Here at Play Pittsburgh, it’s my mission to present Pittsburgh parents with fun and amazing events happening throughout the city. Every month, I feature a list of family-friendly events happening in and around the ‘Burgh. If you have an event that you would like listed, please contact me directly or use the comment section below. Safe travels!
Friday, April 4th
- Geek Art and Green Innovators Festival: Showcasing urban living, creativity and invention with more than 30 sites along the Penn Avenue arts district (more info)
- Pennsylvania Maple Festival: Learn how to tap a tree, boil sap into syrup, make sugar cakes, browse craft vendors and enjoy live entertainment on our outside stage; Plenty of food and fun are also located throughout the park; also check out the antique and classic car show; Festival runs from March 9th – April 6th, 10:00am – 8:00pm; to take place along Meyers Avenue, Meyersdale, PA 15552 (more info)
- PNC Park, Pirates vs Cardinals: Free T-Shirt Fridays for first 25,000 fans; game starts at 7:05pm
- Shriner’s Circus: The Shrine Circus is the largest fundraising event for the Shriner’s of Pittsburgh, which helps them support the 22 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children across North America. Don’t miss the fun-filled, extravaganza starring all your favorite circus favorites with tons of exotic animals and amazing acts; 7:00pm at the Consol Energy Center (more info / buy tickets)
Saturday, April 5th
- Candy Land at Crossroads: Join in the fun at the annual Crossroad’s Church festival that includes a life size Candy Land open house. The event is fun for the whole family; 10:00am – 4:00pm at Crossroads Church in Cranberry (more info)
- CarKids: Merrily We Roll Along: See what road trips in the 1890’s were like compared to family travel today as we check out the Frick family carriages and cars, Make a travel game to take on your next journey, Free, drop-in program at the Frick Historical Center; 11:00am – 11:45am at the Frick Art and Historical Museum (more info)
- Pennsylvania Maple Festival: Parade begins at 12:00pm; Learn how to tap a tree, boil sap into syrup, make sugar cakes, browse craft vendors and enjoy live entertainment on our outside stage; Plenty of food and fun are also located throughout the park; Festival runs from March 9th – April 6th, check website for details; 10:00am – 4:00pm; to take place along Meyers Avenue, Meyersdale, PA 15552 (more info)
- PNC Park, Pirates vs Cardinals: Zambelli Fireworks night; game starts at 7:05pm
- Shriner’s Circus: The Shrine Circus is the largest fundraising event for the Shriner’s of Pittsburgh, which helps them support the 22 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children across North America. Don’t miss the fun-filled, extravaganza starring all your favorite circus favorites with tons of exotic animals and amazing acts; 10:30am, 2:30pm & 7:00pm at the Consol Energy Center (more info / buy tickets)
- Western PA Soap Box Derby “Fun Run”: Try a day of racing a real soap box derby car down 14th Street in Amridge, home to the Western PA Soap Box Derby event happening this summer in June; from 9:00am – 1:00pm; Ambridge, PA (more info)
Sunday, April 6th
- Pennsylvania Maple Festival: Be sure to check out the antique auto/tractor show and the horse pulling contest; Learn how to tap a tree, boil sap into syrup, make sugar cakes, browse craft vendors and enjoy live entertainment on our outside stage; Plenty of food and fun are also located throughout the park; Festival runs from March 9th – April 6th, check website for details; 10:00am – 4:00pm; to take place along Meyers Avenue, Meyersdale, PA 15552 (more info)
- PNC Park Pirates Kids Day: Fun and games at Fun Zone on Federal Street from 11am-1pm, get a kid-friendly Pirates item (Pedro Alvarez Louisville Slugger Plastic Bat) at the gates for kids ages 14 & younger with paid admission to the game, and then stick around after the game when all kids are invited to “Run The Bases” right down on the field (weather permitting). game starts at 1:35pm; vs. Cardinals
- Shriner’s Circus: The Shrine Circus is the largest fundraising event for the Shriner’s of Pittsburgh, which helps them support the 22 Shriner’s Hospitals for Children across North America. Don’t miss the fun-filled, extravaganza starring all your favorite circus favorites with tons of exotic animals and amazing acts; 2:00pm at the Consol Energy Center (more info / buy tickets)
- I Made It! Hitchburgh : I Made It! Market is nomadic indie crafts marketplace. Events offering a curated handmade shopping experience traveling around Pittsburgh since 2007. It offers local artisans the opportunity to expand their markets and to connect to shoppers in persona. I Made It! Hitchburgh is a bi-annual gathering featuring hand-selected vendors from throughout the region focused on creating a lovingly crafted wedding design experience; at the Wigle Whiskey Barrel House (more info)
Monday, April 7th
- Munchkin Mondays at the Carnegie Science Center: themed activities just for early learners ages 2-6! Preschoolers will get up close to exciting science concepts; activities include story time or sing-alongs, make-and-takes, scavenger hunts, and planetarium and live demo shows just for preschoolers; free with Science Center admission; no registration required; 10:00am – 5:00pm; Carnegie Science Center One Allegheny Ave.Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Thursday, April 10th
- Bugs Bunny and the Symphony II: A fantastically fun fusion of classical music and classic animation celebrating the most famous and beloved cartoons in the world—and their equally famous music! 7:30pm at Heinz Hall (more info)
Friday, April 11th
- Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch presented by Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater: Swimmy is a tiny fish who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a poetic mouse, makes everyday life an artful experience. A lovable inchworm shares his facility for measuring absolutely everything. All these stories incorporate puppetry and a gentle storytelling style which has earned international acclaim. Best for ages 3 – 10yrs; shows at 11:00am & 7:00pm; tickets are $9.50/person; at Byham Theater, 101 6th Street | Pittsburgh, PA
- Sleepover at the Carnegie Science Center: Check-in begins at 6 pm the evening of your sleepover, where you will receive a detailed schedule of the night’s happenings: themed activities, Omnimax movie, Planetarium or laser show, live theater show, science workshop, sleeping among exciting exhibits, Official Science Center patch, late-night snack, continental breakfast, free admission for the day following the sleepover, including Highmark SportsWorks® and USS Requin. The overnight experience will begin with a brief orientation, after which participants will enjoy a night of themed activities. Lights-out is at midnight. All sleepover gear must be removed from the building by 9:30 am, but you are welcome to stay the day after and explore even more with your general admission, included in your sleepover cost! Tickets are $35/person and one adult is required for every 8 children (registration info)
- Sleepover at the Museum of Natural History: Explore the museum at night by going on a hands-on adventure of our amazing exhibitions and get a look at collections that are not normally on display. Must be at least 6 years old; One adult for every 1–5 children; Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone; adults must stay through entire overnight; $40 per person, including chaperones (registration info)
- Bugs Bunny and the Symphony II: A fantastically fun fusion of classical music and classic animation celebrating the most famous and beloved cartoons in the world—and their equally famous music! 8:00pm at Heinz Hall (more info)
Saturday, April 12th
- Character Breakfast and Theater Matinee at Grove City College Children’s Theater: The Emperor’s New Clothes, a classic tale come to life through music, magic and – in spite of the theme of the story – great costumes! A show that’s guaranteed for children of all ages. Plus you get to meet the characters over breakfast before the show. Doors open at 9:00am, breakfast begins at 9:30am. Seating to show begins at 10:45am; Adults $9/ Children $6; Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City PA 16127 at the Hicks Dining Hall and Ketler Auditorium
- Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch presented by Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater: Swimmy is a tiny fish who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a poetic mouse, makes everyday life an artful experience. A lovable inchworm shares his facility for measuring absolutely everything. All these stories incorporate puppetry and a gentle storytelling style which has earned international acclaim. Best for ages 3 – 10yrs; shows at 11:00am & 2:00pm; tickets are $9.50/person; at Byham Theater, 101 6th Street | Pittsburgh, PA
- Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary: Bring your kids and your camera to the National Aviary for a visit with the Easter Bunny and his Ducky friends! Pose for an unforgettable family photo, then after join us in the Rose Garden for a traditional Easter egg hunt! No reservation required, included with admission; Adults: $13 / Children $11; open 10 am – 5 pm (April 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th)
- Washington PA Film Festival: features films made by independent filmmakers; includes adult and student categories, held at George Washington Hotel, English Room, 60 S. Main Street, Washington, PA 15301; 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (more info)
- PNC Park, Pirates vs Brewers: Zambelli Fireworks night; game starts at 7:05pm
- South Park Children’s Theater Auditions: Try out to be part of the cast in South Park’s Children’s Theater for productions happening this summer; No appointment necessary; Ages 4-adult (must be old enough to read) arrive anytime between 12-5pm; South Park Theatre is located in the park at the intersection of Corrigan Drive & Brownsville Rd., South Park PA 15129 (more info)
- Bugs Bunny and the Symphony II: A fantastically fun fusion of classical music and classic animation celebrating the most famous and beloved cartoons in the world—and their equally famous music! 2:30pm & 8:00pm at Heinz Hall (more info)
- Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny at the Pittsburgh Zoo: Make an Easter craft, decorate a cookie and meet some of the Zoo’s animals and join the Easter bunny for breakfast or lunch; Additional dates on April 13th & 19th; 9:30am & Noon; at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Sunday, April 13th
- Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary: Bring your kids and your camera to the National Aviary for a visit with the Easter Bunny and his Ducky friends! Pose for an unforgettable family photo, then after join us in the Rose Garden for a traditional Easter egg hunt! No reservation required, included with admission; Adults: $13 / Children $11; open 10 am – 5 pm (April 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th)
- Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny at the Pittsburgh Zoo: Make an Easter craft, decorate a cookie and meet some of the Zoo’s animals and join the Easter bunny for breakfast or lunch; Additional dates on April 12th & 19th; 9:30am & Noon; at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
- Bugs Bunny and the Symphony II: A fantastically fun fusion of classical music and classic animation celebrating the most famous and beloved cartoons in the world—and their equally famous music! 2:30pm at Heinz Hall (more info)
- Old Time Fiddler’s Jamboree: Free family outing for all ages; listen to performers, steel guitars and more; 2:00pm – 5:00pm, Fayette County Fairgrounds
Friday, April 18th
- Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary: Bring your kids and your camera to the National Aviary for a visit with the Easter Bunny and his Ducky friends! Pose for an unforgettable family photo, then after join us in the Rose Garden for a traditional Easter egg hunt! No reservation required, included with admission; Adults: $13 / Children $11; open 10 am – 5 pm (April 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th)
Saturday, April 19th
- Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny at the Pittsburgh Zoo: Make an Easter craft, decorate a cookie and meet some of the Zoo’s animals and join the Easter bunny for breakfast or lunch; Additional dates on April 12th & 13th; 9:30am & Noon; at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
- Most “Egg-cellent” Egg Hunt at Museum of Natural History: Celebrate spring by learning about egg-laying animals from prehistoric and modern times! With scavenger hunt maps in hand, children 12 and under visit hands-on exploration stations where touchable natural history specimens await. Interact with museum nature experts, answer intriguing egg-related riddles, and earn stamps and small prizes. It is a fun and exciting way to celebrate spring even if the weather is still cold and rainy outside. Free with museum admission; scavenger hunt map and prizes are available to the first 500 children; 10:30am – 1:00pm at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary: Bring your kids and your camera to the National Aviary for a visit with the Easter Bunny and his Ducky friends! Pose for an unforgettable family photo, then after join us in the Rose Garden for a traditional Easter egg hunt! No reservation required, included with admission; Adults: $13 / Children $11; open 10 am – 5 pm (April 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th)
- I Made It! Jr. : I Made It! Market is nomadic indie crafts marketplace. Events offering a curated handmade shopping experience traveling around Pittsburgh since 2007. It offers local artisans the opportunity to expand their markets and to connect to shoppers in persona. I Made It! Jr. will be part of Waterfront’s East Egg Hunt/ Spring Family event (supported by a 96.1 KISS Promotion with Tall Cathy (more info)
Sunday, April 20th
- Phipps Conservatory Spring Flower Show: Last day to catch to see the Spring Flower show; the show combines music and garden design for a sensational new exhibit filled with sights, sounds and scents; 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and until 10 p.m. on Fridays. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, and $11 for children ages 2 – 18yrs.
- PNC Park Pirates Kids Day: Fun and games at Fun Zone on Federal Street from 11am-1pm, get a kid-friendly Pirates item (Kids Pirates Sock Monkey) at the gates for kids ages 14 & younger with paid admission to the game, and then stick around after the game when all kids are invited to “Run The Bases” right down on the field (weather permitting). game starts at 1:35pm; vs. Brewers
- Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary: Bring your kids and your camera to the National Aviary for a visit with the Easter Bunny and his Ducky friends! Pose for an unforgettable family photo, then after join us in the Rose Garden for a traditional Easter egg hunt! No reservation required, included with admission; Adults: $13 / Children $11; open 10 am – 5 pm (April 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th)
Tuesday, April 22nd
- EARTH DAY!
Friday, April 25th
- Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival: First day of the 10 day annual festival showcasing films from or about Asia on multiple screens; Ste. 203, 424 South 27th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203 (more info)
Saturday, April 26th
- Lawrenceville’s Art All Night: One of Pittsburgh’s most popular and populist arts events; There are also lots of arts and crafts activities for the kids from 4pm – 8pm, and lots of arts activities for the adults later that evening; Free; Lawrenceville, 97 40th Street Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
- TEDxGrandviewAve: Independent TED event showcasing the ideas, individuals and innovations that are redefining the Steel City; at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square E; tickets are sold out but you can join the live stream or waitlist (more info)