Even if March doesn’t come in like a lion, the month is jam-packed with events that’ll make your kids roar with excitement. Dress up for a fancy ball, don your pajamas at a scientific sleepover, go to the theater or display your girl power (March is Women’s History Month).
Here are 10 kid-friendly events to check out!
1. Empower Her at Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse: March 7
Girls rule at this free Empower Her event in Lawrenceville sponsored by Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, the Veterans Leadership Program and The Mission Continues. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ladies ages 8 to 15 can socialize, hear from influential female speakers, make crafts and participate in activities focused on body positivity, healthy lifestyles and personal growth. Lunch will be provided. Register by March 6 here.
2. Pittsburgh Fairytale Ball at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center: March 7
Magical moments abound at the Pittsburgh Fairytale Ball. Get all gussied up in your fanciest gown and dance with Cinderella, read with Rapunzel and create your own tiara with Tinkerbell. Little ones will get the royal treatment with free professional princess portraits, a candy buffet, crafts, stories, games and more. Get your tickets today and live happily ever after.
3. Rube Goldberg Machine Contest at MuseumLab, North Side: March 15
American cartoonist Rube Goldberg built machines designed to perform simple tasks in overly complicated ways. See what the next generation of overkill engineers are making at MuseumLab. Local teams, ranging in age from 8 to 14, made the quick act of turning off a light into a monumental task. hard to make the quick act of turning off a light into a monumental task. See their devices in action from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor. Little inventors from birth to age 5 can test their own Rube Goldberg catapult next door at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
4. Family Movie Night at WQED: March 18
Spend an evening in the Fred Rogers Studio at WQED watching a mini-marathon of some of your favorite shows. Sit back and watch episodes of “Pinkalicious,” “WordGirl” and “Super Why!” The free event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with complimentary refreshments and parking. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, indeed!
5. Half-Pint Prints at the Andy Warhol Museum: March 18
Pittsburgh-born artist Andy Warhol was known for his silkscreen prints. Kids ages 1 to 4 can try out the process during this drop-in activity at his namesake museum on the North Side. Families will work with artist-educators from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to create their own masterpieces. The program is free with museum admission, but registration is required.
6. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony at Heinz Hall: March 20-22
Do you have some wascally wabbits to entertain? Bring them to Heinz Hall for the 30th anniversary of the landmark “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” concerts. The event blends classical music and beloved animation. The carrot-chomping character and his “Looney Tunes” pals will be projected on the big screen while the original scores are performed live by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
7. Superhero Science Sleepover at the Carnegie Science Center: March 27-28
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … whatever you want to be! Spend the night at the Carnegie Science Center for a high-flying adventure. Create your superhero identity, test your agility, senses and reflexes and use green screen technology to take an epic action shot. Once you’ve harnessed your own talents, enjoy a screening of “Superpower Dogs 3D” in the Rangos Giant Cinema. In addition to the caped crusading adventures, sleepover guests will receive an official Science Center patch, a late-night snack, continental breakfast and free admission for the day after the event, which includes access Highmark SportsWorks and the USS Requin. Register by calling 412-237-3400.
8. Everything Kids Expo at The Block Northway: March 28
PA Virtual Charter School and Pittsburgh Parent magazine are teaming up to host a fun and educational event at The Block Northway. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the expo features activities and other engaging experiences for kiddos while their parents get a chance to speak face-to-face with representatives from area summer camps and enrichment programs. They play, you learn. It’s a win-win day!
9. Bookish in the ‘Burgh Teen Day in the Cultural District: March 28
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is going to be “lit” on March 28. That’s when Bookish in the ‘Burgh will celebrate teen literature. The free festival brings together acclaimed authors and ravenous readers for conversations, book signings, writing workshops and opportunities for teens to interact with their fellow word-loving peers. Riverstone Books, a festival sponsor, will set up a pop-up bookstore and offer hands-on activities throughout the day.
10. UPMC Children’s Ball at Heinz Field: March 28
Things are about to get wild at Heinz Field. Pint-sized party animals (and their handlers) are invited to the stadium from 5 to 8 p.m. for the 24th annual UPMC Children’s Ball. There will be music, dancing, food, games, arts, crafts and a critter exhibit from the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. All of this fun is for a good cause … to support the Matilda H. Theiss Child Development Center at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.
Looking for more events and live music? Read our top weekly and weekend events, 13 things to do in March in Pittsburgh and The best concerts in Pittsburgh for February and March.