Looking for budget-friendly activities to enjoy with your family this March? Monterey County and the surrounding areas have free events that offer fun, creativity, and community connection. Here are some top picks you won’t want to miss!
Craftnovation at Buena Vista Branch Library
- March 5 | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
- Salinas
Get creative at Craftnovation, a monthly Buena Vista Branch Library craft event. Held every first Wednesday, this hands-on activity lets kids and families explore their artistic side with fun, guided projects.
Parent Nest at Santa Cruz Children’s Discovery Museum
- March 7 | 9:15 am – 10:00 am
- Santa Cruz
Parenting is better together! Parent Nest is a guided play and connection series for parents and their babies. Running weekly from March 7 to 28, this program focuses on play-based development and caregiver bonding. While it’s free for museum members, it’s an excellent opportunity to meet other families and create lasting connections.
Night Market 831
- March 7 | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Sand City
Bringing the community together for an evening of delicious dinner options, sweet treats, beer and wine, a rotating cast of local artists and makers, and live music, this vibrant market is a great way to enjoy local flavors and entertainment while supporting small businesses.
Out of This World! Stargazing
- March 7 | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
- Carmel Valley
Look at the night sky and revel in its vast and seemingly endless mysteries. Come and join us as amateur astronomers share their knowledge of the cosmos. During this two-hour program, observe details on the moon and faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters. Open to all ages.
Dads Read
- March 8 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Marina
Join us for our monthly Dads Read storytime featuring community readers! Activities include a visit from the Monterey County Food Bank, outdoor play with toys, a Coloring Corner, Shea’s Gymnastics, and a free clothing exchange hosted by Buy Nothing Marina. It will be a wonderful morning of literacy, play, and community support for families!
Family Game Fest
- March 8 | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Salinas
This year, we celebrate all things Mario at Family Game Fest! Kids take over the whole library as we open up exclusively to families for an afternoon filled with fun, games, and activities. Join our celebration in Super Mario style and enjoy an exciting day of play!
Music With Mary Lee
- March 12 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am
- Pacific Grove
Enjoy music with your little one at this special library event featuring Mary Lee. This interactive session is a fantastic opportunity to introduce young children to the joy of music and movement in a welcoming environment.
Backyard Science
- March 15 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Marina
Join us for some science fun featuring Biology with Berta! We explore a new theme each month through hands-on activities and play, making science an engaging and interactive experience for kids and families.
Monterey County STEM Talent Expo
- March 19 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Salinas
This exciting, free, one-day event at Hartnell College will connect STEM industry leaders to talented students, former students, and community members looking to further their education and career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Rocket Launch – STEAM in the Park
- March 22 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
- Monterey
Join us to learn about the science behind rockets, make your stomp rocket, and compete to see whose flies the farthest! This hands-on event is perfect for young scientists eager to explore STEM concepts in a fun and interactive setting.
Puppet Art Theater
- March 25 | 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
- Salinas
Step into a world of magic and adventure with our fun-filled puppet show! Join colorful characters as they retell a classic storytime. Perfect for kids of all ages, this interactive show will spark imagination and creativity!
Monterey Bay Parent Summer Fun and Camp Expo
- March 29 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Monterey
The Monterey Bay Parent Magazine Summer Fun and Camp Expo is a one-day event where families can gather information on local camps, services, and businesses available in Monterey County. Kids can enjoy fun activities like arts & crafts while parents connect with community resources. This free event is perfect for planning an exciting and enriching summer!
Be sure to check out our Events Calendar for additional family-friendly activities!
Leave a Reply