8 super-fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh, from falconry to kayak lessons

Photo courtesy of Moraine State Park Regatta.

Make the most of these final weekends of summer by checking out these great things to do with kids in Pittsburgh, including plenty of free family fun.

Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 7: Moraine State Park Regatta

Head to the south shore of Lake Arthur for the annual Moraine State Park Regatta. Your crew can make a splash in or out of the water with challenging and creative activities. Plan for three full days of free family fun or pick and choose from the schedule that includes everything from stand-up paddle board outings and kayak lessons to hands-on building kits and archery. Festival food, vendors and live music add to the atmosphere. And it wouldn’t be a regatta without fireworks reflecting off the water. The sky show is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Friday, Aug. 5: Tyler Farr and Melissa Quinn Fox in concert at South Park Amphitheater, 7 p.m.

On Friday night, Tyler Farr and special guest Melissa Quinn Fox will be appearing at South Park, as Allegheny County’s free Summer Concert Series continues (see the full summer lineup here). The show begins at 7 p.m., but families usually arrive early to enjoy a full evening out. Bring a blanket and picnic basket or grab some dinner at the on-site food trucks.

Saturday, Aug. 6: P3R’s Youth MOVE Day at RMU Island Sports Center, beginning at 9 a.m.

P3R, the folks who manage the annual Pittsburgh Marathon, will be hosting Youth MOVE Day on Saturday at the P3R Track & Field Complex, located at the RMU Island Sports Center. Families can join in an assortment of field events and games led by local fitness experts. Along with participating in Kids of STEEL activities, kids 13 and under can tackle inflatable obstacle courses and contribute to a collaborative art piece from “Pittsburgh Builds Bridges” artist Ebtehal Badawi. And rising 7th-graders through 12th-graders can run in timed track events to gauge their current skills as they prepare for the fall sports seasons.

Saturday, Aug. 6: Falconry: The Sport of Kings, National Aviary, 10 a.m.-noon

Here’s one of the most unexpected August events in Pittsburgh: Discover the history of an exciting sport that spans thousands of years at a special National Aviary session. Falconry: The Sport of Kings will be presented by Cathy Schlott, the aviary’s licensed falconer. Participants will learn about the modern-day practices of falconry, the variety of birds falconers hunt with, and explore equipment and regulations. The program is intended for ages 10 to adults. An adult is required to accompany those under 16 years of age. Tickets for Falconry: The Sport of Kings is $30, which includes admission to spend the day at the Aviary.

Saturday, Aug. 6: Wonders of Wildlife at Carnegie Library South Side, 11 a.m.-noon

We love our neighborhood libraries and the many ways they engage and educate our kids. Carnegie Library and education specialists from the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium plan to visit several library branches for fun, interactive presentations. They’ll arrive in style via a Zoomobile along with animals and biofacts to help kids learn more about the Wonders of Wildlife. (If you can’t catch the critters this weekend at the South Side branch, you can see them on Aug. 10 in Squirrel Hill, Aug. 20 Downtown and on Aug. 30 in the Hill District.) No registration is needed for these free sessions.

Saturday, Aug. 6: Handmade Arcade’s Moonrise Maker Market, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

The first of two Moonrise Maker Markets will happen this weekend Downtown. Families can check out local vendors offering unique handmade goods, and kids can get crafting ideas and talk to local makers about what they create and how they do it. Music will be provided by local DJs, and there will be free hands-on activities. Free and open to the public, and happening rain or shine.

Saturday, Aug. 6 (Grandview Park and Riverview Park) and Sunday, Aug. 7 (Schenley Plaza): Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, beginning at dusk

The City of Pittsburgh hosts this free movie night, happening at several parks this weekend: You can catch the movie “Rock Dog 2: Rock Around the Park” playing Grandview Park (Bailey Avenue, Mt. Washington) or watch the movie “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins” at Riverview Park (Observatory Hill). And on Sunday, catch “American Underdog” at Schenley Plaza (Forbes Avenue, Oakland). Grab a blanket, a lawn chair and some snacks to enjoy a lovely evening of free cinema under the stars. Click here for more details on upcoming movies in this series.

Sunday, Aug. 7: John Pizzarelli Swing Seven and the Mike Tomaro Septet in concert at Hartwood Acres, 7 p.m.

Want even more fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh? Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is offering free admission to all kids ages 17 and under, now through Labor Day.