March is one of those in-between months. For many of us, it's a transition month from winter to spring. That makes it one of my favorites — snowstorms give way to thunderstorms, daylight hours are getting longer, and there are those wonderful days you can smell spring in the air.
But this change of seasons isn't the only reason to celebrate March. Here are 10 special family-friendly holidays and events you and your kids can celebrate this month:
Read Across America Day
Many schools celebrate Read Across America Day each year. You can celebrate at home too by visiting your local library or reading together as a family. Need some book suggestions? Check out these books suggested by the National Education Association, which celebrates an array of experiences and cultures. March 2
Get outside and visit one of the Story Trails from the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County:
Story Trails: Winter Stories
Don’t let the snow or cool air stop you from enjoying a Story Trail this Winter. PLYMC’s Story Trail includes pages of a picture book mounted on numbered signs, which are installed along an outdoor path. Families walk from sign to sign to read and talk about the story. Each sign also features an activity or question to draw the readers into the story. They’re a great way for kids (and their adults!) to enjoy the outdoors and reading at the same time.
Boardman Park – featuring Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Stavich Bike Trail in Lowellville (signs are adjacent to Lowellville School ) – featuring No Two Alike by Keith Baker
Canfield Library – featuring Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
Tri-Lakes Library – Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger
International Women's Day
International Women's Day is a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also marking a call to action for gender parity. Mark the day by celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness about women's equality, or fundraising for women-focused charities. March is also Women's History Month. March 8
For Women's History Month try out one of the at home projects from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society:
Did You Know? Home Projects are downloadable files that offer a variety of topics about people, places, and events. To make learning our history a memorable experience, each project gives one or more activities to combine common household items with your children’s creativity.
Daylight Saving Time
It's time to spring forward! That means you set your clocks ahead an hour, which means the sun sets at a later hour, which means ... summer is on its way! Second Sunday in March
Pi Day
Celebrate ... with pie, of course! Try this amazing apple pie recipe that is sure to add up to a totally happy family (see what I did there?) March 14
Even though we won't see a Pi Day celebration from our favorite science museum Oh Wow! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science and Technology which is still closed for renovations, check out their YouTube page for a collection of STEM related videos.
St. Patrick's Day
It's time to make an elaborate leprechaun trap! Maybe this will be the year your kids catch hold of that little troublemaker. Looking for St. Patrick's Day crafts with kids? Check out these three fun and easy crafts! March 17
Due to the pandemic the Mahoning Valley St. Patrick Parade Committee has canceled the 2021 parade. BUT - they are asking the loyal and enthusiastic spectators to celebrate with family and friends by holding neighborhood parades (following all CDC guidelines). Make plans to step off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 14. Share videos of your parade to the Parade's Facebook Page. The top three videos that receives the most likes will win cash prizes!
The videos must be uploaded by midnight March 16, 2021. Awards will be announced on March 17.
First Day of Spring
Oh, happy day. Watch the National Geographic video above to learn about equinoxes. March 20
Keep up with all things space with the Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University. The planetarium is still closed to the public, they go live on their Facebook page every Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. with a Keep Looking Up program. All of the previous videos can also be found on their YouTube page.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day is observed the 21st day of the 3rd month each year to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome causing Down syndrome. On this day, people with Down syndrome along with their families and friends participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and advocate for people with Down syndrome. You can start at home by helping your child learn to embrace differences in all. March 21
National Single Parent's Day
Support a single parent today! How? Let them know you see how many self-sacrifices they make for their kids. Bring them a meal. Offer childcare. Listen, so they know they're not alone. March 21
Passover
The Jewish holiday of Passover (also known as Pesach in Hebrew) celebrates the Biblical story of the Exodus, in which Moses frees the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. Learn more about this weeklong celebration and find nine fun ways to mark the occasion in your home. March 27-April 4
Learn more about Passover with this fun art class at JCC of Youngstown:
Setting the Table for Seder (All Ages)*
Each year at Passover, the table is set with a plate that holds three ceremonial pieces of matzah called “matzah envelopes.” Join us and make your own envelope, We will use stenciling and fabric printmaking techniques to adorn your creations. In person only.
Date: Wednesday, March 10 | Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $14/Member | $18/Non Member
Register at jccyoungstown.org/visualarts by Monday, March 8.
*Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day is an opportunity to celebrate the family-owned businesses that make communities diverse and vibrant. These are the small businesses that might not make the news often, but are creating jobs, reinvesting in our community, and supporting local nonprofits and initiatives. Support your favorite mom and pop business today! March 29
