Think spring! 85 spring events and activities for Pittsburgh kids

Photo above courtesy of Allegheny County Parks and Recreation.

The season of awakening is upon us with exciting spring activities that your family will love. You will encounter outdoor events that celebrate nature, engaging theater performances, fun festivals and hands-on creative outlets. Your spring calendar will be full, from its start on March 20 to the opening of summer on June 20.

1. Through April 30: Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. This new exhibit at the Children’s Museum challenges kids ages 3-9 to work out problems themselves in engaging ways. The exhibit is included with general admission.

2. Through May 29: Apsáalooke Women and Warriors, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The traditions of the Apsáalooke (pronounced ap-SAH-loo-gah) people of the Northern Plains are celebrated in this exhibit curated by the Field Museum in Chicago. The exhibit is included in general admission, but timed tickets are suggested.

3. Through Sept. 4: Vikings: Warriors of the North Sea, Carnegie Science Center. This exhibit includes a replica Viking ship and more than 140 artifacts. Tickets are $16 for kids, $20 for grownups and $18 for seniors.

4. Ongoing: Habitat Heroes, National Aviary. This new immersive bird show tells the story of each remarkable species – from Bald Eagles to an Augur Buzzard – revealing their superpower adaptations and encouraging guests to become heroes for birds and their habitats, too. Admission is $5, in addition to general admission.

5. March 18-April 16: Spring Flower Show: 5 Senses of Splendor, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Jump-start your season of renewal with stunning displays that feature a giant perfume bottle, harmonious chime canopies and a cascading fountain. Timed ticket presales are on sale.

6. March 19: Trolls and Pup Patrol Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Meet all of your favorite characters from TV, including Chase, Marshall, Skye, Poppy, and Branch, for a one-of-a-kind dance party. Tickets are $20 for ages 1-12, $32 for grownups and $5 for infants.

7. March 19, 25 and 27: Cookies with Cottontail, Allegheny County Parks. These free afternoons of entertainment include a visit with Peter Cottontail organized by Allegheny County Parks. You’ll find cookies and refreshments, face painting, a balloon artist and spring crafts. The hijinks take place on March 19 at the Rose Barn in North Park, March 25 at Four Seasons Lodge in Boyce Park and March 26 at the South Park Economics Building. Registration is required.

8. March 20-April 8: Peep Show, Sewickley Public Library. Families are to create a diorama starring marshmallow peeps in its Peep Show. Free kits are available for pickup while supplies last. Consider a scene from your favorite book, movie or any other spark of inspiration. Visit the library through April 8 to admire the Peep Show collection.

9. March 21-June 21: Birds and More Nature Walk, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. Join a naturalist on a nature-filled walk through one of the Audubon nature park trails. The weekly walks are held at Buffalo Creek Nature Park on Tuesdays, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve on Wednesdays and Sundays, Succop Nature Park on Thursdays and Todd Nature Reserve on Fridays. Registration is free but required.

10. March 22, April 12, 19 and 26: Seedings: Spring Awakening, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Kids ages 3-6 years will connect with nature through a hands-on activity, time in the Garden’s different habitats, a story reading and free play outdoors. Registration is $15, which includes an adult admission.

11. March 24: Teen Fashion Show, Andy Warhol Museum. This teen-curated fashion show includes runway looks of repurposed, reimagined and recycled garments and accessories created by teens. Registration is free but required.

12. March 24: The Legacy of Women in Hip Hop, Trust Arts Education Center. The Pittsburgh Humanities Festival presents an evening of discussion with two-time USA DMC champion DJ Perly, graffiti artist Juliandra Jones, and street dance artist Teena Marie Custer. A concert follows with Grammy-nominated Rapper Monie Love, a DJ set by DJ Perly, and performances by local female emcees. Best for teens to adults. Tickets are $20.

13. March 26: Night-Time Owl Prowl, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Venture through the dark garden paths on a guided walk to hear and spot owls. Best for ages 8 and older. Registration is $15.

14. March 27, April 24 and May 22: Little Sprouts PreK Nature Play Group, Robin Hill Park, Moon. This monthly nature-based playgroup offers enriching activities for kids ages 3-5 with a parent. Registration is $5.

15. March 30 and April 1, 2, 7 and 8: Bunny Trolley, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Hop on over to meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy seasonal refreshments, crafts, a scavenger hunt and a visit with live bunnies. Tickets are $15.

16. March 31: Make-It-Now: Eggs and Flowers, Pittsburgh Glass Center. Create your choice of a sculpted glass egg paperweight in the hot shop, a 2-D fused egg in the kiln shop, a wearable piece of art in the flame shop or a functional sandblasted glass in the cold shop. Prices are $25-$45. This family activity is a great introduction to glass art. Register here.

17. April 1: Wongai to Africa! Drum Circle, Trust Arts Education Center. Learn the distinct rhythms from the West African Diaspora and participate in the joy with drums and other percussion instruments. For families with kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $10.

18. April 1, 2 and 8: Egg Hunts, Allegheny County Parks. Choose a time and register for these free egg hunts on April 1 at Settlers Cabin Park, April 2 at Hartwood Acres and April 8 at Harrison Hills Park. Registration is required.

19. April 1-2 and 7-8: Eggstravaganza, National Aviary. Hop over to an egg-cellent time exploring the Aviary’s immersive habitats, searching for eggs on an egg-themed scavenger hunt, plus enjoy a story time and craft. All activities are included in aviary admission.

20. April 1: A Small Square Poem: Sonnet Workshop, Trust Arts Education Center. Explore how sonnets have changed from the works of Shakespeare to Devon Glover’s hip-hop sonnets and write a sonnet of your own. For ages 14 to adult. Tickets are $25.

21. April 1 and 2: Guided Hike: Fools in Nature. Celebrate April Fools’ Day by investigating how living things use deception to survive. This hike will be approximately 2 miles with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. The park ranger-led hike is on April 1 at Hartwood Acres. And April 2 at Boyce Park. Free but registration is required.

22. April 5 and May 3: Early Childhood Mornings, National Aviary. Little ones can spend an engaging morning with art activities, sensory play and books to read. Included in aviary admission.

23. April 6: Tea Party and Floral Crown Workshop, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Get outside and let your creativity flow by making a floral crown from fresh flowers while enjoying tea party sips and sweets. Best for ages 5-12, with an adult. Registration is $45, $15 for an additional child.

24. April 6-16: “Popcorn Falls,” Little Lake Theatre. The sleepy town of Popcorn Falls is forced into bankruptcy. Their only hope – open a theater! Two actors play over 20 roles in this silly farce. Best for ages 10 and older. Buy tickets here.

25. April 6-Sept. 30: “Dinosaurs of Antarctica,” Carnegie Science Center. Join Antarctic scientists on a quest to understand the ice continent’s profound ecological story over eons – from a frozen desert to a lush dinosaur world and back again. Shown in 3D and 2D. Tickets are $7, in addition to science center admission.

26. April 8: Moon Easter Bunny Hop, Robin Hill Park, Moon. The Easter Bunny will ride his wagon into the park to visit with kids. Other activities include a scavenger hunt, a snack on the patio and games on the lawn.  Free, but registration is required.

27. April 8:  Bunny Fun Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Hop onboard the 2-hour Bunny Fun Cruise and meet the Easter Bunny. A DJ dance party includes the “Bunny Hop” in the energetic playlist. All kids receive a special treat from the big bunny, too. Face painting, photos and snacks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20 for ages 1-12, $32 for grownups and $5 for infants.

28. April 8: Super Science Saturday: Egg-Stravaganza, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This annual springtime scavenger hunt offers egg-themed clues to search for specimens throughout the museum, then collect a goodie bag of treats. The Egg-Stravaganza is included with museum admission.

29. April 9: Easter Brunch, National Aviary. A delicious spread will entice picky eaters and family foodies. Seatings are planned for 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for kids, $55 for grownups, and free for those younger than 2.

30. April 11: Latodami Young Nature Explorers: Every Day is Earth Day, North Park. Kids ages 3-7 can learn about Earth Day and the little things you can do to help the environment. Registration is free but required.

31. April 12-16: “Sense and Sensibility,” Highmark Theatre of Pittsburgh Playhouse. Point Park University Conservatory Theatre Company brings the playful adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic story of the Dashwood sisters. Tickets are $35.

32. April 12 and 16, May 8 and June 10: Guided Walk: Sculptures, Hartwood Acres. Join the park rangers to learn about the sculptures and the artists behind them in the newly developed sculpture garden. This will be a short walk on paved surfaces. Free, but registration is required.

33. April 15-16: “Perseverance,” New Hazlett Theater. Prime Stage presents the true story of a man who spent his teen years enduring the horrors of Auschwitz before arriving in Pittsburgh as a penniless refugee intent on reshaping his family’s destiny. Tickets are $19 for students and $24 for adults. A recorded performance will be available to stream from April 24 to May 7.

34. April 16: Princess and Superhero Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Little princesses and tough superheroes will have a blast with interactive games and a DJ dance party. Tickets are $20 for kids, $32 for grownups.

35. April 19: PNC Carousel Opening Day, Schenley Plaza. Among the most popular spring activities for kids in Pittsburgh is watching the 16 creatures take their circular journey on the Victorian-styled PNC Carousel. Each ride requires a $2 token, purchased on-site, or a $60 family season pass that’s good for two adults and up to four kids.

36. April 22: Kennywood Park Opening Day. Prepare for a season of thrills, excitement, and Potato Patch Fries at Kennywood Park.

37. April 22: Wild Earth Day, Pittsburgh Zoo. Celebrate the Earth with activities and conservation tips and see the animals and plants who share our planet. Free with admission.

38. April 22-23: H2Oh! River Weekend, Carnegie Science Center. Kids will learn how to turn river water into clean drinking water through chemistry, meet the freshwater ambassador animals, talk to scientists and go on a river scavenger hunt. Free with general admission.

39. April 23: Walk with a Naturalist: Spring Wildflower Walk, Trillium Trail, Fox Chapel. This easy-paced 2- to 3-mile hike should offer views of trillium and other wildflowers in full bloom. Your guide will offer tips to find and identify wildflowers. Registration is $15.

40. April 24 and May 1, 8, 15 and 22: Maker Mondays, Carnegie Science Center. Museum visitors are invited into the lab to participate in STEM-focused maker activities. BNY Mellon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center offers both hands-on making and minds-on digital Fabrication. Best for ages 6 and older. Free with general admission.

41. April 26: Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience, Byham Theater. All seven Harry Potter books are condensed into a hilarious 90-minute performance. Best for ages 6 to Dumbledore. Tickets start at $36.

42. April 27-May 7: “Curious George: The Golden Meatball,” Little Lake Theatre. This fun musical catches up with George on All-You-Can-Eat Meatball Day. Best for ages 3 and older. Buy tickets here.

43. April 28: “The Lightning Thief: TYA Edition,” Byham Theater. Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school again. Plus, Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Will he catch the true thief and solve the riddle of the Oracle?  Best for ages 7 and older. Tickets are $12.

44. April 29: Story Saturday: “Linus: The Little Yellow Pencil,” Carnegie Museum of Art. The in-person story time is followed by an art-making activity. Best for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free and included in general admission.

45. May 2-7: “Dear Evan Hansen,” Benedum Center. A letter that was never meant to be seen prompts a lie that was never meant to be told. Evan Hansen is about to get a chance to finally fit in. Best for teens to adults. Tickets start at $42.

46. May 3: Lunchtime Fishing, North Shore River Walk. The season opens for lunchtime fishing that meets near the Water Steps every Wednesday. Equipment, bait and instructions will be offered. Registration is free but required.

47. May 4-23: Remake Learning Days, multiple locations. Explore creative and engaging activities and celebrate the joy of learning. Build a robot, code an art spinner, direct a film or explore the outdoors at events hosted by schools, museums and libraries, and after-school organizations. Find all of the exciting events and activities here.

48. May 5-14: “39 Steps,” New Hazlett Theater. Prime Stage Theater presents Alfred Hitchcock’s suspenseful thriller that becomes a hilarious fast-paced experience with intrigue as four actors bring 150 characters to life. Best for middle school to adults. Tickets are $19 for students, $39 for adults. A pay-what-you-can preview is offered on May 9.

49. May 6: Salamander Saturday, Carnegie Science Center. Learn about the plight of the world’s salamanders, their conservation and their importance to ecosystems through themed activities, storytime and animal ambassadors. Free with general admission.

50. May 6-7: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. The race weekend features the Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and 5K, plus fun kid stuff like the Kids Marathon, Toddler Trot and Pet Walk. Register for events here.

51. May 6 and 7: Guided Hike: Spring Migration. Wildlife, from birds to amphibians, is migrating throughout Pennsylvania for the spring and summer. This hike will be approximately 2 miles with moderate elevation changes. Registration is free but required for Deer Lake Park on May 6 and  Harrison Hills on May 7.

52. May 7 and 10: Guided Hike: Wildflowers, Boyce Park. Explore wildflowers with park gangers. This hike will be approximately 2 miles with moderate elevation changes. Registration is free but required for Boyce Park on May 7 and South Park on May 10.

53. May 7: Ultimate Play Day, McKinley Park. Join the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, Trying Together, and CitiParks for the annual Ultimate Play Day with hands-on activities, games and demonstrations. Free.

54. May 12: “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure,” Benedum Center. Kids will “move it, move it” as they watch Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria escape New York Central Park Zoo for a new home in Madagascar. Tickets start at $39.

55. May 13: Fam Jam!, Trust Arts Education Center. Families join together for singing, dancing and creating original music. Best for families with kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $10.

56. May 13: Science in the City, Carnegie Science Center. Learn how science fuels the ‘Burgh! Kids will learn all about civics and science through interactive floor demonstrations on pH, civil engineering, and space technology. Free with general admission.

57. May 13: Kites for Kids. Carnegie Science Center teams up with KidsVoice, an Allegheny County child advocacy organization, to celebrate Kites for Kids with hands-on activity stations, kite-themed games and crafts and lessons on the science of flight. Free with general admission.

58. May 13: Choreography Workshop, Trust Arts Education Center. Kids will develop their own style of dance through mentoring and guidance. Best for kids in grades 5-8. Registration is $25.

59. May 14: Mother’s Day Brunch, National Aviary. This yummy spread catered by Atria’s is sure to please with seatings at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for kids, $55 for grownups, and free for those younger than 2.

60. May 18-June 4: “Amelie,” Little Lake Theatre. This musical presents an extraordinary young woman who secretly improvises small acts of kindness for people around her. Best for ages 13 and older. Buy tickets here.

61. May 19-21: “Sleeping Beauty,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the PBT Orchestra bring the drama and romance of this well-known fairytale. Tickets start at $29.

62. May 19-21: EQT Children’s Theater Festival, Cultural District. Expect three days of mostly free fun with hands-on activities, street performances and ticketed theater productions.

63. May 19-21: “The Gruffalo,” Byham Theater. Based on the beloved story of Mouse, who meets the cunning Fox, an eccentric old Owl, and a high-spirited Snake. Will the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner? Best for kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $12.

64. May 19-21: “Origami Tales,” Outdoor Space at 7^th Street and Penn Avenue, Cultural District. Using origami, music and audience participation, storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto provides a magical entry into Japanese culture. Best for ages 3 and older. Tickets are $12.

65. May 19-21: “Buoyant Sea,” Trust Arts Education Center. Little kids sing and splash with their grown-ups in a water-table play about the joy of togetherness. Best for ages 18 months to 4 years. Tickets are $12.

66. May 19-21: “Hiccup!,” Pittsburgh Playhouse. The Windmill Theater Company of Australia heads to the outback for a hilarious story about a sleep-deprived camper, a quokka and an emu who discover a koala with a loud case of the hiccups. Best for ages 3-9 years. Tickets are $12.

67. May 19-21: “A Letter for Elena,” Pittsburgh Playhouse. At the crossroads of theater and dance, this story unfolds itself like a treasure hunt where the path of mourning is slowly drawn, and words take form to say goodbye. Best for ages 7 and older. Tickets are $12.

68. May 19-21: “Sakasaka,” outdoor space at 7^th and Penn, Cultural District. In this wordless physical comedy, three clowns use the poetry of motion trying to drink a glass of water while teaching the importance of water conservation and scarcity. Tickets are $12.

69. May 20: Super Science Saturday: Backyard Biology, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Learn about nature that’s close to home in backyards and nearby parks. Super Science Saturday is free with museum admission.

70. May 20: Touch-A-Truck, Moon Park. See and touch trucks from all over. Meet with those in our community who operate the trucks, take a picture with them and learn about their work. Food Trucks will be available as well. Free.

71. May 20-21: “It’s OK to be Different,” Byham Theater. Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia delivers important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Best for ages 3-7. Tickets are $12.

72. May 20: Idlewild and SoakZone Opening Day. Features amusement rides, Storybook Forest, Jumpin’ Jungle and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Get details here.

73. May 21: Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart, Liberty Magic. This 60-minute show combines stunning magic and clean comedy for an interactive spectacular. Tickets are $12.

74. May 21: Sensory Sensitive Science Hours, Carnegie Science Center. Enjoy a self-guided museum visit with sensory-friendly demos and adjusted exhibit lights and sound effects. Free with general admission.

75. May 27: Story Saturday: “Home: A Tribute to the Many Possibilities of Home,” Carnegie Museum of Art. The in-person story time is followed by an art-making activity. Best for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free with general admission.

76. June 2: Princess Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Party like a princess on this cruise with heroines from favorite movies. Tickets are $20 for kids, $32 for grownups.

77. June 2-11: Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Downtown. Crowds gather for 10 days of art and music, plus hands-on activities for kids. The lineup of music and other details will be announced soon.

78. June 3-4: “The Little Mermaid” in Concert, Heinz Hall. Watch the beloved film while the Pittsburgh Symphony plays the soundtrack live. Tickets start at $25.

79. June 7: Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, Byham Theater. Dance, sing and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities special. Tickets start at $56.

80. June 12-21: “Rats! The Story of the Pied Piper, the Musical,” South Park Theater. This retelling of the classic story is told in a fast-paced, musical setting that is sure to entertain. Tickets are $5, free for those 3 and younger.

81. June 13-18: “Anything Goes,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO presents this Cole Porter classic. Expect high-energy fun filled with tap dancing, great songs and a little romance. Single tickets will be available soon.

82. June 15-25: “For Peter Pan on Her 70^th Birthday,” Little Lake Theatre. In her father’s hospital room with her siblings, Ann remembers playing Peter Pan in her hometown theater and how her dad brought flowers after every performance. Best for ages 13 and older. Buy tickets here.

83. June 16-19: Juneteenth Celebration, Point Park and Downtown. This family-friendly event will feature African American culture education, speakers, live music and local vendors. Free.

84. June 16-25: “The Boxcar Children,” New Hazlett Theater. The Prime Stage Sprouts Series presents the story of four orphaned kids who run away from their cruel grandfather and make a home in an abandoned boxcar. Tickets are $14 for students, $24 for grownups. A pay-what-you-wish performance is planned for June 16.

85. June 17: Guided Hike: Animal Habitats, Deer Lake Park. Explore the different habitats that animals call home. This hike will be approximately 2 miles with moderate elevation changes. Registration is free but required.

Are you signed up for the Kidsburgh newsletter? It’s the best way to make sure your family knows what’s going on around the city.

Don’t miss our March guide of things to do as well as our summer camp guide. Looking for more fun events in Pittsburgh for families? Don’t miss our daily events calendar for even more fun.