Photo:
The Seuss-tacular Spring Fling celebrates Dr. Seuss and National Reading Month. Photo: Parks Tacoma
If you are in disbelief that it is already March, I’m right there with you. But with the brand-new month comes a brand-new list of free family-friendly activities happening all around town.
On that March bucket list, you’ll find one of my very favorite annual spring traditions: the La Conner Daffodil Festival. It’s a chance to take the scenic route through Skagit Valley, where hundreds of acres of daffodils are in bloom. And there are a couple of pit stops along the way that you won’t want to miss, from a local farm where you can cuddle mini Highland cows to a bakery serving up indulgent cinnamon rolls. My weekend is planned!
If you still need some inspiration, my top 10 events are at the ready. There’s something for everyone, from a Seuss-tacular celebration to an unforgettable bowl of chowder. It is a lot to pack in on a weekend where we’re short an hour (yep, it’s daylight saving time), but I think we can do it. See you out there!
1. Emerald City Comic Con
Date: Friday–Sunday, March 6–8
Cost: General admission, $45–$85; kids ages 6–12, $25; ages 5 and younger free
Location: Seattle Convention Center Summit Building, 900 Pine St., Seattle
This family-friendly celebration of pop culture has it all: celebrity guests, incredible cosplay, interactive activities and more. Make Family HQ your first stop to meet a few heroes, listen to story time and get creative with crafts. Plus, there will be 350 exhibitors offering comics, merchandise and other must-have items. Grab tickets while you still can!
2. StoryWalk at Lake Wilderness Arboretum
Date: Friday–Sunday, March 6–8
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Wilderness Arboretum, 22520 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley
We had a few sunny days, but it looks like the rain is back. And what perfect timing, as this month’s StoryWalk book is a charming one about what animals do when it rains. Put on your best rain gear and walk along the trail to see the beautifully illustrated “When Rain Falls” unfold, one page at a time.
3. Chase the Rainbow Leprechaun Hunt
Date: Friday–Sunday, March 6–8
Cost: Free
Location: Participating locations along the Gig Harbor waterfront
I can never resist a scavenger hunt, and this one is perfect just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day. Explore the Gig Harbor waterfront as you search for hidden leprechauns. You’ll collect colorful beads from local businesses along the way, making the adorable Local Whimsy store your last stop. Make a fun bag charm (for free!) and shop the cutest selection of gifts, home goods, children’s items and more.
4. Little Beats Concert Series
Date: Saturday, March 7
Cost: $5 per person at the door
Location: Washington Pioneer Hall, 1642 43rd Ave. E., Seattle
It’s the last concert of this sweet series, and The Harmonica Pocket is closing it out with a can’t-miss selection of songs. The whole family will love singing and dancing along to the silly and sweet music. (No judgment if you need coffee before the dancing begins. Just plan for a stop at Madison Park Bakery before the show!)
5. Seuss-tacular Spring Fling at STAR Center
Date: Saturday, March 7
Cost: Free
Location: STAR Center, 3873 S. 66th St., Tacoma
There’s a collection of Dr. Seuss books that has taken over a shelf in my daughter’s room, and I always know “Hop on Pop” will be a hit. This whimsical event celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday and National Reading Month with crafts, games, inflatables and more. (Bonus: The Treetops Playground at STAR Center is one of our favorite indoor places to play.)
6. Cascade Family Fun Day
Date: Saturday, March 7
Cost: Free; items for purchase
Location: Cascade Village, 16906 116th Ave. S.E., Renton
This is a one-stop shop for family fun this weekend! Young entrepreneurs will be selling their wares at a children’s market in a fun and festive environment. Local businesses are joining in the fun, and there are plenty of different activities to keep the kids busy.
7. Bike Rodeo
Date: Saturday, March 7
Cost: Free
Location: Victory Heights Playground, 1737 N.E. 106th St., Seattle
My daughter just got a new balance bike and has been looking for an opportunity to show it off. Enter: this free bike rodeo with a decorating station, obstacle course and grand parade. Grab your kids’ bikes, trikes, scooters or skates and join the fun on wheels.
8. Penn Cove Musselfest
Date: Saturday–Sunday, March 7–8
Cost: Depends on activity; some free and some ticketed
Location: Historic Coupeville, Front Street Northwest, Coupeville
If the rainy days ahead make you want to cozy up with a bowl of chowder, I have good news for you: The Penn Cove Musselfest is back, and you can sample nine top-secret mussel chowder recipes. If that’s not enough to sway the whole family, know that there will also be mermaids, face painting, a scavenger hunt and fishing opportunities. Plus, it’s the only time of year that the Penn Cove seafood rafts are open to the public, so grab your rain coats and book a boat tour!
9. Indigenous Community Day at the Seattle Aquarium
Date: Sunday, March 8
Cost: Included with admission (starting at $47.95 for ages 13 and older; $35.95 for ages 4–12; free for ages 3 and younger)
Location: Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle
The Seattle Aquarium is one of my favorite spots to visit on the weekend, from the Ocean Pavilion to the Pier 58 playground just outside. There’s even more of a reason to visit this weekend, as members of Indigenous communities will be sharing their stories. There will be cultural demonstrations and more activities and exhibits to enjoy. (Tell the sea otters I said hi!)
10. Holi – Festival of Color
Date: Sunday, March 8
Cost: Free entry; colors for purchase (registration required)
Location: Redmond City Hall Great Lawn, 15670 N.E. 85th St., Redmond
Don’t miss one of the largest Holi celebrations in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a fantastic way to welcome spring! Dance, throw colors and have fun with the whole community. There will be Indian food, fun contests, flash mobs and plenty of activities.
More weekend activities:
- Marvel at perfectly preserved reptiles, insects and birds in the “Exquisite Creatures” exhibit.
- Spend an absolutely perfect day in Wright Park, exploring the walking trails and racing around the upgraded playground.
- Hop from one Little Free Library to the next. Treasures like baked goods, books, movies and even tiny works of art await.
Our family fun calendar features great community events — every day of the year!
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Editor’s note: Each week ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, updates The Weekender with her favorite weekend activities around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound. It was originally published years ago and was most recently updated on March 4, 2026. Event dates, times and locations were verified by our editor.
