11 fun things to do with kids this weekend in the Pittsburgh region (more than half of them free!)

Image above by Jason Leung via Unsplash.

We’ve found nearly a dozen cool things to do with kids in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region this weekend. There are shows and classes happening in the city, free outdoor adventures in the surrounding suburbs, and free extravaganzas on the calendar out in McDonald and Johnstown, Pa.

Check out this great lineup:

Friday, April 1: Birds and More Nature Walk, 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Join a naturalist on a nature-filled walk through one of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania’s nature park trails. Along with weekly walks at Buffalo Creek Nature Park (Tuesdays), Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (Wednesdays) and Succop Nature Park (Thursdays), you can kick off this weekend during the weekly walk at Todd Nature Reserve on Friday morning. Registration is free, but required.

Saturday, April 2: Kids of STEEL Fest at P3R Track & Field, Robert Morris Sports Island Center, 9 a.m. -11 a.m.

All Kids of STEEL participants and their families are invited to the 2022 Kids of STEEL Fest at the P3R Track & Field. You’ll find free-flowing games centered around movement and participating children will earn tokens that can be redeemed at the on-site Kids of STEEL store. Meet local experts and personalities, and find great ways to get your family moving. Register here.

Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3: Learning Lamp Children’s Book Festival in Johnstown, Pa., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Learning Lamp’s premiere event, The Children’s Book Festival, is back to an in-person, activity-filled weekend this year. The fun happens at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center on 411 Third Avenue in Johnstown, and includes visits from award-winning children’s authors and illustrators, activities for children and families of all ages and backgrounds, and a spotlight on cultural diversity. Get details here about this free event.

Saturday, April 2: Making and Using Puppets at TrustArts Education Center, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Participants will learn how to make original puppets using random materials available in most homes. The teaching artist will introduce a variety of puppet types and help you choose the one that’s right for you based on age and interest. She will offer suggestions for animating puppets, using puppets to interact with very young children, and using puppets for singing, movement, storytelling and dramatic play. Register here. Admission is $10.

Saturday, April 2: Wildlife Encounter at Phillips Park and Recreation Center, 11 a.m.

You can learn about and meet a live animal ambassador from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. The education team will lead an interactive presentation with an education ambassador animal, discussing the native PA animals’ natural history, adaptations, rehabilitation story and more. Register here for this free event.

Saturday, April 2: Celebrating Fiddlesticks at Heinz Hall, 11:15 a.m. (but arrive by 10 a.m. for extra fun!)

The Fiddlesticks Family Concert Series is turning 30 years young and you’re invited to celebrate with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Music Director Manfred Honeck will share a gift from his home in Austria, vocalist Katy Williams will sing Fred Rogers’ song “There Are Many Ways to Say I Love You” and surprise guests will perform with Fiddlesticks to celebrate the power of music. Buy tickets here.

Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3: Geary Farm’s Eggstravaganza, McDonald, PA, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visit this family-owned farm for a weekend of Easter celebrating during the second annual Geary Eggstravaganza. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for family photos, along with a food truck, a raffle, craft projects for the kids and an egg hunt scheduled for 2 p.m. No tickets needed for this free event. Details here.

Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3: DiscoverE programs at Point State Park, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, guided DiscoverE programs include two sessions in Point State Park. Bashful Birds on April 2 will explore the wooded area of the park to learn about birds and their songs. On April 3, Pennsylvania animals will be the focus of Animal Tracks and Signs. The hourlong DiscoverE events are best for kids ages 4-8 and their parents. Register for these free outings by sending an email to RA-pointenved@pa.gov.

Saturday, April 2: Car Bazaar at the Forbes & Smithfield Parking Garage, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The whole family can go treasure-hunting (and bargain-hunting) together at the ultimate Pittsburgh garage sale. This local take on England’s popular tradition of selling goods from the trunk of a car happens at a multi-level open-air market with 100 makers, retailers, and vendors. Opening day includes live music by The Evergreens and Miss Freddye, plus brunch food available. The bazaar is open on Saturdays through September.

Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3: “Pete the Cat,” Byham Theater, 2 p.m.

He’s one groovy blue cat who runs into trouble when he’s caught rocking out after bedtime. That’s when Pete the Cat is sent to live with the prim and proper Biddle family to learn a lesson. Armed with his guitar, he soon has the whole family rocking. The live stage show is based on the popular “Pete the Cat” books by James Dean and the Amazon Prime TV series. Recommended for cool kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $12.

Sunday, April 3: Resistance Revival Chorus at Point Park University, 4 p.m.

Born out of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, the Resistance Revival Chorus uses classic and original protest songs to “breathe joy into resistance movements and explore the intersection of art and activism.” Co-presented with The Andy Warhol Museum, the event includes a post-show conversation with Pittsburgh activists and chorus members. Buy tickets here.

Want more fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region? Check out the rest of our April kid-friendly events guide and comb through our big guide to spring events. And don’t forget to explore our events calendar!