Patch Parents: Best Things To Do With Kids In March In California

CALIFORNIA — Spring has already sprung in California. Although the first day of spring isn't until March 20, trees and wildflowers are blossoming across the Golden State.

In addition to flowers in bloom, springtime is a perfect time for whale watching and family-friendly outdoor festivals. There are, of course, plenty of other fun events planned throughout the state. Here are some of the best things to do with kids in March in California.

Northern California

Celebrate marine life. The Fort Bragg Whale Fest takes place March 14-16 in downtown Fort Bragg. The three-day festival includes a run and walk along the coast, a craft fair, a wine walk and chowder tasting competition, and more. Fort Bragg also offers whale watching tours for all ages.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The 174th annual San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place March 15. The parade starts at 2nd and Market streets and goes to Civic Center Plaza. The family-friendly Green Fest Block Party on March 16 features Irish dancing, live music, children's activities and vendors in San Francisco.

The city of Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Celebration takes place March 15 and 16 and offers three stages of Irish music and dance, authentic Irish food and drinks, and more than 250 fine arts and commercial vendors.

Cheer on the San Francisco Giants. Bring the entire family to Giants Fan Fest for an Open House and autograph opportunities with Giants alumni and mascot Lou Seal March 8 at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Feel the thrill of full-throttle fun. Monster Jam is rolling into Oakland. See massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers March 15-16 at Oakland Arena in Oakland.

Get hands-on with STEM activities. The North Bay Science Discovery Day is a free science festival designed to spark children's wonder and curiosity for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The one-day event features 98 organizations and more than 150 hands-on interactive exhibits at Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa.

Pick a bouquet. Flower Bulb Day, also known as Tulip Day, is coming back to San Francisco. A colorful display of more than 80,000 tulips will cover Union Square on March 22. Anyone is welcome to visit the pop-up garden and pick a bouquet for free.

Central California

Celebrate the Year of the Snake. The Stockton Chinese New Years Festival, called the biggest Chinese New Year party in the Central Valley, is slated March 8 at First Baptist Church Community Center in Stockton.

Drive along a dazzling display of pink and white blossoms. The Fresno County Blossom Trail is blooming from mid-February to mid-March. The nearly 70-mile long scenic path highlights the region's almond and citrus orchids.

Feel the thrill of full-throttle fun. Monster Jam is rolling into Fresno. See massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers March 7-9 at Save Mart Center.

Southern California

Celebrate marine life. The 54th annual Festival of Whales is set for March 7-9 in the Orange County town of Dana Point, which is known as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. The festival pays homage to the majestic whales that grace the city's shores each year during their migratory journey. The festival includes educational exhibits, whale watching excursions, street fairs, and more.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The 43rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival takes place March 15 in San Diego. The parade starts at Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street.

Experience the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown under the Big Top. Circus Vargas is coming to Southern California. The circus will stop Feb. 28-March 10 at Plaza Bonita in National City, March 14-April 7 in San Diego's Mission Valley, and April 11-28 at Promenade Temecula in Temecula.

Go on a Wildflower Retreat. Explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through a curated weekend retreat filled with learning about wildflowers, hiking and relaxation. The retreat takes place March 21-23 at Borrego Springs Resort and Spa in Borrego Springs.

Indulge in all things boysenberry. The Knott's Boysenberry Festival kicks off March 28 and runs through April 27 at Knott's Berry Farm. The Buena Park theme park's annual food and wine festival celebrates the park's historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry.

Stroll through stunning cherry blossoms. The 20th anniversary Cherry Blossom Festival takes place March 13-16 at Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in San Diego. See the beautiful cherry blossoms, enjoy live performances, indulge in delicious food, and discover local vendors.

Walk through a rainbow of color. A rainbow of blooms blanket the hillside of Carlsbad beginning March 1 at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. The ranch features 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus, a flower known for its large, double-petaled blooms. The season runs through Mother's Day on May 11.

Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email kristina.houck@patch.com.