Fall fun is here! Top 10 September events for kids in Pittsburgh

Head to the Fairytale Festival for a royally magic time. Photo above courtesy of Gemin Children’s Theater.

All signs point to summer’s end: School is back in session, the cicadas are shrieking and leaves are beginning to rustle. But September remains a prime time for family entertainment. Warm weather weekends burst with festivals, special events and celebrations. Here are 10 September events for kids in Pittsburgh to ease the transition into autumn.

1. Sept. 3-March 12: “Train Time,” Carnegie Science Center

Don’t miss the American premiere of this movie opening at the Rangos Giant Cinema at Carnegie Science Center. Explore the surprising intricacies of the modern railroad as “Train Time” mesmerizes with freight trains whisking through breathtaking landscapes. The behind-the-scenes aspect of STEM careers available throughout the railroad industry is also fascinating. Railroads continue to be an integral part of American life and “Train Time” offers an eye-opening glimpse into the roles of dispatchers, roadmasters, engineers and conductors. Catch a daily showing on the big screen. The $7 tickets are separate from Science Center admission.

2. Sept. 3 and 4: End of Summer Block Party, Children’s Museum campus

The Children’s Museum and MuseumLab send a farewell to summer with a weekend of free outdoor activities. The neighborhood block party will draw fun-loving families to two days of excitement. Groups like Assemble, Sensory Super Powers and Kente Arts will offer activities. Browse booths with fare from Minimo Jewelry, Olesya Fashion Boutique and Forlorn Moon Clothing. No registration is required for the outdoor celebration, but visiting the Children’s Museum or MuseumLab requires paid admission.

3. Sept. 4: Explore Bison with the Park Rangers, South Park

No need to travel all the way to Yellowstone to encounter bison. Allegheny County Park rangers offer families the opportunity to learn more about the herd that lives in South Park. Hands-on opportunities will be available at the exploration table. Join guided walks at the game preserve scheduled for 10 and 11 a.m. to get a good look at these majestic beasts. Explore Bison with the Park Rangers is free, but registration is suggested.

4. Sept. 8-11: Broadway at the Overlook, Pittsburgh Musical Theater

CitiParks and Pittsburgh Musical Theater team up to present free preview performances of PMT’s upcoming season. Join the audience at the West End Elliot Overlook for musical selections from favorites such as “Beauty and the Beast, “The Little Mermaid” and “A Lyrical Christmas Carol.” Other samplings give insight into “Evil Dead the Musical,” “Jersey Boys” and “Once.” The 90-minute show includes an intermission with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Or bring a picnic basket and enjoy the city view for a pre-show dinner al fresco. No registration is required for the performances, which begin at 7 p.m. daily.

5. Sept. 9-Oct. 16: RADical Days, Allegheny County locations

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – in Allegheny County, at least. The month-long RADical Days is the time when organizations that have benefited from the Regional Asset District thank taxpayers with free activities and events. Families can enjoy admission to local museums, hands-on creative activities, plus concerts and theatrical performances. Browse through the complete lineup and mark your calendar for a fun-filled month of free, free, free!

6. Sept. 11: Grandparents Day, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Event planners at the Pittsburgh Zoo created a special generation celebration for kids and their grandparents. On Grandparents Day, all Pap Paps and Grandmas accompanied by a grandchild receive free admission to the zoo. As a reminder that sharing is caring in the world of extended families, the grandkids are allowed several grandparents on the same deal. UPMC for Life members also receive free admission, with or without a grandchild in tow.

7. Sept. 17, 20, 23 and 25: “Rusalka,” Pittsburgh Opera

Once upon a time, long, long ago, before Disney re-invented Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Little Mermaid,” a Czech fairytale recounted the fanciful story of a water sprite named Rusalka. Rusalka falls in love with a handsome prince and asks a witch to transform her into a woman in exchange for her voice. Will love triumph or will dire consequences unfold? Follow the drama at Pittsburgh Opera’s production of “Rusalka,” opening the company’s 2022-23 season. “Rusalka,” which premiered in 1901, includes supertitle translations. The performance may be best for romantically minded tweens, teens and adults, though kids as young as 6 are welcome. Tickets for ages 6-18 are half-price for all Pittsburgh Opera performances.

8. Sept. 18: Gemini Children’s Theater Fairytale Festival, Riverview Park

Gemini Theater – and its many fans – are thrilled to return to celebrating its annual fundraiser with an outdoor Fairytale Festival instead of its traditional Royal Ball. Celebrating 25 years of interactive children’s programming, revelers are invited to dress in their favorite fantasy attire as a royal, pixie or another fairytale-related character. The family-focused party includes a unicorn, a royal petting zoo, carnival games and crafting. Expect tasty eats and an opportunity to dance, dance, dance. In addition to sponsorships, tickets are $5 for littles 2 and a half or younger, and $35 for all others, with a special rate of $125 for a family of four.

9. Sept. 18: Sustain/Ability, Carnegie Museum of Art

Carnegie Museum of Art’s Youth Art Initiative invites teens to Sustain/Ability, a day of eco-friendly community and activities. Expect clothing swaps and an exploration of how to help create a more sustainable society. Upcycling workshops will offer ideas for on-the-spot mending and fashion creation. Light refreshments will be served, along with a guided tour of the “Extraordinary Ordinary Things” exhibit. The teen-only Sustain/Ability is free for ages 13-18. Registration is required.

10. Sept. 24: Junior Great Race, Point State Park

The day before the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race winds its way from Frick Park to The Point, kids have the chance to compete in the Junior Great Race. Runners ages 5-12 can participate in the one-mile Family Fun Run with their grownups. The under-4 crowd is invited to the Tot Trot, where they’ll take off down a 50-yard walled chute to the finish line. And little ones who aren’t quite upright have their chance to race on their hands and knees in the Diaper Dash. All participants receive a commemorative medal upon completion of their race. Registration is $10 for the Junior Great Race. The experience is priceless.

Bonus events:

Through Sept. 25: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, West Newton

Through Oct. 30: Asian Lantern Festival, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Through Oct. 30: GUITAR: The Instrument that Rocked the World, Carnegie Science Center

Through Jan. 2: Nature’s Amazing Machines, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Sept. 1-5: Kickoff & Rib Festival, Acrisure Stadium

Sept. 3 and 17: Family Adventures, Carnegie Science Center

Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27: Tabletop Tuesdays, Schenley Plaza

Sept. 9-11: Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Carrie Blast Furnaces

Sept. 10: Story Saturday: “Many Shapes of Clay,” Carnegie Museum of Art

Sept. 15 and 15: Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival, Station Square

Sept. 17: Three Stooges Film Festival, Harris Theater

Sept. 21: Venture Outdoors Equinox Tree ID Walk, Boyce Mayview Park