8 great things to do with kids this weekend in Pittsburgh, several of them free!

Photo above by Phil Johnson ll courtesy of Phipps.

Spring is arriving and we couldn’t be more ready for it. If you’re looking for fun spring-related things to do with kids this weekend, you can celebrate the change of seasons by discovering gorgeous spring flowers at Phipps Conservatory, exploring local trees with help from Venture Outdoors and reveling in Maple Madness with the Audubon Society.

Indoor events happening this weekend include Autism-Friendly Weekend at The Tull Family Theater and Community Day at the August Wilson Cultural Center.

Find details on these and many more events right here:

Saturday, March 19: Spring Flower Show: Sunshine and Rainbows at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spring arrives in Pittsburgh one day early at Phipps this year. You’ll find tens of thousands of bright blooms — everything from lilies, amaryllis, petunias and daffodils to tulips, hyacinths, nemesia and muscari. Kids can discover a flower rainbow and bask in the warmth of the glasshouse, along with oversized tulips, trickling rain showers and floating planters forming a color wheel. You only have four weeks to catch these gorgeous flowers, so don’t wait. Buy tickets here.

Saturday, March 19: Maple Madness, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, various times

Tour through age-old maple sugaring history with the Audubon Society during Maple Madness at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Follow the maple demonstration trail to learn the science behind making maple syrup and maple sugar. Maple syrup and maple candy will be on sale in the Nature Shop to continue the fun at home. You can choose a timeslot between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration is $12.

Saturday, March 19: Cooking with the Community at Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Does your chef game need a boost? Join Hazelwood Local and Community Kitchen Pittsburgh for this free cooking workshop. Foodies of all ages can learn to make a healthy and hearty burrito bowl, including preparing ingredients, creating the meal and taking home yummy leftovers. Register for free.

Saturday, March 19: Super Science Saturday: Monster Fish, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, various times

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). Register for a timeslot between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

Saturday, March 19: AWCommunity Day: Growing Together at the August Wilson Cultural Center, 12 p.m.

Gather the family and head Downtown for this free festival exploring the theme “growing together.” Artist Cue Perry will discuss his exhibition, “Who Are You? (W.A.Y),” the Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh Co-op will host a farmers’ market and Soil Sisters Plant Nursery will provide planting kits. The event will also feature a reading of “Amber Learns the Alphabet” with Lytia Brock and live music by the Cam Chambers and Band. Register here for free.

Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20: Autism-Friendly Weekend at The Tull Family Theater, various times

The Tull Family Theater and Band Together Pittsburgh are teaming up to host a free autism-friendly weekend in Sewickley. First up is a sensory-friendly screening of the animated musical comedy, “Sing 2” on Saturday at 10 a.m. Return Sunday to participate in — or just watch — an open mic session led by Pittsburgh musician John Vento. Sing along, join karaoke, play an instrument, tell jokes, do impressions, or just say hello. Register here for free.

Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20: Penguin-palooza, National Aviary, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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.

Sunday, March 20: Spring Equinox Tree Exploration in Oakland, 10-11:30 a.m.

Join Venture Outdoors to honor two powerhouses of the global environmental movement who have roots in Pittsburgh. The first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai studied at Pitt and founded the Green Belt Movement. Born in Springdale, “Silent Spring” author Rachel Carson is renowned for advancing the establishment of the EPA. Master Naturalist Gabrielle Rovegno will lead a spring walk around Pitt’s Wangari Maathai Garden and discuss tree identification. Buy tickets.