Here it is! Your list of family-friendly weekend events around Vermont for the month of March, courtesy of Busy Btown.
There are a few reasons why I love March: 1) The snow does some serious melting (sayonara, sucker), 2) sugar on snow season is officially here, and 3) it’s the month that my one-and-only baby celebrates another trip around the sun.
What’s also great? This month offers a pretty good range of activity options for the little ones in your life, so you’re bound to find something of interest. I hope that you have an especially excellent month of March. Cheers!
March 6th-8th:
1st Friday Free Movie Showing
Where: Bixby Memorial Library, 258 Main Street, Vergennes
When: Friday, March 6th, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Head to the Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes for free popcorn and a PG-rated movie in their Community Room. This month’s showing is The Addams Family! Families are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks.
Kids Workshop – Binoculars
Where: The Home Depot, 759 Harvest Ln, Williston
When: Saturday, March 7th, 9:00am-12:00pm
In this workshop, kids will develop hands-on skills by gluing, hammering, and more to create their very own pair of binoculars. A parent or adult should be present the whole time, and registering is recommended. While supplies last, kids will be provided with a workshop apron and commemorative pin.
Stories of the Season
Where: Shelburne Farms, McClure Educational Center, 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne
When: Saturday, March 7th, 10:00am-12:00pm
At this family program geared to kids ages 5 and up, you can listen to stories of the late winter season from some of Shelburne Farms’ favorite books. In addition to the stories, there will be games, crafts, and songs to help bring the stories alive. Registration for this event is required.
Art Lab: 3D Cereal Box Paintings
Where: Brownell Library
When: Saturday, March 7th, 10:00am-11:00am
This process-based art class is recommended for children ages 6 and under (and their families), but anyone is welcome. In this month’s art lab, you’ll paint 3D recycled cereal boxes with tempura paint. In this class, it’s all about the process, and not the end result. Materials are provided.
Webby’s Art Studio: What’s Down Is Up?
Where: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
When: Saturday, March 7th, 11:00am-3:00pm
Join friends at the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education classroom at the Shelburne Museum for a family-friendly activity where you will view the Time Lapse: Contemporary Analog Photography exhibit and learn how Abelardo Morell turned a room into a camera obscura. You’ll then create a small camera obscura of your own.
Family Craft – Rainbow Suncatchers
Where: White River Craft Center, 50 Randolph Ave, Randolph
When: Saturday, March 7th, 12:00pm-2:00pm
If you’re looking for a fun family craft activity, take this free Rainbow Suncatchers class at the White River Craft Center. Drop-in between 12:00pm-2:00pm to create a fun and bright rainbow suncatcher for your home. While free, donations would be appreciated.
Read Me A Story! – Berlin Mall Storytime
Where: Berlin Mall, 282 Berlin Mall Road, Berlin
When: Saturday, March 7th, 1:00pm-2:00pm
If you’re planning to do a little shopping at the Berlin Mall, here’s an opportunity to squeeze in a little something for you and your little one. Join the Kellogg-Hubbard Library near Planet Fitness as they provide an hour of storytime. This is also a great opportunity to purchase some affordable books!
Annual Family Arts Day
Where: The Sharon Academy High School, 6704 Vermont Route 14, Sharon
When: Sunday, March 8th, 12:00pm-4:00pm
The Sharon Academy is holding their Free Family Arts Day, with local artists and performers, providing interactive workshops such as Bath Fizzie Making, Bubble Art, Circus Arts, Jewelry Making, Stilt Walking, and more. These free workshops are intended for kids of all ages, are open to the public, and food will be available for purchase.
The Music of Phish for Kids
Where: Higher Ground, 1214 Williston Road, South Burlington
When: Sunday, March 8th, 3:00pm-4:00pm
The Rock and Roll Playhouse performs popular Phish songs in this family-friendly setting at Higher Ground. Perfect for kids ages 10 and under, they’ll dance and engage with the music while the band plays. Kids really seem to love these events, and they make for a great first concert.
Family Paint Afternoon
Where: Radiate Art Space, 203 Bridge Street, Richmond
When: Sunday, March 8th, 3:00pm-4:30pm
This afternoon acrylic painting class taught by Natasha Bogar is for the whole family, with different levels of engagement to work across a variety of different ages. The cost is $35 per canvas, and space is limited, so you’ll need to register in advance.
March 13th-15th:
13th Annual Jr Iron Chef VT Competition
Where: Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction
When: Saturday, March 14th, 9:00am-3:30pm
In this statewide culinary competition, you can watch teams of middle and high school students as they create nutritious meals to inspire their school programs. There is an entry fee ($3 per individual or $5 for a family of 4), and there will be a concession stand so you can purchase either breakfast, snacks, or lunch items. There will also be an activity room for family-friendly activities.
Children’s Paint & Snack: I Am Moana
Where: Creative heART Counseling LLC, 12 1st Street, Swanton
When: Saturday, March 14th, 10:00am-11:30am
Designed for ages 5-12 years old, this themed painting class will provide instruction, and refreshments following the class. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
Webby’s Art Studio: Big Birds
Where: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
When: Saturday, March 14th, 11:00am-3:00pm
In this family-friendly activity at the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education, you’ll craft and paint a giant bird to hang in your home.
Good Clean Fun!
Where: Vermont Comedy Club, 101 Main Street, Burlington
When: Saturday, March 14th, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Take your kids to this family-friendly improv comedy show at the Vermont Comedy Club! Tickets are just $5 for kids and $10 for adults.
Saturday Matinee: Night at the Museum
Where: Brownell Library
When: Saturday, March 14th, 2:00pm-3:45pm
Head to Brownell Library to catch a matinee of Night at the Museum, rated PG. Free popcorn and drinks will be provided.
Frozen Dance Party
Where: Green Mountain Performing Arts, 37 Commercial Drive, Waterbury
When: Saturday, March 14th, 3:30pm-5:00pm
At this fun event, kids will enjoy both dance instruction, and free dance time, as they listen to popular songs from the hit movie Frozen. There will be some Frozen-themed craft activities and a photo opportunity with Anna & Elsa. This event is suggested for kids ages 3-8, but all ages are welcome. Since space is limited, please purchase your ticket in advance.
VSO Juicebox for Kids
Where: ArtsRiot, 400 Pine Street, Burlington
When: Saturday, March 14th, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Here’s a new interactive music opportunity for families. There will be dancing, wiggling, music, and juice. Designed for kids ages 10 and under, you can see NY Times best-selling author Todd Parr and a performance of Peter and the Wolf. There will also be a Learning Lounge from Vermont PBS.
Art Play Day Sundays
Where: Radiate Art Space, 203 Bridge Street, Richmond
When: Sunday, March 15th, 10:00am-11:30am
Recommended for kids ages 18 months to 5 years, this is a great opportunity “to get messy and create.” Kids can move freely between different stations that will spark their imagination.
Bolton Valley Celebration & Après Ski
Head to Bolton Valley and explore the conserved land through a snowshoe or ski tour. This event is $20 for adults, but free for children ages 12 and under (though costs still apply for day access and any rentals). Then at 3pm, meet up at the Nordic Center for an Après Ski party, with appetizers, raffles, and a social hour.
March 20th-22nd:
Creative Movement for Kids
Where: Open Door, 18 N Main Street, White River Junction
When: Saturday, March 21st, 8:30am-10:00am
During this class, taught by Angela Krapovicky, kids ages 5-10 years old will use their imagination and energy to experience improvisational dance. Practicing body and spatial awareness, basic movement concepts will be taught through improvisational activities. The class is $18, and no prior experience is required.
Maple Open House Weekend
Where: Purinton Maple and Supply, 190 Pond Road, Huntington
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 21st & 22nd, 9:00am-4:00pm
Bring your family to the Purinton sugar house. Learn about the maple sugaring process, and of course, sample from a variety of yummy maple treats.
Maple Open House Weekend
Where: Stagecoach Hollow Maple, 259 Partridge Road, Barre
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 21st & 22nd, 10:00am-4:00pm
At Stagecoach Hollow Maple, you can visit the sugarhouse, sample their maple syrup and other maple products, enjoy free sugar on snow, and even take a hike through their maple woods.
Webby’s Art Studio: Portrait Prints
Where: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
When: Saturday, March 21st, 11:00am-3:00pm
Join friends at the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education classroom at the Shelburne Museum for a family-friendly activity where you will learn how to paint a portrait. Bring along a friend or family member to be the model for your portrait!
Color Us Together: Painting Class for Children and their Adult
Where: Southern Vermont Arts Center, 930 SVAC Drive, West Road, Manchester
When: Saturday, March 21st, 11:00am-4:00pm
This “Color Us Together” workshop is exactly how it sounds, an opportunity for you and your child to paint side-by-side. In this class, you will paint a still life image. There are two sessions on this date, depending on the age of your child. The class for grades K-5 begins at 11:00am, and the class for grades 5-8 begins at 1:30pm. The cost is $15 per child ($10 if you are a member), and adults are free.
Lego Fun!
Where: Brownell Library
When: Saturday, March 21st, 2:00pm-4:00pm
The event name says it all! Play with legos and build something creative at Brownell Library. Kids under 9 years old will need to be accompanied by a caregiver.
Maple Open House
Where: Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 21st & 22nd, 10:00am-1:00pm
See Shelburne Farms sugarhouse in action. Learn about the maple syrup process (from the tools to sap collection), sample the syrup, go on a scavenger hunt through their sugarbush, and enjoy some sugar on snow! There will also be bird-on-hand presentations, and an Abenaki Campfire Circle with storytelling, all for free.
Sugar on Snow Party
Where: Audubon Vermont, just beyond 214 Main Road, Huntington
When: Saturday & Sunday, March 21st & 22nd, 11:00am-4:00pm
Bring the whole family to this free Sugar on Snow Party. There will be sugaring demonstrations, you can tap a tree and collect sap from buckets, taste the various grades of syrup, and search for birds of the sugarbush. Sugar on snow and maple syrup will be available for purchase (cash or check only).
Soul Food Sunday
Where: Godnick Adult Center, 1 Deer Street, Rutland
When: Sunday, March 22nd, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Enjoy a family-friendly Southern Soul Food tradition. Kids are welcome to this potluck meal, which is a great opportunity to mingle with the community. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.
March 27th-29th:
Webby’s Art Studio: Claymation
Where: Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
When: Saturday, March 21st, 11:00am-3:00pm
Join friends at the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education at the Shelburne Museum and view their new exhibit, Short List: Animation Today. Using a museum iPad and model magic, you’ll create your very own mini stop motion movie.
Paw Patrol Party
Where: Milton Public Library, 39 Bombardier Road, Milton
When: Saturday, March 28th, 10:00am-11:30am
Milton Public Library is hosting this fun party for kids ages 3-6, with games and crafts based on the popular TV series, Paw Patrol. Advance sign-up is required.
The 2020 Kids Are Alright Concert
Where: Higher Ground, 1214 Williston Road, South Burlington
When: Sunday, March 29th, 12:30pm-2:30pm
This concert is for “grown-ups who used to be kids, and kids who are still kids.” At this show, kids’ songs are reinterpreted by bands like Mal Maïz, The Mister Chris and Friends Band, Nightwalker, KeruBo, and more, all to benefit the Integrated Arts Academy at H O Wheeler. If you purchase tickets in advance, they are $5 for kids and $10 for adults. If you’re concerned about the volume, amplifiers are turned down, and free earplugs will be available.
Sensory Friendly Drumming
Where: Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main Street, Burlington
When: Sunday, March 29th, 1:00pm-2:00pm
At this free event in the Chase Dance Studio (first floor of FlynnSpace), you can enjoy a sensory-friendly drumming experience. There will be sensory-friendly drums and percussion instruments available to play. Registering in advance is recommended.
Across the Month of March:
Mama Says Open Gym
Where: Montpelier Recreation Department, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier
When: Sunday, March 8th, 11:00am-12:00pm
Hosted by Good Beginnings, this Open Gym meets weekly through March to play inside the Montpelier Recreation Department. With mats, balls, toys, and plenty of space to run around, this is a great way for kids preschool age and under to burn some energy.
Social Sundays
Where: Milton Artists’ Guild, 199 US Route 7, Milton
When: Each Sunday, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Milton Artists’ Guild hosts a free art day, where families can come together to create a free art project. Art projects are designed for children between the ages of 3 and 15. No pre-registration is required, and refreshments and snacks are provided.
Return of the Butterflies
Where: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College Street, Burlington
When: Each weekend through March, 10:00am-5:00pm
The popular butterflies exhibit has returned to ECHO! Walk among the butterflies, learn how to protect them in their natural environment, and participate in hands-on activities and interactive exhibits.
Science Discovery Lab Activity
Where: Montshire Museum, 1 Montshire Road, Norwich
When: Each Saturday & Sunday through March, 11:00am & 3:00pm
On Saturday at 11:00am, experiment with electricity, magnetism, chemistry, and colors. At 3:00pm, use scientific tools to examine a variety of items, such as seeds, anatomy, and animal tracks. Each activity is family-friendly. The Lab Coat Investigation activity on Sunday at 3:00pm is designed for adults and kids ages 9 and up. On Sunday at 11:00am, build contraptions like parachutes, string telephones or aluminum boats, and then test them. At 3:00pm, you’ll explore a lab topic like using microscopes or creating batteries.
Need more ideas? Want to add anything to our list of family-friendly weekend events this March?
Check out Busy Btown for other entertaining things to do in Chittenden County, to see a weekly list of our Top 10 Events for the upcoming weekend, and to hear about giveaways. You’ll also find resources on indoor activities, trails, parks, playgrounds, and more around Chittenden County.
