8 great things to do with kids in Pittsburgh this weekend, many of them free

Photo above courtesy of Squonk Opera.

This weekend, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. From the ultimate guitar exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center to Remake Learning Days events throughout the region, there’s something for everyone. Check out this lineup:

Friday, May 20: GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World at Carnegie Science Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where can you see the world’s largest playable electric guitar (all 2,200 pounds of it!), experiment with sound waves and rock out? The planet’s most popular instrument (sorry, piano!) will rock the PPG Science Pavilion when this touring exhibit arrives from the National Guitar Museum. Part of our culture for hundreds of years, the guitar (aka “the axe”) has been around longer than baseball and hamburgers. Explore the enduring icon via 70 acoustic, electric and unusual guitars, rare antiques and 15 hands-on STEM-based activities. Buy tickets here.

Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22: Remake Learning Days, various locations and times 

It’s the final weekend of Remake Learning Days around the Pittsburgh region. Search here for tons of free, hands-on learning events throughout the area and get all the details about our homegrown, now-national learning festival right here.

Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22: “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time,” Little Lake Theatre Company

Simon Stephens’ play, based on Mark Haddons’ acclaimed novel, won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2015. This crime story of sorts follows 15-year-old Christopher, who’s brilliant at math but has trouble relating to people and interpreting everyday life. When he finds his neighbor’s dog speared with a pitchfork, he sets out to solve the murder. Note: This fascinating Little Lake Theatre production is recommended for ages 13 and older. Tickets, available here, are $15 for kids, $25 for ages 16+. (Shows runs through May 29.)

Saturday, May 21: Pop Day at The Andy Warhol Museum, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pop over to the North Side for a family day bursting with hands-on art and tech activities inside and outside the museum. Meet public artists Typoe and Michael Loveland, make silk-screen prints and buttons, and get your own 15 minutes of fame in the TikTok video studio. The event includes tours and food trucks. Register for free.

Saturday, May 21: Family Fun Carnival at Focus on Renewal in StoRox, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Have fun with your family while getting your face painted, enjoying a magic show, eating, playing games, and more at Focus on Renewal on Saturday. Details here on this free event. 

Saturday, May 21: Hope Day Block Party at The Kingsley Association, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Staunton Farm Foundation will host their first Hope Day Block Party on Saturday to celebrate mental wellness, raise awareness and destigmatize behavioral health. Celebrate reflecting on mental health with live performances, education about mental health, free food, crafts for kids, an art exhibit focusing on youth voice, and more. A proclamation from Mayor Ed Gainey’s Office will be issued to commemorate Mental Awareness Month. Get details here about this free event.

Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22: Hill Dance Academy and Theater Spring Dance Concert, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. both days

The “Dancing Beyond, Surviving the Distance” concert event will celebrate Hill Dance Academy and Theater’s return to live performances after a three-year hiatus. Students will showcase all that they’ve learned this year during this immersive dance experience. A bonus: This joyful family event has super discounted tickets–only $5 each. Get details and tickets here.

Saturday, May 21: Summer at the Station in Wilkinsburg, 3-6 p.m.

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation and The Equity Impact Center are teaming up to activate a historic landmark. Cruise over to the newly renovated Wilkinsburg Train Station at 901 Hay St. for a Saturday series showcasing local organizations, musicians and artists. Today’s events feature music by Jacquea Mae, Byron Nash, Mani Bahia and The Mob, along with activities from FlowerHouse, Wilkinsburg Public Library, Protohaven and Xpogo.

Saturday, May 21: Squonk Opera at Schenley Plaza, 4 p.m.

Before setting off on a cross-country tour, Squonk Opera is presenting a free production of “Hand to Hand” as part of National Kids to Parks Day, which runs from noon to 5 p.m. Propelled by colossal puppet hands rigged like a ship, the immersive performance is set to an original progressive rock score. Watch in awe as the Squonkers climb a multi-tiered stage and towering thumbs challenge each other with dueling guitars. You can help grab the rigging to manipulate the giant fingers during this imaginative collaboration.

Looking for more things to do with kids in Pittsburgh? Check out our guide to events happening throughout the month of May. And visit our events calendar, which gets updated with new events nearly every day.