Spring Events Guide: 75-plus fun events and cool activities for Pittsburgh-region families

Above Photo: Squonk Opera will perform “Brouhaha” at community events this season. Photo by Heather Mull.

It’s spring at last! The fun you’ll find below reflects our celebration of this colorful season. You will find more entertainment options than you can make time for. Kids of all ages will be immersed in engaging activities they will love. Check out what’s coming up:

Through April 13: “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Byham Theater. Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents a professional production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $17.50-$73.

Through April 20: Spring Flower Show: A Bloom for Every Room, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Vibrant colors will wow visitors at the Spring Flower Show. Expect tens of thousands of blooms from daffodils and tulips to fragrant hyacinths and lilies in the glorious exhibit, where each room is dedicated to a different bloom. And be sure to wander through the new Tropical Forest Panama to explore the plants, history and culture of the land bridge connecting North and South America. Tickets are $22.95 for grownups, $20.95 for seniors, $19.95 for students, $13.95 for ages 2-18, free for those younger than 2.

Through April 21: Peep Show, Sewickley Public Library. Accept the challenge to create a diorama starring marshmallow peeps in the 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. Deliver your completed diorama on April 11, and then visit the library through April 21 to admire the Peep Show collection.

April 26-Oct. 5: Pittsburgh’s Hidden History, Heinz History Center. This new exhibit features a yinzsplosion of rarely and never-before-seen objects that tell stories from Pittsburgh’s past like never before. Explore objects from iconic Pittsburgh institutions like The Original Hot Dog Shop, Primanti Bros., Kaufmann’s, and Kennywood Park. Included with general admission.

Through May 4: “Amazon Adventure (3-D),” Carnegie Science Center. This film tells the epic, true story of explorer Henry Bates’ fascinating 11-year journey through the visually stunning and biodiverse Amazon rainforest as a young man who risks his life for science in the 1850s. Tickets are $10.

Through May 4: “Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation,” Carnegie Science Center. Viewers will see that volcanoes are unique and complex, from under the sea to high above the ground. Travel around the world from mineral fields to lava lakes to see how volcanoes impact our earth. Tickets are $10.

Through May 9: Drop-In Lab, Carnegie Museum of Art. All ages are invited to join art educators in the museum’s Art Studio every Friday for art-making and sensory activities inspired by to the exhibitions in our galleries. Free with museum admission.  No registration required.

Through May 9: Talking With Kids About Art, Carnegie Museum of Art. Museum educators introduce kids ages 3-10 and their families to works of art in our galleries through engaging activities and interactive discussion. Free with museum admission.

Through May 31: “T. Rex (3-D),” Carnegie Science Center. Embark on a Jurassic journey following the king of dinosaurs in The Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $10.

Through June 1: “Laser Taylor Swift,” Carnegie Science Center. The Laser Taylor Swift show sets hits from all the singer’s eras to dazzling laser lights and special effects. Tickets are $7.

Through June 11: Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart, Liberty Magic. Sunday afternoons welcome teens and adults who will be amazed from start to finish. This 60-minute spectacular features stunning magic and clean comedy. Tickets are $25 and $40. (Don’t miss Mr. Messado’s visit to the Kidsburgh Podcast.)

Through Aug. 17: Mental Health: Mind Matters, Carnegie Science Center. Step into an immersive journey designed to break stigma, build understanding, and spark important conversations. This traveling exhibition brings the science of mental health to life through immersive exhibits and personal stories, offering a deeper look into the complexities of mental well-being. Included with general admission.

Through September: “Desert Elephants” (2-D and 3-D), Carnegie Science Center. Take an elephant-sized journey across Africa’s Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert, and get up close and personal with the largest land mammals on the planet. “Desert Elephants” follows the adventures of a baby elephant as she learns how to elephant from her family, led by a wise matriarch. Tickets are $10.

April 5, 6, 12, 13: Egg Hunts, Allegheny County Parks: Bring your Easter baskets and join Peter Cottontail on an egg hunt at area parks. A $5 registration is required ($7 for non-residents) for White Oak on April 12 and Settlers Cabin Park on April 13. Choose from morning or afternoon sessions.

April 5-19: Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Pittsburgh Zoo. Enjoy a tasty meal, create a cute craft, join a scavenger hunt and other activities, and take a picture with the Easter Bunny. Registration, which includes zoo entry, is $45 or $10 for kids younger than 2.

April 8-9: “The Thorn,” Benedum Center. The story of Christ is presented in an immersive show with live music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and special effects. Tickets are $40.75-$154.25.

April 11-19: Bunny Trolley, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Kids will ride a restored antique trolley to visit with the Easter Bunny. Activities include a hands-on craft project, an Easter-themed scavenger hunt and a chance to admire the snuggly live rabbits raised by the Four-Leaf 4-H Club. Tickets are $22, free for ages 2 and younger.

April 12: Youth Exhibition Opening Celebration, Carnegie Museum of Art. The exhibition features artwork by artists who have participated in museum programs. The 3-5 p.m. public reception includes art making, food and music. Free, including museum admission.  A sensory-friendly viewing is planned from 2-3 p.m.

April 12: Story Saturday, Carnegie Museum of Art. Join art educators for a reading of “Sashiko’s Stitches,” by Sanae Ishida. Sashiko is a girl with very big feelings who finds hope and comfort in creative expression. A hands-on making activity for ages 12 and younger follows the reading. Registration is free with museum admission.

April 12: Saturday at the Museum Legacy Party, Carnegie Museum of Art. This artful celebration covers nearly 100 years of Saturday art classes at the museum. The evening will be full of reunions, art making, participatory close-looking tours and delectable hors d’oeuvres. In the spirit of longtime museum instructor Joseph Fitzpatrick, visitors will gather “to look, to see, to remember, to enjoy!” Registration is $40.

April 12: Opening Day, Kennywood Park. The season’s opening day offers a new Eggcellent Easter Celebration. See the park spring into bloom and enjoy new entertainment, special activities, plus Tuft the Kennywood Easter Bunny. Save 50% on passes during the opening sale.

April 12 and 13: Brunch with the Bunny, Soergels Orchards. Choose a seating for a kid-friendly buffet-style brunch. Online registration is $27.50 for grownups, $17.50 for ages 10 and younger, free for kids younger than 2.

April 12-19: Eggstravaganza, The National Aviary. Kids at the spring-themed Eggstravaganza will participate in a scavenger hunt, story time, and receive prizes to take home. Meet a skink and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. It’s a fine day to explore the habitats and free-flying birds, too. Eggstravaganza activities are included in general admission.

April 13: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Coop de Ville. Savor an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, games, activities and a photo with the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $25 for grownups, $12.50 for ages 12 and younger.

April 14: Day Off at the Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art. Young artists ages 6 through 10 are invited to spend their day off from school immersed in art, learning and fun. Registration is $75.

April 15-20: “Some Like It Hot,” Benedum Center. The hit Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical comedy follows two musicians who take up new identities and go on the run after witnessing a mob hit. Best for ages 12 and older. Tickets are $36-$125.

April 19: Grand Opening: PNC Carousel, Schenley Plaza. Kids can choose to ride their favorite beast from the likes of a sea dragon, dolphin, and giraffe. Each ride is $3, an unlimited day pass is $12, a family day pass is $25, a family season pass is $75 (save $15 if purchased before May 1). Buy passes online here.

April 19: Sensory-Friendly Morning, Pittsburgh Zoo. Families with members who have sensory processing needs are invited to explore the Zoo early on these quiet mornings from 8-9 a.m. Included with general admission.

April 19: Earth Day 2025, McKinley Park. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy invites families to a community Earth Month celebration packed with good vibes and fun. Free. Find details here.

April 19: Bunny Fun Cruise and Tour, Gateway Clipper Fleet. This kid-focused event includes a magic show, meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, games, a DJ dance party and a themed goodie bag. Tickets are $35 for grownups, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.

April 19: Natural Egg Dyeing Workshop, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Participants will choose between dyes made from beets, cabbage, onion skins, turmeric, or blueberries to decorate eggs. Then, create and decorate a basket to carry your eggs home. Registration is $20 for grownups, $15 for kids.

April 19-May 11: “King James,” City Theatre. Taking place over 12 years, from LeBron James’ rookie season through the 2016 NBA Championship, “King James” is a buddy comedy that tracks the unlikely friendship of two super fans. Best for ages 14 and older. Tickets start at $35, $20 “Under 30” tickets available by reservation.

April 23: Sensory Safari: A Day for All Explorers, Pittsburgh Zoo. Designed to be welcoming and accessible for all, this day features a variety of hands-on activities and sensory stations from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Included with zoo admission.

April 26: “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” Byham Theater. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning Pigeon” picture books, this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! Tickets are $12-$25.

April 27: Frick Bioblitz: City Nature Challenge, Frick Environmental Center. Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin on a walk to document and identify the biodiversity of Frick Park. A smartphone or digital camera is recommended to take pictures. Registration is free.

April 27 and May 18: Sensory Sensitive Science Hours, Carnegie Science Center. Exhibit lights and sound effects are adjusted and special hands-on activities are added to foster a safe, welcoming and most of all, fun environment for all visitors. Included with general admission.

May 1-23: Remake Learning Days. This Pittsburgh-born festival of hands-on learning and family fun is back and celebrating 10 years of whole-family learning. Get all the details here on hundreds of events (nearly all of them free!) celebrating arts, tech, science, and outdoor learning, along with the power of youth voice.

May 2-4: “Star Wars” films, Carnegie Science Center. Head to the Rangos Giant Cinema to catch “Star Wars: A New Hope” on May 2, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” on May 3, and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” on May 4. Tickets are $12.

May 2-4: “Come From Away,” Benedum Center. The remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Tickets are $39-$130.

May 2-17: Drive-in Movies, Allegheny County Parks: Pack up the kids with snacks and blankets for a cozy night of family-friendly movies that begin at sunset. Parking opens at 7 p.m. Free, no registration required. Closed captioning is available upon request.

• “Inside Out 2”: May 2 at Boyce Park, May 3 at Settlers Cabin Park;
• “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”: May 9 at Boyce Park, May 10 at Settlers Cabin Park;
• “Moana 2,” May 16 at Boyce  Park, May 17 at Settlers Cabin Park.

  

May 3: “Kaiju Big Battel: Breakfast of Champions,” Byham Theater. This over-the-top event combines ‘fighto!’ with the iconic, larger-than-life kaiju monsters in an epic battle of titans. Expect colossal creatures and action-packed matches, all set to a backdrop of colorful and chaotic energy. Tickets are $30 and $40.

May 3: Music of “Star Wars,” Heinz Hall. Pittsburgh Symphony brings the galaxy to life with John Williams’ unforgettable themes from all the epic films from “A New Hope” to “Rogue One.” Tickets are $35-$90. (A perfect family event for the eve of May the Fourth!)

May 4: Young Artist Community Exhibition, Carnegie Museum of Art. Celebrate the exhibition of artworks made by youth artists from the Latino Community Center, Assemble and Braddock Youth Project. Free with museum admission.

May 9: “Howl’s Moving Castle,” Carnegie Science Center. In Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece, journey beyond imagination and enter a fantasy world filled with adventure, humor, and heart. Tickets are $12.

May 10: Jr. Garden Buds: Story Time and Planting, Frick Environmental Center. Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory invites families to the garden on World Migratory Bird Day for a bird-related read-aloud. Afterwards, kids can help plant vegetables in this shared space for people and birds. Registration is free.

May 10: National Science Foundation STEM Day, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation, which has shaped exhibits, research, and programming at the Children’s Museum and other learning organizations across the country. This free campus-wide celebration of STEM learning is innovative, inclusive and hands-on.

May 10-Sept. 21: Summer Flower Show: Jungle Quest, Phipps Conservatory. This spectacular show features room after room of carefully crafted topiary animals, beautiful blooms, lush greenery, and exciting interactive features. Tickets are $22.95 for grownups, $20.95 for seniors, $19.95 for students, $13.95 for ages 2-18, free for those younger than 2.

May 11: Mother’s Day Celebration, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab. The day includes Mother’s Day portraits, butterfly-themed crafts, “Sing, Move, Play” with music educators, the Lullaby Project Pittsburgh’s Celebration Concert, and creating mini-flower bouquets. All activities are included in general admission.

May 14: “360 Allstars,” Byham Theater. This show connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus that includes BMX, basketball, breakdancing, acrobatics, and drumming. Tickets are $12-$25.

May 15: Grand Opening: Outdoor Discovery and Sensory Nature Trail, Frick Environmental Center. Explore a new way to connect with nature with a 1/3-mile accessible trail that features hands-on sensory discovery stations and welcoming gathering spaces for relaxation and reflection. Registration is free.

May 15-17: Marbles Championship, Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard. Watch competing marble shooters in the 2025 Championship. Winners, two boys and two girls, will receive a partial-expenses-paid trip to Wildwood, New Jersey, to compete in the 102nd National Marbles Tournament the week of June 15. Free. Details here.

May 17: Story Saturday, Carnegie Museum of Art. Join art educators for a reading of “We Are the Builders,” written by Deepa Iyer and illustrated by Romina Galotta. A hands-on maker project for ages 12 and younger follows the reading. Registration is free with museum admission.

May 17: Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival presented by Peoples
Pittsburgh’s favorite food festival is back after a two-year hiatus. Celebrating its 10th festival, this year’s event at SouthSide Works will feature more than 20 pierogi vendors from four states, a bigger and butter (oops, we mean “better”) Pop-Up Pierogi Marketplace, live music, Paint Your Own Pierogi with the folks at Paint Monkey (find them in our summer camp guide), plus other kid-friendly activities. Tickets are just $7 for adults and $4 for kids 12 and under.  .

May 17: “123 Andres,” Byham Theater. Christina and Andrés are 123 Andrés, the Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning duo for kids and families known for their interactive, high-energy shows. Tickets are $12-$25.

May 17: Opening Day, Kayak Pittsburgh, North Park Lake. Canoes, solo and tandem kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats are available. Rentals run $24-$98.

May 17: Opening Day, Idlewild Park and Soak Zone. Full of unique adventures, the park has been recognized as one of the top destinations for family fun in the country.   Meet characters like Daniel Tiger, soar on rides of all sizes, enjoy entertaining live shows, and splash in the SoakZone waterpark. Activities included in general admission and season passes.

May 18: Fiber, Fabric and Fashion, Oliver Miller Homestead. Penny River Costumes, owned and operated by a Williamsburg-trained clothier, will display a beautiful early-American wardrobe and narrate the fashion show. Ross Farms, a century-old establishment that specializes in rare and heritage breeds of sheep, will bring some of their stock and perform live sheep shearing. Admission is $2, cash only.

May 18: Day of Magic Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Entertainment includes a meet-and-greet session with favorite characters, activities, games, and a themed goodie bag. Tickets are $35 for grownups, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.

May 24: Opening day, Sandcastle Water Park. This oasis along the banks of the Monongahela River offers scenic views and fun with more than 20 water attractions like high-speed slides, lazy river and relaxing pools. Save 50 percent on passes during the opening sale.

May 24 and June 14: Trail Tours, Hays Woods Park. Enjoy Pittsburgh’s newest city park with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, explore the changing spring landscape and discuss the exciting ecological restoration efforts shaping the park’s future. Registration is free.

June 1: Trolls Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Your favorite wild-haired and colorful Troll friends are back for an entertaining cruise. Tickets are $35 for grownups, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.

June 1 and 8: Junior Ranger: Explore Meadows with Park Rangers, Allegheny County Parks. Enjoy a walk through the meadow and discover more about the beautiful habitat. The Park Rangers will have a touch table and an insect collection activity. Register for the June 1 event at White Oak Park or the June 8 event at Boyce Park. Free.

June 5-8: Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, Strip District. Due to the construction of the festival’s future home at the 8th Street Block Civic Space, this year’s Festival will take place in the riverfront lots at the 15th Street Plaza along Waterfront Place. Watch for more details to be announced.

June 7: “Brouhaha” at Rainbow Raccoon Park. Squonk Opera performs at the Millvale Bicycle Rally, presented by the Millvale Community Library. Free.

June 7-8: 3 Rivers Comicon, David Lawrence Convention Center. This family-friendly pop culture event brings an array of entertaining events, including cosplay contests, gaming events and opportunities to meet favorite artists and celebrities. Adult tickets are $18 on Saturday, $15 for Sunday, or $28 for the weekend. Kids tickets are $6 each day free for ages 9 and younger. Catch the detailed schedule here.

June 14: “Brouhaha” at Penn Hills Library. Squonk Opera performs at the Summer Reading Kick-off Event presented by Penn Hills Library. Free.

June 15 and 22: Junior Ranger: Explore Streams with Park Rangers, Allegheny County Parks. Learn about the aquatic life in and around the parks’ waterways. Dress to get in the stream and get wet. Closed toe shoes required. Intended for ages 5-12 years. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Register for the June 15 event at South Park here and the June 22 events at North Park here. Free.

June 16-25: “King Midas and the Palace of Gold,” South Park Theater. A musical adaptation of the tale of greedy King Midas, who only cared about gold. Picnic baskets and lawn chairs are welcome in front of the outdoor stage. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.