18 April family events in Pittsburgh to kick off springtime

Photo above courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

As the flowers bloom and the days get warmer, most tiny ‘burghers want to get outside and explore. Thankfully there’s a full lineup of great April family events in Pittsburgh. Read on to see what’s happening so you don’t miss a thing.

April 1: Wongai to Africa! Drum Circle, Trust Arts Education Center

Learn the distinct rhythms from the West African Diaspora and participate in the joy with drums and other percussion instruments at this event by the Trust Arts Education Center. This event is best for families with kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $10.

April 1: Art Workshop with Cue Perry, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

At the Carnegie Library’s main location in Oakland, kids can learn the basics of color theory, drawing, and painting with local artist Cue Perry. This free event is best for kids in elementary school. More details can be found here.

April 1: Pittsburgh Learning Collaborative Summer Opportunity Fair

The folks from A+ Schools will be at Manchester Academic Charter School on Saturday to host this public Opportunity Fair featuring more than 30 local organizations. Get help signing kids up for open slots at summer camps, submit job applications for part-time, full-time and summer positions (and get help with clearance paperwork), while enjoying free lunch, games music and raffle baskets. Sign up here for free registration, and click here for more details.

April 1 and April 2:  Egg Hunts at Allegheny County Parks

What better place to hunt for eggs during springtime than at a county park? Choose a time and register for these free egg hunts on April 1 at Settlers Cabin Park and April 2 at Hartwood Acres. Though the event is free, registration is required.

April 1, 2, 7 and 8: Bunny Trolley, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

Hop on over to meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy seasonal refreshments, crafts, a scavenger hunt and a visit with live bunnies. Guests can also ride a real historic trolley. Tickets are $15.

April 1 through April 30: Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

This new exhibit at the Children’s Museum challenges kids ages 3-9 to work out problems themselves in engaging ways. The exhibit is included with general admission.

April 2: Sensory-Friendly Interactive Concert, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

In conjunction with Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh, the Children’s Museum is hosting a special concert for individuals who may have unique sensory needs and their families. The show runs from 2 – 3 p.m. The event is free with museum admission, but pre-registration is helpful here.

April 6-16: “Popcorn Falls,” Little Lake Theatre

The sleepy town of Popcorn Falls is forced into bankruptcy. Their only hope – open a theater! Two actors play more than 20 roles in this silly farce. Best for ages 10 and older. Buy tickets here.

April 6: “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” at the Carnegie Science Center

This new exbibit opens April 6 and will run through the end of September. Join Antarctic scientists on a quest to understand the ice continent’s profound ecological story over eons – from a frozen desert to a lush dinosaur world and back again. Shown in 3D and 2D. Tickets are $7, in addition to Science Center admission.

April 8: Moon Easter Bunny Hop, Robin Hill Park, Moon

The Easter Bunny will ride his wagon into the park to visit with kids. Other activities include a scavenger hunt, a snack on the patio and games on the lawn.  This is free, but registration is required.

April 8:  Bunny Fun Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet

Hop onboard the two-hour Bunny Fun Cruise and meet the Easter Bunny. A DJ dance party includes the “Bunny Hop” in the energetic playlist. All kids receive a special treat from the big bunny, too. Face painting, photos and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 for ages 1-12, $32 for grownups and $5 for infants.

April 9: Easter Brunch, National Aviary

A delicious spread will entice picky eaters and family foodies. Seatings are planned for 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for kids, $55 for grownups, and free for those younger than 2.

April 12, 19 and 26: Seedings: Spring Awakening, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Kids ages 3-6 years will connect with nature through a hands-on activity, time in the Garden’s different habitats, a story reading and free play outdoors. Registration is $15, which includes an adult admission.

April 13: “Last Kids on Earth” author Max Brallier comes to Pittsburgh!

The best-selling author of the “Last Kids on Earth” series, who spent part of his childhood in Pittsburgh, comes to town to discuss (and sign) his latest book on April 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland during Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ Words & Pictures series. Register for your free ticket here.

April 15-16: “Perseverance,” New Hazlett Theater

Prime Stage presents the true story of a man who spent his teen years enduring the horrors of Auschwitz before arriving in Pittsburgh as a penniless refugee intent on reshaping his family’s destiny. Tickets are $19 for students and $24 for adults. A recorded performance will be available to stream from April 24 to May 7.

April 19: PNC Carousel Opening Day, Schenley Plaza

Among the most popular spring activities for kids in Pittsburgh is watching the 16 creatures take their circular journey on the Victorian-styled PNC Carousel. Each ride requires a $2 token, purchased on-site, or a $60 family season pass that’s good for two adults and up to four kids. This is the carousel’s 17th season!

April 22: Kennywood Park Opening Day

Is Kennywood open? More than just a joke that’s become part of Pittsburgh’s cultural fabric, it’s also an important question each spring.  Prepare for a season of thrills, excitement and Potato Patch Fries at Kennywood Park. Don’t miss the new ride, Spinvasion.

April 22-23: H2Oh! River Weekend, Carnegie Science Center

Kids will learn how to turn river water into clean drinking water through chemistry, meet the freshwater ambassador animals, talk to scientists and go on a river scavenger hunt. This event is free with general admission.

We have a big spring guide to activities if you missed it, as well as a calendar of daily events that is constantly updated. Sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter here so you don’t miss a thing!