From “squonking” and Jurassic Quest to a singalong at the Rangos, your weekend guide is loaded with family fun

Above photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest.

Will March come in like a lion or a lamb? Whatever the weather, there are so many family activities happening in and around Pittsburgh. For families ready to get outside or those looking for cozy, quiet events, there are options that meet every need. Kick off March right with these weekend favs:

Thursday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 2: “The SpongeBob Musical” Youth Edition at the Gargaro Theater

Start the weekend off early with this family-friendly show. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents this Young Artist production. Find tickets here.

Thursday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, March 2: “Screenagers” with LeboGreen

This weekend (and again at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5), LeboGreen offers three chances to see a new documentary on how technology affects teenagers. These screenings will occur at two different locations in Mt. Lebanon. Find all the details and sign up for this event here. The screenings are free, but space is limited.

Friday, Feb. 28-March 2: Jurassic Quest at the David Lawrence Convention Center

This dinosaur adventure features dozens of life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Kids can ride a dinosaur, dig for fossils, meet baby dinos and create dino-themed crafts. Timed tickets are $33-$36.

Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 2: Pittsburgh Gem Show

This free expo is perfect for rockhounds of all ages. The expo will feature the largest selection of sterling silver jewelry, rocks, gems, minerals, fossils and related home decor items in the Pittsburgh area. The expo will be held at the Cool Springs Sports Complex. Whether you are looking to purchase items or just explore gems and fossils, find more info about this event here.

Friday, Feb. 28- Sunday, March 2: “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). The Feb. 28 preview is pay-what-you-can. An afternoon sensory-friendly performance will be held on March 1. This event runs the following weekend, as well. Find all of the details here.

Saturday, March 1: “Encanto” Singalong at the Carnegie Science Center, 10 a.m.

We don’t talk about Bruno, but we do sing about him! In the mountains of Colombia, there lives a family full of unique and magical gifts. “Encanto” tells the story of the Madrigal family, where every member has been blessed with a different gift. Every family member, that is, except Mirabel. But when trouble threatens the magic of the family home, Mirabel may be their last hope. Sing along to the smash hit film, “Encanto,” at 10 a.m. on Sat., March 1. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, March 1: Cookie Cookie Kids’ Club, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

This once-a-month workshop teaches kids as young as 3 years old, all the way through adulthood, basic baking skills like how to use a rolling pin or piping back. The cost is $10, and guests can sign up here or walk in to the McKee’s Rocks location.

Saturday, March 1: Super Science at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

At various CLP locations around the city, families of kids in grade school can get curious about science at free hands-on workshops. This Saturday, a read-aloud at the Downtown branch is paired with high-quality STEM education for ultimate learning. Find more details here.

Saturday, March 1: Power of the Page at CLP, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

This nationwide competition challenges students to create impactful public relations campaigns — in this case, advocating for the PAC EveryLibrary and the crucial role of libraries in our communities. This Saturday, families can join a team of students from Robert Morris University at the East Liberty location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. With guest speakers, a banned book scavenger hunt and student-led activities, there will be a lot to learn at this event. Please contact Katie Davis at ksdst190@mail.rmu.edu for more information.

Saturday, March 1: Squonking in Etna, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

You may have seen “squonking” events popping up all over Pittsburgh, but been unsure about this unusual-sounding activity. Squonking is all about making music! At this event at the First Congregational Church in Etna, guests will participate in a lively workshop where young minds will learn the joy of musical expression. Through rhythmic games, instrument building and sound connection, visitors will experience making music with Squonkers Mia Taylor and T-Funk Tony Thomas. This event is free. Find more information here.

If you are looking for more family-friendly (and mostly free!) activities, check out our twice-weekly newsletter. It’s got all of the info you need to make the most out of a childhood in Kidsburgh.