16 WEEKLY 2026
MARCH
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
VOL 4 NO. 09 FREE DIGITAL VERSION
N E W S P A P E R
Baldwin City’s 2026
SPRING BREAK GUIDE S
pring Break is here for Baldwin City students, running March 16 - March 20, and for many families it means a chance to relax, recharge, and spend time together.
Teachers will take a break from lesson plans and grading, and some families will head out of town for vacation. But for those staying local, there are still plenty of ways for kids to stay active and entertained right here in Baldwin City. To help families plan their week, community organizations and local businesses have put together a variety of activities and events throughout town. The Maple has put them all in one place for you! A Place to Gather: The Maple Open Play Day One highlight of the week will be The Maple’s Open Play Day, taking place Friday, March 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sullivan Square. The informal event is designed as a chance for kids to meet up with friends, burn off some energy, and enjoy one of the final days of Spring Break together. Kids are encouraged to bring whatever helps them have fun outside — footballs, soccer balls, chalk, bubbles, or other games — and simply enjoy time together in the downtown green space. Organizers say the event is especially
geared toward older elementary and middle school students, roughly grades four through nine, who sometimes struggle to find places to gather and socialize during school breaks. The Maple will also be providing prizes throughout the afternoon, along with a lighthearted master of ceremonies to keep the atmosphere fun and lively. Spring Break Starts Early Spring Break actually kicked off Saturday, March 14, with Baldwin City’s Paddy Wagon Parade, which began at 1:30 p.m. at Baldwin City Distillery. After the parade, families could head to Baldwin City Beer Company, where a kids zone which had activities, a shamrock hunt, and even face painting. A Week-Long Shamrock Hunt Throughout the week, Baldwin City Recreation will host its annual Shamrock Hunt. Participants follow daily clues posted at 8 a.m. on the Recreation website and social media to find hidden letter rocks around Baldwin City. After finding each rock, participants take a photo and leave it for the next hunter. At the end of the week, the letters spell a word. Participants who submit the word along with their photos will be entered into a drawing for prizes. Arts, Library Events and Open Recreation Kids who enjoy art can take part in “Pennants for the Cup” at the Lumberyard
Arts Center, where participants design soccer-themed pennants celebrating creativity and community. The Baldwin City Library will also host activities during the week, including Storytime, Obie Fun, and youth clubs for elementary and middle school students. Meanwhile, Baldwin City Recreation will offer multiple open recreation sessions, giving kids a place to stay active and play indoors. Local Businesses Join the Fun Several Baldwin City restaurants are also offering family-friendly specials during the week. These include: Gambino’s Dinner Buffet on Tuesday evening $3 kids meals at Wooden Spoke on Wednesday Seasonal spring flavors at Homestead of Baldwin Pennants for the Cup at the Lumberyard The Lumberyard Arts Center will also host “Pennants for the Cup,” a community art installation celebrating Baldwin City’s love of soccer and community pride. Participants are invited to design their own pennant inspired by international soccer and hometown spirit. The free activity will take place during Spring Break Kick Off on Wednesday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with additional open studio times Wednesday from 1–3 p.m. and Thursday
through Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. All ages are welcome, and all materials will be provided. Pennants will later be displayed throughout Baldwin City this fall during the World Cup Games. A Community Playdate A Community Playdate is planned for Thursday morning at Baldwin City Pool Park, offering families another opportunity to gather, connect, and enjoy time together during Spring Break. The event is hosted by the Be The Village group, led by Sydney Cross, and is designed to provide a relaxed space for kids to play while parents visit and build community. Activities will include slides, open play, bubbles, and music enrichment with Small Strides Music Co., creating a fun and welcoming environment for young children and their families Making the Most of Spring Break at Home The goal of the Spring Break guide is simple — to remind families that even without leaving town, there are plenty of ways to make the week memorable. And for many local kids, sometimes the best Spring Break activity is simply meeting up with friends, heading outside, and enjoying the extra time away from school. Turn to Page 2 for a full calendar of Baldwin City Spring Break activities, and check out Page 3 for a fun activity page. Continue on page 2