9 things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh, from Disney on Ice to a free Star Party
Photo courtesy of Disney on Ice.
Fresh air outings and a big arena event make the lineup of family events this week. Here are the highlights of the top things to do with kids in Pittsburgh.
1. Join Mickey’s Search Party
A great way to beat the August heat is to head to the rink at PPG Arena for Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party from Aug. 26-29. Mickey and his world-class skating pals perform feats of skill and amazing stunts. The show visits fave songs and scenes from the most popular Disney movies and characters. Expect Elsa from “Frozen,” “Toy Story” stars, Moana and Belle among the star-filled lineup. You can build your kids’ excitement for the show here with video sneak peeks, printable activity packs and hands-on maker projects they’re sure to love.
2. Look up!
Take a guided tour of the night sky miles away from city light pollution at Moraine State Park. The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh hosts the Star Party from 8-10 p.m. on Aug. 28. Celebrity sightings include Saturn, Jupiter and the Andromeda galaxy, which should be visible through members’ telescopes or your own binoculars. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray and a curiosity for the heavens. No cell phones or flashlights, please! The white light ruins night vision. Meet at the Lakeview Beach Area on the North Shore for this free program.
3. Cruise on a Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour
Rivers of Steel hosts a 90-minute excursion aboard the Explorer riverboat that focuses on Pittsburgh’s sense of place. The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour travels along our three rivers as guides point out sights and stories from the region’s history. The Explorer docks by the Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore. This weekend, cruises operate at various times. Check the calendar for additional dates. Reservations are $12 for ages 4-17, $18 for college students and seniors, $23 for grownups.
4. Find ferns and ferny friends
Kids can learn about ferns and other spore-bearing plants during a self-guided family walkabout at Jennings Environmental Education Center. Ferns, which date back hundreds of millions of years, are amazing examples of resilience and perseverance through difficult times. Pick up a guide outside the Education Center and follow easy trails to discover these ancient plants. Expect some uneven ground and occasional steps, which might be a problem for strollers. The Finding Ferns and Their Friends program operates daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 28-Sept. 12. No registration is required for this free outing.
5. Catch a free movie around town
The week’s free big-screen entertainment continues in local parks. Check out the complete schedules for Dollar Bank Cinema in the Parks and Allegheny County Movies in the Park.
- “Raya and the Last Dragon” (PG) screens on Aug. 28 at South Park.
- “Forest Gump” (PG-13) runs through history at Riverview Park on Aug. 28.
- “The Lion King” (G) revives the Simba cam on Aug. 26 at Brookline Memorial Park, Aug. 27 at Arsenal Park and Aug. 28 at Grandview Park.
- “Trolls World Tour” (PG) brings a rainbow of color to Hartwood Acres on Sept. 1.
Image courtesy of Sugar Plum Parties.
6. Frolic on a tropical vacation
Kids can end the summer with Tropical Vacation Day at Sugar Plum Parties on Aug. 29. The complete tropical experience includes kids dressing up in a rainbow tutu or pirate costume. Tattoos, sparkly manicures, wild hair color spray and fancy-schmancy hairdos are part of the fun. And be sure to try a hands-on project making a lei necklace or designing a tiki mask. Tickets are $20.
7. Make beats at Hip-Hop Camp
The August Wilson Center offers its first Hip-Hop Camp beginning Aug. 28. The four-part virtual camp will offer sessions that cover songwriting, graffiti art, breakdancing and DJ-ing. The monthly camps will emphasize the evolution of hip-hop and its connection to August Wilson. Throughout the sessions, each participant will develop a song that includes a verse, chorus and bridge to be performed at an in-person Holiday Community Day in December. In the Booth Hip-Hop Camp is recommended for high school kids ages 14-18. Register here for individual camp sessions, priced at $20, or buy all four for $75.
8. Head to a sensory-friendly museum outing
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History welcomes families to sensory-friendly hours from 8:30-10 a.m. on Aug. 28, opening 90 minutes before regular hours. Kids who experience sensory overload can explore the museum in a more controlled environment without crowds. Museum staff will provide tours of the exhibits and answer questions throughout the morning. Registration is $5.95 for kids, free for ages 2 and younger, $9.95 for their grownups.
9. Send encouragement cards to your favorite kids
The return to school can cause a bit of anxiety in even the most confident kids. The Mentoring Partnership and Fred Rogers Productions partnered together to help ease those worries and make it a little easier to start off on the right foot. The team’s free encouragement cards feature much-loved characters like Daniel Tiger, Donkey Hodie and Peg + Cat. Download and print the cards to tuck into bookbags and lunchboxes. Or make a screenshot to email or text. A kind word can go far in helping kids succeed with a smile.
