40 things to do with the kids in the Chicago area in March

Gear up for the advent of spring with different kinds of March madness, from maple-syrup festivals to flower shows to St. Patrick’s Day parades. And don’t forget the zany fun in the annual DIY 90-Second Newbery film fest!

March 1: BEAT KITCHEN’S CONCERTS FOR KIDS

With five Sundays in March, families have five opportunities this month to move and groove at Beat Kitchen. The weekly Concerts for Kids series features local musicians jamming out. Catch Mr. Nick (Nick Davio) March 1; Ice Cream Vendors, March 8; Miss Jamie from The Farm, March 15; Funtime Surprise, March 22; and Mary Macaroni, March 29. Concerts begin at noon at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave. $6-$7. www.ticketweb.com/search?q=concerts+for+kids

March 1: MEET ‘GIRLS WHO RUN THE WORLD’ AUTHOR DIANA KAPP

Who runs the world? That’s a big question, but the answer includes the names of the 31 women CEOs profiled in this book. Business journalist and author Diana Kapp visits Chicagoland to discuss female empowerment at this free event, geared toward youth entrepreneurs (ages 12 and up). Meet Kapp at 2 p.m. at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Free to attend; $20 for “Girls Who Run the World.” https://tinyurl.com/ux4v49w

March 1: ‘I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER’

Steppenwolf for Young Adults produces this world premiere about high-school student Julia, whose dream of becoming a writer gets complicated when her sister dies. Originally a novel by Erika L. Sánchez, “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” comes to the stage thanks to Chicago-based playwright Isaac Gómez and director Sandra Marquez. The show runs through March 21; audience members attending the 3 p.m. performance March 1 can linger for a post-show discussion and book signing with Sánchez. At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. $20, $15 for students. https://tinyurl.com/s3l4ev9

March 3: STROLLER GROOVES

Now in its third year, Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum’s Stroller Grooves series give parents and nannies a reason to take their tykes out of the house: Brighten your winter days with these complimentary concerts in the Crystal Gardens. The concerts this month have an international flair, including movement and percussive performances by Ayodele Drum & Dance, Tsukasa Taiko and Bollywood Groove. Five Tuesdays in March, at noon at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Free. https://tinyurl.com/qnobaoo

March 4: DR. SEUSS DAY

Celebrate every kid’s favorite wordsmith (although Lin-Manuel Miranda is probably a close second) on the occasion of his birth week at this Seuss-themed party. The fun at this Elk Grove Village Park District indoor playground includes craft time, snacks and, of course, rides on the carousel. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jumps ’n’ Jiggles, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. $6, free for babies 12 months and under. https://tinyurl.com/uqr9bsb

March 4: THE ‘EPIC READS’ TOUR

Celebrate three brand-new YA works of fiction at this singular party. Authors Elana K. Arnold (“Red Hood”), Mindy McGinnis (“Be Not Far From Me”) and Evelyn Skye (“Cloak of Night,” the sequel to “Circle of Shadows”) have joined forces for the latest Epic Reads tour; they come to Naperville to talk about their brand-new books and to meet fans. 7 p.m. at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free to attend; $19 per book. andersonsbookshop.com/event/epic-reads-tour-0

March 6: JUICEBOX: PORCHLIGHT and ATOMIC SHARKS

The two March editions of Juicebox, the city-sponsored biweekly performance series for the toddler set, swerve in some new directions. Porchlight Musical Theatre sends an ensemble to entertain the kids March 6 and 7, performing a show with help from the young audience. Two weeks later, on March 20 and 21, the Atomic Sharks, an Indiana-based duo, perform their Hawaii-influenced beach tunes. As with all Juicebox events, the all-ages shows take place twice: 11 a.m. Fridays (March 6 and 20) at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St.; and 11 a.m. Saturdays (March 7 and 21) at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Free. https://tinyurl.com/y5nxmt9d

March 7: ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: ‘JACK AND THE BEANSTALK’

Jack’s famous flight up and down the beanstalk takes on a new dimension at Once Upon a Symphony, an interactive performance series with music designed for pre-K kids. Arrive 45 minutes early for pre-concert activities led by educators. At 10 or 11:45 a.m. March 7, April 25 and May 16 at Symphony Center’s wheelchair-accessible Buntrock Hall, 220 S. Michigan Ave. $17. https://tinyurl.com/ube7p6h

March 7: ‘SPORT: SHIP DOG OF THE GREAT LAKES’ STORY TIME

Clearly a pup with a calling, the title hero of “Sport” was rescued by sailors, who found him swimming in Lake Michigan. Author Pamela Cameron and artist Renee Graef’s picture book — full of gorgeous illustrations, charts and maps — documents Sport’s life aboard The Hyancinth in the early 20th century. Meet Cameron, a retired children’s librarian, during this 10:30 a.m. story time at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St. Free to attend; $18 for “Sport.” https://tinyurl.com/u82bl24

March 7: SMART MUSEUM FAMILY DAY: WIGTASTIC WEAVING

Wigs and weaves take the spotlight at the March edition of Family Day, which encourages art-making by families with kids ages 4-12. Make a colorful wig, and get lessons on braiding real hair from stylists. The theme is inspired by a tent made of colorful braids, which is part of the current exhibit, “The Allure of Matter.” 1-4 p.m. at Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. Free, with all materials provided. https://tinyurl.com/vvc89yz

March 7: FAMILY FUN HIKE

Get outdoors and get moving with this fun program from the Forest Preserve District of Will County. This guided 1.5-mile hike involves the kids with games such as Animal Olympics and Simon Says. Family Fun Hike activities are structured for 6- to 12-year-olds, but all ages are welcome. At 1 p.m. at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Renwick Road east of U.S. Route 30, Plainfield. Free; registration required. https://tinyurl.com/vp8llfl

March 7: NOWRUZ CELEBRATION

Ancient Persia celebrated the new year as winter ebbed and the equinox dawned — not a bad idea! The Oriental Institute celebrates Nowruz, or Persian New Year, almost two weeks early, but we’ll take any opportunity to welcome spring. Color eggs, enjoy treats with tea, play backgammon, tour the Persian gallery and more. The event runs 1-4 p.m., with a performance specifically for kids at 3. At the Oriental Institute, 1155 E. 58th St. $5 for adults, free for kids. https://tinyurl.com/qlp3pbv

March 8: FAMILY CLASS: PIZZA PARTY

The Botanic Garden’s cooking series connects beloved foods to their plant origins. This time, pizza takes the spotlight: Kids 4-10 (with their grownups) learn about tomatoes, herbs and wheat before planting an herb garden to take home. Advance registration recommended. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. March 8 and March 21 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. $24 per child, free for one or two accompanying adults. https://tinyurl.com/wz7ur9r

March 8: MAPLE SYRUP HIKES

March means maple syrup! This sweet annual tradition inspires a number of activities around the greater Chicago area, including this series from Lake County Forest Preserves. Dress for the weather, because you’ll walk outdoors to learn about maple trees as experts tap them. Best of all: Everyone gets a taste! Hourlong hikes begin every half hour from noon till 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through March 22 (plus one midweek date, March 24). At Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods. $6, free for ages 3 and under; registration required. lcfpd.org/events/listmarch2020/?F_c=8

March 8: THE 90-SECOND NEWBERY FILM FESTIVAL

This clever annual fest of DIY videos celebrates the printed word — specifically, Newbery-honored children’s books. The brainchild of local author James Kennedy, the festival assembles digital shorts from budding young filmmakers. Once again, Kennedy co-hosts with fellow writer Keir Graff. 1:45 p.m. at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. Free; register in advance. https://tinyurl.com/vfbgnwe

March 9: SEE AN AFRICAN PENGUIN CHICK

Say hello to young Harvey, one of Lincoln Park Zoo’s newest residents! This little African penguin hatched Nov. 26; now 3 months old, he has already fledged (that’s zoo-speak for “left the nest”). He won’t gain the signature penguin-tuxedo plumage until he’s more than a year old, so look for the guy with the downy dark-gray feathers. At the Penguin Cove habitat, inside Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Free. lpzoo.org/animalspecific/african-penguin-1

March 9: THE MUSIC BOX 70 MM FILM FESTIVAL

The Music Box kicks off another edition of its almost-annual 70 mm Film Festival with a genre-hopping schedule that runs through March 19. Some of the cinematic spectacles you can share with a new generation include: the dated but delightful video game wonder of “Tron” (1982), the legendary Romeo and Juliet musical “West Side Story” (1961) and the adventure-spoofing “Last Action Hero” (1993). See site for full lineup. Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave. $14. https://tinyurl.com/szfxygw

March 11: THE ORCHID SHOW

We can’t think of a more kaleidoscopic escape from winter doldrums than the Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Show. The greenhouses showcase more than 10,000 lush blooms, each of them a study in vibrant color and bizarre shape. The Orchid Show runs daily through March 22 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. $14, $11 for kids 3-12; plus $20-25 for parking. chicagobotanic.org/orchid

March 14: ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES

If marching (or even simply cheering from the sidewalk) in honor of the renowned Irish saint is one of your early-spring traditions, Chicago offers no fewer than three green spectacles to beat the band. The oldest and biggest of the trio is the downtown parade, always held the Saturday before March 17. Festivities kick off with the famous “greening of the river” at 9 a.m.; come rain, snow or shine, the parade begins at noon, heading north along Columbus Drive from Balbo Avenue to Monroe Street. For those not inclined to travel downtown (or if the weather’s not great March 14), two smaller neighborhood celebrations — the South Side Irish Parade and the Northwest Side Irish Parade — take place March 15; find details on their respective sites. Sláinte! chicagostpatricksdayparade.org

March 14: PANCAKES WITH PIPPI

Zany Pippi Longstocking is the star of this popular breakfast tradition in Andersonville. The event includes music, crafts and, of course, Swedish pancakes. Do you suppose they beat the batter with a bath brush? Advance reservations required. 9 a.m. at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St. $20; $5 for toddlers (12-24 months). https://tinyurl.com/rn97cam

March 14: SATURDAY STORYTIME WITH THYRA HEDER

Brooklyn-based author and illustrator Thyra Heder creates gorgeous picture books for kids, each page bursting with watercolor joy. You can meet her at this special edition of The Book Stall’s Saturday Storytime, when she reads from her latest, “How Do You Dance?” Geared for ages 3-6, the book encourages little ones to move and groove; Heder also does drawing demos. At 10:30 a.m. at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. Free to attend; $17 for “How Do You Dance?” thebookstall.com/event/saturday-storytime-thyra-heder

March 14: ‘THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD’

This clever DIY show returns for its final season, once again featuring a narrator who works with the kids in the audience to create an original tale. Over the next hour or so, professional improv artists collaborate with young volunteers to act out the story. After the show, a design team adapts the tale into a book you may purchase, in either digital or physical format. At 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through March 22 (doors open at 2:30 for pre-show games and free coffee) at the Newport Theater, 956 W. Newport Ave. $20-$30. Free for kids 2 and under. greateststorynevertold.org

March 14: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS: HOLI

Navy Pier’s wintertime trifecta of internationally flavored events wraps up with a celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of color. Expect music, dance and cuisine in the traditions of India and Nepal. Pro tip: Wear play clothes that can get stained, because colored powder (available while supplies last) will be flying outside in the beer garden! The all-ages event runs 1-5 p.m. inside Aon Grand Ballroom, at the eastern end of Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave. Free. https://tinyurl.com/r2gtp5e

March 15: LAURA DOHERTY AND THE HEARTBEATS CONCERT

Beloved by many Chicago families for 20+ years of teaching Wiggleworms at the Old Town School, local musician Laura Doherty is always a treat in concert. She brings her full band, The Heartbeats, to Evanston for this family show. 11:30 a.m. at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. $12. https://tinyurl.com/syx3uuz

March 15: SUGAR BUSH FAIR

Beyond crocus and daffodil blooms as signs of spring, a more delicious measure of the season’s imminent arrival is making maple syrup! Schaumburg Park District’s annual affair includes syrup-making demos, a hayride, a puppet show and a pancake breakfast. Dress for the weather. 9 a.m. till noon March 14-15 at the Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. Free to attend, $4.50-$8 for breakfast. https://www.parkfun.com/event/sugar-bush-fair

March 18: CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show aims to inspire all members of the family to get their thumbs green. Inside the Kids Activity Garden, children can do everything from digging in the dirt to having teatime with some gnomes. March 18-22 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. $10-$20, $5 for kids 4-12. chicagoflower.com/kids-activities

March 19: ‘LOUDER THAN A BOMB’ FINALS

For two decades, Chicago’s young people have been using spoken word and hip-hip poetry to express themselves and come together across demographic and geographic lines. Now catch the cream of the crop competing in the largest youth poetry festival in the world! On March 19 and 21, the poets who’ve advanced from previous rounds vie for this year’s title. Individuals face off at 7 p.m. March 19 at DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place; tickets cost $5-$10. Louder Than a Bomb final teams compete at 6 p.m. March 21 at the Cadillac Palace, 151 W. Randolph St.; $10-$20. youngchicagoauthors.org/louder-than-a-bomb/tickets

March 20: SPRING EQUINOX NIGHT HIKE

You never know what kind of temperatures we’ll have in late March — but nevertheless, as of the equinox March 19, it’s official: Spring is here! Celebrate the turn of the seasons with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, which hosts a sunset stroll March 20, plus a bonfire with s’mores. Don’t forget to dress for the weather! 6:30 p.m. at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs. Free. fpdcc.com/event/spring-equinox-night-hike

March 21: TECH SAVVY

The annual Tech Savvy career day connects sixth- to ninth-grade girls with professionals in STEM careers. Attend a variety of workshops, and meet reps from universities and businesses specializing in science, technology, engineering and math. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Triton College (Building B, Building D and the Cernan Center), 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove. $10 includes lunch and a Tech Savvy T-shirt for participating youth. www.techsavvy-il.org

March 21: MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

You don’t have to head out to the ’burbs to enjoy the full maple experience. This all-ages Chicago Park District program is so popular, it spans two days. Visitors get to experience the full process of making syrup, from tapping the tree to simmering the sap. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 21-22 at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road. Free. chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/maple-syrup-festival-npv-3

March 21: KIDWATCH

It’s kids squared at this Caledonia farm (near Rockford) when young humans, ages 3 and up, learn about baby goats. Help feed the animals, and if a mama delivers during your visit, name the newborns. Register in advance, and bring your own sack lunch. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Angelic Organics Farm, 1545 Rockton Road, Caledonia. $22. https://tinyurl.com/vl63377

March 21: ‘DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL’

Direct from the pages of Dav Pilkey’s bestselling comedy-action series, “Dog Man” leaps to the stage in musical form. Can this canine police officer rescue his city from evildoers? It’s a ruff job, but somebody’s got to do it! Ideal for first- through fourth-graders, this TheaterWorksUSA touring show plays twice, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. $14-$26. northshorecenter.org/event/fs-dog-man-the-musical

March 22: MEET ‘BAD KITTY’ CREATOR NICK BRUEL

In the latest entry in the “Bad Kitty” chapter-book series, the black-cat protagonist realizes that age and junk food take a toll on fitness. But what sport will Kitty choose to get more exercise? Meet author-illustrator Nick Bruel at 2 p.m. at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Free to attend; $14 for “Bad Kitty Joins the Team.” andersonsbookshop.com/event/nick-bruel-2

March 23: MACY’S FLOWER SHOW: ‘VOYAGE TO OCEANUM’

Macy’s annual flower show changes themes each year. 2020’s “Voyage to Oceanum” is the second in a trilogy of connected shows, building from last year’s sci-fi “Journey to Paradisios.” Displays include The Mermaid’s Throne, The Shark Tank and The Abyss. Judging by past iterations of Macy’s Flower Shows, there should be a variety of kid-friendly programming, too. Through April 5 at Macy’s, 111 N. State St. Free. macys.com/s/flower-show/

March 25: ‘GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS’

What happens when you barge into a seemingly empty house? Goldilocks finds out, with her dog Bailey at her side, in this hourlong musical from Chicago Kids Company. The show performs mostly weekday matinees at 10:30 a.m. through May 8 at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. $14. chicagokidscompany.com/goldilocks

March 28: TROUT FISHING FOR KIDS

Beginner anglers are the target market for this no-registration-required event, when you have to be 15 or younger to cast a reel. They should get plenty of nibbles on 9-acre Grove Lake. Bring your own equipment if you have it (a limited amount is available to borrow); the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides bait. 8 a.m. till noon at Wood Dale Grove Forest Preserve. Enter via Wood Dale Road, just north of Lake Street. Free. https://tinyurl.com/wj6p9ro

March 28: BUG BONANZA

Get buggy all day long at this event dedicated to the six-legged wonders of the world. Make insect-themed crafts, play games and, of course, meet the real deal at the Bug Zoo. 9 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. at the DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. $13. https://tinyurl.com/vsth9gc

March 28: CSO FAMILY CONCERT: ‘PHILHARMONIA FANTASTIQUE’

Dive inside musical instruments in the world premiere of a delightful animated short, “Philharmonia Fantastique: The Making of the Orchestra.” With an original score by Grammy winner Mason Bates, the high-energy 25-minute film blends live-action orchestra footage with the mercurial animated figure called Sprite. The CSO accompanies this film live at 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., inside Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. $6-$57. order.cso.org/10118/10122

March 28: ‘AMIRA: A CHICAGO CINDERELLA STORY’

A famous fable becomes a celebration of the South Side with Hyde Park School of Dance’s homegrown spin on the Cinderella myth. “Amira” traces the journey of an immigrant girl and the boy who falls for her during a masked ball; after she flees, he and his friends search Pilsen, Chinatown, Bronzeville and Hyde Park to find her. Featuring 130 dancers, many of them ages 7 to 18, this 75-minute show is performed four times: 1 and 6 p.m. March 28 and noon and 4 p.m. March 29. At Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. $25, $15 for students 5 and up. hydeparkdance.org/tickets

March 29: ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE: THE GRATEFUL DEAD FOR KIDS

Think of them as Tributosaurus, but for families. Imported from Brooklyn, Rock And Roll Playhouse covers the oeuvres of famous musicians in a kid-friendly way. Head to Pilsen to share the joys of “Uncle John’s Band” and “Terrapin Station” with a new generation of kids 10 and under. 11:30 a.m. at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. $15. therockandrollplayhouse.com/thalia-hall

Web Behrens is a freelance reporter.