10 best March events for kids in Pittsburgh, from ‘Disney on Ice’ to St. Patrick’s Day

March in Pittsburgh can be full of surprises, as winter’s chill mixes with the warm possibilities of spring. The month’s lineup of events for kids is equally diverse and unpredictable, with lots of surprises ahead. Scroll on to find the 10 best events for Pittsburgh kids in March.

As always, be sure to pack your masks and visit each organization’s website or social media to stay updated about COVID safety guidelines.

1. March 3-6: “Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate,” PPG Paints Arena

Kids will be enthralled by 50 of their favorite Disney stars at “Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate,” coming to PPG Paints Arena. World-class ice skaters perform as Woody and Forky, Aladdin, a chorus line of Genies, Beauty and the Beast, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie. Get ready to sing, too: Timon and Pumbaa will get the crowd pumped with a rousing rendition of “Hakuna Matata.” Elsa will lead a “Frozen” singalong, and we won’t be surprised when her little fans know all the words. Multiple shows run daily, with tickets starting at $25.

2. March 4-13: “A Wrinkle in Time,” Prime Stage Theatre

Prime Stage Theatre celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Newberry Award-winning novel with “A Wrinkle in Time,” onstage at the New Hazlett Theater. Madeleine L’Engle’s adventure fantasy tells the tale of three kids who travel via tesseract through time and space to rescue their father from “IT” and the powers of The Darkness. Shows include audio-described, sensory-inclusive and ASL-interpreted performances. As an extra treat for those who love the book, L’Engle’s granddaughter, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, will lead a post-show discussion on March 11. Tickets are $18 for kids and $33 for adults. A pay-what-you-can price covers the preview show on March 4. Can’t make it in person? A recorded performance will be available to stream from March 14-27.

3. March 9: Hop into History: Pop Art Icon, Heinz History Center

This month’s installment of Hop Into History shines a spotlight on Pop Art icon and Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol. The program is designed to inspire a love of Pittsburgh history in early learners ages 2 to 5. Engaging, hands-on activities include creating silk-screen Pop Art, building with Brillo Box blocks and playing a matching game with Campbell Soup can designs. The $20 registration fee covers up to two kids and two adults and includes admission to the museum for a day of history hopping and bopping.

4. March 12: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown Pittsburgh

There’s nothing like standing curbside and feeling the bass drum vibrations from a passing marching band. That’s just one reason to head to Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which lays claim to being the third-largest in the country. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at 11th St. and Liberty Ave., heads to Grant St., turns onto Blvd. of the Allies, then marches to the review stand on Stanwix St. Your kids will be entertained by high school marching bands, dance troops, kilted bagpipers and lots of clowns.

5. March 12, April 16, May 21, June 4: 2022 Youth Writers Camp, August Wilson Center for African American Culture

August Wilson’s literary legacy is at the core of the center’s 2022 Youth Writers Camp. Educators Carla Knight and Dionna Westry will lead middle and high school kids through Zoom sessions that emphasize the American Dream, as depicted in Wilson’s play “Jitney.” Included in the four-part camps are play excerpts, analysis, writing prompts and discussions on current social justice issues. By the end of camp, kids will select from their writing samples to perform in a virtual poetry slam. Registration is $20.

6. March 13 and 20: Printmaking Workshops, MuseumLab

Kids ages 10-15 will develop new skills in a pair of printmaking workshops at MuseumLab this month. The March Watercolor Woodcuts class on March 13 instructs kids step-by-step to create a design, carve a wooden block and make prints with multiple watercolor hues. On March 20, the Linocut workshop offers an introduction to the process of carving linoleum and printing on a variety of materials. Additional MuseumLab workshops in March include Metal Cutting, Copper Enameling and Fantastic Creature Egg Prop Making. Workshop registration is $20.

7. March 19: Super Science Saturday: Monster Fish, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Those giant freshwater fish featured in the Monster Fish exhibition at Carnegie Museum of Natural History swim into focus at this month’s Super Science Saturday program designed for kids ages 7 to 12. It’s the perfect day to visit and get the most out of exploring the science and evolution of these great big fish. Kids can join a fish-themed scavenger hunt and learn how to protect local species by conserving ecosystems in our ponds, lakes and rivers. Super Science activities are included in general admission ($11.95 for ages 3-18; $14.95 for seniors and $19.95 for adults).

8. March 19-20: Penguin-palooza, National Aviary

Join your fine-feathered friends for the two-day Penguin-palooza at the National Aviary. Meet the African penguin colony at daily feedings to learn about their favorite fishy foods and gain insight into how human seafood choices help conserve marine life. A special session gives kids an understanding of a penguin’s unique qualities — from waterproof feathers to flippers that work on both land and sea. A penguin trivia game will test the kiddos’ knowledge. And a storytime will feature “If You Were a Penguin,” by Florence Friedman Minor. Penguin-palooza activities are included with general admission.

9. March 25: Teen Fashion Show, The Andy Warhol Museum

Teens get their taste of glitz, glamour and innovation with the Teen Fashion Show at the Andy Warhol Museum. Runway styles were developed by teen designers during the Warhol’s fashion workshops, as well as by teen creatives from throughout the Pittsburgh area. Sustainability is a theme with garments and accessories created from repurposed, recycled and reimagined pieces. Registration is free for this event intended for ages 13-18.

10. March 26: Empower Her 2022, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania

Girls ages 7-17 are invited to Empower Her, an annual event hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. This year, Empower Her returns as an in-person day of activities and speakers designed to encourage girls to become leaders in their communities. Caring female role models will encourage body positivity, personal growth and confidence. Inspired by the International Women’s Day movement and Women’s History Month, Empower Her’s mission is to motivate the next generation of women to advocate and take action around female empowerment. Registration is free.

Seeking more March events for kids in Pittsburgh? Check out these bonus events:

March 3 and 10: Indoor Beginner Kayaking Class, Venture Outdoors

March 5: Hip-Hop Camp: Go DJ Performance Showcase, August Wilson Center for African American Culture

March 19-27: “Jungle Book” (rescheduled), Gemini Theater

March 19-April 17: Spring Flower Show: Sunshine and Rainbows, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

March 20: Buds, Barks and Branches Nature Walk, Raccoon State Park

March 26: Story Saturdays: “Made by Maxine,” Carnegie Museum of Art

March 26: Girl Scouts of Western PA: Playing the Past Badge Day Workshop, Heinz History Center

March 27: “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical” (rescheduled), Byham Theater