11 ways to welcome spring in Pittsburgh, from the Easter Bunny to Passover games

Photo by Elijah O’Donnell.

Spring has never been more welcome! Along with early blooms and warmer weather, we look forward to Easter Bunny visits, egg hunts and Passover games. Make plans to check out these fun family activities in Pittsburgh.

1. Make tracks to the Easter Bunny

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum invites families to its Spring Fling on April 2 and 3. Kids can ride a clang-clang-clanging trolley to meet with the Easter Bunny and pose for socially distant photos. Plan to visit the spring toy train exhibit, too. The Trolley Museum is operating at 50% capacity, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance. Expect Covid safety practices, including mask requirements and deep cleaning.

2. Get eggcited at the Eggstravaganza

The National Aviary springs into the season with its Eggstravaganza taking place March 27-28 and April 2-3. Kids can seek out clues throughout the Aviary’s habitats during an egg-themed scavenger hunt. A storytime with a special bird meet and greet is also part of the lineup. Kids will stretch their maker muscles with a craft or take the kit home to build later. Eggstravaganza is free with general admission timed tickets. Enhanced safety protocols will be in place.

3. Meet the Easter Bunny at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

It’s time to go hippity hopping down the bunny trail to meet spring’s most popular celebrity. The Pittsburgh Zoo’s Easter Bunny meet and greet promises socially distanced safety, along with treats from The Milkshake Factory. A team member will be happy to take group shots with your camera or phone. Timed tickets are $25 per family. Zoo admission is extra. Event dates are March 20-21 and 26-28.

4. Escape the Plagues!

Moishe House Pittsburgh hosts a virtual escape room on the second night of Passover on March 28. Rather than locusts, frogs and boils, Escape the Plagues considers modern plagues that can be escaped through community solidarity, climate justice and anti-racism. Purchase, download and print the materials for a rousing game of family-friendly puzzles and exploration. Escape the Plagues is best for groups of 2-6 players and for ages 9 to adult.

5. Hop to a free drive-in movie

The Allegheny County Family Drive-in Movie Series returns with a seasonal family favorite. “Hop” stars James Marsden, Kaley Cuoco and the voice of Russell Brand. The story follows the Easter Bunny’s teen son, E.B., who heads to Hollywood to follow his dream of becoming a drummer in a rock and roll band. Catch “Hop” on April 2 at Boyce Park and April 3 at Settler’s Cabin. Admission is free, with parking spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis. More family movies are planned for the Allegheny County lineup, including “Zootopia,” “Enchanted” and “Field of Dreams.”

6. Play the Would You Rather? Passover Game

PJ Library Pittsburgh hosts a virtual Would You Rather? game to spark conversations among family participants. The Passover-themed game aims to help kids understand the key points in the Seder. Families’ card containers will be filled with Would You Rather? questions. Celebration Kits can be picked up at the PJ Library in Squirrel Hill to use during the Zoom event on March 21 or with the recording afterward. Registration is free for this activity as part of the Making Jewish Life Come Alive and Be Connected During Through Covid 19 series.

7. Embark on a Super Science Saturday Egg Hunt

Kids can search for clues among dinos, gems and animal dioramas at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The Super Science Saturday Egg Hunt arms kids with scavenger hunt maps and scientific lessons. Goodie bag prizes will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This activity is geared to kids ages 3-10 on April 3 from noon to 4 p.m. A sensory-friendly version is planned from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on April 3. The egg hunts are included with your timed admission ticket.

8. Take a Bunny Cruise

Join the Easter Bunny on an hourlong sightseeing cruise onboard a Gateway Clipper Fleet riverboat. Choose one of three time slots on April 3 for your voyage along the three rivers. Photo opportunities with the big bunny will be available with professional photo packages for an additional fee. Snacks and drinks can be purchased on the boat. Make reservations and view the Covid policies here.

9. Head to a farm-style Easter egg hunt

Simmons Farm holds its annual Easter Egg Hunt daily from March 27-April 3 with eggs hidden in the greenhouse and orchard. Kids will decorate an Easter egg gathering bag, then head out to collect 12 eggs to exchange for prizes. Other crafts include decorating a flowerpot and planting a flower or vegetable. Kids can cheer on ducky races and visit the petting zoo. Admission is $14.50 for kids (free for their grownups). No registration is required. Plan to wear masks along with the usual Covid restrictions.

10. Try a high-tech Easter Egg hunt

Venture Outdoors gives its usual geocaching activity an Easter flavor on April 3 in Highland Park. Kids will be challenged to find hidden candy during the Easter Egg Geocaching event. Handheld GPS units will be used to guide participants along wooded trails to the prize eggs. Registration, which includes the loan of a GPS unit, is $5 for kids, $8 for adults and $25 for a family. No high-tech experience is needed.

11. Party with the Easter Bunny

Sugar Plum Parties is throwing a party with the Easter Bunny on March 28. The fun includes an Easter egg hunt with prizes. Kids will dye eggs, work on coloring pages and decorate windows. Sparkly manicures, tattoos and hairstyling are all on the schedule, too. When the Easter Bunny makes his grand entrance, kids can take photos with him and dance on stage. Registration is $25, which includes snacks and drinks. Masks are required.