9 fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh this weekend, all free or low-cost

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre photo above by Duane Rieder.

There are so many cool things to do with kids in Pittsburgh this weekend, and a great many of them are free or low-cost. Check out this lineup:

Friday, May 6 (noon-5 p.m.) and Saturday, May 7 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.): Open House at Pittsburgh Glass Center
Venture into the Glass Center’s open studios to explore where and how glass art is made, participate in live glass-blowing and flameworking demonstrations, try hands-on activities, and take a tour of the contemporary art exhibition Full Spectrum: Visionaries Elevating Art, Craft, and Design. And if you cheered him on as the season two winner of the Netflix show “Blown Away,” don’t miss this rare chance to catch British sculptor and glassblower Elliot Walker in action creating glass art. Learn about his creative process and his experiences on TV during this free open house.

Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8: “Swan Lake” education programs, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, various times

Performances of “Swan Lake” with the PBT Orchestra run May 6-15 at the Benedum Center. But the free educational programming for all ages, from tiny dancers to their ballet-loving grownups, begins earlier. Daily sessions launch on May 5 with Dance the Story (a movement-based storytime presented via Zoom) and a virtual preview, The Fascinating History of Swan Lake. Or catch the Director’s Cut, an opening night conversation between dance historian Elizabeth Kaye and Artistic Director Susan Jaffe on May 6. Additional programming runs through May 8. The deep-dive sessions are certain to enhance the audience’s experience of and insight into this iconic ballet.

Friday, May 6: “A Bug’s Life” at Settlers Cabin Park, 6 p.m.

Drive-in movie season is back, so pull the family car into the Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool parking lot for stories under the stars. Just in time for spring, watch the 1998 animated comedy following a misfit ant named Flik who attempts to save his colony from a gang of grasshoppers. The free movie starts at dusk. Tune your radio to 87.9 FM for audio.

Saturday, May 7: Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community at Heinz Field, 7:45 a.m.

Looking for healthful and helpful things to do with kids in Pittsburgh this weekend? Get outdoors and get moving to support local health and human service agencies. Form a team or stride solo and choose from the 5K Walk or the 1 Mile Walk. Keep those feet moving forward because all funds raised go directly to participating organizations and their vital missions. Register for free here.

Saturday, May 7: Family Day at Pittsburgh Opera, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Go behind the velvet rope to explore the Bitz Opera Factory HQ in the Strip District. For its first-ever Family Day, the organization will offer activities designed to expose children, teens and families to the many components that make up opera. Check out a musical instrument “petting zoo,” take voice lessons, watch choreography demonstrations and make stage props. The morning will culminate with performances by the opera’s Resident Artists. Register for free here.

Saturday, May 7: Doors Open Pittsburgh on the North Side, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Have you heard of the Moonshot Museum, Gecko Robotics, Bicycle Heaven or Teutonia Männerchor? Get to know one of the Burgh’s fascinating neighborhoods during this immersive self-guided tour. Step into 30 buildings for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at properties not normally open to the public that have been reimagined for creativity, innovation, work, living, education, worship and retail. Get nebby as you discover why the North Side is a hub for world-class museums, major league sports, architectural landmarks, quirky destinations and historic districts. Free for kids under 5, $5 for ages 6-17, $13 for seniors and $15 for general adult admission. Buy tickets here.

Saturday, May 7: Holding Space at Ketchup City Creative, 5-8 p.m.

This one is all about moms: Two local exhibitions are examining motherhood through the eyes of contemporary artists. Holding Space is hosting a free opening reception at their Sharpsburg art space, where their group show explores the multi-dimensional impact of mothering and raises awareness about the often unseen role of maternal labor. A corresponding exhibit at Duquesne University’s Les Idées Gallery, The Most Possible Kind, is open through May 10. Featuring nine regional artists, these sister exhibitions bring together photography, soft sculpture, textiles and mixed media work.

Sunday, May 8: Mom’s Day Hike And Crafts in Riverview Park, 1-3 p.m.

One of the best things to do with kids in Pittsburgh is to get outdoors. Show your love for mom and for mother nature during this leisurely 3-mile hike led by Venture Outdoors. You’ll hit the trails, explore a beautiful North Side park, and search for fascinating critters, insects and plants. After hiking, enjoy snacks and create Mother’s Day crafts together. Buy tickets — just $5-$8.

Sunday, May 8: Stars on Ice, PPG Paints Arena, 4 p.m.

Among the most star-studded events in May for Pittsburgh kids: Admire the grace and athleticism of champion ice skaters at the Stars on Ice show at PPG Paints Arena. Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen leads the way with his extraordinary style that’s redefined men’s figure skating. Olympic bronze medalists and two-time U.S. Ice Dance Champions Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue bring passion and power to their programs. Others in the star-studded lineup include Karen Chu, Jason Brown and Mariah Bell. Tickets begin at $15 (and go as high as $155).

Looking for more things to do with kids in Pittsburgh? Visit our daily events calendar and check out the hottest events happening during May.