Today is Pi Day!
Since living in San Francisco, celebrating Pi Day at the Exploratorium has become a family tradition.
Every March 14th, the Exploratorium hosts a huge Pi Day party filled with music, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. You can truly feel the curiosity and excitement in the air.
Between the crafts, the demonstrations, and of course the pie, it’s an event my kids talk about all year long!
Here are five reasons you should celebrate Pi Day at the Exploratorium.
1. It’s the Birthplace of Pi Day
Exploratorium physicist Larry Shaw first came up with the idea to celebrate Pi Day in 1988. What began as a small parade around a Pi shrine has grown into a nationally recognized celebration of mathematics.
2. The Pi Crafts and Demonstrations
There are always plenty of hands-on activities for kids. My children love the Pi bracelet station, where they make bracelets using the digits of pi.
The Exploratorium also hosts fascinating demonstrations like Buffon’s Needle Toss, along with puzzles and interactive challenges that explore circles and probability.
3. The History of Pi Lecture
My oldest especially loved the History of Pi lecture hosted in the Osher Gallery. The talk explores how ancient civilizations calculated and used pi, all the way to the modern quest to calculate more and more digits.
If you’re interested in exploring this topic with your kids, you can also check out my History of Pi lesson.
4. The Pi Procession
One of the most memorable parts of the day is the Pi Procession, which takes place at 1:59 PM.
Participants line up holding digits of pi and are led by the lively Mission Delirium marching band around the outdoor Pi Shrine 3.14 times. It’s quirky, joyful, and uniquely San Francisco.
5. The Pie!
Pi Day wouldn’t be complete without pie. After the Pi Procession, visitors are offered a slice of pie from the Exploratorium restaurant to celebrate the occasion.
Celebrate Pi Day in San Francisco
I hope this post encourages you to celebrate Pi Day in one of the coolest places in San Francisco.
If you’re looking for more ways to celebrate, check out my other Pi Day activity posts for ideas you can do at home or in the classroom.
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