10 fun weekend events: Dog Man is in town, plus more free and affordable things to do

Photo above courtesy of TheaterWorks by Jeremy Daniel. (L-R: Forest VanDyke, Brian Owen) 

Did you catch that solar eclipse this week? It was a stunner at 97.7% totality, and kids from across the region got to enjoy it with their families or school groups. While there are no rare solar events this weekend, it’s still shaping up to be sunny and spring-like. There’s so much going on, from hikes to performances and more. It’s a great weekend in Kidsburgh. Check out what’s planned:

Saturday, April 13: Bald Eagle Bike Ride at South Side Color Park, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Ride along the Monongahela River on a section of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that is paved and fairly flat. The 11-mile bike ride will stop to learn about the Bald Eagles that live in Hays Woods and use binoculars to get a view of the nest. Tickets are $10.

Saturday, April 13: Our Own Story Time at the Trust Arts Education Center, 10 a.m.

Family members will use their imaginations to craft original stories and characters of their own for a brand-new bedtime story. Tickets are $25 per family for up to 6 members.

Saturday, April 13: Pajama Storytime at CLP Lawrenceville, 10:30 a.m.

Is your little one asking to have a sleepover but isn’t quite old enough? Why not recreate it mid-day? Come join librarians for a pajama party geared towards kids ages birth through 5 years old. This event is totally free. Find details on the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s website.

Saturday, April 13: Homewood Early Learning Block Party, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the folks at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center for a free event for the city’s youngest learners. There will be craft activities, along with face painting, dancing, and more for people of all ages. There will also be a wide variety of resources from organizations in Homewood and the Pittsburgh Region for caregivers and families. Find more details here.

Saturday, April 13: Fascinatin’ Fidd at Heinz Hall, 11:15 a.m. 

Pittsburgh Symphony’s Fiddlesticks series returns with a look at Gershwin tunes to get little ones dancing to the music. This inclusive performance will be ASL interpreted and offer a family restroom, quiet room, fidgets and noise-canceling headphones. Braille programs are available upon request. Come early for the Discovery Time activities. Tickets are $18-$30.

Saturday, April 13: Penny Arcade hosts Kids Comedy Show at the Arcade Theater, 2 p.m. 

This interactive comedy experience, ideal for kids 4 to 8 years old, encourages kids and their parents to unleash their imaginations and sense of humor. Tickets are $12. There will also be a show on May 11.

Saturday, April 13: “Moana”  Drive-in movie at South Park, dusk

This is just one of many upcoming drive-in movies in county parks, and they’re gearing up with some well-loved family favorites. For these films, parking opens at 6 p.m. and the movie screening begins at dusk. There is no cost for admission.

Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14: “Dog Man: The Musical” at the Byham Theater, various times

This hilarious production is based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. Part of the Children’s Theater Series. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14: Children’s Book Festival, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event in Johnstown is worth the drive. Celebrating its 15th year, the Children’s Book Festival provides children in grades PreK – 6 and their families with a free, interactive and engaging literary experience that inspires in children a love for books and the arts, and encourages parents to read to their little ones. This event is at the Bottle Works Ethnic Art Center. Find all the details here.

Sunday, April 14: Pride Outside Hike at Duff Park, 10 a.m. 

When the weather breaks, hit the trails with your kids! Join the LGBTQIA+ community on a monthly hike. This hike will cover 1-3 miles of moderate terrain and is great for kids and families of all ages and makeups. Tickets are pay-what-you-want from $0-$10.

Summer will be here before we know it! Check out our guide to summer camps across the region. We’ve also got a guide to outdoor learning fun for those families itching to hit the trails this spring. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you’re always in the loop!