10 things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh, from a free cookie class to the science of cycling
Jump into a week of fun with a lively lineup of hands-on activities and entertainment. Scroll on for this week’s highlights of Pittsburgh events for kids.
1. Bake cookies with Jasmine Cho (at home)
Fred Rogers created the meaning behind 143 Day by counting the letters in each word of “I love you.” On the 143rd day of the year, May 23, we celebrate this day of kindness in Fred’s honor. This year, Kidsburgh acknowledges 143 Day with a free cookie baking class hosted by famed cookie expert Jasmine Cho. She will teach families a special recipe for beautiful, two-layer Linzer Cookies with a peek-a-boo center. Special guests Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, the authors of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious and Kids,” will join in the fun. Once registered, you’ll receive the recipe and the link for the 4 p.m. May 23 class. Sign up here.
2. Learn the science of cycling (in person)
The gang at Threadbare Cider House considers cycling to be an excellent laboratory for lessons in physics, design, math and engineering. At 10 a.m. May 23, the Family STEM, Cycling and Cider program guides kids ages 9-13 to fun hands-on activities. Design and construct a bicycle helmet for an egg and test its safety on a 16-foot zipline that demonstrates principles like G-force and acceleration. Consider how to increase a bike’s design through momentum and inertia. Registration is $10, which includes sweet cider and chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for kids and a pour of Threadbare cider for their grownups. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Pittsburgh Ruach Bicycle Club, a local STEM-based bike program.
3. Catch a new musical comedy (in person)
The open-air canopy at Pittsburgh Musical Theater showcases a new musical comedy written and scored by PMT students and brothers Gideon and Hank Temple. “You’re the Worst!” premieres on May 22 featuring a wide range of music, from pop to country to hip-hop. The story follows two high school grads, Jack and Zoey, on a wild, never-ending road trip with Zoey’s parents as their zany chaperones. Can romance bloom for our young couple? Buy your $10 ticket and find out.
4. Explore bugs and slugs (in person)
Inquisitive kids will be intrigued with the May 22 session of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Super Science Saturday that focuses on Bugs and Slugs. The topic covers a wide range, from icky, slimy creatures to beautiful butterflies. Experts from the Mollusks and Invertebrate Zoology sections of the museum will share details about all manner of insects, snails and arthropods. And kids won’t want to miss the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach races! The activities are free with general admission of $11.95 for ages 3-17 and $19.95 for their grownups. Kids younger than 3 are free. Get your timed tickets here.
5. Pause and find your family zen (in person)
Allegheny County’s Pause and Be for Child and Me yoga class is geared to kids and their accompanying grownups. Surrounded by nature, the sunny lawn at Hartwood Acres is just the spot to relax and practice gentle yoga moves and breathing techniques. The 45-minute class begins at noon on May 24. Registration is $10 and closes on May 23.
6. Tune in to No Place for Hate (at home)
Fifty schools from Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, including many Pittsburgh schools, have earned the Anti-Defamation League’s 2020-2021 No Place for Hate designation. The schools will be recognized during the league’s virtual celebration, Spread the Light, at 4 p.m. May 20. To be considered, each school’s student-led committee created original, anti-bias, anti-bullying programming, which was particularly difficult during Covid. This year’s No Place for Hate impacted over 40,000 kids in grades K-12. Register here for the live-streamed YouTube presentation. To view the list of schools receiving the No Place for Hate designation, click here.
7. Apply for a summer STEM job (at home)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania expanded its PPG Artificial Intelligence Pathways Institute program to include 200 Pittsburgh teens. The three-week series, running from July 26-Aug. 13, will explore how AI is utilized by industries. By the session’s end, successful participants will receive a monetary stipend, a laptop or similar device, and a certificate from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy. Best of all, kids will have made valuable connections through mentoring, training and tech company visits. Learn more and apply here for this terrific opportunity.
8. Tour the city in a double-decker bus (in person)
There’s something special about being a tourist in your hometown. Enjoying the view from the top of a double-decker bus is even better. The Pittsburgh Tour Company offers a range of tours, including a 21-stop, hop-on, hop-off ride for a complete day of staycation exploration. Guides point out highlights along the way from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Or buy a pass for “just the tour” and settle in for a narrated tour of Pittsburgh history and landmarks brimming with personality and humor. Buy your tickets here.
9. Cruise to a free drive-in movie (in person)
The last installment of the spring edition of Allegheny County Parks Family Drive-in Movie series screens Pixar’s “Up” (PG) on May 21 at Boyce Park and on May 22 at Settlers Cabin Park. Parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with movies beginning at dusk. Ekernally Yours will be on hand at both locations with popcorn, candy and other movie treats. Place your order online and receive a text when your munchies are ready to be picked up.
10. Apply for a summer job (in person)
The deadline is coming up for Partner4Work’s 2021 Learn & Earn Pittsburgh Summer Youth Program, which provides a six-week, paid work experience from June 28 to Aug. 6. Allegheny County teens and young adults aged 14-21 who meet family income requirements can apply. Those 18-24 can apply to the more competitive Corporate Internship Program. Learn & Earn was designed to give kids exposure to a variety of careers, work experiences and occupational skills. Past participants have conducted research, created business plans, planted urban gardens and built websites. Application support centers are open now for in-person appointments. The deadline is May 31.
