Looking for free events in the Ann Arbor area this March? From fun family activities to interactive art workshops and outdoor explorations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy — all at no cost! Whether you’re interested in a movie night, a nature walk or a creative craft session, this list of free events has got you covered. Read on to discover the best free activities happening throughout the month in and around Ann Arbor!
March 1
Dads and kids make new friends and play games at The Upkeep Games, the first Saturday of every month. Donuts and coffee provided! This event is FREE and registration is encouraged.
The Upkeep Games, 2121 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
Join Jesse Deucher and Sarah Kairis, Ann Arbor Open teachers and creators of PandaFit, for fun, active games in this sensory-friendly program. Open to all! Two sessions: 11am and noon.
Westgate Branch Library, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
Read and Look | The Water Princess
The Kelsey’s “Read and Look” program is the perfect introduction to the museum, allowing visitors to explore past and present cultures while connecting with others.
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St., Ann Arbor
Family Reads: Paper Bag Puppets
Celebrate the 2025 Family Read book, “The Puppets of Spelhorst” by Kate DiCamillo, by joining the Ypsilanti District Library to design and create your own paper bag puppet!
YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti
March 2
Interactive Movie Experience: Encanto
Get in on the action! AADL will provide the scripts and props, and all you need to bring is the energy!
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Youth Art Month: Recycled Material Sculptures Drop-In
Celebrate Youth Art Month with a creative, eco-friendly twist! The Ann Arbor Art Center invites artists of all ages to the Gallery for a free drop-in event focused on recycled material sculptures.
Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Explore a world where prehistoric whales had four limbs and walked on land! Learn how whales and dolphins transitioned from land to water by examining specimens that are ancestors to modern cetaceans. Sundays in March.
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, 1105 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
March 4
Roll up some dirt, clay and seeds to make a seed bomb that can be planted anywhere!
Westgate Branch Library, 2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
March 5
Wonder Walks – Signs of Spring Â
Learn about skunk cabbage and witch hazel, two of the harbingers of spring, and search for other signs that warm weather is on its way! Also on Sunday, March 9.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor
Elementary and middle school students can stop by the youth department with their homework and get help from a high school student volunteer.
YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Celebrating Your Greatness (8+)
Enjoy a short read-aloud from the 2025 Family Read, The Puppets of Spelhorst , then use words, colors and a variety of craft supplies to create a collage that represents the specialness of you.
YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti
March 6
After School STEM: Paleontology
Learn about fossils and dinosaurs through hands-on activities. Also on Thursday, March 13 and 20.
YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
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March 8
Meet Your Parks with Natural Area Preservation: March Migration
Join Natural Area Preservation as they introduce local parks and natural areas! This month, learn about migrating birds on the Sister Lakes in Dolph Nature Area.
Dolph Nature Area, 375 Parklake Ave., Ann Arbor
Little Ones Play: STEM Sensory
Explore STEM concepts through the 5 senses! STEM sensory stations, including baby-friendly activities, will be available for little ones ages 0-5.
YDL-Downtown, 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Owls with Leslie Science and Nature Center
Join Leslie Science and Nature Center and the Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance to meet a live owl! Afterward, learn more about owls and properly dissect an owl pellet.
YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
March 9
Celebrate Mario Day with AADL! Enjoy themed activities like Bingo, warp pipe bean bag toss, photo ops, crafts, Mario Kart and more. Costumes are welcome!
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Youth Art Month: Movable 2-D Characters & Collaborative Stop-Motion Animation Drop-In
All ages are welcome to design, create and animate their own movable 2D characters, bringing them to life in a collaborative stop-motion animation!
Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Join Mama’s Network for a free family swim in partnership with Goldfish Swim School. Registration is required.
Goldfish Swim School, 2017 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
March 10
An Evening with The Creature Conservancy
Enjoy an evening learning about local and exotic animals with The Creature Conservancy! A selection of ambassador animals will be featured in a live presentation.
Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor
March 15
Family Day | The Ides of March
Learn about the Roman Empire and the Ides of March! Explore the Roman calendar, discover protective charms and create a comic or theater mask inspired by Julius Caesar’s story.
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St., Ann Arbor
Join Doodles Academy to explore the history of shadow puppets, then design and build your own using oil pastels, paper-piercing techniques, and collage materials for texture and detail.
YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
March 16
Community Sing with Melanie DeMore
Come experience the joy of singing with world-renowned singer, composer, music director and vocal activist Melanie DeMore!
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4001 Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor
March 18
Dare2Design is a 10-week program that guides students and their families through the invention process, fostering problem-solving skills. This program is for families from low-income backgrounds with children in 2nd-10th grade. Registration required.
YDL-Downtown, 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
March 19
Welcome spring with a trail walk (weather dependent) and then come inside to coax spring along by potting up some seeds to take home.Â
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor
Share your journey, ask questions, get lactation support or simply connect with other parents.
YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti
March 21
Wendy & DB are visiting AADL to share their catchy lyrics, vocal harmonies and curiosity! Dance along to their guitar and ukulele as this 2023 Grammy-nominated children’s music duo brings the fun!
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
March 22
Breastfeeding Basics with Wrapped in Love
Join Wrapped in Love Doula & Lactation Support for a crash course in breastfeeding.
YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti
Got too many craft supplies? Want to try a new hobby without buying more materials? Join the AADL art supply swap! Drop off items at any location until March 15th. You don’t need to donate to pick something up.
Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library, 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor
Maker Afternoon: 2025 Family Read Puppet Making
Library Board Member and professional puppeteer Brian Steimel will be leading a workshop on how to make your own puppet out of commonly available craft supplies. Registration is required.Â
YDL-Downtown, 229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
March 23
Dancing Babies with Momo Kajiwara
Join local music teacher Momo Kajiwara for a fun program of music and motion, perfect for babies and preschoolers up to age 5!
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
All-Ages Mario Kart Tournament
It’s a Mario Kart 8 tourney for kids, teens and adults!
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Learn about beaver activity in the areas around Matthaei Botanical Garden and look for signs.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor
March 26
Japanese Magical Journey with Yasu Ishida
Combining traditional Japanese theatre, lion dance, music, origami, magic and storytelling, Yasu will take audiences on an enchanting journey to Japan.
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
March 28
Movie Day at the Library: My Neighbor Totoro
In this film, two young sisters spend a summer in the Japanese countryside with their father, discovering that their strange new home is a magical wonderland filled with creatures and a trio of furry woodland sprites visible only to children.
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
March 29
Musical Petting Zoo Featuring the Michigan Pops Orchestra
Join members of Michigan Pops Orchestra for a hands-on workshop to learn about musical instruments!
Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
