23 Free Things to Do with Kids This March

Looking for free family fun in Portland this March? Whether you’re hoping to explore the outdoors, check out local festivals, or find indoor activities for those rainy days, we’ve got you covered. From free museum days to storytimes, parades, and seasonal events, there’s something for everyone—without spending a dime! Read on for 30+ free things to do with kids in Portland this March.

Family-friendly Mardi Gras fun. On Tuesday, March 4, head to N Mississippi Ave. for a vibrant parade and signature mini-umbrella throw. Don’t miss the kid’s costume pageant at 6 pm at Luke’s Frame Shop.

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 16. Don’t forget to wear green!

Play with color. Another can’t-miss festival this month is HOLI: Portland’s Festival of Colors at Pioneer Courthouse Square on March 29-30. It is free to attend, with color powder available for purchase. Wear white, dance your heart out, and prepare to be covered in color!

Festival for the birds. Tryon Creek’s annual Owl Fest on March 8, includes an all ages guided hike, owl pellet dissection activity, crafts, face painting, and more.

Market shop shuffle. It’s back! The Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market makes its 2025 debut on Saturday, March 1. There’s something for everyone here: jewelry, art, kids clothes and more, all made by local artisans. But with live music and plenty to see, you don’t have to make a purchase to have a great time.

Hop to it. Get ready to find those eggs. We have all your Easter event info right here, and many egg hunts are free to attend, including a helicopter egg drop!

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!

Listen up. Looking for storytime fun? There are plenty of free options, from story times at your favorite library to fun readings at local bookstores. Our favorite? Bard Storytime at Wonderwood Springs!

Tell the story yourself! Children can read to a therapy dog at Green Bean Books on March 23, at noon. This is a can’t miss event for early readers who love animals. Dogs don’t judge!

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. Or visit one of these spectacular destination playgrounds.

Park pass. Take advantage of this month’s Enjoy this month’s free parking day at Metro parks on March 20 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.

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

Discover a new museum. Speaking of free museum admission, don’t miss Free Day at the Discovery Museum at the World Forestry Center on March 16, 2025. The museum shares a parking lot with the Oregon Zoo if you want to make a day of it!

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.