9 things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh, from RADical Days to bumper cars

Rain or shine. Indoors and outdoors. Little kids and teens. We’ve got you covered with in-person and virtual things to do with kids this week in Pittsburgh.

1. Get moving (at home)

Frick Pittsburgh’s Let’s Move Family Fun Day has gone virtual with a schedule of activities that can take place in the backyard or your living room. Running from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept.12, Let’s Move includes an interactive storytime, kid-friendly yoga and a movement-inspired art project. The fun ends with a silly dance sendoff. Free, but registration is required.

2. Do the Truffle Shuffle! (in person)

Fans of “The Goonies” (and Chunk) will be heading to the Allegheny County Drive-in Movies with screenings at South Park on Thursday, Sept. 10, and Hartwood Acres on Saturday, Sept. 12. Kids who love Forky will get their thrills with “Toy Story 4” on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Boyce Park. Parking spots are first-come-first-served for these popular flicks.

3. Explore science with your little Munchkins (in person and at home)

A new season of Munchkin Mondays invites tiny scientists ages 2-6 to the Carnegie Science Center. Early learners will explore science concepts with interactive activities specially geared to their level. Running from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays through Oct.26, each week is themed to a different subject. The themes can be accessed from home, too, so kids can enjoy online educational videos from local organizations.

4. Click into the ALCOSAN Open House (at home)

The ALCOSAN Open House draws a big crowd every year. This year the event goes virtual beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept.12. Kids can follow along on treatment plant tours and check into the lab. Familiar favorites like the Mad Buggy Scientist and Science Rocks keep kids entertained while learning how the plant works to keep our rivers clean. We’ll miss our selfies with Frankie the Fish, but we look forward to all the cool activities planned for this annual environmental festival.

5. Hike with your tykes (in person)

Venture Outdoors’ weekly Tyke Hike returns to Frick Park for kids up to 6 years old and their caregivers. Older siblings can tag along, too. The leisurely walks explore the insects, rocks and plants through terrain that’s stroller friendly. The series launches at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. The hike ends at 11:30 a.m., offering a great excuse to bring along a blanket for a picnic lunch on the lawn. The Tyke Hike costs $5 per family. No registration is required.

6. Get ‘RADical’ (in person and at home)

Radical Days 2020 gets started with its lineup of free activities running through the end of October. Families can choose from virtual and in-person events. This week includes a self-guided walking tour of the Cultural District, virtual visits with Pittsburgh Zoo zookeepers in the Animal Tracks program and a virtual production of Pittsburgh Savoyards’ very silly “HMS Pinafore.” Check the full calendar for upcoming events, brought to you as a thank you from organizations funded by RAD.

7. Upcycle crafts with nature finds (at home)

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy collected a bunch of creative activities inspired by objects found in backyards, parks and woods. Choose to make Forest Friends from rocks, a rustic pencil holder or a reusable bag made from a T-shirt. Each project is a fun way to combine recyclable items with natural treasures for a lesson in upcycling.

8. Be a thrillseeker (in person)

Scene75 in Edgewood reopened this month with safety precautions in place for kids who enjoy the thrills of go-karts, bumper carts and two-story laser tag. Flashing lights and rowdy sounds from arcade games add to the joyous atmosphere. Hours are currently restricted to weekends, Fridays through Sundays. Masks are required, along with temperature checks at entry.

9. Get registered for MCG Arts (at home)

MCG Youth & Arts’ fall semester of its afterschool Apprentice Training Program begins online. High school kids in Pittsburgh Public School District receive free tuition for the courses. Kids can choose from design arts, photography, ceramics and digital arts. All materials and equipment for classes, scheduled from 3-5:30 p.m. weekdays, will be delivered to students before the start of classes. Registration for the series takes place Sept. 14-16.