Sweet: 8 maple syrup events for Pittsburgh-area families in March and April

Photo above by Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash.

Kids everywhere know that pure maple syrup is delicious on pancakes and waffles. Here in the Pittsburgh area, kids can also discover how maple syrup is made from sap emerging from maple trees in our region. 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 March and April — nearly all of them free. Some activities will fill their spaces early, so be sure to register in advance. Here’s what’s on tap:

1. March 1: 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. Last we checked, the 10 a.m. session was full. Register here for 1-2:30 p.m. (See below for additional date.)

2. March 1 – 2 and March 8 – 9: 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 1 and 2 and March 8 and 9 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.

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

Another syrup making event at North Park (see details above) is happening on March 8. Register here for 10 a.m. to 11:30  and register here for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

4. March 2: 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 2: 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 families are asked to register by Feb. 28.

5. March 15: 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 15 on the calendar, choose a time, then register (registration is required).

6. March 22: 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 22 on the calendar, choose a time, then register.

7. April 5 – 6 and April 9 – 13: Pennsylvania Maple Festival, Meyersdale

Extend your maple sugar rush further into springtime with the 78^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.

8. April 12-13: Beaver County Maple Syrup & Music Festival, The Lodge at Brady’s Run Park

The Beaver County Maple Syrup & Music Festival returns for the 45th year. Expect yummy 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.

Want more family events in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region? Don’t miss our March events roundup, our guide to indoor swimming pools in the Pittsburgh area and our big summer camp guide (camps are already registering for this summer!). And visit our daily events calendar for even more family events in Pittsburgh and beyond.