March can feel like a waiting game in the DC area — not quite winter, not fully spring. The good news? There’s plenty to do with kids without spending a dime. From storytimes and playgroups to cultural festivals and hands-on history, these free events across DC, Maryland and Virginia make it easy to get out of the house and try something new this month.
Storytime for Young Readers
March 1-8. Every Sunday morning, People’s Book offers a free children’s storytime with stories, activities and crafts. Sometimes, authors and illustrators join, and families can stay for book signings. It’s a great way to start the day, especially with the Takoma Park Farmer’s Market and brunch spots close by.
Location: People’s Book, 7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD
Tot Time
March 2–30. This free drop-in playgroup offers toys, music, books and games for young children. It’s also a chance for caregivers to connect.
Location: Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA
ARTEFFECT Gallery: Visualizing Impact
March 3-31. This free exhibition features award-winning artwork by students in grades six-12. The art explores themes like justice, freedom, innovation, women in STEAM and unsung heroes. Families can see paintings, sculptures, and short films.
Location: Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, 1503 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Get Active: Ride and Read
March 5. Teens and adults can join this library program to combine fitness and reading. Sign up for a stationary bike session and enjoy free digital content like audiobooks and films.
Location: Greenbelt Branch Library, 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD
Babies & Books!
March 6-27. A weekly baby storytime designed for children ages 3 and under. Families enjoy board books, songs and rhymes led by a bookseller, with free coffee for caregivers.
Location: People’s Book, 7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, MD
Friday Friends at Seneca Academy
March 13. This free monthly playgroup is for infants and toddlers up to age 2. It’s a friendly place for early play and meeting other families.
Location: Seneca Academy, 15601 Germantown Road, Darnestown, MD
March Family Day: Mapping a New Nation!
March 14. Families can make their own maps to celebrate 250 years of American Independence. See maps from colonial and post-Revolutionary War times and meet staff from the Geography and Map Division to learn about early American mapmaking. Admission is free, but you’ll need a timed-entry ticket for the Jefferson Building.
Location: The Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Alexandria Festival of the Book
March 14. This one-day book festival brings together authors and readers to explore the history, art, architecture and literature that shape the American experience. The event is sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Virginia Humanities.
Location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA
Persian New Year – Nowruz Festival
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March 15. Celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year and the start of spring, with a day full of culture, community and tradition. Nowruz, which marks the vernal equinox and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, honors renewal and new beginnings. Enjoy customs such as the Haft-Seen table, spring cleaning and outdoor gatherings that conclude the 13-day celebration.
Location: Hilton Washington Dulles Airport, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon, VA
Storytime on Screen
March 16. This free program mixes stories, songs and a short film for children ages 1-5.
Location: Greenbelt Cinema, 9601 Capital Lane, Largo, MD
DC Story Time
March 21. This free interactive storytime features books by Native authors or made with Indigenous communities. Kids can also enjoy museum objects and crafts.
Location: National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
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