14 maple syrup events in the Pittsburgh region to celebrate syrup season

Photo above by Kobby Mendez via Unsplash.

Most kids know that pure maple syrup is a delicious way to top pancakes and waffles. This year, help your kids learn that maple syrup is made from sap emerging from trees right here in our area. Families in the Pittsburgh area can learn all about the science of maple sugaring, sample maple treats and see the sap being boiled down into sweet syrup at local events.

We’ve rounded up a list of maple syrup events in Pittsburgh and around our region happening in February and March — nearly all of them free. Some activities will fill their spaces early, so be sure to register in advance to prevent disappointment. Also, dress for the weather.

Here are 9 great Pittsburgh-area maple syrup events on tap throughout our region:

1. Feb. 10: Home Sweet Home: Backyard Maple Sugaring, Jennings Environmental Education Center

From choosing appropriate trees through tapping, collecting and evaporating maple sap, teens and adults can observe and practice the steps in the sugaring process, and discover how it can be done on a backyard scale. Information and resources will be provided for finding out more and getting started at home. The program, running 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m., is free and a limited supply of equipment will be available to purchase. Participants must be 16 or older. Register here or call 724-794-6011.

2. Feb. 10: Maple Syrup Making at North Park’s Latodami Nature Center

Learn the history of maple syrup making in Pennsylvania before heading outside to discover how to identify and tap maple trees, then collect and boil down the sap to make table-ready syrup using homestyle methods. Adults must register if they’ll be attending with kids under 16. Dress for outdoor weather. Call for more information 724-935-2170. Two sessions are available: register here for 10-11:30 a.m. and register here for 1-2:30 p.m. (See below for additional date.)

3. Feb. 24: Maple Syrup Making at North Park’s Latodami Nature Center

Another syrup making event at North Park (see details in Feb. 10 post, above) is happening on Feb. 24. Register here for 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and register here for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

4. Feb. 29: Homeschool Maple Sugaring, Jennings Environmental Education Center

Jennings’ Homeschool Maple Sugaring program turns to the science and math behind maple sugaring. More than just a fun outing away from screens, the program aligns with math and science taught at many local schools and with state and national education standards. Your group of 12 or fewer can sign up for one of the timeslots offered on each date. The program is intended for kids ages 2 to 5, but older siblings are welcome to attend. Register your family or group for the 10 a.m. session or the 1 p.m. session. Free.

5. March 2: Maple Sugaring for Scouts, Jennings Environmental Education Center

Scouts ages 7-11 years can earn an embroidered patch while learning about the science and math behind making maple syrup. Jennings staff will guide them through an outdoor tour of maple trees that includes hands-on activities. The two-hour program will be offered at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Registration is required by Feb.  24. The cost is $2 for scouts, free for leaders.

6. March 2: Maple Syrup Making at North Park’s Latodami Nature Center

Another syrup making event at North Park (see details in Feb. 10 post, above) is happening on March 2. Register here for 10 a.m. to 11:30  and register here for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

7. March 3: A Sweet Stroll Through Maple History, Jennings Environmental Education Center

Discover how sap taken from a maple tree becomes syrup on the breakfast table during one of four available time slots on March 3: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. The program will begin with an introduction to the mystery of how trees function. Then enjoy a guided walk through the history of maple sugaring, see a working evaporator and get a taste of real maple syrup. The Nature Shop at Jennings will offer a variety of local maple products. The program is free, but registration is required by March 1.

8. March 9: Maple Syrup Making at North Park’s Latodami Nature Center

Another syrup making event at North Park (see details in Feb. 10 post, above) is happening on March 9. Register here for 10 a.m. to 11:30 and register here for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

9. March 9 and 10: Maple Weekend Taste and Tour, Somerset County

It could be your sweetest road trip ever! The Somerset County Maple Producers Association offers free tours at more than a dozen sugar camps on March 9 and 10 during Maple Weekend. Download the brochure for a self-guided tour to learn about maple syrup production firsthand and sample a variety of products like maple barbecue sauce, maple balsamic vinaigrette and maple taffy. Find all the details here.

10. March 12:  Young Nature Explorers (ages 3-6) Maple Syrup Making at North Park

This version of the Latadomi Nature Center program (see details in Feb. 10. post above) is designed for kids ages 3 through 6 and their grownups. Register here for 10 a.m. to 11:30 and register here for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

11. March 16: Maple Madness, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania at Beechwood Farms

Tour through age-old maple sugaring history with the Audubon Society during Maple Madness at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. You’ll tour the maple sugar demonstration trail, discovering the history and science of maple syrup and how to collect and make your own. This event will take place completely outdoors, so dress for the weather. Maple syrup and maple candy will be on sale in the Nature Shops to continue the fun at home. Details here — go to March 16 on the calendar, choose a time, then register (registration is required).

12. March 23: Maple Madness, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania at Succop Nature Park

Catch Maple Madness (see details in post above) at Succop Nature Park one week after the event happens at Beechwood Farms. Get info and register here — go to March 23 on the calendar, choose a time, then register.

13. April 20-21: Beaver County Maple Syrup & Music Festival, The Lodge at Brady’s Run Park

The Beaver County Maple Syrup & Music Festival returns for the 44th year. Expect scrumptious buckwheat or traditional pancakes, with pure Pennsylvania maple syrup. Snack your way through maple treats like maple candy, maple cotton candy, maple lollipops, and maple-coated cashews and maple syrup. Plans include live musical entertainment, children’s activities, antique tractors, Revolutionary War and Civil War demonstrations, a Fun Run and nearly a hundred crafters.

14. April 20-21 and April 24-28: Pennsylvania Maple Festival, Meyersdale

Extend your maple sugar rush to spring with the 77^th annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival that runs over two weekends in April. Meyersdale, which bills itself as Maple City USA, packs the schedule with activities to entertain visitors of all ages. Reenactors and interpreters dramatize the discovery of maple syrup in the “Legend of the Magic Water.” Kids can enjoy hands-on crafts and face painting. Living History exhibits include a cobbler shop and an antique doctor’s office. And, of course, all the maple fun you’d expect is at the heart of the festival. Admission to Maple Festival Park is free for ages 5 and younger, $1 for ages 6-12, $5 for grownups. Catch all the details here.

Want more family events in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region? Don’t miss our February events roundup, our big guide to events happening all winter long, and our guide to outdoor snow sports dest iations. 

And visit our daily events calendar for even more family events in Pittsburgh and beyond!