10 Things to Do in March

Sure, earlier in February Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter weather. But the first day of spring is quickly approaching—March 20, to be exact—and we can’t help but think ahead to (slightly) warmer temps and all the outdoor fun that comes with the season! Plus, March has some pretty special holidays (like Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Pi Day) to celebrate. Here are 10 things to do this month with your family—have fun!

CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY!

Also known as National Read Across America Day, March 2 is the birthday of every child’s favorite rhyming master. So celebrate by enjoying green eggs and ham for breakfast, have a family movie night with The Lorax or Horton Hears a Who!, and, of course, read plenty of Dr. Seuss books!

BAKE A PIE FOR PI DAY.

Math-lovers know March 14 as Pi Day (the mathematical constant of 3.14159…), so why not celebrate by making your favorite pie? Pizza, apple, blueberry, peach, strawberry, chocolate, key lime…the options are endless (much like pi, itself). Just make sure to snap a pic, share it on Instagram, and tag us so we can see your delicious creations: @NYMetroParents!

SHOP LOCAL.

Grocery shopping al fresco is an ideal, peaceful shopping experience. Not to mention, the kids can learn about what types of produce are in season and see get a sense of where their food is actually sourced. What’s more, local farmers’ markets have everything you’ll want to buy from fruits and vegetables to locally raised meat and dairy, handmade soaps, candles, jewelry, baked goods, and more. Find a list of area farmers’ markets at nymetroparents.com/farmers-markets—just double check hours and safety restrictions before you visit.

GO FOR A BIKE RIDE.

Check the air in your tires, make sure the helmets still fit, ensure the breaks are in working order, and take your bikes out for a spin in the neighborhood or on a nearby bike path!

PLANT A GARDEN.

In addition to being a fruitful hobby, gardening has health benefits for kids and adults. Gardening outside promotes movement (walking, squatting, and lifting), and you’ll get plenty of vitamin D—just remember to wear sunscreen! It also “connects us with nature, which has been shown to work wonders for children having a hard time focusing,” says Renata Fossen Brown in Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden. So, whether you want to start growing your own produce or your child has expressed an interest in digging in the soil, try growing a green thumb this year—and visit nymetroparents.com/ garden for kid-friendly ideas!

GO FOR A HIKE.

A great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while maintaining social distance from other parties, there are so many hiking trials in our area that are family-friendly! “Hiking shows kids that exercise can be fun and that the wilderness can be more exciting than video games,” says Kevin Rosenberg, founder of the formally Brooklyn-based Gear to Go Outfitters, a full-service outfitter that offers backpacking, hiking, camping, and other gear, including apparel and footwear, for sale or rent. Find a trail near you at nymetroparents.com/hike.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

Sure, parades might not be happening this year due to the pandemic, but you can still celebrate at home! Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he must take you to his pot of gold. So, help your kids build a leprechaun trap and don’t forget something gold as bait! Read some kids’ books about St. Patrick’s Day (like Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase by James Dean). And enjoy some traditional Irish foods, like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or Irish soda bread. Oh, and don’t forget to wear green!

WALK AMONG TREETOPS!

Get ready for an aerial adventure as your whole family climbs through the trees, ziplines through the forest, and conquers any fears or nerves. Boundless Adventures, located in Purchase, opens for the season March 27, while The Adventure Park at Discovery Museum, located in Bridgeport, CT, and The Adventure Park at Long Island, located in Wheatley Heights, open March 26. Bonus: All locations host nighttime climbing events when the trees are aglow with lights.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR CHERRY BLOSSOMS!

Cherry trees are all over the New York metro area, and they typically start to bloom in late March/early April, according to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. When the pretty pink flowers begin to bloom, it’s a sure sign of spring’s arrival. You can even track the cherry blossoms’ progress at bbg.org to see when it’s the best time to visit the garden for some amazing pics.

SAY HELLO TO THE ANIMALS AT THE ZOO!

Spring is the perfect season to see the animals at the zoo— you might just spot some adorable baby animals during your visit! The Bronx Zoo, Trailside Museums & Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, and the Bergen County Zoo are all open, with COVID safety guidelines in place. Make sure to buy tickets in advance online to ensure you’ll be able to visit on the day you want!