13 kid-friendly Pittsburgh events this weekend, including maple syrup making and a free STEAM party

Photo above courtesy of Assemble.

It is shaping up to be another warm and mostly sunny weekend in Pittsburgh, and there’s so much going on. There are plenty of performances happening, and some outdoor events, too. Here’s a lineup of kid-friendly events happening around Pittsburgh, and check out our guide to high school musicals happening around the region this month and through the springtime.

(And while you’re making plans, consider looking ahead on your calendar and registering for the free childcare offered by the Pittsburgh Opera for the matinee performance of “La Traviata” on March 24. There are a limited number of spots — check out the details here.)

Friday, March 8: Pioneers of STEAM Learning Party, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Join the educators at Assemble for an evening packed with science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities. Students of all ages will learn about careers in STEAM and hear from local entrepreneurs and leaders in the field. These events are free, but registration is strongly suggested to reserve a spot.

Friday, March 8: Friday Night Fish Fry, various times

The Pittsburgh Fish Fry Map has you covered if you’re hungry for a tasty and affordable fish dinner for your family on Friday nights throughout Lent. We’ve got all the details right here.

Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10: “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank” at New Hazlett Theater, various times

Immerse yourself in this inspiring multimedia true life story of Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg, who were childhood friends of Anne Frank, and learn about their experience surviving the Holocaust during World War II. There will be sensory-friendly, audio described, and sign language interpreted performances. Tickets begin at $19.

Friday, March 8: Special Needs and Foster & Adoptive Family Respite Night, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The trained volunteers at the South Hills Bible Chapel are hosting an evening of respite for parents of foster, adoptive or special needs children. All children in a family are welcome to attend, regardless of their needs. This event is open to families of any background; you do not need to attend South Hills Bible Chapel to sign up for this event. Registration is required.

Friday, March 8: History Uncorked: We Love The ’90s at the Heinz History Center, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This one is for the parents! While it can be painful to see our own childhood fashion coming back into style, the truth is most of us had some great experiences in the 90’s. This 21+ event at the Heinz History Center will feature food and drink from local vendors, a 90’s arcade, throwback music by DJ Bonics, and a chance to relive your teen years. Tickets begin at $65 and include food and two drinks.

Saturday, March 9: Baby and Me Dance at Los Sabrosos, 9 a.m.

This fun and relaxed dance and musicality class is made to promote bonding between babies and their cherished grown-ups. Hold your baby, wear them in a carrier, or just have them next to you and get ready to jam to music both you and baby can enjoy. The cost is $20. Learn more and register at LSPGH.com

Saturday, March 9: Ibeji Rhythms at Dance and Play at the Trust Arts Education Center, 10 a.m. 

Explore the rich musical and dance traditions of West Africa, then build an instrument of your own to continue the celebration. Admission is $25 for a family of up to six.

Saturday, March 9: Sensory-friendly viewing of “Kung-Fu Panda 4, ” 10:30 a.m.

A sensory friendly screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4,” the latest installment in the popular animated series, will be presented  at The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley. Sensory-friendly screenings are specially designed for people and families impacted by autism and other special needs, with accommodations to ensure the comfort of all guests. Tickets are $8.75 each.

Saturday, March 9: Maple Syrup Making at North Park’s Latodami Nature Center, various times

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 a.m. to 11:30 and register here for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 9: “The Princess Bride” at Heinz Hall, 7 p.m. 

View “The Princess Bride” on the big screen, with Mark Knopfler’s score played by the Pittsburgh Symphony. Tickets start at $35.

Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 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.

Sunday, March 10: Playdate at the Library, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Come out to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Allegheny location on the North Side for a free playtime designed for kids age 5 and under. This play time will be filled with friends, songs, books and more. Find details here.

Sunday, March 10: Ronny’s Easter Egg Hunt Birthday Party, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

At J and J Farms Animal Sancutary in Saxonburg, their giant, goofy Belgian draft horse, Ronny, is turning eight! Friends are invited to come celebrate his birthday (and Easter, too!) at their spring open house. There will be two free egg hunts for kids happening at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., as well as family photos with the animals, crafts and a basket raffle. This event is free, though food for the animals, merchandise, and honey and lip balm from rescued honeybees will be available for purchase. Check out all the details here.

Looking for more kid-friendly events in Pittsburgh? Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter or check out our calendar. You can even submit events for your community or organization to let Pittsburgh families know about it.

And for fun all month long, check out our March events guide, our guide to maple syrup season events and our guide to ski destinations near Pittsburgh.