10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids this March (2026)

March in the San Francisco Bay Area is basically spring’s highlight reel, with longer days, pop-up festivals, and that “we should get out of the house” energy. If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in the Bay Area in March, this month’s Top 10 picks have a little bit of everything so your weekends are officially handled. And if you want even more ideas aside from the ones listed here, don’t miss our Free Events Calendar for the full lineup.

[Image: san francisco bay area things to do with kids in march tulips, spring blooms ]

Short on time? Use the quick links below to skip to any event.

1- San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade

2- North Bay Science Discovery Day

3- Family-friendly Holi Celebration at Altitude Milpitas

4-Visit Queen Wilhelmina Garden

5- San Francisco Giants Fan Fest

6- Tilden Merry Go Round Easter Bunny Brunch

7- Opening Day at Gilroy Gardens

8- Bay Area Discovery Museum Big Art Weekend

9- Weekend to see Snow (near the Bay Area)

10- Free kids craft days at Home Depot and Lowe's

Bonus- Visit our Free Events Calendar for more

Top Picks for Things to Do with Bay Area Kids in March:

1- San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade

When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 (parade steps off around 5:15 PM).

What it is: San Francisco’s iconic Chinese New Year Parade is a high-energy celebration with illuminated floats, cultural performances, and major “wow” moments that feel extra magical after dark. Families love it because it’s festive, free to watch along the route, and truly one of those “only in SF” experiences.

Where: The route starts at 2nd St & Market St, San Francisco, CA (Downtown) and winds around Union Square before ending at Kearny St & Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA (near Chinatown).

2- North Bay Science Discovery Day (Santa Rosa)

When : Saturday, March 7, 2026 (10:00 AM–4:00 PM).

What it is: A free, family-friendly STEM festival packed with hands-on activities and interactive exhibits (think science, tech, engineering, and math demos you can actually touch and try). Families love it because kids can bounce from table to table exploring, building, experimenting, and meeting real scientists—without needing a ticket.

Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

3- Family-Friendly Holi Celebration at Altitude Milpitas

When : Thursday, March 5, 2026 (starts at 4:00 PM).

What it is: A family-friendly, indoor Holi celebration at Altitude Trampoline Park where you can expect a festive vibe with Bollywood + Punjabi music, Holi-inspired face paint, and high-energy jumping fun. Families love it because it’s a fun way to celebrate Holi without worrying about weather and it’s especially great for kids who want to move!

Where: Altitude Trampoline Park Milpitas, 147 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas, CA 95035

4-Visit Queen Wilhelmina Garden (San Francisco)

When: March (the tulips are usually in full bloom in March, with peak color varying a bit year to year).

What it is: A super pretty spring flower stop in Golden Gate Park tucked under the historic Dutch (North) Windmill—rows of bright tulips that feel like a mini “wow” moment without much effort. Families love it because it’s free, quick, stroller-friendly, and makes for the easiest “we got outside!” win (plus great photos).

Where: Queen Wilhelmina Garden, 1690 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94121 (by the Dutch Windmill, west end of Golden Gate Park).

[Image: queen wilhelmina tulip garden in golde gate park san francisco spring blossoms ]

5- San Francisco Giants FanFest

When : Saturday, March 14, 2026 — 12:00 PM–4:00 PM.

What it is: A free Giants FanFest Open House at Oracle Park with behind-the-scenes ballpark access (like the clubhouse, broadcast booth, and dugout), meet-and-greets/autographs with Giants alumni + Lou Seal, fun on-field activations, and photo ops (including the World Series trophies). Families love it because it’s a super fun, kid-friendly way to kick off baseball season—lots to see, do, and photograph, even if you’re not a “sit through 9 innings” family yet.

Where: Oracle Park — 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107.

6-Tilden Merry Go Round Easter Bunny Brunch

When: Sat, March 21, 2026 • Sun, March 29, 2026 • Sun, April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday) (ticketed event—reservations required).

What it is: A super classic Easter brunch/buffet + Bunny visit at the historic Tilden Merry-Go-Round. Families love it because it’s a full experience in one spot: brunch buffet, unlimited carousel rides, photos/meet & greet with the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt (plus spring-themed activities/crafts).

Where: Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round — Central Park Dr & Lake Anza Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708.

7- Opening Day at Gilroy Gardens

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 — 11:00 AM–5:00 PM.

What it is: Gilroy Gardens’ Opening Day (aka reopening for the season!) at this beloved family theme park built around gardens and trees, with kid-friendly rides and attractions. Families love it because it’s designed with little kids in mind—easy “big day out” energy without the overwhelm of a massive theme park.

Where: Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park — 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, CA 95020

8- Bay Area Discovery Museum Big Art Weekend

When: March 28–29, 2026 (10:00 AM–4:00 PM)

What it is: A museum-wide, hands-on art festival where the whole place turns into a giant creative studio—kids can dive into color, texture, and movement with plenty of “messy art” fun (and the museum handles the cleanup). Families love it because it’s interactive, playful, and perfect for kids who want to make art, not just look at it.

Where: Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA 94965

9- Weekend Getaway to see Snow (Near the Bay Area)

When: Any weekend in March (this is usually one of the best months and last chance for snow near the Bay Area—just check the forecast and road conditions before you go).

What it is: A simple, family-friendly snow day getaway—think sledding, snowman building, hot cocoa, and letting the kids burn energy in the fresh mountain air. If you’re not sure where to go, I’ve got you: head to my Snow Play Near the Bay Area blog post where I list all the best places to find snow (Tahoe, Tuolumne County, Bear Valley, and more). And if you want a specific “this is what it’s actually like” option, check out my Dodge Ridge Resort blog post for our full experience and tips.

Where: Tahoe, Truckee, Pinecrest, Bear Valley, and more

10 - Free Kids Crafts at Home Depot + Lowe's (March workshops)

Home Depot Kids Workshop (Free)

When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 — 9:00 AM (first Saturday of the month). What it is: A free, in-store kids building/craft workshop (March project: Leprechaun Trap). Families love it because kids get a hands-on activity + take-home project—an easy weekend win. Where (address): Your local Home Depot (multiple Bay Area locations) — the exact address depends on the store you select when you register.

Lowe’s Kids Workshop (Free)

When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. What it is: A free monthly DIY kids workshop (March project: Lawn Mower build). Families love it because it’s guided, quick (about 30–45 minutes), and kids leave with a project + badge bragging rights. Where (address): Your local Lowe’s (multiple Bay Area locations) — the exact address is tied to the store you choose during registration.

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[Image: san francisco bay area family events calendar]