Best events for kids in Pittsburgh this spring
It’s nearly time to trade in snow shovels for garden tools. There’s so much for families to do as we get ready to welcome the return of spring.
Here are some fresh family-friendly ideas to get you started and keep your kids busy:
Through Sept. 2: The Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh! A Mo Willems Exhibit, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Many familiar characters are featured in this play-and-learn exhibit from children’s author and illustrator Mo Willems, including best friends Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon.
Through April 8: Spring Flower Show: Scents of Wonder, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Rooms filled with nature’s most beautiful spring blooms on display, bursting with vibrant colors and favorite fragrances. A classic herb garden and animal topiaries are among the highlights.
March15-25: “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” Byham Theater. Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents the fairytale complete with all the familiar songs and characters.
March 16-18: “The Wizard of Oz,” Carnegie Science Center. The 1939 classic family film about Dorothy’s trip will be screened in the Rangos Giant Cinema.
March 16-23: Youth Invasion!, The Andy Warhol Museum. The program features teens’ unique take on Andy Warhol’s artwork, with their points of view, ideas, and creative expressions energizing the entire museum.
March 16-17: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Greensburg Garden & Civic Center. Play based on Roald Dahl’s story about how Charlie Bucket wins a ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory, performed by Greensburg Civic Theatre.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown. About 200,000 people attend the parade of 22,000 participants celebrating Pittsburgh’s Irish heritage.
March 17-20: Happy Birthday Mister Rogers Days: A 50th Anniversary Celebration, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Special events include visits with Mister McFeely and Daniel Tiger and neighborly-themed creative activities.
March 17-23, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” The Theatre Factory, Trafford. When one group of toys discovers a velveteen rabbit, they learn what it means to be truly loved by their owner. Adapted from the classic story by Margery Williams.
March 20: “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” 50th-anniversary celebration, Heinz History Center. Fred Rogers’ iconic sweater and shoes will be displayed beginning March 20, which would have been his 90th birthday. Special exhibitions and programs in March will mark the 50th anniversary of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
March 21: Half-Pint Prints, The Andy Warhol Museum. Families work with The Warhol’s artist educators to create silkscreen prints during this drop-in silkscreen printing activity for ages 1 to 4 years.
March 22-24: Cityscape, Trust Arts Education Center. When a wily pigeon flies away with M.C.’s most prized treasure, she must leave the comfort of home and cross the big and busy Cityscape to get it back. The audience is invited to participate in the action via creative movement, music, and sensory play.
March 23: Camp-In Sleepover, Carnegie Science Center. Kids can sharpen their outdoor skills as they learn about nocturnal forest creatures, navigate by the stars, and discover the science behind fire. Sleepovers include a movie in The Rangos Giant Cinema, live shows, themed activities, evening snack, continental breakfast, and admission to the Science Center the next day.
March 24: Peanut Butter & Jam Sessions: The Tortoise and the Hare, McClintic Hall, Calvary Episcopal Church, Shadyside. Chatham Baroque’s PB&J sessions allow preschool children to actively engage with the music and the musicians through stories, dance, and games as they gain basic musical concepts in a relaxed atmosphere.
March 24: Family Day, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg. Enjoy free admission, art projects, scavenger hunts, and special discounts.
March 24-25: Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Breakfast or lunch buffet followed by an Easter egg hunt, cookie decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny.
March 30: ZooHop to Spring, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. See zoo animals search for treat-filled enrichment eggs hidden in their habitats. The event includes Easter egg hunt, Easter Bunny photos, craft stations, and other activities.
March 31: Easter Eggstravaganza, Frick, Frick Arts & Historical Center. Families with kids of all ages will enjoy traditional Easter egg rolling, along with an Easter egg hunt on the Frick grounds. Photo booths, face painting, snacks and prizes.
March 31: Easter Egg Geocaching, Venture Outdoors, North Park. Family-friendly Easter adventure involves a special mission to find hidden treasures and learn about the hand-held GPS units used to locate Easter eggs. Fee includes a GPS rental.
March 31: Bunny Fun, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Station Square. Hop onboard an afternoon riverboat cruise with the kids and meet the Easter Bunny. Enjoy music and dancing and treats.
March 31: Super Science Saturday: Egg-cellent Egg Hunt, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Oakland. Follow clues that lead to treats, and meet live springtime animals. Designed for ages 3–10.
March 25: Duquesne Light Community Day, Carnegie Science Center. Free general admission and parking, plus a movie in the Rangos Giant Cinema.
March 29-April 1: PAW Patrol Live, Benedum Center. In “The Great Pirate Adventure,” it’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration – but first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern.
April 4: Mummenschanz in you & me, Byham Theater. Swiss-based theater troupe creates a playful yet compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light and creative manipulation of objects while reviving the historic tradition of acrobatics.
April 5-8: “Disney’s High School Musical,” New Hazlett Theater. This series combines kids in the Richard E. Rauh Conservatory with professional talent from Pittsburgh Musical Theater for a rousing fun time.
April 6-8: Tekko 2018, David Lawrence Convention Center. This Japanese pop culture event features cosplay, music, anime, and gaming.
April 10-16: Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories, Byham Theater and area schools. When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party, red-hot trouble ensues.
April 13: Medieval Science Sleepover, Carnegie Science Center. Take a step back in time and discover the cutting-edge science of the Middle Ages. Sleepovers include a movie in the Rangos Giant Cinema, live shows, themed activities, evening snack, continental breakfast, and admission to the Science Center the next day.
April 14: Second Saturday Studios, Frick Art & Historical Center. Natural connections: use art and nature together to create a masterpiece
April 14: Jammie Jam, Carnegie Science Center. Take a step back in time and discover the cutting-edge science of the Middle Ages. Sleepovers include a movie in the Rangos Giant Cinema, live shows, themed activities, evening snack, continental breakfast, and admission to the Science Center the next day.
April 14: “Imagination Destination,” Heinz Hall. This sensory-friendly performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will explore music, art, technology, and creativity.
April 14: Wild Kratts Live, Benedum Center. While the brothers activate some fan- favorite Creature Power Suits, Zach and his Zachbots steal one of the Wild Kratts team’s most important inventions, and they are off “To the Creature Rescue!”
April 15: Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour, Benedum Center. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, and Puppy Dog Pals.
April 21: Earth Rocks! Sleepover, Carnegie Science Center. Celebrate Earth Day by discovering some amazing features that make our home planet special. Sleepovers include a movie in the Rangos Giant Cinema, live shows, themed activities, evening snack, continental breakfast, and admission to the Science Center the next day.
April 27: It’s Electric Sleepover: Carnegie Science Center. Prepare to be shocked by all of the illuminating, hair-raising, and buzzworthy things you can do with electricity. Play a piano made of fruit, light up a Play-Doh creation, and explore paper circuits. Sleepovers include a movie in the Rangos Giant Cinema, live shows, themed activities, evening snack, continental breakfast, and admission to the Science Center the next day.
May 2-10: Second Grade Schooltime: “Meet the Orchestra,” Heinz Hall. Join the Pittsburgh Symphony in an exploration of the instruments and families of the orchestra, as well as the role of the conductor on a musical journey through the colorful sounds of the symphony.
May 5: Opening Day at Kennywood Park. New attractions this summer include Thomas Town, featuring four new family rides based on characters from the beloved children’s program, a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine traveling on a redesigned Olde Kennywood Railroad, new games and stage show, plus a Birthdays and Special Events Pavilion.
May 5-6: Hands-On History Days: Old Economy Village, Ambridge. This event brings history to life for visitors of all ages who can try their hand at 19th-century crafts, trades, and games.
May 6: Children’s Heritage Day, Depreciation Lands Museum, Hampton. Storyteller Robin Moore will share stories from the Pennsylvania frontier and demonstrations of old-time living skills, including hands-on activities.
May 9: Hop Into History: Super Fans: Heinz History Center. Play and show your team spirit for Pittsburgh teams in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and make a souvenir to take home. Hands-on session designed for ages 2-5.
May 11-13: Daniel Tiger’s Weekend, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Chartiers. Welcome Daniel Tiger from the hit PBS KIDS series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” to the museum. Activities include a PBS Kids outreach table, children’s games, and free refreshments.
May 11: Robot Roundup – Girls Night, Carnegie Science Center. Visit with R2D2, Gort, and Robby while getting hands-on with robots of all shapes and sizes. Assemble robots with Cubelets, navigate Sphero and BB-8 through obstacle courses, and carry out space missions with Lego Mindstorm EV3’s.
May 12: Second Saturday Studios, Frick Art & Historical Center. Paper Explosion: Families explore different and unusual materials or find fresh new ways to use familiar paper, paint, and pencils.
May 12: Girl Scout Day, Fort Pitt Museum. Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes are invited to enjoy a full day at the Fort Pitt Museum to learn about early Pittsburgh and women in the 18th century.
May 12: Fiddlesticks Outdoor Overtures, Heinz Hall. Discover the music of the great outdoors with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, performing Copland’s Hoe Down, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee, and Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite.
May 17-20: EQT Children’s Theater Festival, Downtown. Live performances from professional, international artists engage children of all ages from different cultures and perspectives, showing them different ways to express ideas with exciting performances, free activities, and family-friendly art. Theatrical performances include The Rainbow Fish, Panda’s Home, Terrance Simien, The Young King, Poggle and Sunjata Kamalenya.
May 17-25: Remake Learning Days. Kids experience hands-on, technology-infused, and relevant learning fun in neighborhoods across southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
May 18: Mad Science Sleepover, Carnegie Science Center. Channel your inner Mad Scientist as you try your hand at some spectacular science experiments. Become a chemist for the night as you carry out colorful chemical reactions that bubble, fizz, and even glow! Sleepovers include a movie in The Rangos Giant Cinema, live shows, themed activities, evening snack, continental breakfast, and admission to the Science Center the next day.
May 19-Sept. 9: Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The exhibit combines exciting play opportunities with STEM concepts as visitors explore the Island of Sodor surrounded by the island’s iconic locations, including Knapford Station and the Sodor Steamworks.
May 20: Ultimate Play Day, August Wilson Park, Hill District. A celebration of playfulness for people of all ages. Hosted by the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, the event invites people from throughout the Pittsburgh region to raise awareness of the benefits of play for everyone.
May 20: Opening Day at Idlewild Park. Attractions include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Mister Rogers Neighborhood”, SoakZone water park and Story Book Forest. Open weekends and Memorial Day through June 1 when daily operations begin.
May 22-27: “Cinderella,” Heinz Hall. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Broadway musical features the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists. A PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh production.
May 26: Discovery Garden Day, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a day of hands-on, sensory fun for the whole family, featuring games, potting stations and crafts covering a variety of nature-inspired topics.
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