From mini-golf downtown to summer reading celebrations and more: Your weekend guide for June 13-15

Above image of “Little Artists” courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Tuck those backpacks away until August (after checking for errant lunch leftovers left inside!) and get busy with your kids this weekend. There are so many activities happening each and every day, from free library events to sports clinics and historic tours.

All of the region’s pools are set to be open by this weekend, too. Grab your sunscreen and make some memories at these Pittsburgh-area events:

Thursday, June 12-Sunday, June 15: Mini-Golf in Mellon Square, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

What a wacky summer bucket list item! The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is hosting mini-golf sessions this weekend right in the heart of Downtown. Please note, this event is open until 9 p.m. most nights, but it will close at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 per game, and only $2 for kids and students.

Friday, June 13: Storytime and Crafting in the Garden at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 10 a.m. 

If you haven’t yet stopped by the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, add it to your summer bucket list. There are incredible events for kids and adults of all ages happening year-round, and summer is no exception. This weekend, discover the wonder of nature through inspiring stories and engaging crafts. These activities are included with daily admission.

Friday, June 13: DIY Terrarium for Dad at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for dad this year, why not make it? Kids can stop by the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden to make a custom treasure that dad will cherish. Once the lid is closed, the terrarium should be a self-sustained ecosystem that requires little care. Registration is required for this event, and the cost is $50.

Friday, June 13: “Little Artists” at CLP Lawrenceville, 10:30 a.m. 

Children learn and grow through art, and this free event for kids ages birth through 5 is a great way to help them do just that. This free event will create a sensory experience where kids can explore colors, shapes, textures, and materials. To encourage open experimentation and self-expression, the program focuses on the process of creation rather than the finished product. Exploration can get messy, so dress accordingly. Find more info here.

Saturday, June 14: Pickleball Clinic with Kids of Steel, 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. 

Many little Yinzers have run the Kids of Steel Marathon. But the team at P3R is about so much more than running. This pickleball clinic at the Sewickley YMCA will have two sessions on June 14. Whether your child is a new fan of the sport or just wants to try something new, this clinic is the perfect way to learn the basics of one of the fastest-growing games in the country. Discover pickleball in a supportive, high-energy environment led by experienced instructors. The first session, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., is for kids ages 8-12. The second session, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., is for kids 10-14. Register here.

Saturday, June 14: Meadowcroft Rockshelter Tour, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

At the Heinz History Center’s Meadowcroft location, Dr. Diane Landers will lead a tour and lecture of the historic rockshelter, an archaeological site that is both a National Historic Landmark and the oldest known site of human habitation in North America. This lecture is open to anyone, but is likely best suited to teens and older children. It’s free for members and $20 for everyone else. Purchase tickets and register here.

Saturday, June 14: Atlatl Competition at Meadowcroft Rockshelter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What is an atlatl competition? One of humankind’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. This ingenious tool allowed the region’s earliest hunters to launch spears with speed and precision. This weekend, while you’re at Meadowcroft for the tours, try your hand at this ancient skill test. Find more info here about this event, which is free with admission.

Saturday, June 14: DinoFest at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s researchers, educators and community partners for DinoFest. Whether you’re looking for some fossil-related family fun or a deep dive into new discoveries in paleontology, there’s programming for dinosaur lovers of all ages. Find the full schedule of presentations and activities here. This event is included with museum admission.

Saturday, June 14: CLP Summer Reading Kickoff with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Flights of Imagination Summer Reading program is celebrating summer with events at many local branches, so check the summer reading page for a full list. This event, at the South Side location of CLP, will feature animal ambassadors from the National Aviary. The aviary will present during the second hour of this free event. Find more info here.

Saturday, June 14: Arcade Comedy Theater presents Penny Arcade, 2 p.m. 

Get ready to laugh! Penny Arcade is an interactive comedy experience designed for kids 4 to 8 years old. This 60-minute show encourages kids and their parents to unleash their imaginations and senses of humor. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, June 14: SkyWatch at the Carnegie Science Center, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

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 and enjoy other astronomy and space-based activities. Registration is strongly suggested, as this program regularly sells out. The cost is $12 for general admission and $10 for museum members.

Sunday, June 15: Junior Ranger: Explore Streams with Allegheny County Park Rangers, 1 p.m. 

Learn about the aquatic life in and around the parks’ waterways. Dress to get wet and wear closed-toe shoes. This event is designed for ages 5-12 years. An adult must accompany kids. Register for the June 15 event at South Park here. There is also an event on June 22 at North Park. These events fill up fast, so please pre-register.

Don’t miss our giant summer guide for even more summer family fun! Sign up for our newsletter to get updates and events sent right to your inbox twice a week, too.