March ushers in the Madness — and not just the basketball kind. Yes, there are basketball tournaments that tend to claim our attention on some days, but even if you’re not a hoops fan, you don’t need to look far to find things to do. Here are our top picks for family friendly fun in March:
Thank you to Dick’s House of Sport for presenting this month’s list of family friendly things to do in March. Check out Dick’s list of events here, including the March 14 Dance Fitness Class with Sarah.
Champaign Park District Youth Theatre Presents Into the Woods, March 1-2
Seventh- through 12-graders will perform at the Virginia Theatre, and the subject is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Keep in mind, audiences will experience reference to infidelity, mild violence and implied death of story characters. Performances available Friday and Saturday.
The first 1,000 kids — 1,000! — will receive a book bag and free book. If you’ve never experienced this event, we promise it is worth your time. At Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monarch and Pollinator Fair, March 2
If butterflies are your thing, you won’t want to miss this free event, appropriate for ages 3-12. Head to the McKinley Foundation (1-4 p.m.) to learn about Monarch butterflies and how to help them thrive in Illinois.
Land of Lincoln Short Track Regional Speedskating, March 2-3
This is a short track speedskating competition at the UI Ice Arena, and if you’ve never seen it — perhaps you caught some on TV during a previous Olympics — you’re missing out. It can be terribly fun to watch. Fast, exciting, crashes (people rarely get hurt) — it makes for a cool viewing experience.
Sunday morning bird walks, March 3
It’s the Urbana Park District’s first bird walk of the season. Happening every Sunday through May 26, walk with Champaign County Audubon Society leaders and search for birds in Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park. Get more details here.
IHSA Boys Basketball State Tournament, March 7-9
The state tournament returns to the State Farm Center for the third year in a row following its two-and-a-half decade run in Peoria. In addition to great on-court action, don’t forget about the KidsZone, featuring plenty of fun inside the SFC for kids of all ages.
Spring Break Activities, March 7-17
If you’re looking for something to do during spring break — which, for Champaign schools runs March 7-17, but can vary for other districts — we just happen to have a list of more than 50 ideas. You can find it here.
Sound of Music Sing-A-Long, March 9
If your kids are like ours, they love to sing the tunes from Sound of Music. (Which then stay in your head for the rest of the day.) Here’s your chance to sing along with your friends. At the Virginia Theatre, tickets $7.
World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 17
Head to downtown Urbana for a unique St. Patrick’s Day event. The parade kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and when it’s done — around 3:35 — join your friends in the street to finish off the parade in style!
Christie Clinic Presents: Shamrock Soccerfest at Soccer Planet, March 17
Join Christie Clinic and Chambanamoms for a free indoor event from 3-4:30 p.m. at Soccer Planet. Check out the activities list here, wear your green and bring your energy!
Easter Egg Hunts, March 23-24
It’s that time of year — grab your baskets and get your eyes focused on the ground, for there are Easter eggs to be found! Check out an extensive list of upcoming Easter egg hunts here.