Pi Day is almost here! It's a day for everyone from around the world to celebrate the mathematical sign of Pi.
Why pi? Pi fascinates the mathematical world because it represents a mathematical constant. No matter how big or little a circle is, the ratio of its circumference to its diameter - or pi - will always work out to be approximately 3.14159. We say approximately because pi is also a number that continues infinitely without repetition or pattern. In fact, pi has been calculated to more than one trillion digits beyond its decimal point!
So Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th . . . or 3/14 . . . or the first three digits of Pi! Need another reason to celebrate March 14? It also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday.
Even if math isn't your thing and just has you going in pi-sized circles, you can still celebrate Pi Day with your kids, take a look below for fun things your family can do to celebrate Pi Day!
Want to learn more?
- A Brief History of Pi (π)
- A Slice of Pi (π) Day History: How a gathering at San Francisco’s Exploratorium became a national holiday
- Pi Day
- Top 25 Most Interesting Pi Facts
- Pi Day inspired book list
- National Geographic Kids: Albert Einstein
Here are six ideas to get the Pi Day party started:
1. Bake a Pi-e
You might not even realize it, but you're teaching your kiddos some important math fundamentals while following a recipe. Assuming your pie is round, you can also talk about fractions, circumference, and of course pi . . . as you eat your pie.
- Check out one of our favorites: Nanny’s Apple Pie!
- Making Mini Pumpkin Pies is Easy as . . .
- How To Make Paper Bag Apple Pie
- Mom's Strawberry Pie
2. Hold a pi scavenger hunt
Have kids find items representing 3.14159 . . . in order. So kids could gather three spoons, one plate, four crayons, one puzzle piece, five paper clips and nine pennies. Who can go the furthest down the infinite decimal line in a certain amount of time - 3 minutes and 14 seconds perhaps?
3. Create circle art
Cut large circles out of paper, or simply use paper plates. Cut the circles in half or quarters (depending on how many people are participating). Have each person decorate their piece of the circle, then put them back together to make one-of-a-kind art.
4. Play a word game!
Have children think of as many words as they can that begin with the letters Pi. There's 1,158 of them, according to Merriam-Webster's Scrabble Word Finder Dictionary.
5. Enjoy the other kind of Pi-e, Pizza pie!
Make it at home or visit your favorite pizzeria where you can dine-in or bring back home to enjoy with your family!
6. Pi (π) Day Activities you can try at home!
Have your kid try these activities using simple household materials, no assembly needed. Younger kids might need a little help.
- Square Wheels - You may not be able to put a square peg in a round hole—but you can make a square wheel roll on a round road.
- Pi Graph - Use straight lines to learn about circles
- Cutting Pi - String and scissors are all you need to find pi all around you.
- Pi Toss - Randomly toss some toothpicks, with pi as your reward.
There are so many ways to celebrate Pi Day! No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure it’s filled with numerical fun . . . and some delicious pie.
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Originally published by Michelle Melnik and updated March 12, 2023 by Brenna Gutell, publisher of Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas
