March marks the unofficial start of Spring and that means it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. New York City is always full of great things to do with your family but there is an extra feeling of excitement when we can shed our winter coats and get outdoors.
This March is chock full of great festivals, shows, and celebrations in Manhattan. Why not visit the Paw Patrol as they make a stop at Madison Square Garden at the end of the month? Or take a walk down Fifth Avenue for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade? There’s something for everyone on our list of top things to do this March in Manhattan.
New York City Drone Film Festival
WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 12:30pm
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: The New York City Drone Film Festival is the world’s first event exclusively dedicated to celebrating the art of drone cinematography. The festival offers an international platform for filmmakers from every corner of the globe to exhibit their work in front of industry professionals and the drone community.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Curious fams can learn all about drone technology, law, and pushing creative boundaries.
WANT TO GO? $50. 212-998-4941. nycdronefilmfestival.com.
Kids Night Out Under the Big Top
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side
AGES: 5-8
WHAT: A circus-themed evening full of face painting, tricks, and feats of balance. Expect dinner and a very sweet treat. Registration required.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Doubles as date night for parents!
WANT TO GO? $50. 646-505-4444. jccmanhattan.org.
The Paper Bag Players: ‘That’s Quite Absurd!’
WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 10am-12:30pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: This nonprofit theater company of adults creates and performs original, contemporary, musical theater for children. Delight in the group’s classic blend of cardboard and paper sets, whimsical stories, lovable characters, and live music that will have you and your family singing and dancing in the aisles.
WHY WE LOVE IT: The sets and stories may spark your child’s imagination!
WANT TO GO? $18. 212-423-3200. thepaperbagplayers.org.
FREE St. Patrick’s Day Parade
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Fifth Avenue, between East 44th and East 79th streets, Midtown/Upper East Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Watch thousands of marchers parade up Fifth Avenue in celebration of Irish culture and history. The parade marches past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and ends at the Irish Historical Society at 79th Street.
WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world!
WANT TO GO? 718-231-4400. nycstpatricksparade.org.
Lightwire Theater: ‘DINO-LIGHT’
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 11am and 2pm
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Electroluminescent creatures light up the darkness in this glow-in-the-dark, heart-warming original tale of a lovable dinosaur and his scientist creator.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Expect a cutting edge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance.
WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
New York International Children’s Film Festival
WHEN: Feb. 23-March 18, Friday-Sunday, see website for times
WHERE: Various theaters throughout Manhattan, see website for addresses, Manhattan
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: For four weekends, New York International Children’s Film Festival invites you and your imagination to explore new frontiers through the best new films from around the world.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Expect more than 75 film screenings to choose from.
WANT TO GO? $14-$20. 212-349-0330. nyicff.org.
Spellbound Theatre ‘Wink’
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 11am and 2pm
WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: This imaginative and multi-disciplinary performance explores dreams from the perspective of a young child and her bear. The show is inspired by the classic poem, “Wynken, Blynken and Nod,” and there will be accommodations made for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Blending shadow puppetry, physical theater, and animation, this unique show is a captivating journey designed to engage and inspire kids.
WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
Sun-Earth Day
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 11am
WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore the special relationship between Earth and the Sun and learn about the delicate balance that makes our planet the perfect place to call home.
WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to meet scientists, look through telescopes, and engage in hands-on activities.
WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5800. amnh.org.
‘PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure’
WHEN: March 22-25, Thursday-Monday, see website for times
WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration. But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern.
WHY WE LOVE IT: TV fans can expect plenty of music, choreography, lights, and special effects.
WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 800-844-3545. pawpatrollive.com.
Freedom Art Jam
WHEN: Sunday, March 25, 12-4pm
WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: A Passover extravaganza featuring art, music, and dancing. Set yourself free to the soulful sounds of ShirLaLa, craft a holiday artifact, create a freedom painting, add to a Passover-themed installation, explore the galleries, and more.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Four hours of festive fun for the whole family!
WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $8 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-423-3200. jewishmuseum.org.
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