
100-plus kid-friendly events: Check out Kidsburgh’s big Pittsburgh-area summer events guide
Photo above courtesy of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Summertime and the living is … busy! Pittsburgh summers are bursting with events and activities for all kinds of kids. Buckle up for an exciting lineup of fun stuff, educational pursuits and entertaining performances.
Here is your big, beautiful summer events guide:
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 22: 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.
Through Aug. 17: Mental Health: Mind Matters, Carnegie Science Center. Step into an immersive journey that’s 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 Aug. 31: “I Am Wild,” Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Explore six habitats filled with colorful animals, insects and birds inspired by the artwork of Charley Harper and the “I Am Wild” series of children’s books about biodiversity. Activities included with general admission.
Through Sept. 1: Ice Age: Frozen in Time, Pittsburgh Zoo. Travel a couple of million years back in time and come face to face with more than 50 of the largest and most incredible animals who lived on Earth. You will find towering mammoths, mastodons, wooly rhinoceroses, saber-tooth cats, massive ground sloths and the flightless dodo bird. Ice Age tickets are $9, in addition to regular admission. Packages are available.
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.
Through Sept. 7: Butterfly Forest, Phipps Conservatory. Get an up-close look at some of nature’s most prized pollinators alongside the blossoming flowers that feed them. Stroll along a winding forest path, over a bridge, past ponds and through a tunnel, to discover beautiful butterflies as they flutter, eat and rest inside the Stove Room. Free with general admission.
Through 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.
Through Oct. 5: “Pittsburgh’s Hidden History,” Heinz History Center. From scary to stunning, tiny treasures to magnificent marvels, the everyday and the extraordinary, this exhibit takes you on a journey through artifacts, photographs and documents that connect with our region’s history. “Hidden History” is included with general admission.
May 26: Red, Wild & Blue Day, Pittsburgh Zoo. Watch animals enjoy special enrichment treats. Kids will receive giveaways from tables throughout the Zoo. Activities included with general admission. Active duty, reservists and veterans will be admitted free.
May 27: Storytime Spotlight, August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The Storytime Spotlight series introduces kids to books that feature stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays through conversations and live readings with authors. This virtual event is free via Facebook Live.
May 28-Oct. 29: Tri-Anglers Lunchtime Fishing, North Shore. Venture Outdoors staff will teach basic fishing skills and provide all the equipment for catch-and-release sport. No PA Fishing license is required. Registration is free.
May 30-June 1: Pittsburgh Pride. Kick off summer with a three-day celebration for Pride 2025, including a parade on June 1. Registering for the parade is unnecessary, so families can choose to walk in it or spectate. There will also be food, family-friendly activities, and musical acts. Find all of the details here about this event, as well as smaller local events all month long across the region.
May 31-Aug. 31: CitiParks Roller-Skating, Schenley Park Rink. Public roller-skating sessions run Wednesdays through Fridays and select Sundays throughout the summer. Admission is available online only, priced at $5 for grownups, $3 for youths, $4 for seniors and veterans. Roller skate rentals will be available later this summer for $3. Until then, bring your own skates.
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 4-Aug. 14: Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, Pittsburgh CitiParks. Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park entertains throughout the summer with almost daily screenings of free movies at 13 area parks. Movies begin at dusk. Find the complete schedule and locations here.
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. Kids can take advantage of loads of hands-on creative play. Music guests include Cautious Clay, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Suzanne Vega. Catch all the details here.
June 5-Aug. 7: Movies in the Park, Allegheny County Parks. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy free family-friendly outdoor movies on the big screen in area parks. Events begin at 7 p.m. with movies scheduled to begin at dusk. This year’s lineup includes “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Moana 2,” “The Wild Robot” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Find the complete schedule and locations here.
June 5-8 and June 12-15: Mini-Golf, Mellon Square. Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership hosts mini-golf sessions from noon to 9 p.m., closing at 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $5 per game, $2 for kids and students.
June 7: Story Hike: “Sparrow Loves Birds,” Frick Environmental Center. Enjoy a reading of “Sparrow Loves Birds” by Murry Burgess at the new Meadow View Pavilion, then take a hike on the new Sensory Nature Trail to search for birds. Best for ages 3-8 years old. Registration is free.
June 7: Guided Tour with Urban Academy: The Writer’s Landscape, August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Experience the life and legacy of the legendary playwright, while hearing firsthand stories and insights from Urban Academy’s K-5 students. Ticket reservations are free.
June 7: Family Nature Hike, Powdermill Nature Reserve. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages. Registration is free but it is recommended to save a spot.
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 8: Father’s Day Car Cruise, Hartwood Acres. Expect music, local food trucks, Mike Frazer from 3WS radio and plenty of unique cars and antique vehicles. Free.
June 8: BioBlitz Family Fun Festival, Phipps Conservatory. BioBlitz brings together families, scientists, naturalists and teachers to explore the biodiversity of Schenley Park. Nature walks range from birding and mushrooms to Stream Quest and tree IDs. Create botanical art, meet animal ambassadors and share your findings with the BioBlitz Research Base. It’s all free with no registration required. Find details here.
June 11, July 10 and Aug. 9: Full Moon Paddle, North Park Lake. Head onto the water after sundown to watch the moon rise over the trees. Intermediate kayak experience required. Kids must be at least 3 years old and weigh 35 pounds. Those 12 and younger must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. Tickets are $48, including equipment rental.
June 12 and 28, July 12: Latodami—Archeology, North Park. Learn about the archeological excavation of the rock shelters and the indigenous people who used it. Registration is free.
June 14, July 12, Aug. 9: Arcade Comedy Theater. Penny Arcade is an interactive comedy experience for kids 4 to 8 years old. This 60-minute show encourages kids and their parents to unleash their imaginations and sense of humor. Tickets are $12.
June 13: Jungle Journey, Phipps Conservatory. This family fun night offers safari-themed activity stations spread throughout the Summer Flower Show. Activities included with general admission.
June 13, 18 and 27, July 2 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22: Storytime and Crafting in the Garden, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Discover the wonder of nature through inspiring stories and engaging crafts. Activities included with daily admission.
June 13: DIY Terrarium for Dad, Pittsburgh Botanical Garden. Terrarium containers, materials and a variety of fun tropical plants will be provided. Come without Dad to make it a surprise gift or bring Dad to make the terrarium together. Registration is $50.
June 14: “Brouhaha” at Penn Hills Library. Squonk Opera performs at the Summer Reading Kick-off Event presented by Penn Hills Library. Free.
June 14: DinoFest, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. A full day of dino-related activities is designed for ages 5-12 and their families. Identify fossils like a dinosaur detective, measure Dippy, learn to make fossil rubbings and create a coloring page inspired by dinosaur fossils. Registration is free with admission.
June 14: Atatl Competition, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. One of man’s earliest mechanical inventions, the atlatl (pronounced “AT-lat-ull”) is a spear-throwing device used by prehistoric hunters long before the invention of the bow and arrow. Visitors can try their hand at aiming at an oversized bullseye target. Plus, don’t miss the chance to see expert throwers from the World Atlatl Association demonstrate their impressive skills. Activities included in general admission.
June 14: Speaker Saturday: Battle Flags of the War for North America, Fort Pitt Museum. Historian Steven W. Hill will discuss the British and French regimental colors carried during the French & Indian War. The lecture will delve into each flag’s design, construction and purpose, offering insight into these iconic military banners and their significance on the battlefield. The lecture is included with museum admission.
June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26: Skywatch, Carnegie Science Center. Spot celestial marvels over Pittsburgh through professional telescopes. Watch a custom “Stars Over Pittsburgh” 30-minute show highlighting the evening’s sky in the Buhl Planetarium. Enjoy astronomy and space-based activities. Registration is $12. Warning: This program regularly sells out.
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 event at North Park here. Free.
June 16-25: “King Midas and the Palace of Gold: The Musical,” South Park Theater. King Midas is a greedy man who only thinks of riches. When his wish is granted that everything he touches turns to gold, he realizes his mistake. The show includes lessons and laughter. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the performance at the outdoor stage. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.
June 17-22: “Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO presents the musical version of the legendary love triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guenevere and the valiant Sir Lancelot. Best for ages 10 and older. Tickets start at $66.64.
June 17-Aug. 1: Roving Art Cart, Pittsburgh CitiParks. The Roving Art cart brings a free Arts in the Parks experience to neighborhood parks every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids can paint, bead and sculpt in an outdoor setting and enjoy special guest artists and entertainers. Activities are best suited for ages 5 to 12. Find the complete schedule of locations here.
June 18, July 16 and 30, Aug. 13 and 27: Young Artists in the Garden, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Create beautiful crafts inspired by nature! Topics will include seasonal flowers, pollinators and wildlife. Activities included with daily admission.
June 18, July 16, Aug. 13: Princess & Superhero Cruises, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Each cruise will feature two Superheroes and two Princesses for a trip filled with creativity, action and fun. June 18 features Jasmine, Aladdin, Spider-man and Wonder Woman. July 16 stars Batman, Iron Man, Rapunzel and Moana. On August 13, Flash, Superman, Sleeping Beauty and Tianna take the spotlight. Tickets are $35, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.
June 19: Black Power Storytime, Frick Environmental Center. Hear empowering children’s stories in celebration of Juneteenth. The storytime will be followed by a nature activity led by a naturalist educator. Best for families with kids ages 3-9 years. Registration is free but required.
June 19: Juneteenth Concert, Mellon Park. Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling leads an outdoor Juneteenth Concert that features a lively big band set that showcases members of the PSO brass alongside regional jazz musicians. Expect special appearances by vocalist Sydney McSweeney and Bobby Floyd playing the Hammond B3 organ. Free.
June 20-22: Pogopalooza 2025, Downtown and Wilkinsburg. Pogopalooza presents three days of high-flying world championship competitions. Brave souls can sign up to compete in categories like highest jump, freestyle, best trick or tech. There’s a classification for kids, too, with the 15 and under Bounce-off. Tickets are free, but registration is requested.
June 21: Story Saturday: “As Time Passes,” Carnegie Museum of Art. A story time reading of “As Time Passes,” by Isabel Minhós Martins and Madalena Matoso, will be followed by a related hands-on activity. Recommended for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free with general admission.
June 21: Summer Splash, Carnegie Science Center. Celebrate the beginning of summer with hands-on activities, interactive science experiments and outdoor games like giant bubbles, playing with snow, tours of the rain garden and a photo scavenger hunt. Activities included with general admission.
June 22: Rumbón de la Calle, Mellon Square. This ensemble of locally based percussionists and drummers of the African diaspora emulates the community gatherings of their respective countries: Puerto Rico, Republic of Congo, Cuba and the United States. Free, no registration required.
June 22: Mario & Luigi’s River Adventure, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach cruise off for a day of adventure on the three rivers. This Family Fun Cruise includes a meet-and-greet autograph session with favorite characters, games and themed activities. Tickets are $35, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.
June 26: Baby and Me Nature Walk, Allegheny Commons Park. Explore nature with babies and toddlers on an outing that includes a storytime, nature walk, grab-and-go lunch and giveaways. Designed for ages 3 and younger. Registration for family day is free by June 23.
June 26: Flag Folding Ceremony, Heinz History Center. Participate in a moving ceremony featuring the unfurling and folding of a giant 36-foot American flag in the Great Hall. Reflect upon the civic democracy and history that the flag represents while learning the history of the adoption of our nation’s flag. Ceremony admission is free, but tickets are required for museum exhibits.
June 27-July 5: Big Butler Fair, Prospect. Kids will love seeing the animals at the petting zoo, as well as the competing livestock. The School Bus Demolition Derby, harness racing and Truck and Tractor Pulls are favorites among the grandstand events. There’s lots more – fireworks, country music concerts and all the delicious carnival food you crave. Admission is $9, free for ages 6 and younger. Ride-all-day carnival wristbands are $30.
June 27-29: “Public Works Twelfth Night,” O’Reilly Theater. Pittsburgh Public Theater presents Shakespeare’s gender-bending comedy. When noblewoman Viola finds herself shipwrecked, she decides to disguise herself as a man to blend in. Her decision triggers literature’s most hilarious love triangle. This community collaboration is rated PG. Tickets are sold out.
June 27, July 25, Aug. 8 and 29: First Fridays, Frick Pittsburgh. Join the neighborhood for live music, food trucks, artmaking and family fun on the Frick lawns. Find the music lineup here. Admission is free, $5 adult donation suggested.
June 27-29: World’s Biggest Rubber Duck, Idlewild Park. Standing 6 stories tall, this colossal duck returns to the area for the first time since 2013. Duck-themed activities are planned throughout the weekend. Activities included with general admission.
June 27-29: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings,” Heinz Hall. Watch the film with the soundtrack played by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $55.
June 29: Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory Family Days, Allegheny Commons. Meet your North Side neighbors at the first Family Day of 2025. Expect music, balloon animals, fun food, airbrush tattoos and lots of activities for the whole family. There will be kid-friendly performances by Pittsburgh Festival Opera and Azure Concerts Pittsburgh. Free.
June 29: International Mud Day, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Dress for mess and bring a towel and a change of clothes. Hoses for cleaning off and a changing tent will be provided. Accompanying adults may watch from a clean distance or participate in the muddy wonderfulness. Activities included in daily admission.
June 30-July 9: “The Princess King,” South Park Theater. The king holds a contest to find a suitable husband for his daughter, but the princess is unhappy that she is meant to be a prize. She disguises herself as a man to compete. The hilarious story is filled with mistaken identities, over-the-top characters and tongue-in-cheek humor. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the performance at the outdoor stage. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.
July 1-6: “Back to The Future,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO presents the popular movie turned Broadway musical. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Tickets start at $66.64.
July 3: Americana Concert, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. Pittsburgh Symphony performs its annual Americana Concert centered around American music in tribute to our military personnel and veterans. Registration is free but required.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration, North Shore. Beginning at 4 p.m., the City of Pittsburgh celebration will feature free activities at the Family Fun Zone, music and entertainment on the North Shore Great Lawn. The People’s Food Truck Corral will serve up local cuisines. The day’s main attraction, the spectacular Independence Day Fireworks, will begin at 9:35 p.m. Find details here.
July 4: Explosive Science, Carnegie Science Center. Catch a perfect view of Independence Day fireworks. Admission includes a reserved viewing area, live entertainment, a cash bar, five floors of exhibits, live theater shows, plus guaranteed parking. Tickets start at $79.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Experience the roots of American history with a day of festive fun at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier trading post and 19th-century rural village. Enjoy hands-on historical demonstrations, try your hand at traditional games, and discover how early Americans lived, worked and celebrated. Activities included in general admission.
July 5: Anthrocon Fursuit Parade & Block Party, Downtown. Larger-than-life furry creatures will be closing down the street of Penn Avenue between 9th Avenue and 11th Street for two public events: the Fursuit Parade that begins at 2 p.m., followed by the Anthrocon Block Party in front of the David Lawrence Convention Center. Free.
July 6: Liberty Day, Oliver Miller Homestead. This annual event recognizes the Miller boys’ involvement in the Revolutionary War. Raise a Liberty Pole to honor vets who’ve served throughout the years. A reading of the Declaration of Independence is followed by firing guns and a round of firecrackers. Admission is $2.
July 10-20: “Finding Nemo Jr.,” Little Lake Theatre Company. This delightful adventure, adapted from the beloved Disney-Pixar film, is filled with colorful characters, memorable songs and important lessons about family and perseverance. Best for ages 3 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.
July 11-12: Whiskey Rebellion Festival, Washington. This annual festival offers a weekend history lesson packed with reenactments, theater performances, music and food. In the Li’l Rebels area, kids can try their skill at writing with a quill and play old-timey games like rolling hoops, quoits, cup-and-ball and stilts. Festival admission is free.
July 11-13: Picklesburgh, Downtown. Picklesburgh goes beyond the dill pickle to feature handcrafted food and artisan drinks featuring pickled ingredients from local chefs, restaurants, and more. Plus, don’t miss pickle-themed snacks and merchandise, fun contests and entertainment. Festival admission is free.
July 11-Aug. 3: Neighbor Day, Idlewild Park and Soak Zone. Expect special character meets from shows inspired by Fred Rogers, fun entertainment and dance parties. Themed activities included with general admission.
July 12: August Wilson Community Day, August Wilson African American Cultural Center. This family-friendly event features local vendors, artisans, performers and community building. Expect dance, music and theater performances. Registration is free.
July 12: Speaker Saturday: Natural History on the American Frontier, Fort Pitt Museum. Historian Jonathan Lady’s lecture will show how naturalists such as father and son John and William Bartram, George Morgan and others studied the environment of early America. The lecture is included in museum admission.
July 12 and 13: Fiddlesticks Summer Adventure. Fiddlesticks is the Pittsburgh Symphony’s 7-foot feline friend who loves to dance, clap, and celebrate music with his friends in the neighborhood. Join him for summer fun with lots of singing, being silly, and making music together as a family. Fiddlesticks visits Moon Senior High School on July 12 and Mars Area Senior High School on July 13. Tickets are $10-$15.
July 13: American Heroes Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Stars and stripes are the theme for this cruise that features a meet-and-greet autograph session, games and themed activities. Tickets are $35, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.
July 14-23: “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” South Park Theater. This upbeat, fast-paced retelling of the classic story is filled with delightfully wacky characters and clever dialogue. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the performance at the outdoor stage. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.
July 18-27: “Disney’s Frozen,” Benedum Center. This jaw-dropping production will melt the hearts of all ages with its extravagant beauty, iconic music, and hilarious fun. Tickets start at $66.64.
July 19: Story Saturday: “Museum of Nothing,” Carnegie Museum of Art. A story time reading of “Museum of Nothing,” by Steven Guarnaccia, will be followed by a related hands-on activity. Recommended for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free with general admission.
July 20: Spidey & Friends Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Spidey, Ghosty and Spin will come aboard for this fun river adventure, spinning webs, solving mysteries and keeping Pittsburghers safe. The cruise features a meet-and-greet autograph session with favorite characters, games and themed activities. Tickets are $35, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.
July 24: Mad About the Movies, Heinz Hall. Join conductor Jacob Joyce and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a perfect summer evening of your favorite musical hits, including iconic themes from movies like “Harry Potter,” “E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Cinema Paradiso,” from composers like Mozart, Beethoven and John Williams. Tickets start at $25.
July 25: Baby and Me Yoga, Schenley Plaza. Join in a yoga class designed for you and your little one. Yoga mats and lunch provided, plus giveaways. Designed for ages 3 and younger. Registration is free but required.
July 27: Galactic Family Adventure Day, Riverview Park. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Family Days continues with a day dedicated to outer space that includes the Moonshot Museum and the Allegheny Observatory for an exciting lineup of fun and learning. Observatory tours begin at 6 p.m. Relax on the lawn at dusk for a screening of “Woman in Motion,” a documentary film that explores actress Nichelle Nichols’ daunting task to launch a national recruitment blitz for NASA. Free admission.
July 27: Car Cruise, Boyce Park. Expect music, local food trucks, Mike Frazer from 3WS radio, plus plenty of unique cars and antique vehicles. Free.
July 27: Pressley Ridge Ice Cream Sundae, Pittsburgh Zoo. The 31st-annual fundraiser invites guests to experience the sights and sounds of the zoo while enjoying a dozen flavors of Graeter’s Ice Cream. Activities include face painting, live music and character visits. Tickets are $26.50, $11.20 for ages 4-17, free for ages 3 and younger. Family four-packs are $52.
July 28-Aug. 6: “The Little Mermaid: the Musical,” South Park Theater. This adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale is full of humorous characters and charming musical numbers. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the performance at the outdoor stage. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.
July 29: Storytime Spotlight, August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The Storytime Spotlight series introduces kids to books that feature stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays through conversations and live readings with authors. This virtual event is free via Facebook Live.
July 31-Aug. 10: “The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition,” Little Lake Theatre Company. Dive into the zany world of Bikini Bottom as SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Sandy, and all their friends embark on a hilarious and heroic adventure to save their underwater city from impending disaster. Best for ages 3 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.
Aug. 2-3: Moraine State Park Regatta. Head to Lake Arthur where water games, eco-recreational and nature-themed activities fill two fun days. Kids – and their grownups – might try standup paddleboarding, kayaking or a learn-to-sail session. Other features include a classic boat show, car cruise and butterfly release. Hang out after dark for fireworks over the lake on Saturday night. Regatta admission is free.
Aug. 2-3: Marvel Infinity Saga Concert Experience, Heinz Hall. Pittsburgh Symphony presents an epic Marvel Studios film concert, featuring scenes from the films and the unforgettable soundtracks from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Tickets start at $35.
Aug. 2-3: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow-N-Fire, PPG Paints Arena. This explosive event goes beyond the usual monster truck mayhem, adding a laser light show, dance parties and special effects. Tickets for kids start at $22.50, $28.50 for adults. Discounts are available for family four-packs.
Aug. 2-17: Fall Fantasy Parades, Kennywood Park. Fantasy Parades began at Kennywood in 1950 to celebrate talented local students. The parades have grown into an exciting spectacle and must-do for marching bands throughout the region. Included with general admission.
Aug. 3: Story Saturday: “School’s First Day of School,” Carnegie Museum of Art. A story time reading of “School’s First Day of School,” by Adam Rex, will be followed by a related hands-on activity. Recommended for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free with general admission.
Aug. 3: A Treasure Seeking Adventure Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Swashbuckling pirates set the scene for the Family Fun Cruise. Join your favorite pirate, merprincess and her prince at a meet-and-greet autograph session, games and themed activities. Tickets are $35, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.
Aug. 3-31: Soul Line Dancing, Highland Park Reservoir Drive. Weekly Sunday sessions incorporate R&B music in free, all-level classes that begin with basic steps and finish with more advanced moves. Free.
Aug. 9-31: Kids Fest, Idlewild Park and Soak Zone. The month includes special character meets and exciting happenings like the return of the popular Wild Foam Parties. Activities included with general admission.
Aug. 10: Flights of Fancy Family Adventure Day, Schenley Plaza. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Family Days continues with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for an extravaganza celebrating reading, storytelling and flights of fancy. This jam-packed day will include free carousel rides, activities, live bird meet-and-greets and costumed characters. Free with no registration required.
Aug. 11-20: “Cinderella,” South Park Theater. This hilarious adaptation has a new twist. This Cinderella is a plain-looking girl with big feet who has to compete with her beautiful stepsisters for the hand of the prince. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy the performance at the outdoor stage. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.
Aug. 14: Disney Descendants/Zombies: World Collide Tour, PPG Paints Arena. This interactive live concert experience will celebrate the chart-topping music from Disney’s “Descendants” and “Zombies” movie franchises. Tickets start at $62.20.
Aug. 14-17: Little Italy Days, Bloomfield. Expect loads of Italian foods and live music like accordion players, crooners and rock bands. Don’t miss the bocce tournament or pasta-eating contest. Admission is free.
Aug. 16: Vintage Base Ball Game, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Watch as the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder take on the Addison Mountain Stars, playing by authentic 1860s rules and customs. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of classic competition. Game access included in general admission.
Aug. 17: Neverland Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet. Cruise to the imagination to visit fantasy lands and create exciting memories. The event includes a meet-and-greet autograph session with favorite characters, games and themed activities. Tickets are $35, $25 for kids, $5 for infants.
Aug. 23-Sept. 28: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, West Newton. Expect crowd pleasers throughout the day with sword fighting, magicians, exciting tales of adventure from heroines in disguise, plus Dragonfire, a fire-breathing comedy act. And you won’t want to miss the action-packed jousting of chivalrous knights on horseback. Tickets will be available on Aug.1
Aug. 28-Sept. 14: “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” Little Lake Theatre Company. When a snowstorm halts the legendary train in its tracks, the luxurious journey quickly turns into a chilling murder investigation. Renowned detective Hercule Poirot must sift through a web of secrets and lies to uncover the killer hidden among the passengers. Best for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.