Family Fun in St. Louis: Eight Ways to Play in March

March isn’t known for being a “party” month, but the next four weeks are packed with some of the biggest celebrations of the year! From St. Patrick’s Day to Mardi Gras to Holi, your family can take part in fun-fueled festivities from around the globe without leaving St. Louis. Here are our picks for family fun this March:

Blues Kids Boogie at the National Blues Museum, March 3

What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than with a Nawlins-themed dance party at the National Blues Museum? During Blues Kids Boogie from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., your family can enjoy live music, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, storytelling, and a musical petting zoo. Be sure to stick around until 4 p.m. to keep the fun going with a kid-friendly Soulful Sunday Concert featuring Bob Case. Admission to Blues Kids Boogie is free for all party-goers; tickets to Bob Case are free for kids, $15 for adults.

For more information, visit the National Blues Museum website.

Visiting Artist Series at The Magic House: Irish Dance, March 9

Get your jig on at The Magic House when the museum welcomes Clark Academy of Irish Dance for a special St. Patrick’s themed workshop. Your little ones can watch these talented artists celebrate the history and heritage of the Emerald Isle through dance before showing off their own fancy footwork. The cost of the class is free with museum admission and will take place at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Learn more about the Visiting Artist Series at magichouse.org

Emily Brown & The Thing, March 9 & 10

Being scared of the dark is a fear all little kids experience. With Emily Brown & The Thing presented by COCA, UK theatre group Tall Stories takes on one of children’s biggest worries with their take on Cressida Cowell’s beloved tale. When Emily and her rabbit friend Stanley hear a Thing sobbing outside their window at bedtime, they head off on a quest to find everything he needs to fall asleep. Will a stuffed animal and glass of milk do the trick—or is there something more to his fear? Ideal for kids ages three and up, Emily Brown is a musical adventure for the whole family.

Performances will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased through COCA’s website.

Family Sunday – Carnaval Celebration at the Saint Louis Art Museum, March 10

For an afternoon, Carnaval is celebrated not in the streets, but in the halls of the Saint Louis Art Museum. Join the festivities as SLAM and Hispanic Festival Inc. turn the spotlight on dance performances, craft demonstrations and art activities all inspired by the biggest party of the year. Your family can also take part in a 30-minute tour through the Museum’s ancient American collection to learn more about the Latin American influence on our history and traditions.

Family Sunday runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to Saint Louis Art Museum guests. To participate in the Family Tour at 2:30 p.m., you must sign up at the museum. Learn more at the Museum's website.

Spring Training Sea Lion Shows, Starts March 16

The Saint Louis Zoo’s favorite showstoppers return to their lagoon for another season of splashy shenanigans starting March 16. During the Spring Training Sea Lion Shows, these aquatic acrobats will thrill your family with new tricks for 2019 along with Olympic-worthy dives, flipper walks and other fun surprises. Plus, their trainers will share insights on sea lion behavior and ocean conservation. Admission to the Spring Training shows is $2 per person through March 30 and $3.95 after. Kids age two and under are free.

For a full schedule of show times, check out the First Bank Sea Lion Show page.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16

Market Street turns into a sea of green for one of the largest St. Patrick’s celebrations in the country. The day starts off with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run at 9 a.m. before the Parade rolls through downtown starting at noon. This family-friendly and delightfully festive event features eye-popping floats, cartoon character balloons, area bands, dancers, and more than 5,000 marchers. May the luck of the Irish be with you as you find that perfect spot among 250,000 spectators.

The Parade begins at 20^th and Market St. and travels to Broadway and Clark Street. Visit irishparade.org for details.

Holi, Festival of Colors, March 16

This winter has especially brutal, especially on little ones who want to be running around outside. Your family can welcome back spring by taking part in Holi, a colorful Hindu festival that revels in its return. Held at Stacy Park, 9750 Old Bonhomme Road in Olivette, this free outdoor event features live music, incredible food and of course a rainbow of technicolor powders you can toss at each other in celebration.

Holi, Festival of Colors will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For updates, follow the event on Facebook.

World Eagle Day at the World Bird Sanctuary, March 17

Soar into the World Bird Sanctuary and get up close and personal with an international array of eagles at World Eagle Day. From our proud national symbol to more exotic species, your family can learn more about these regal birds of prey while enjoying free eagle-themed arts and crafts, games, photo opps, and visits with the Sanctuary’s conservation partners. The celebration also includes live eagle shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the amphitheater. Admission is $2 per person; kids age 10 and under are free.

World Eagle Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the World Bird Sanctuary. For more information, visit worldbirdsanctuary.org

^{Main photo: Irish Parade St. Louis. Story photos: Saint Louis Zoo, COCA, World Bird Sanctuary.} 

Want to learn about more family fun happening in St. Louis? Check out our Things To Do Calendar and subscribe to our Things To Do email newsletter.