Hearty little crocuses have been busting through the chill for weeks, so we know that spring is nigh! Activities are resembling something close to normal, and we are masked up and on board. Let’s go! Frolicking outside, seeing a play, going to the drive-in and reading to a pooch — these activities and more are on offer this month as we march forth toward lighter, brighter days.
- Tune in anytime this month for Marsh Madness virtual story time, featuring your favorite swampy critters: turtles, ducks, frogs and other wetland dwellers. Join in their adventures and learn about living the pond life. From the University of Washington’s Elisabeth C. Miller Library, available March 1–31.
- Some sweet and patient pooches would like to hear a story, and they need young readers to read aloud to them. Reading with Rover dogs are taking Zoom appointments from elementary-school-age kids who’d like to practice their reading. Wednesdays, 7–8 p.m. Free. Email for a time slot.
- With summer just around the corner, ParentMap invites all Puget Sound–area families to attend our free 2022 Camp Fair, a virtual event offering the opportunity to connect with more than 50 camp providers. Participants can also tune in for an inspiring talk by Citizen University cofounder and CEO Eric Liu. Preregister to join us Saturday, March 5, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Don’t delay booking your admission to Kirkland’s winter drive-in movie series at Juanita Beach Park. The feature for Saturday, March 5 is the kid favorite “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” $20 per car. Gates open at 6 p.m., screening begins at bedtime-friendly 7 p.m.
- Go wild in our state’s most beautiful natural places on two dates this month when you won’t need a Discover Pass to park in state parks, Wednesday, March 9 and Saturday, March 19. Commune with some close-to-town nature at state parks such as Bridle Trails, Saint Edward, Dash Point and others.
- Celebrate the joyful, colorful holiday of Holi with KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Sign up for a spot in one of two child-with-adult workshops to create rangoli using colored powder to decorate a canvas. Friday, March 11. $60 per child and accompanying adult.
- Join Lacey’s Cultural Celebration (formerly called Ethnic Fest) in person at St. Martin’s University or online. This community gathering highlights and honors wide-ranging cultural traditions through music, art, dance and more. In-person event, Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; online event through April 4. Free.
- Get your green going by enjoying Seattle’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, back in person and happening on Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m. The annual Irish Festival Seattle, which runs March 12–13, celebrates the cultural traditions and heritage of Ireland. Stay tuned for an announcement on whether Irish Fest will take place virtually or in person at Seattle Center this year. Free.
- Add a dash of magic to your walk in the park by following Lake Sammamish State Park’s Shamrock Stroll route. Discover the secrets of leprechauns and learn some Irish words and blessings in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. March 16–28. Discover Pass required to park.
- Clear your calendar and book your tix ASAP. The character, the legend, the cuddly cub is coming to town. That’s right, Daniel Tiger and his neighborhood pals play The Paramount Theatre on Saturday, March 19. It’s a shoe-in for the preschool event of the year. Tickets $16 and up.
- Mask up to enjoy live family-friendly theater again. The marvelous StoryBook Theater applies its unique and interactive treatment to the story of “Winnie the Pooh.” What will Pooh and his friends discover about friendships? Find out in this kid-focused musical that’s a treat for all ages, playing in Kirkland and Renton, March 19–May 8. Tickets $15.
- It’s the workshop every parent needs during the pandemic. Save an hour on Tuesday, March 22 at 2 p.m. to join ParentMap and child development expert Laura Markham, Ph.D., for “Peaceful Parenting: Solutions for Your Toughest Behavior Challenges.” Sliding-scale fee of $0–$15; preregister.
- It’s hard to describe the inimitable storytelling of Kevin Kling, but we can promise you’ll be on the edge of your seat and LOL-ing like crazy during his one-man show “The Best Summer Ever!” at Seattle Children’s Theatre, running March 22–April 17. Tickets $20–$4. Best for ages 8 and older.
- Don’t be late for this very important date: International Ballet Theatre presents “Alice in Wonderland,” a ballet for children, at Meydenbauer Theatre in Bellevue. Saturday–Sunday, March 26–27. Tickets $27–$55.
- Visit Seattle’s Burke Museum to inspect what’s going on in just one cubic foot of earth or ocean, from your backyard to the South Pacific. The exhibit “Life in One Cubic Foot” showcases the awesome diversity of natural life to be found in just one hunk of the planet. Ongoing exhibit, included with Burke admission or membership.
