Your April Pittsburgh family fun guide: Kennywood’s open, the Pirates are playing and more

Above image courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

There’s something magical about April in Pittsburgh. As the cherry trees bloom along the river and residents come out of hibernation, the city comes alive with the hallmarks of spring — like kicking off baseball season and getting those roller coasters running again. This month is packed with activities big and small to meet the needs of every family. It’s also Earth Month, and we’ve got a new guide to fun local conservation sites around the region where families can learn about protecting the planet.

Check out this month’s happenings:

April 1-6: “Peter Pan” at The Benedum Center

For 70 years, “Peter Pan” has been wowing audiences — and this new adaptation is better than ever. Tickets begin at $38 and should be purchased directly through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust website.

April 4: Pirates Home Opener

It’s time again for PNC Park to be packed with family fun. From pierogi races to fly balls, come check out the 2025 lineup and see if this will be the year the Pirates have a winning season. Find details on tickets, bag restrictions, and accommodations at PNC Park here.

April 4: Grand Slam on 6th

Kick off opening day with a block party! From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., 6th Street will be packed with food and drink specials from your favorite restaurants, live music, games and a grand slam raffle with epic prizes from local businesses. March with the brass band or try your hand at a pitching contest. Check out the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for more details.

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

April 5: Recycle Fest at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this Earth Month celebration will allow kids to make paper, transform plastic, learn about glass mosaic art, and more. All activities are included with admission. Find the full lineup of performers, artists, and activities here.

April 5: Fiddlesticks at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

It’s time once again for the family-friendly PSO performance, Fiddlesticks. Music will be selected from “Harry Potter,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” and “Prokofiev’s Cinderella’s Waltz.” This event is at Heinz Hall and is perfect for kids ages 3 to 8, though all ages are welcome. Find details and tickets here.

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

April 5: Alma’s Way: Alma Visits the Museum!

Come out to a screening of the local favorite “Alma’s Way.” Alma’s family visits the American Museum of Natural History and your kids can watch while visiting the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Alma and Junior discover they have different ways of taking in the exhibits and the “My Way” short video series spotlights the real kids whose lives and neighborhoods inspire the show. This event is free with admission. Find more details here.

Graphic courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

April 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19: Bunny Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Hop on over to the Trolley Museum for one of their most beloved event. Guests will get a chance to ride a trolley, participate in egg-themed crafts and games, meet live rabbits, take a photo with the big Bunny himself, and more. Kids 2 and under are free, and tickets are $22. Note: The museum will close at 5 p.m. during Bunny Trolley, but the Bunny will go back to his burrow at 4 p.m. (Details here on sensory-friendly accommodations at the Trolley Museum.)

Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

April 12: Kennywood Opening Day

This year, Kennywood opens on 412 Day, making this the longest operating season yet. Check out ticketing, new rides, discounts, and details about your visit here.

spinvasion kennywood
Spinvasion photo courtesy of Kennywood.

April 12: 412 Day at Southern Tier Brewing

Grab lunch or dinner along the North Shore and check out family-friendly happenings at Southern Tier Brewing in celebration of 412 Day. There’s always space to run around, lawn games, and usually a friendly pup or two available for petting. Find all the details here.

April 12: 412 Day Block Party at Velum Fermentation with 412 Food Rescue

Celebrate 10 years of this amazing local nonprofit with a giant block party, ‘Burgh style. From noon to 4 p.m., there will be food, games, prizes, and a celebration of the good work being done in this city. Find the full lineup and more details right here.

April 12: Kids Yoga Adventure at The Ellis School

Families are invited to pose, stretch and have fun during Kids’ Yoga Adventure at The Ellis School from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The family-focused yoga class will be led by certified children’s yoga Instructor Holly Mawn from Breathe and Bloom Kids Yoga. This event is free, open to the public, and designed for kids in grades K-4. Children must attend with a parent or guardian, and advance registration is required. Find all the details here.

Courtesy of The Ellis School.

April 19: Egg Hunt at NH’s Martorelli Stadium

Hosted by Ridgewood Church, this event is open to anyone. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., over 3,000 eggs will be collected at North Hills High School’s football stadium. There will also be food, prizes, games, and more. Find more info here.

April 19: Bunny Fun Cruise and Tour on the Gateway Clipper

Hop your way into spring with this two-hour tour of the three rivers featuring food, games, a dance party, and that fun-loving Easter Bunny. There are several sail times, and tickets range from $5 for infants to $35 for adults. Purchase tickets here.

Photo courtesy of Gateway Clipper.

April 19: Autism-Friendly Open Mic Event

At Lincoln Avenue Brewery in Bellevue, this inclusive open mic event is the perfect chance for performers (or aspiring performers!) of any age to step up to the mic. This event is free, and sign-ups will occur the day of the event. Find all the details here.

April 26: Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship

For one day only, Acrisure Stadium becomes a premier off-road motorcycle course. Some of the best motorcyclists in the world will be competing for a championship title. Tickets begin at $38, and children under 2 years old do not need a ticket.

April 26: Bark and Brunch on Hazelwood Green

This free, family-friendly event features tons of fun for local pups and their fur-loving humans. There will be a frisbee show by DareDevil Dogs, a dog costume contest, pet portraits, vendors, and more. Hungry humans can enjoy food and beverages by QuickE, Brisketburgh, New France Brewing Company, Hazelgrove Brewery, Abstract Realm, Dave’s Sno Cones, Hot Bunz Food Truck, and other local trucks. Find the full lineup and details on the costume contest here.

Courtesy of Hazelwood Local.

April 26: Steel City Duck Derby

Have you ever seen 10,000 rubber ducks at once? That is about how many will race in the Steel City Duck Derby this year. Choose your lucky ducks for a chance to win cash and prizes. Before the race, there will be a duck fest with music, games, food, and more. Find out more about how to purchase ducks or come as a spectator here.

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