March family fun guide: 17 shows, expos, creative workshops and more, including a visit to the rainforest!

Photo above courtesy of the Frick Environmental Center.

March is always a temperamental month in Pittsburgh, with sunny days and — who knows — even the occasional snowstorm. By this time of year, most Pittsburgh families are bursting with cabin fever and looking to get out and explore.

Thankfully, there’s a host of events across the region to keep families busy all through the month of March. Check out some of these creative and fun family activities:

March 1 – March 31: Tropical Forest Panama at Phipps Conservatory

This month, come learn about one of the most diverse habitats on the planet through a series of hands-on activities and exhibits. Guests can also learn about research methods used to study the rainforest. This event is included with admission. Find more details here.

March 1 – March 9: “I Never Saw Another Butterfly and The Terezin Promise,” The New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts

In the Terezin concentration camp, Austrian artist Friedl Dicker-Brandeis teaches Jewish children to make poems and drawings in secret art classes. Witness her passion, the children’s creativity and the irrepressible power of art to bring hope and healing into the darkest hours of the Holocaust. Tickets are $39, $19 for students. An afternoon sensory-friendly performance will be held on March 1.

March 1 – 2: World Oddities Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Are you ready for two days of weird and wild fun? Have a kid that is into slightly creepy things? This event is for them! From vendors to exhibitions, there is a lot to see and do at this expo. The cost is $20 for teens and adults, but kids 12 and under are free. Find more info here.

March 1 – March 26: Youth Open Studio, Artist Image Resources

The Andy Warhol Museum’s drop-in Youth Open Studio operates from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Middle and high school students will have access to screens, ink, transparencies, printers, and Photoshop. Send an email to whiteh@warhol.org to reserve a spot.

March 4 – 9: “Kimberly Akimbo,” Benedum Center

Fifteen-year-old Kimberly is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush – and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Best for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $38-$117.

March 6 – 9: Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party, PPG Paints Arena

Your kid’s favorite Disney characters – like Elsa, Moana, Mickey, and Minnie – will take to the ice in this colorful show. Tickets start at $26.

March 7 – 16: Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show

If you’ve never taken your kids to this expo, there is actually a lot happening to keep little ones entertained. From new gadgets and interesting displays to freebies and food, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon (indoors) this month. Kids under 6 are free, kids ages 7-12 are $4, and teens/adults are $12. Find more info here.

March 8: Collaborative Music Story Hour at B is for Books

Are you raising an aspiring music superstar? Well, the folks at You Be You Music will be coming to B is for Books for a music story hour. Children of all ages are invited to explore the bond between music and books in a child-led jam session. Instruments and snacks will be provided. This event is free, like all events at B is for Books (learn all about this cool place right here). Find more details here.

March 10: Broadway Singalong at Dave and Buster’s

From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Waterfront Dave and Buster’s, families can belt out their favorite tunes while playing games and enjoying dinner. Songs will be from Wicked, RENT, Mean Girls, Waitress, and Beetlejuice. Tickets begin at $13 and can be purchased here.

March 14 – 15: “Annie,” Benedum Center

Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner. This celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit remains the cure for the hard knocks that life throws your way. Tickets are $38-$125.

March 14 – 27: Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival

Check out Japanese films for all ages at Row House Cinema at the Rust Belt’s largest celebration of Japanese cinematography. Find the list of films and purchase tickets here.

March 16: Warhol-Inspired Pop Art Workshop for Tweens at Vintage Max Mercantile

Tween artists (recommended for grades 3-6) will make a collage of Warhol-inspired pop art prints using fruits and veggies as stamps. Your paid ticket includes a Warhol-inspired mini-lesson, a fully finished pop art project, the use of paint and materials, guided instruction, three hours of supervised social time, and pizza for lunch. This event is at Vintage Max Mercantile in Bellevue. Purchase tickets here.

March 15: Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade

One of the biggest and longest-running St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, this event will be stepping off at 10 a.m. on March 15. There is also a Parade Day Dash for runners before the parade begins. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just for the day, find all the details here.

March 16: Vintage Makers Market at Bakery Square

This event, which is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase local vendors and artisans who create unique gifts. Browse the offerings, stop for ice cream or a meal, and spend an afternoon in Bakery Square. Creative kids will find lots of inspiration for their own DIY projects. Find more details about the event here.

March 16: Soil Scoopers Discovery Time at the Frick Environmental Center

Soil is a vital part of the environment. Stop by the environmental center between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for family activities about soil for ages 3-8. Embark on a fungus scavenger hunt, decorate a worm, paint with dirt, and more. This event is free, but registration is required.

March 22: NatureFest at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

This event, which is included with admission, is the perfect way to explore the resources at the museum. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s scientists, educators and community partners can’t wait to teach families all about science. Browse the full schedule here and plan your day. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a deep dive into land stewardship and invasive species research, there’s programming for nature lovers of all ages. While this event is free, registration is suggested. Click here to learn more and register.

March 29: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Dance the Story” at CLP

At the Knoxville branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, kids from birth to 5th grade are invited to this free event that will weave books and dance together. Come learn some new moves! No registration is required, find details here.

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