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​​Best Things to do in Orlando in March

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There are so many things to do in Orlando in March. And with weather that is pleasantly warm during the day, cooler in the evening, and accompanied by just a few bouts of rain, it’s the perfect time to go exploring with the family! Between floral exhibits, art shows, and other unique festivals, you will have no shortage of things to do in Orlando while there. 

Families keen on vacationing in Orlando in March should know that the weeks between Spring Break and Easter weekend at the end of the month bring in loads of people on spring break. This translates to higher rates and crowded destinations, which means your trip will definitely be more economical, more convenient, and more relaxed if you visit during the first week of March instead. 

Read on to discover all the March Madness that Orlando has to offer for families like yours and the many things you can do there!

Best Things to do in Orlando in March

Take a Guided Garden Tour

If you want to explore the many springtime Orlando activities that Florida has to offer, there is no better time to do it than in the warm month of March. Hosted by the Orange County Extension Center on South Conway Road at the beginning of March, this guided tour promises to give you and the kids a unique insight into the native flora of Florida. Learn about landscaping, vegetable gardening, flowering plants, and more as you wander through the 4-acre Exploration Gardens. A quick reminder that while kids 12 and under are allowed to enter for free, adults are required to pay a nominal fee during pre-registration.

Live it up at Mardi Gras at the Marketplace

Nothing quite says celebration like Mardi Gras NOLA-style at the Marketplace in Avalon Park. So don your best outfits, whisper the password at this VIP speakeasy, and groove along to the live brass band. 

The popular festival begins in early February, lasts for nearly two months, and includes colorful parades, concerts, themed merchandise stores, star-studded entertainment, and international cuisine. Popularly known as “Florida’s Biggest Party,” Mardi Gras Orlando comprises 14 concerts, 1.7 million beads, and a spectacular parade, all of which are family-friendly! Word of advice for the adults? They offer themed cocktails to unwind after your long day at one of the parks so don’t scrimp on those!

Mickey, Minnie and Donald at EPCOT's International Flower & Garden Festival Walt Disney World
Mickey, Minnie and Donald at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival

Spend time at the EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival

Orlando in spring is characterized by sunshine and brief spurts of rain, so bid farewell to winter and embrace the warmth in the Sunshine State. There is no better place to do this than at the International Flower & Garden Festival that runs from the start of March till the first week of July!

Lose yourself in the heady scent of the flowers floating through the air. Between Disney-themed exhibits, elaborate topiaries, multi-hued flower installations, and hanging baskets, those with green thumbs will have loads to see, explore and smell here!

And when it’s time to sate rumbling tummies, EPCOT has food and beverage stalls that offer a wide selection of fresh food to feast on. Take your kids to witness the culinary magic that takes place in the outdoor kitchens while they chow down on some grub. The merch collection for spring includes vibrant clothing, accessories, and other season-specific keepsakes, so be sure to set aside some time for shopping.

Hoping there’s a little something for the adults? The Garden Rocks Concert Series at the America Gardens Theater which showcases popular headliners like Rick Springfield and more will keep you bopping along to your fave tunes. 

An important reminder; to attend the festival, visitors need to have valid admit and parking reservation tickets for EPCOT on the same date.

Mardi Gras Float At Universal Studios Florida
Mardi Gras Float At Universal Studios Florida

Enjoy Mardi Gras at Universal Studios

From Feb 5 – Apr 24  Mardi Gras 2022 runs at Universal Orlando Resort. Best of all admission is included with your Theme Park Ticket or Annual Pass. Enjoy a parade and live concerts on select nights, beads, incredible food and more. Parades start from between 6.16pm and 7.30 pm depending on the date.

Visitors can purchase special Mardi Gras themed merchandise at All Hallows Voodoo Boutique at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Tribute Store near Revenge of the Mummy ride in New York. Mardi Gras is family friendly with kids and adults enjoying collecting the plastic beads from the parade floats and characters (although the environment might not be as happy about that). Kids were in their element though! Check out the special Mardi Gras card. For $120, guests can purchase a card worth $150. You can use these cards for any purchases made at Mardi Gras kiosks and at Universal Orlando owned restaurants and carts. 

Take the Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

If your family loves all things art and you are visiting Orlando in March, why not spend the afternoon exploring contemporary art in Downtown Valencia. Conducted by the Valencia College School of Arts and Entertainment in the first week of March, this walking tour is part of their Spring Arts Week. So join in on the fun, follow the map, and learn the tales behind the installations, exhibits, and murals you will see in and around the campus.

Visit the Central Florida Fair

When it comes to events in Orlando March, this is one you simply cannot miss. Held at the West Colonial Drive fairgrounds, this annual community two-week long fair featuring agriculture displays, livestock shows, and art by the local youth is a celebration of community spirit. The fair presents its visitors with carnival treats like cotton candy and funnel cakes, live entertainment in the form of concerts, STEM and cooking contests, fair games and rides, and more. But the main highlight is the livestock show that features cattle, horses, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and cavies from 6 counties of Central Florida. Tip: Opt for the “Family Four Pack” to save up to $50.

Wonderworks - that upside down building!
Wonderworks – that upside down building!

Drop by WonderWorks

Geared toward children, this is a must-have on your list of Orlando activities. WonderWorks is a blast for the entire family, with over 100 hands-on displays, magic shows, virtual roller-coasters, a rope walk, laser tag, and an arcade. And if you visit on the 4th of March, you can contribute toward the fundraiser from 6 p.m. onward, where 20% of all proceeds go to the BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. So combine a fun time with goodwill at WonderWorks, as you navigate through a day of awesomeness!

Participate in the Kids Night at the Museum

If you’ve reached your breaking point with all things Disney, here’s something different! On the first weekend of March, caregivers can drop off their kids (5-12 years) at the Orlando Science Center for an entire 4 hours of nerdy fun! While your little scientist experiences their very own “Night at the Museum” that includes a pizza dinner, live shows, movies, and interactive activities, adults can finally get some “me time” and explore Orlando’s night scene. It’s a fun time for everyone!

Participate in Family Day at the Polasek

Presenting Florida artists from diverse cultures, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens hosts Family Day on the first Saturday of March. An educational tour of private collections and artwork, this museum will be sure to teach you and your family something new by the end of the day.

Lantern Jubilee

Create some of the best memories with your family with this absolutely unique thing to do in Orlando Florida in March. If you were entranced by the lantern scene in Tangled, here’s your chance to recreate it in real life! At the annual celebration of the Lantern Jubilee, the Audubon Park School parking lot becomes the center of this family-friendly event. Bring your own homemade lanterns, walk to Audubon Park, and “see the light” as the lit lanterns float up to join the stars.

Get Cooking at Big Chef-Teen Chef: Is It a Sandwich?

Give your teens some food for thought (literally!) at the Big Chef-Teen Chef event hosted by the Publix Super Market on Dr. Phillips Boulevard. The adult-teen pair will be guided to craft a lovely sandwich-based dinner, so bring your best skills and your appetite! By the end of it, all that will be left to do is eat that sandwich! And if you’re in Orlando during the second week of  March, you can even prepare fair food like funnel cake, corn dogs, and pizza cones with your little chefs (5 and above) at the “Big and Little Chef: Fun Fair Food” event.

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Returning in the second week of March this year is the long-awaited epic performance at Magic Kingdom, Festival of Fantasy Parade. Watch the marvelous parade and cavalcades begin their journey on their anniversary. This is one of the best things to do in Orlando in March and will truly feel like an unforgettable moment when your kids meet their favorite characters!

Satisfy your Need for Speed at the Supercar Social

Perfect for the little motorheads in your posse, the Supercar Social at Fields Motorcars will have both your teens and you drooling over the most beautiful cars. Hosted in conjunction with Dream Cars 4 Kids to support critically ill children at St. Judes, this event is definitely a must-add to your list of things to do in Orlando in March. So set aside the second Saturday for a showcase of classic cars, a live DJ to amp up your spirits, and more. Do keep in mind that this is an exclusive event that requires prior registration.

Support the “Disney VS Universal: The Battle For Orlando” Concert

Ever wanted to know the answer to which is better: Disney or Universal? The concert by Central Florida Sounds of Freedom will serenade you with classics from both studios to help you make up your mind. Beginning in the second week of the month, this March benefit concert is held at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola to support the LGBTQ+ youth of Orlando. So drive down, pick a side, and let the battle begin!

Go Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Orlando’s magical theme parks get even more enchanting on St. Patrick’s Day. The Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs transforms into an Irish wonderland with live Irish music, dance performances, and authentic cuisine. The second week of the month sees the venue hosting award-winning dancers and bands. Small note: There is a cover charge for entry on the actual festival date.

Meanwhile, in Universal Studios, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill is the place to visit for spectacular dishes from the Emerald Isle and traditional Irish whiskey for the adults. Later be sure to drop by Rosie’s Irish Shop to build your collection of Irish souvenirs.

Seaworld is another stop you want to include on your Orlando in March itinerary. The theme park goes green with Irish-themed novelties and specialties at the shops and food stalls. The abundance of food that is green-colored as part of their Seven Seas Food Festival is most certainly a sight (and taste) to behold!

An important reminder: Theme parks and restaurants fill up quickly, so make your reservations well in advance.

Visit Winter Park’s Sidewalk Art Festival

Hosting nearly 900 participants, this 3-day event is one of the biggest outdoor art festivals in the country. Discover the many branches of fine arts and crafts as you groove to the music from the jazz concert and talk with the artists themselves. Don’t forget to stop by the Children’s Workshop before leaving where kids get the chance to get their hands dirty and take home their magnificent creations!

Run the Smile Mile presented by Barney Butter

If you have kids between ages 5 and 11 who love to run, sign them up to participate in this running festival held at the end of March at Upper Blue Jacket Park. The starting point is at the intersection of Robin road and Upper Park road, and upon completing the course, kids get to take home the bib, t-shirt, and finisher medal to commemorate their achievement.

Get Hot & Spicy at the Taste of Oviedo

Drive out about 20 miles to the city of Oviedo near the end of March to attend the annual 28th Taste of Oviedo festival which has an absolutely free Kids Area. Music, food, contests, and live entertainment are just a few of the other things that will make this fest a memory you will cherish forever!

Explore New Cultures

Participate in India’s Festival of Color, Holi, at the end of March at the Festival Park on Robinson Street. Sing, dance, eat and run around sprinkling colored water and powder as you welcome the onset of spring with the rest of the community.

Stick around till the next day to celebrate the Arab Festival at Lake Eola Park on Rosalind Avenue. This annual fest brings you food, music, along with other unique, cultural programs! 

Free things to do in Orlando in March

Don’t worry if you want to explore economic options for your family to explore, there are so many free things to do in Orlando in March. If a quiet getaway appeals to you, watch a Movie in the Park at the Dr. P. Phillips Community Park. Stock a picnic basket with movie snacks, stretch out under the night sky, and watch a movie with your kiddos. It really doesn’t get cozier than that! 

Alternatively, you could also drive about 30 miles from Disney World to the charmingly quaint Avalon Park. The family-friendly community in Orange County has four large parks, a variety of shopping centers, and even a dog park on-site. However, the main draw for visitors is the many events held here in March, from a relaxing Kite Day, the Community Campout, and even a Fishing Tournament.

And finally, if attending community festivals in Orlando this March is on your bucket list, the Vegan Spring Fling Festival by Lake Eola by the Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. promises a wholesome day in the sun with art stalls, craft workshops, community speakers, music, and food. The Crealdé School of Art School’s annual Free Family Festival is another fun option to consider, where kiddos get to ride ponies, have their face painted, or just jump around in a bouncy house. Meanwhile, teens and adults will get to take part in the interactive workshops, painting lessons, photography classes, clay sculpting, and more, all for free! 

Things to do In Orlando with Kids Month by Month Guide

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