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Family-Friendly Events

March 2024

The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!

Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!

In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.

Also check out John’s Place, a free after-school program for youth in 6th-12th grades at St. John’s Lutheran Church- 209 N. Rowe St., Ludington. The program currently runs on Thursdays during the school year from 3-5pm. On half days of school, the program runs from 11:30am-5pm. The program includes snacks, games, movies, gym, and a study space. For more information and to register, visit facebook.com

And don’t miss out on all the fun Easter events happening in the area this month!

Amber Elk Ranch

Here's a list of family friendly events happening in March:

Fridays, March 1st & 8th, 2024
4:30-6:30pm

Ludington Area Catholic School Lenten Fish Frys
Cost is $15 for adult meals with choice of fried perch, fried shrimp, or combo of perch/shrimp (served with french fries or baked potato, cole slaw, apple sauce and homemade dessert). Kids meals are $9 with choice of perch, shrimp, combo perch/shrimp, with Mac & Cheese or fries; all with the same sides. Dine in or take-out available. Ludington Area Catholic School- 700 Bryant Rd., Ludington.

Fridays, March 1st-29th, 2024
5-7pm

Lenten Fish Frys in Weare Township
Dine-in or takeout Fish fry’s at St. Joseph Parish Hall- 2349 W. Jackson Rd., Weare Township. Cost is $14 for age 9 and up and a free-will donation for age 8 and under. Includes baked or fried fish, parsleyed red potatoes, choice of green beans or corn, coleslaw, dinner roll, and dessert For more information, call (231) 873-5776.

March 1st-3rd, 2024

Marvac RV & Camping Show
Friday from 1-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 12-5pm. $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and children 12 and under. Purchase tickets by visiting kelloggarena.com. Grand Traverse County Civic Center – 1213 W. Civic Center Dr., Traverse City.

March 1st-3rd, 7th-10th, and 15th-16th, 2024

Performance of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, Special Matinee on March 16th at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. 8th St., Traverse City.

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
10am AND 4pm

Lantern Lit Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, or Hiking
The walk begins at the Ludington State Park Warming Shelter (8800 M-116, Ludington) and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is required.

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024
6pm

Performance by Kanin Wren- The Taylor Swift Experience
Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.

March 7th-10th, 2024

Ultimate Sport Show
Thursday from 1-8pm, Friday from 12-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Exhibitors will be at the show with the latest in outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. Tickets are $12 for those age 15 and up and $5 for children under 15, and can be purchased showspan.com. Devos Place- 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.

Friday, March 8th, 2024
6:30pm

Performance of Puppy Pals Live
The Playhouse at White Lake- 304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall.

Saturday, March 9th, 2024

Finny Slam Ice Fishing Tournament
Hosted by Pere Marquette Expeditions and named for local fisherman, Ray Finholm, who passed away in a boating accident. Prize includes a 100% payout for the longest fish in each category: Pike, Steelhead and Perch. You must be in line for measuring by 6pm. Call (231) 845-7285 for more information.

Thursday, March 14th, 2024
5-6:30pm

Preschool, Young 5’s, & Kindergarten Open House at Ludington Area Catholic School
700 E. Bryant Rd., Ludington. For more information, call (231) 843-3188.

Saturday, March 16th, 2024
10am-2pm

Family AfFair
Annual free event where over 60 area businesses and community agencies provide resources, information, and fun surprises to local families. This year’s theme is “Under Construction – Building Strong Families”. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Mason County Central School- 300 W. Broadway St., Scottville.

Saturday, March 16th, 2024
11am

Polar Plunge Fundraiser
Annual fundraiser for Area 24 Special Olympics held at Little River Casino Resort- 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. Registration begins at 11am with the plunge at 1pm. To get involved, visit plungemi.org.

Saturday, March 16th, 2024
11am

Muskegon St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The annual parade runs down Western Avenue from 6th Street to 2nd Street in downtown Muskegon. For more information, visit facebook.com.

Saturday, March 23rd, 2024
10am

Let’s Make Discory Disc Golf Tournament
Grip ‘n Rip Disc Golf hosts this fundraiser for the Lakeshore Food Club Childhood Cancer Campaign, Homeward Bound Animal Shelter, and Manistee & Ludington Animal Control at the West Shore Community College Disc Golf Course- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Cost is $120 per team. Register online at discgolfscene.com.

Saturday, March 23rd, 2024
10am

Lakeshore Mama & Me Expo & Spring Book Walk
This free event includes Yoga with Baby, face painting, a Book Walk, learning about Early Childhood Development, and What to Expect Postpartum. Ludington Elementary School- 5764 Bryant Rd., Ludington.

Sunday, March 24th, 2024
9:30m

March for Meals Walk & 5k
Registration ranges from $10-$40 and required. Register online at runsignup.com. Family and dog friendly. Benefit for Meals on Wheels.  For more information, email Haley deVries at hdevries@mowwm.org. Millennium Park- 1400 Maynard, Walker. 

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