8 things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh, from mad scientist experiments to Daniel Tiger

July 27, 2021 Sally Quinn

Photo courtesy of Idlewild Park & Soak Zone.

This week, every kind of kid will find options that inspire and thrill. Have a crazy wicked time with a mad scientist or a comfy cuddle with Daniel Tiger. Play junior detective or explore dinosaur lore. Read on for highlights of things to do this week with kids in Pittsburgh.

1. Hang out with Daniel Tiger

Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat are excited to welcome kids to an all-new stage show at Idlewild Park & Soak Zone. “Dance! Dance! Dance!” joins the entertainment lineup on Aug. 1 with multiple performances from noon-4 p.m. daily in the Raccoon Lagoon. Kids won’t be able to resist the bouncy songs that will have them on their feet bopping in time with the music. Be sure to make time for a visit with Princess Lily in the Story Book Forest castle. Check out all the attractions that led the National Amusement Park Historical Association to name Idlewild the best amusement park for families.

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

2. Dive into dinosaurs

This month, Super Science Saturday at Carnegie Museum of Natural History jumps back in time to the Jurassic era on July 31. While in a dino frame of mind, visit your favorites like Diplodocus carnegii and Tyrannosaurus rex in “Dinosaurs in Their Time.” A dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt is part of the fun. It’s your last chance to explore the “Dinosaur Armor” exhibit before it closes.  Purchase your timed tickets here.

Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

3. Energize with solar power

Buhl Community Park and Nova Place are the venues for the annual Solar Concert Series. The sun-powered concert series fires up at 12:15 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 30 right outside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Pack a lunch and dancing shoes and look forward to tunes from bands like Latin-flavored Trio Nova, classic jazz and blues from Casey Deely and world music from Monkey Goddess. You can find the complete schedule of free concerts here. The concerts move indoors at Nova Place if there’s more rain than sun in the forecast.

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

4. Visit with a mad scientist

Looking for a crazy finish to the month? Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Homewood hosts Mad Scientist: Fire and Ice at 3 p.m. July 31. The weird science spectacle of experiments includes floating giant beach balls in the air, foggy dry ice storms and sizzling, shivering scissors. The outdoor event is free with no registration required. Mark your calendar for a repeat performance at the Woods Run branch at 1 p.m. on Aug. 14.

Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

5. Celebrate Juneteenth (again)

The rained-out Juneteenth party planned at Frick Park last month has been rescheduled for 1-3 p.m. July 31. Bring a picnic basket and blanket to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the lawn at Frick Environmental Center with local music and interactive projects for kids. Jrouz3, Andrea, and Diarra Imani are part of the concert lineup. End the afternoon with a tour of the From Slavery to Freedom Garden. Click here to register for the free event.

6. Head to free movies around town

The week’s free family entertainment continues in local parks. Check out the complete schedules for Dollar Bank Cinema in the Parks, Allegheny County Movies in the Park and Movies on the Mon at Southside Works.

  • “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” (PG) screens on July 29 at Brookline Memorial Park, July 30 at Arsenal Park and July 31 at Grandview Park.
  • “Avengers: Endgame” (PG-13) brings the ultimate battle to the big screen at Flagstaff Hill on Aug. 4.
  • “Jurassic Park” (PG-13) roars into Riverview Park on July 31.
  • “Tom & Jerry” (PG) begins its cat-versus-mouse week on Aug. 1 at Schenley Plaza, Aug. 2 at McBride Park, Aug. 3 at West End Overlook and Aug. 5 at Brookline Memorial Park.
  • “Shrek” (PG-13) screens at Hartwood Acres on Aug. 4 and at South Park on Aug. 7, with family activities beginning at 7:30 p.m.
  • “Madagascar” (PG) will move it, move it at South Park on July 31.
  • “Striking Distance” (PG) takes Bruce Willis on a Pittsburgh rivers adventure at Southside Works on Aug. 4.

7. Sample culture with the three B’s

Gather the family and pack a basket for a Sunday morning of Bach, Beethoven and Brunch. WQED-FM hosts music lovers to the lawn at Mellon Park from 10:30 a.m. to noon on select Sundays. Pittsburgh Festival Winds takes the stage on Aug. 1, followed by Chamber Orchestra Pittsburgh on Aug. 8. The free concerts are a longtime favorite summer activity and the perfect atmosphere to introduce little ones to a delicious serving of classical music.

Photo courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

8. Play junior detective

Kids can be part of the theatrical storytelling experience at a new production in The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “Remake Your Story: Rhea the Great Detective and the Case of the Missing Musical Puppet” casts kids as detectives to follow clues to help solve the mystery. The show runs on Wednesdays through Aug. 25 with shows at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Tickets are $5, sold separately from museum admission. “Remake Your Story” is recommended for elementary-age kids and fans of puppet mysteries.

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Sally Quinn

Sally Quinn is an award-winning writer and editor who has been covering her favorite city for more than 30 years. She appreciates all that Pittsburgh offers families and has a blast guiding her 10 grandkids to new discoveries.