8 cool family events in Pittsburgh this weekend, from “dog yoga” and buggy racing to multiple Easter Bunny visits

Doga Class photo courtesy of Animal Friends.

Rain or shine, you’ll find plenty of family events in Pittsburgh this weekend. Check out this line up of fun things to do:

Friday, April 8: Friday Night at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Can’t make it to the museum during the day? The doors will open Friday night, so families can discover epic creatures that once swam the seas and roamed the earth. Step into Monster Fish to see extraordinary, life-size sculptures and visit Dinosaurs in their Time to check out 230 original fossils from one of the world’s leading paleontological collections. Buy tickets.

Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9: Sweepstakes at Carnegie Mellon University, various times

Soapbox derby meets relay racing — affectionately known as “buggy” — when one of Pittsburgh’s oldest traditions celebrates its 100th anniversary. Cheer on students as they put their brains and brawn to the test using handmade carbon fiber racing vehicles. Powered by gravity and steered by the smallest and lightest people on campus, brave drivers will navigate a winding downhill course at 40 mph, before being relayed up a hill by the team’s pushers. Community members are invited to come out and watch the fun. 

Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10: Bunny Trolley, various times

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum opens its season with one of its most popular events, the Bunny Trolley. Kids will ride a restored antique trolley to visit with the Easter Bunny. Activities include a hands-on craft project, a scavenger hunt and a chance to admire the snuggly live rabbits raised by the Four-Leaf 4-H Club. Timed tickets are $13 for ages 3-15, $15 for grownups and $14 for seniors. Ages 2 and younger are free, but require a lap ticket.

Friday, April 8 through Sunday, April 10: Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, various times

Not exactly the Easter bunny, but a bunny, nonetheless: This 30th-anniversary edition of Bugs Bunny at the Symphony brings the Looney Tunes gang to the stage at Heinz Hall. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will play live to the animated hijinks on screen. “The Rabbit of Seville” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” are some of the favorites to be shown, along with five new animated shorts. Tickets begin at $22.

Saturday, April 9, PPC’s Wild Edible Plants Walk at South Side Park, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Explore the Bandi Schaum Community Garden at South Side Park during the Parks Conservancy’s free Wild Edible Plants Walk. Families will learn to identify wild edible plants and discuss how to harvest them and use them as food during this event. This hike/activity is best for families with older children (ages 8+).

Sunday, April 10: Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The National Aviary hosts kids at the spring-themed Eggstravaganza, where they’ll participate in a scavenger hunt, storytime and receive prizes to take home. It’s a fine day to explore the habitats and free-flying birds, too. Eggstravaganza is included in general admission.

Sunday, April 10: Ukrainian Pysanky Sale at St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
There’s never been a better time to attend the Ukrainian Pysanky sale in Carnegie. The 54th annual event will feature Pysanky egg-making activities, demonstrations, crafts, raffles and information about how you can support Ukraine. Stock up on all of your fave Ukrainian delights, from pierogies, kielbasa and halushki, to borscht and baked goods.

Sunday, April 10: Doga: Yoga with Your Dog at Animal Friends, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Did you know that dogs are natural yogis? Take it from the experts at Animal Friends: Dogs live in the moment, breathe from their bellies and stretch when waking up. Deepen your connection with your dog — while raising funds to support the nonprofit — during this fun class combining walking meditation, human and canine yoga poses and doggie massage. Buy tickets.

Looking for more family events in Pittsburgh this weekend and beyond? Check out the rest of our April kid-friendly events guide and comb through our big guide to spring events. And don’t forget to explore our events calendar!