to her. It's no nightmare or hallucination, and they need a favor. Come see this hilarious musical, based on Mary Winn Heider's book. READ MORE

Homeschool Day at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Monday, March 6, 2023
At George Washington’s farm on March 6, homeschooling families will learn about plants, seed cultivation, and weather journals. Attendees will receive a starter plant kit to build on-site with Mount Vernon staff or to take home.  READ MORE

Tudor Tots: Who’s Feeling Lucky?

Washington, DC - Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with songs, crafts, and a storytime, perfect for young learners aged 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers. During this program, learn about Tudor Place’s connection to the holiday, read an Irish folktale, and create a shamrock craft. Enjoy the excitement of rainbows, shamrocks, and luck. READ MORE

Arts on the Horizon Presents: Fitting In

Alexandria, VA - Fridays & Saturdays, March 10-25, 2023
Three siblings find themselves in a room full of possibilities and one not-so-simple task—to put things in their proper place. They soon discover that throwing this and that into a box is not the same as finding where it fits in. READ MORE

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, March 11, 2023
Free
The city of Gaithersburg hosts its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade with Celtic dancers, bagpiper bands, school groups, clowns, fire trucks, horses, and more. READ MORE

Soar Together @ Air and Space Family Day: Messages in the Sky

Chantilly, VA - Saturday, March 11, 2023
Free
Most people have seen a banner pulled by an airplane, but there are other ways aircraft deliver messages in the sky. Visitors will learn about these other ways. READ MORE

Greater Manassas St. Patrick's Day Parade

Manassas, VA - Saturday, March 11, 2023
Free
This parade, which can be viewed along Center Street in Old Town Manassas, boasts unique Irish flair with pipe bands including the Alexandria Pipe and Drums, Irish dance groups, and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. READ MORE

The Harlem Globetrotters at Eagle Bank Arena

Fairfax, VA - Friday & Saturday, March 17 & 18, 2023
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour is coming to EagleBank Arena with game like never before. The Globetrotters are bringing out their amazing basketball skills, outrageous athleticism, and a non-stop LOL good time. Join them as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team. READ MORE

The Harlem Globetrotters at Capital One Arena

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 18, 2023
The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their amazing basketball skills, outrageous athleticism, and a non-stop LOL good time to Capital One Arena during their 2023 World Tour. Join them as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team. READ MORE

Ireland at the Wharf Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 18, 2023
Free
Celebrate the Emerald Isle at the Ireland at the Wharf Festival featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, live music, and a Guinness beer garden for adults. READ MORE

Wake Up, Brother Bear

Bethesda, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, March 18 - April 16, 2023
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience. READ MORE

The Harlem Globetrotters at CEI Arena

Baltimore, MD - Sunday, March 19, 2023
Head to CEI Arena to catch the Harlem Globetrotters' amazing basketball skills, outrageous athleticism, and non-stop LOL antics as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team.  READ MORE

Tudor Tots: What’s Blooming?

Washington, DC - Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Welcome another year of beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. Learn about how the cherry blossoms represent the gift of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and America. Young learners, aged 18 months to 4 years, and their caregivers will hear a story about the cherry trees, create a blooming craft, and sing songs about the special blossoms we get to see this time of year. READ MORE

Virginia National Ballet's Aladdin

Tysons, VA - Friday, March 24, 2023
With beautiful scenery and costumes, the Virginia National Ballet brings Aladdin and his three wishes to the stage, featuring a company of international dancers. READ MORE

Blossom Kite Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 25, 2023
Free
This long-standing DC tradition, part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, invites people of all ages to fly kites among the cherry blossom trees on the grounds of the Washington Monument.  READ MORE

Sakura Taiko Fest

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 25, 2023
At this cherry blossom celebration, Japanese taiko groups share their passion for music, culture, and community. From traditional favorites to modern Japanese-African fusion, the groups showcase different drumming styles celebrating Japanese culture. READ MORE

National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 25, 2023
Free
The opening ceremony launches the National Cherry Blossom Festival with peformances from artists with ties to both Japan and the United States. READ MORE

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration

Washington, DC - Saturday, March 25, 2023
Free
The Smithsonian American Art Museum invites families to celebrate the beginning of cherry blossom season with live musical performances, a cherry blossom craft, and a scavenger hunt. READ MORE

Trick of the Light Theatre: The Griegol

McLean, VA - Saturday, March 25, 2023
The Alden Family Series includes musical, comedy, dance, film, and children's shows for theatergoers of all ages. The March 2023 show is The Griegol. READ MORE

The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon

Fairfax, VA - Sunday, March 26, 2023
Using life-size puppets, dance, magic, pantomime, and original music, Enchantment Theatre Company brings the book Harold and the Purple Crayon to life. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Lubber Run Community Center
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Rio Lakefront Shopping Center
Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
George Mason University Center for the Arts Concert Hall