March is a swing month that bounces between hints of spring and the last gasps of winter. The mixed bag of highs and lows teases with outdoor adventures and happy-to-stay-home activities. This month brings a wonderful collection of events from family dance parties to a free cookie decorating class.
1. Reopening of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: March 1
Yes! We’ve missed our favorite Pittsburgh Zoo animals and we suspect they’ve missed us, too. Zoo visits give kids a good reason to stretch their legs as they hike from the African Savanna to the Tropical Forest to the Water’s Edge. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Among the modified operations, you’ll find the carousel, zip line and log ride are still closed, and masks are required for visitors older than age 2 regardless of vaccination. The tram will not be running yet, but Jambo Grill will accept mobile orders for snacks and drinks.
2. Community Dance Classes, PearlArts and Kelly Strayhorn Theater: March 6-April 10
The Alloy School returns virtually through a collaboration between PearlArts and Kelly Strayhorn Theater. The classes and workshops begin March 6, priced at a pay-what-makes-you-happy rate. Little ones ages 3 to 6 will delight in jazz and ballet movements. Kids ages 7-12 can choose between hip-hop and ballet. The entire family is welcome to learn a few new moves in Capoeira, Latin Styles and West African Dance classes. Browse the class offerings and get set for an invigorating living room dance party.
3. Cookie Class with Jasmine Cho, Kidsburgh: March 6
Cookie artist extraordinaire Jasmine Cho continues her series of cookie decorating classes through Kidsburgh and Remake Learning Days. Her March 6 virtual session celebrates Women’s History Month. Cho will share the stories of amazing women while demonstrating her techniques to create intricate portraits from icing. Hang around after the lesson for an interactive Q&A. Registration is free. Once signed up you will receive the Zoom link and recipe.
4. Empower Her 2021: Shattering Glass Ceilings, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA: March 8-29
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA hopes to inspire the next generation of women. Empower Her presents weekly virtual sessions with influential speakers and lessons on body positivity, confidence and personal growth. All participants will receive two deliveries with supplies and resources to enhance the sessions, plus a “fab box” of sweet treats and healthy foods. Girls ages 8-17 can sign up here for the free leadership workshops, which begin March 8.
5. Cartoonists for Conservation: An Evening with Bird and Moon Comics, National Aviary: March 11
We anticipate a delightful evening with Rosemary Mosco, who delves into the funny side of birds in her virtual speaker spotlight with the National Aviary. A naturalist and children’s book author, Mosco combines science and comics in her Bird and Moon cartoons. Kids might recognize her work from Ranger Rick magazine and “Birding is My Favorite Video Game,” a quasi-educational collection of comics. Registration is $15.
6. Naomi Shihab Nye, Words & Pictures, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures: March 11
The final installment of this season’s Words & Pictures series brings the current Young People’s Poet Laureate, Naomi Shihab Nye. She’ll read from and discuss her latest poetry collection, “Everything Comes Next,” along with some of her most popular pieces. Writing tips are included, too, as a bonus for young, developing poets. Nye is a self-described “wandering poet” who has traveled the world, inspiring kids during workshops along the way. Registration is free.
7. Frida Family Fun Day, The Frick Pittsburgh: March 13
The Frick Pittsburgh invites kids to a morning of art education dedicated to artist Frida Kahlo. The session, geared to kids ages 5 and older, is related to the museum’s new exhibition, “Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray.” Kids will explore how Kahlo expressed her Mexican heritage through the use of color and portraiture. Registration for this online event is free.
8. Gimme S’More, Riverview Park: March 14
Kids can work up an appetite for a sweet treat during this family hike. Guides from Venture Outdoors will lead the way along three miles of winding trails through Riverview Park. The payoff at the end is building a melted marshmallow s’more. Registration is $5 for kids, $8 for their grownups or $20 for the whole family. Expect Covid safety precautions.
9. Meet the Easter Bunny, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: March 20-21 and 26-28
It’s time to go hippity, hoppity down the bunny trail to meet spring’s most popular celebrity. The Pittsburgh Zoo’s Easter Bunny meet-and-greet event promises socially distanced safety, along with treats from The Milkshake Factory. A team member will be happy to take group shots with your camera or phone. Timed tickets are $25 per family. Zoo admission is extra.
10. Adventures of an Architect Day Camp, Assemble: March 24
Kids from grades 3-5 will be challenged to consider how their neighborhood houses and buildings were planned and structured during the Adventures of an Architect Day Camp. Part of the fun will be coming up with a design for their own dream home. The virtual workshop includes a material kit to be picked up on March 19. Registration is $20. Some $10 scholarships are available and registration is free for Garfield residents.
Bonus events:
Phipps Fairies and Flora Virtual Dance Class
Carnegie Science Center FabLab Workshops
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s Virtual Children’s Saturday Studio
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Dance Workshops
August Wilson African American Cultural Center Youth Writers Camp
Let’s Move at the Parks with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
For more events, go here.