Super Blooms

All these rains are most likely going to result in a spectacular show of flowers from the coast all the way to the desert. If you missed the flowers two years ago, now's your chance to see how amazing the mountains and hills look covered in a blanket of yellow, pink and red. Throughout Mar. 

Check state park websites for up to date information as well as some of our favorite local botanical spots.

Online: descansogardens.org

Online: malibucreekstatepark.org

Online: theabf.org

Online: antelopepoppyreserve.gov

Have a Whale of a Time

Every Mar., 40-50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, earning its reputation as the “Whale Capital of the West.” Take in the city’s annual Festival of Whales, which includes whale watching boat tours and a whole host of other activities for kids of all ages. Browse art shows featuring works from local award-winning artists and high school art students or watch the 4th annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash featuring a beach of captains racing in the harbor with nothing but a paddle and their cardboard ships. 

Budding artists can help to paint a life-sized whale, and if you’re feeling lucky, compete in the Diamond Dig and to search for buried treasure ranging from toys and prizes to one beautiful piece of diamond jewelry. Don’t forget about the Festival of Whales Parade, which kicks off the whole event with sea-themed floats and more.

Good to Know: The festival encompasses two weekends, multiple locations and individual events. Be sure to plan your visit in advance with the help of the website. Mar. 2-3, Mar. 9-10. Event Details

Learn About Man's Best Friend

On Mar. 16, the new, highly anticipated and interactive science exhibition called Dogs! A Science Tail highlights the dynamic nature of the bond between humans and dogs finally opens! Explore the world, from a dog's point of view, through a variety of hands-on exhibits—from listening to sounds that only dogs can hear to better understanding how pets strengthen our communities.

Good to Know: Want to make a day of it? Purchase tickets to Superpower Dogs, a 3D IMAX. It’s a live-action family film about extraordinary real-life dogs who save lives, protect us from danger and make our world a better place. Opens Mar. 16. Event Details.

Go Fly a Kite

Send the whole family’s spirit soaring at the Festival of the Kite on the Redondo Beach Pier. Celebrating its 45^th year, the longest-running kite festival in Southern California plays host to both expert kite flyers and novices alike. If your little one has ever asked you to fly a kite, this is the perfect place to do it while picking up some pro tips along the way. But getting your own kite airborne isn’t a must to enjoy the fun—get artistic creating your own kite or simply enjoy the view and the sand beneath your toes. Mar. 10.  Event Details.

Good to Know: There’s lots more to enjoy at the Pier—check out our guide to family fun along the Redondo Beach Pier.

Go for the Gold

What kid hasn’t dreamed of finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Pack up your four-leaf clover hunters for a morning of St. Patrick’s Day fun in Malibu that includes a search for a pot of gold. This event will delight the littlest leprechauns who can take in a story, craft an art activity and nibble on snacks. There’s also a special surprise guest and giveaway planned. Two gold hunt times are available (10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.); sign-ups will be offered at the check-in booth at 9:45 a.m. Mar. 15. Event Details.

Flower Power

Celebrate Cherry Blossom season at Descanso Gardens. Skip your morning treadmill and take the kids on a spring bloom walk where you can learn about cherry blossoms, flowering trees, and other seasonal favorites. Budding artists will be delighted to take in one of the origami hands-on demonstrations where they can even try their hand at it with the help of seasoned pros. Throughout Mar. Event details.

Good to Know: Before you go, check out our family guide to exploring Descanso Gardens.

Run for It

With 24,000 participants, thousands of volunteers, hundreds of thousands of spectators (and numerous road closures), the Los Angeles Marathon is hard to miss. The scenic “Stadium to the Sea” course spans the city, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishes near the Santa Monica Pier.

While 26.2 miles isn't something to tackle on the fly, consider walking the kids down to the route to cheer on participants as they run. You might also be lucky enough to see one of the dozens of bands that play along the course, or lift your spirits at Cheer Alley, near Mile 18 and home to over 600 local cheerleaders encouraging runners to the finish line. Mar. 24. Event details.

Magical Tea Party

Imagine Queen Elizabeth meeting Harry Houdini and that, in a nutshell, is the best way to describe the Langham Hotel’s Imagine Tea. Aspiring mini magicians will enjoy close-up magic courtesy of famed Magic Castle junior performers as they sip on pink lemonade and fruit-infused caffeine-free tea while nibbling on tea sandwiches and whimsical desserts. Presented quarterly, this spellbinding tea party benefits local children’s non-profit organizations with The Langham Huntington, Pasadena donating a portion of each tea party’s proceeds to such charities. Mar. 3. Event Details.

Chow Down

If you haven't gone yet, no more excuses! Eat your way through downtown L.A.’s legendary Smorgasburg at ROW DTLA. Sample delicious delights from over 70 vendors including goa-taco, Amazebowls, Shrimp Daddy, Lobsterdamus, Big Mozz and more. Once your bellies are full, browse special popup vendors, experience unique shopping and take in all that this market has to offer. Every Sun. Event Details.