15 June family events in Pittsburgh to get the summer party started

Above image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

With most schools in the region concluding their academic year in early June, it’s time for the fun to commence. From festivals and block parties to behind-the-scenes tours of the city itself, this month is packed with fun and affordable events for kids of all ages (yes, even those teens). Grab some sunblock and snacks — lets do summer right. 

May 31 – June 9: Three Rivers Arts Festival

A fan favorite every year, this 10-day festival has something for everyone. From crafting stations geared towards younger kids to art instillations that will move even the most stoic adolescent, this is one of Pittsburgh’s most flexible and fun events of the year. We have a great big guide to all the details, right here.

May 31 – June 2: Pittsburgh Pride 2024

This year, Pittsburgh Pride will once again coincide with the Three Rivers Arts Festival to create a vibrant, welcoming celebration for residents of all ages. Pittsburgh Pride begins on Friday and runs through the weekend, with a parade on the North Side on Saturday at 12 p.m. The parade will arrive at Allegheny Commons Park by 1 p.m. where the party will keep going all day. Enjoy vendors, activities for kids, food and live music. Find out more about Pittsburgh Pride here.

June 1 – 2: 3 Rivers Comicon

This two-day event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is packed with comic book creators, cosplay, performances and more. There are even kid cosplay competitions. Find all the details about registration and tickets here. Prices begin at just $5.

June 1: Fort Pitt Cannon Firing

What’s that noise? The staff at the Fort Pitt Museum will be firing off 18th century cannons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Point State Park. Costumed re-enactors will talk about artillery and life in Pittsburgh in the 1700’s. Find more details here. Don’t forget that this museum is part of the Heinz History Center, so annual passes and discounts work here, too.

June 5: Buzzword Pgh EXPERIMENT

This event, which will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at ACH Clear Pathways in the Kaufman Center (1825 Centre Ave.) is all about science. Kids and their grownups will learn about the scientific process and exploration. Families will also take home an activity box. This event is free, but registration is suggested.

June 6 – 8: Johnstown Blacksmithing Event

Up for a short road trip? For three days in Johnstown, kids can learn all about the art of working with metal. This epic celebration of blacksmithing is led by the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America. Activities in Johnstown’s Central Park are free and open to the public. Kids get a glimpse of how hot metal moves with each hammer blow at the clay “forging” activity. The first 100 kids to participate will receive a goody bag, too. Find all the details here.

June 8: Allegheny RiverTrail Park Grand Opening Festival

This gorgeous riverfront park is adding six new acres of park land, which is a reason to celebrate! This festival will include food trucks, kid-friendly games, live music and a chance to check out this exciting new green space. It’s bike-friendly, so pack your wheels if you’d like to! Find out more here.

June 8: Penny Arcade Comedy Show

Hosted by the Arcade Comedy Theater, this show is the perfect intro to live comedy for kids. Kids ages 4 to 8 are the target audience, but families with kids of all ages are welcome to attend. The show begins at 2 p.m. and the cost is $12. Find all the details right here.

June 14 – 16: Pittsburgh Juneteenth Celebration

This three-day event celebrates the day that slaves in Texas were finally informed that slavery had been abolished after the Civil War. This event is hosted by Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration and will take place in Market Square and on nearby streets. There will be music, food and a chance to learn about history and celebrate freedom. Find out more here.

June 14: Just Desserts Kids’ Night Out at Flour Power

This class is all about desserts! They’ve got two yummy treats for this class: Hot Fudge Pie and Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake with Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting. The kids will also make pizza, grilled cheese and chips for dinner.  This event is for kids in grades K through 5 and the cost is $55. Register here.

June 15: Doors Open Pittsburgh Histories and Mysteries Tour

Have you always wanted the chance to be nebby behind the scenes of some of Pittsburgh’s most iconic buildings? Doors Open Pittsburgh’s goal is to make that happen. This month, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., guests will hop aboard the Gateway Clipper while they learn about some of the most peculiar and haunting tales along the Allegheny River. These events are open to all ages, but may be more interesting to kids in upper elementary school and beyond. Tickets begin at $15 and more details can be found here.

June 22: Fort Pitt Museum Opening of “Homelands: Native Nations of Allegheny.” 

This new exhibit, which opens June 22 and will be open all summer, highlights the important culture of the indigenous tribes that once lived in this area before colonization. This exhibit features objects on loan from American Indian tribes – including domestic objects, decorated moccasins, pouches, and contemporary arts and crafts – along with artifacts and imagery from the collections of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Heinz History Center. Check out all the details here.

June 22 – 23: Berry Festival at Freedom Farms

With tractor rides, a petting zoo, face painting, food, and more, Freedom Farms is hosting a day perfect for families. The cost of this event is $10 per person, but kids 3 and under are free. Find the full schedule of events and vendors here.

June 23: Band Together Pittsburgh Sensory-Friendly Open Mic at The Lindsay

This event at The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, which runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., is free and inclusive for all guests. Share a song, poem or just get up and riff. This event is free, but registration is required so the staff can bring enough snacks for all participants.

June 29: Kuntz4Kids Youth Football Camp

Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz is ready to host his second annual youth football camp at Chartiers Valley High School. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., kids will learn skills and drills to improve their game. No experience is necessary, so this event is also great for kids who are curious about playing football. The cost is $40 which includes a t-shirt, Nike drawstring bag, water bottle, and sweat towel. Expect some special guests, too! Register here.

Looking for even more things to do each week? Sign up for our newsletter, and we will curate the city’s top family-friendly events and send them right to your inbox, twice a week.