10 Pittsburgh weekend events for families, from free crafting time to an ice cream party at the zoo

Photo above courtesy of P3R.

While last weekend was a four-day blowout filled with activities for many families, there’s still a ton of things going on for the second weekend in July! Whether you’re looking for a festival or a quieter library event, Kidsburgh has something for every age and budget this weekend: 

Friday, July 7: Story Time at Schenley Plaza, 11 a.m.

Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration is required, but this event is totally free. 

Friday, July 7: Fleet Feet Liberty One-Mile, 7 p.m.

The Fleet Feet Liberty Mile is a one-mile race in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. With heats for all experience levels and abilities, the event is family-friendly for kids of all ages. The Kids of STEEL heat is a designated race heat where kids can show off how fast they can run one mile. Find all the details here. 

Saturday, July 8: Roots of Pittsburgh tour with DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh, 10 a.m.

If you haven’t done a DOORS OPEN tour yet with your tweens or teens, this one is a great place to start. Beginning at the Market Square clock at 10 a.m., this walking tour invites you to #BeNebby as you learn about Pittsburgh’s Wall Street, the great fire of 1845, and more behind-the-scenes Pittsburgh history. Tickets are $25. 

Saturday, July 8: Second Saturdays: Historic Chores at Meadowcroft Shelter and Historic Village, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Every second Saturday of the month, Meadowcroft provides a themed educational program. This month’s Second Saturday will explore the topic of historic chores with immersive and educational activities. The program is included with admission. Candle-dipping is an extra $3.

Saturday, July 8: Super Science Saturday: All Things Tiny, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Kids can explore everything microscopic and unseen using scientific tools. Follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries to see if you can find the tiniest specimens on display, including micro fossils and tiny snails. These activities are included with museum admission.

Saturday, July 8: Center for Creative Reuse at the CLP, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

At the Center for Creative Reuse, trash is treasure. Come to the Knoxville branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for an hour of hands-on crafting with the CCR team using materials that were destined for the trash but can find a new life. This event is free. 

Sunday, July 9: Kennywood Day: 125 Years of Memories, Heinz History Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring your friends – and wear your best matching Kennywood outfits – for a day of special programming, family-friendly games and carnival-themed food throughout all six floors of the History Center. These activities are included with museum admission.

Sunday, July 9: Klondike Bar Hometown Road Trip, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Klondike ‘What Would You Do’ Challenge Mobile will stop by Market Square, giving away free Klondike treats and encouraging fans to complete a ‘What Would You Do’ Challenge (WWYD) as part of its Hometowns Contest. Find the details here. 

Sunday, July 9: Nature Play Date, Frick Environmental Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

If you haven’t checked out the many activities at the Frick Environmental Center, this is a great place to start. For this event, families are invited to participate in fun activities in the nature play space and mud kitchen. Registration is free.

Sunday, July 9: Ice Cream Fundae at the Pittsburgh Zoo, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Pressley Ridge and Huntington Bank are sponsoring this evening zoo event. Experience the sights and sounds of the zoo while enjoying more than a dozen flavors of Graeter’s Ice Cream, face painting, live music, character visits and much more.This event is a fundraiser, separate from regular zoo admission. Enjoy the zoo at night with tickets that can be purchased here. A family four-pack is $50, individual kids are $10, and ages 3 and under are free.

Want more Pittsburgh weekend events? Check out our daily events calendar! We’ve also got a list of nearly 100 summer events and a guide to the best pools around the region.