NJ Weekend March 12-13: Pi, Pirates, Penguins & St. Patrick's

This weekend, feast on some pi. And no, I didn't forget the 'e'. Princeton is celebrating Einstein's birthday with a Pi party (and there actually will be 'pie' there) and pi-rates are cavorting on Pirate Adventure Day. And if you can stand any more alliteration, there's also a Proper Pets workshop at Turtle Back, a penguin spa at Jenkinson's Aquarium, and of course, more St. Patrick's fun. There's other good stuff too, but none of it starts with 'p', so you'll have to keep reading. Have fun!

Princeton Pi Day (Princeton)

3.14 is Albert Einstein's birthday and Princeton is going all out to celebrate the genius and the number pi. The Historical Society of Princeton is throwing a Children's birthday celebration and showing some of Einstein's own personal belongings. There will also be a pie eating contest for kids ages 4 and up, a pie throwing event, an Einstein look-a-like contest, a kids pi recitation contest for kids 7 and up, a family Geek Freak No-Socks Sock Hop at the YWCA with root beer floats and under the sock limbo, an interactive science fair at the Princeton Public Library suitable for all ages, a dinky train ride with Einstein, and plenty of things to buy in Princeton for just $3.14.

Pirate Adventure Day at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (Madison)

Land ho! Pirates are taking over the Museum of Early Trades! They will make their own pirate hats and parrot companions, use a treasure map of the museum to find treasure, listen to a pirate adventure story, and snack on gold coin booty. Saturday at 2pm. $5 per participant and regular admission for all others ($5 per adult, $3 per child). Advance registration required by calling 973-377-2982 x12.

Proper Pets Family Workshop at the Turtle Back Zoo (West Orange)

Animals lovers, you won't want to miss the new family workshops at the Turtle Back Zoo. At this event, kids can get up close with some of the zoo's animals and learn which animals make proper pets. Kids also get to make their own pebble pet to take home.  Ages 6 and up. Saturday from 2pm to 3pm. $10 per child. Preregistration required via the zoo website.

Behind the Scenes Tours at Jenkinson's Aquarium (Pt. Pleasant)

See the aquarium kitchens, the penguin "spa", a basement full of hidden tanks filled with new animals waiting to be put into exhibits, and all the secrets behind the scenes at the Aquarium. Sneakers are required.  Ages 5 and up only. Sunday from 9:30am to 11am. $14 adults/$10 children.  Call 732-899-1659 to pre-register.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival (Somerset)

Find a unique gift for yourself or a relative, watch artisans as they work through interactive demonstrations, there will be music, kids theater performances, food and more at this bi-annual festival. Friday & Saturday from 10 am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm. Tickets are $7 in advance or $9 at the door. Kids 12 and under are free and there is free parking.

Kids Fun Fest at JCC of Central NJ (Scotch Plains)

Get the wiggles out at the Kids Fun Fest where there will be inflatables, dancing, reptiles and snakes, video games, tumbling, music, science, carnival games, and tons more fun. Sunday 11am to 3pm. Tickets are $25 per child in advance, $28 at the door and includes a slice of pizza and water.

Traditions of Ireland at Liberty Hall Museum (Union)

Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with some holiday-themed crafts! Kids will create a leprechaun centerpiece at the Liberty Hall Museum while learning about the traditions of Ireland. Recommended for ages 7-12. Saturday from 10am to 1pm. $10 per child. Advance registration required by calling 908.527.0400.

And if none of these events float your boat, don't forget the St Patrick's Day Parades and free and discounted theater performances and workshops happening this weekend in New Jersey!