Green adventures: Your family-friendly guide to Pittsburgh’s Earth Month events

Photo above courtesy of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

As April rolls in with beautiful blooms and Earth Day inches closer, Pittsburgh comes alive with a month-long celebration dedicated to our incredible planet. 

From thrilling zoo adventures to thought-provoking art exhibitions, eco-conscious events are popping up all over the city, inviting families to join in the fun while making a positive impact on the world around them. 

Let’s dive into the Earth Month festivities and discover how Pittsburgh is leading the charge in environmental awareness and conservation…

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Get ready to roar with excitement at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s Wild Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s a day filled with live music, captivating art and interactive educational booths, all dedicated to honoring our amazing planet and discovering ways to help it thrive. Organizations like Starbucks, 412 Food Rescue and Tree Pittsburgh will be there to share insights on sustainability and conservation. It’s an adventure for the whole family!

Carnegie Museum of Art

Head over to the Carnegie Museum of Art for an eye-opening exhibition called Everlasting Plastics, running all month and through July 21. At the Carnegie Lab, dive into the fascinating world of plasticity with interactive activities like “Plastic Stack” and “Painting with Plastics,” where kids can unleash their creativity while learning about the importance of recycling and upcycling. It’s a unique opportunity for young minds to rethink our reliance on plastics and discover sustainable alternatives. (Carnegie Lab is open 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays in the Scaife Lounge. Activities are free with admission. No registration required.)

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

At the Kids Museum, young explorers can explore the galaxy with the Makeshop: journey to outer space event, running through April. Use recycled materials to build large-scale sculptures of planets, design a spaceship and learn how tools are used to explore the universe. And all month long, the Children’s Museum is offering free weekday admission to parents and caregivers with a child under one year of age, as well as grandparents.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

The good folks over at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy are pulling out all the stops to celebrate throughout April. Join in the festivities at Westinghouse Park (Saturday, April 6)  and McKinley Park (Saturday, April 20), where families can enjoy games, music, nature crafts, and more. From solar-powered interactive fun to story hikes exploring the wonders of the natural world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while giving back to our planet.

​​Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

For bookworms and science enthusiasts, the Carnegie Library through its various locations offers a lineup of engaging events throughout April. On April 2 and April 13, meet Mr. McSlithers, the Eastern Rat Snake, offering an up-close look at snake habitats and adaptations. 

Then, on April 3, 17 and 30, dive into the fascinating world of water chemistry with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority: Color-Changing Chemistry events. Don your scientist hat and experiment with colorful potions and learn about water treatment and conservation. 

Additionally, don’t miss the Seed Exchange event on April 16 and 23, where you can exchange seeds, learn gardening tips, and participate in composting demos to kickstart your garden this spring. 

Dirt Day at East End Food Co-op

Get your hands dirty at the East End Food Co-op’s Dirt Day on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Exchange seeds, learn gardening tips from experts, and participate in composting demos to kickstart your garden this spring. It’s a day of community, learning and green-thumb fun for all ages.

PDP Night Market Goes Green

Wrap up Earth Month in style at the PDP Night Market Goes Green in Market Square on Friday, April 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Discover eco-friendly vendors, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and groove to live music under the stars. It’s a vibrant celebration of sustainability and community spirit, made possible by The Green Voice, Pittsburgh Earth Day and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

The National Aviary

The National Aviary welcomes curious minds to discover the wonders of nature. Join the flock at the Aviary for a celebration of feathered friends during Penguin-Palooza on April 27 and 28. In honor of World Penguin Day, families can get up close and personal with African Penguins, participate in fun feeding sessions and try their hands at penguin-themed crafts. 

Earth Day Clean Up by B.I.G (Brackenridge Improvement Group)

Calling all young (and old) eco-warriors! Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a big difference for our planet at the Earth Day Clean Up on Sunday, April 28. Starting at 9:45 a.m. at three locations — Brackenridge Memorial Park Pavillion, Tarentum Riverview Park Pavillion, and Harrison Township Municipal Building — volunteers will work together to pick up litter and beautify our local parks. Afterward, gather at the Tarentum Snack Shack for a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch to celebrate your hard work. It’s a chance to make a positive impact on the environment and connect with like-minded individuals in the community. 

Looking for more Pittsburgh-region fun? Check out our guide to April events and our guide to fun during maple syrup season.