8 things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh, from ‘Spider-man’ to ‘The Wizard of Oz’
Image courtesy of Sony Pictures.
This week’s entertainment includes a really big show (in Heinz Field), a magical dragon and “Paw Patrol” buddies. Hike through the Ice Age or follow a neighborhood art trail. Lots more things are happening for kids in Pittsburgh. Scroll on for this week’s highlights.
1. Discover magic and dragons
There’s a lot of magic going on in “My Sister, the Dragon,” the latest production from South Park Theatre. When Princess Marguerite sneaks out of the castle, she comes across a dragon, who is really a princess. But when the spell is broken, Marguerite is transformed into a dragon and her brother has to come up with a solution. The show runs from July 12-21 on the outdoor stage. Lawn seating is limited to 150 patrons, allowing for social distancing. Tickets are $5, free for 3 years and younger, and sold at the door. Get the details here.
2. Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera taps a family favorite for its Heinz Field debut of the CLO Summer Under the Stars. “The Wizard of Oz” stage musical, running July 8-10, includes all of those familiar songs that transport you from a Kansas farm to Munchkinland and the merry old land of Oz. The production gives kids a rare opportunity to see live theater on the Steelers’ playing field while offering safe social distance. It’s an apt venue for the 75th anniversary of the CLO, which started producing musicals in Pitt Stadium in 1946. Tickets start at $15.
3. Cruise with pups and trolls
Little ones can mingle and dance with their favorite TV characters on the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Troll & Pup Patrol Cruise on July 11. The 2-hour cruise boards at your choice of 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Activities include storytime, games and interactive play. Face painting, balloons and photos will be available for an additional charge. The cruise is $20 for kids up to age 12, $32 for grownups. Make your reservations here.
4. Play favorites
The July 10th episode of the Summer Sidewalk Series at Heinz History Center puts the focus on Pittsburgh favorites. Kids will design their own pickle pin and create a Burton Morris-inspired Pop Art masterpiece. Pittsburgh amusement park history will be visited with a stroll down the midway. Summer Sidewalk Series takes place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the parking lot on Penn Avenue between 12th and 13th streets in the Strip District. No registration is required for this free event.
5. Get active and win prizes at Bingo
Let’s Move Pittsburgh offers a Bingo game that combines fun and fitness with the chance to win prizes. Download a Bingo card that’s filled with challenges, healthy activities and safety practices. Kids work through the boxes, trying to get five ticked off in a row to holler “Bingo!” Then, their grownups complete an Allegheny County Health Department survey to win prizes like a Fitbit activity tracker. Winners will be chosen at random on Aug. 30. As your kids work through the challenges, send photos to letsmove@phippsconservatory.org to be featured on the Let’s Move Pittsburgh blog. It’s a great way to get kids moving while having fun.
6. Explore the Ice Age
Head to McConnells Mill State Park on July 10 for a free guided hike that focuses on how glaciers in the Ice Age changed the landscape, leaving huge boulders behind and cutting the path of Slippery Rock Creek. Meet the park naturalists in the Point Parking Lot before heading off on the Alpha Pass Trail. All ages are welcome but expect a moderately difficult trail with some rocky ups and downs. Dress for the weather, including sturdy footwear, and bring a snack and water. The Glaciers and the Ice Age Hike runs from 10 a.m.-noon. No registration is required.
7. Walk or drive to free movies all around town
We were disappointed when bad weather canceled the first walk-up, pop-up movie at Hazelwood Green Plaza back in May. But the show must go on at its rescheduled date on July 9. Row House Cinema partnered with Hazelwood Local to present the free movie on the lawn. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (PG), Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, will be screened at 8:30 p.m. Show up at 7 p.m. with blankets and enjoy concessions from on-site food trucks. Registration is free but required.
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (PG) swings into Allegheny County Parks’ Movie in the Parks with screenings planned on July 14 at Hartwood Acres and July 17 at South Park. Family activities begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by the movie at twilight.
“Pokemon Detective Pikachu” (PG), part of Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, continues to work its way through Pittsburgh parks this week. Catch it at Brookline Memorial Park on July 8, Arsenal Park on July 9, Grandview Park and Riverview Park on July 10 and Schenley Plaza on July 11.
8. Take an artful stroll
Kids love maps and find it empowering to be in charge of pointing out the way. Your junior navigator will enjoy the six downloadable walking maps created by the Pittsburgh Office of Public Art. The maps are a guide to public art and highlight the artists who created them. You and the kids can stroll through select neighborhoods from Downtown to the North Shore to Oakland, checking off art installations as you go. Depending on the route, you might visit the Dollar Bank lions, Dippy the dinosaur, or the Willie Stargell statue. It’s a doable summer bucket list and a cool way to mix a bit of culture with activity.
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