8 things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh, from bicycle tune-ups to submarine tours

Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna.

Looking for fun things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh? Keep kids entertained, engaged and energized with these activities.

1. Tune up your family’s bikes (at home)

With bike season upon us, it’s a good time to consider a tune-up and safety check. Venture Outdoors will host Katie Blackburn from Free Ride for a Bike Spring Tune Up with WMNBikePGH on March 27. The workshop covers the basics from brakes to tires to gear shifts. You can follow Katie’s instructions with your bike in your garage or driveway. Kids can learn along with their grownups and contribute questions to the experience. No registration is required for the 10 a.m. session, which can be accessed via this Zoom link or Facebook page.

Singer Anita Levels is one of the teaching artists in the Creative Learning Network Spring Break Virtual Festival. Photo courtesy of the Creative Learning Network.

2. Check out the Spring Break Arts Festival (at home)

The Creative Learning Network (CLN) has hosted #ArtsLearningatHome lessons from more than 55 Pittsburgh artists. CLN continues its commitment to high-quality programming for kids with plans to liven up spring break with DJ dance parties and live lessons in music, visual art and theater. The free CLN Spring Break Virtual Festival, led by the Arts Education Collaborative and The Legacy Arts Project, will be presented via Zoom. Register separately for each day — March 30 and April 3 — and drop into any or all of the scheduled events from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

3. Register for Colorfully Sheepish (at home)

Sign up by March 27 for the upcoming Children’s Saturday Studio offered by The Westmoreland Museum of American Art. Aimed at ages 7-10, the workshop on April 10 will instruct kids to make a silly sheep sculpture from pom-poms. Registration includes a material kit priced at $15 for pickup or $23 for shipping to your home. The virtual Saturday Studio activities are offered twice monthly. Upcoming projects include Celestial Portraits and a Cork Doll Shadowbox.

USS Requin. Photo courtesy of the Carnegie Science Center.

4. Tour a US Navy submarine (in person)

Carnegie Science Center’s USS Requin Submarine has opened for the season to welcome those fascinated by naval history. Tours operate through the Gray Lady at 20-minute intervals with a maximum of eight people per group. It’s hard to imagine how a crew of 80 sailors managed to operate in such cramped quarters. Peeking into the galley kitchen, tight bunks and torpedo holds brings adventure to life. Requin tours are included with general admission timed tickets to the Science Center.

Image courtesy of Learn & Earn.

5. Apply for a summer job (in person)

Partner4Work’s 2021 Learn & Earn Pittsburgh Summer Youth Program provides a six-week, paid work experience from June 28 to Aug. 6. Allegheny County teens and young adults aged 14-21 who meet family income requirements can apply. Those 18-24 can apply to the more competitive Corporate Internship Program. Learn & Earn was designed to give kids exposure to a variety of careers, work experiences and occupational skills. Past participants have conducted research, created business plans, planted urban gardens and built websites. Application support centers are open now for in-person appointments.

Neon artist Danielle James. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Glass Center.

6. Shine a light on neon art (in person or at home)

Kids are captivated by the many mediums that artists use to express themselves. The current exhibition at the Pittsburgh Glass Center is a perfect example. Light in Transmission: A Neon and Plasma Light Exhibition promises to rivet attention with pieces created by 14 artists. Visit the show virtually or stop by for an in-person experience. Intrigued? Catch the Women in Neon panel discussion and demonstration on Facebook Live, presented by She Bends at 6 p.m. March 26.

Photo by Devon Rockola.

7. Start moving (in person)

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is teaming up with P3R to present a free series of socially distanced get-togethers at local parks. Approach each day of movement with your choice of exercise. Bike, run or walk with family and friends from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 27 at Riverview Park, April 10 in Westinghouse Park and April 24 in Highland Park. No registration is required.

Photo by Paul G. Wiegman.

8. Immerse yourself in spring color (in person or at home)

The new Spring Flower Show: Canopy of Color exhibition at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features whimsical displays that will appeal to all ages. Garden designers encourage visitors to look up to view kites soaring overhead, umbrellas suspended under a rain curtain, and tall blooming trees. Tens of thousands of blooms in a riot of color will bring cheer to those who are happy to leave winter grays behind. The spring show runs through April 11. Visit in person with timed tickets or organize a virtual group tour.

Bonus events: Check out these 11 ways to welcome spring in Pittsburgh, from the Easter Bunny to Passover games.