20 Free Things to Do with Kids in March

Can you feel it? It feels like spring is riiiight around the corner. There’s plenty to do this month and we’ve rounded up 20 events, activities and more to do with your family. The best part? It’s all free!

Market shop shuffle. It’s back! The Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market makes its 2024 debut on Saturday, March 2. And this year, the market is celebrating its 50th year! There’s something for everyone here: jewelry, art, kids clothes and more, all made by local artisans.

Hop to it. Get ready to find those eggs! We have all your Easter event info right here.

Storytime fun. Visit Linda Letra, a Northeast bilingual book store, for Spanish storytime with Maestro Jessica on Friday, March 1 at 10:30 am.

Build it. Hit up your local Home Depot the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free, in-person Kids Workshops. Pro Tip: Registration online does not guarantee a kit; it just saves you a step in store. Arrive right at 9 am for the best shot at a free kit! 

Share the bounty. Learn all about community-supported agriculture, or CSA, at the CSA Share Fair at The Redd. There will children’s activities, raffles, farmer meet-and-greets and cooking demos — with samples!

Story and sketch. On Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 am listen to children’s author Alison Farrell as she reads her newest book, The Hike, followed by a sketch-book making session. All the fun happens at Hammer + Jacks’ REC Room. On Saturday, March 16, author Dane Liu will read her fun book, Laolao’s Dumplings (the book even has a dumpling recipe!). And on Saturday, March 30, join author Kathleen Converse for a reading of Flora and the First Day of Spring, plus a mini egg hunt and craft!

Listen up. Looking for even more storytime fun? There are plenty of free options, from story times at your favorite library to fun readings at local bookstores.

Fixer upper. Have you been meaning to fix that bike sitting the garage? Or is the toaster on the fritz? The folks at the Repair PDX can help! At rotating locations, volunteers help mend household items — all for free!

Nature crafts. Visit the Tryon Open Nature Classroom for free kid-approved arts and crafts. It’s the perfect post-hike activity.

Spring break explorers. Let the nature educators at Hoyt Arboretum help your kiddo explore the natural world when school is out. The visitor center classroom will be transformed into Exploration Stations with hands-on activities, sensory displays and more.

Check out. Did you know that you can check out more than books and magazines at the Tigard Public Library. Enter the Library of Things! Here you’ll find games, toys, instruments, crafting tools, science models and more. (Parents: There’s also an array of devices for those home-improvement projects on your list.)

Budding blooms. Winter has passed and the sweet-smelling days of spring are upon us. There are plenty of places to witness this changing of the season. Here are favorites.

Take in the view. Now that the sun is shining more, take advantage of the clearer, warmer days at one of these playgrounds with a view. 

Park pass. Take advantage of this month’s Enjoy this month’s free parking day at Metro parks on March 21 with a visit to one of the city’s spectacular parks, including Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp, Broughton Beach and Chinook Landing Marine Park.

Teen time. Got a bored teen at home? Then TeenForce just might be your answer. TeenForce, made possible by Portland Parks & Recreation, is a free, after school program at five community centers around the city and is available for youth ages 10 to 20. Registration is free and once your teen has their pass, they have access to designated open swims, gyms and more.  

History lessons. Learn more about Portland’s vibrant Black community at these five spots.

Watch whales. Every spring in late March, gray whales make their annual migration past Oregon’s coastlines en route to Alaska. Here are some of the best spots to catch them in action.

Sham-rock ‘n’ roll. Celebrate March with a festive St. Patrick’s Day parade. Head to the Beverly Cleary School at 33rd and Hancock at 1 pm on Sunday, March 17. Don’t forget to wear green!

Artful. Our city is full of great places to see art, and several are free! Check out where to get your art on at no cost.

History revealed. The Oregon Historical Society is a great place to teach kids about our state’s rich history. Admission is free for all Multnomah County residents, too.