Idlewild is open! Find this and more family activities in your weekend guide for May 16-18

Above photo courtesy of Idlewild Park.

This weekend, sandwiched between two holiday weekends, is a chance to relax and unwind — or to hit up one of the many family-friendly activities occurring in and around Pittsburgh. With just a few weeks left until summer break, most of the city’s parks are in tip-top shape, and pools are preparing to open in just a few weeks, too.

Check out everything happening this weekend in Kidsburgh: 

Thursday, May 15: Grand Opening of the Outdoor Discovery and Sensory Nature Trail at the Frick Environmental Center, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Start the weekend off early with this exciting new addition to the city’s accessible green spaces. Explore a new way to connect with nature with a 1/3-mile accessible trail that features hands-on sensory discovery stations and welcoming gathering spaces for relaxation and reflection. Registration is free.

Thursday, May 15-Saturday, May 17: Marbles Championship in the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard

Pittsburgh may be the home of the 2026 NFL Draft, but this weekend it’s the home of a professional marble tournament. Watch competing marble shooters in the 2025 Championship. The winners, two boys and two girls, will receive a partial-expenses-paid trip to Wildwood, New Jersey, to compete in the 102nd National Marbles Tournament, happening the week of June 15. This event is free. Find more details here!

Friday, May 16-Monday, May 19: Remake Learning Days presents “Handmade Museum at the Heinz History Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As part of Remake Learning Days this month, the Heinz History Center is offering hands-on lessons in sewing and fiber arts at the new Louise Silk exhibit. There will be a “sewing” activity for younger children that does not involve needles, as well. This activity is included with museum admission.

Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18: “The Wizard of Oz” with the PBT Orchestra

Based on the well-loved novel, this ballet performance takes guests on the adventures of Dorothy as she attempts to return home from Oz. Tickets begin at $28 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, May 17: Opening Day at Kayak Pittsburgh on North Park Lake

Have you been waiting all winter to hit the water? It’s officially time. There will be canoes, solo and tandem kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats available. Rentals run $24-$98. Find more details about hours and age requirements here.

Saturday, May 17: Sweat, Sway, and Sow at Hazelwood Green, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join Hazelwood Local for the 2nd annual Sweat, Sway & Sow. This free event is a great opportunity to get moving with the community and learn more about overall health and wellness. There will be food vendors, fitness and dance classes, and more. Find all the details here.

Saturday, May 17: Opening Day at Idlewild Park and Soak Zone, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Full of unique adventures, this park has been recognized as one of the country’s top destinations for family fun. Meet characters like Daniel Tiger, soar on rides of all sizes, enjoy entertaining live shows, and splash in the SoakZone waterpark. Activities are included with general admission and season passes.

Saturday, May 17: Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Pittsburgh’s favorite food festival is back after a two-year hiatus. Celebrating its 10th festival, this year’s event at SouthSide Works will feature more than 20 pierogi vendors from four states, a bigger and butter (oops, we mean “better”) Pop-Up Pierogi Marketplace, live music, Paint Your Own Pierogi with the folks at Paint Monkey (find them in our summer camp guide), plus other kid-friendly activities. Tickets are just $7 for adults and $4 for kids 12 and under.

Sunday, May 18: Fiber, Fabric and Fashion at the Oliver Miller Homestead, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Penny River Costumes, owned and operated by a Williamsburg-trained clothier, will display a beautiful early-American wardrobe and narrate the fashion show. Ross Farms, a century-old establishment that specializes in rare and heritage breeds of sheep, will bring some of their stock and perform live sheep shearing. Admission is $2, cash only.

Sunday, May 18: Day of Magic Cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet

If you’ve got a princess-loving or superhero-loving kid, this cruise will give them a chance to party alongside them as they traverse the three rivers. Entertainment includes a meet-and-greet session with favorite characters, activities, games and a themed goodie bag. Tickets are $35 for grownups, $25 for kids, and $5 for infants.

If you’re looking for more things to do all spring long, check out our big events guide packed with family-friendly fun. There are also a few weeks left of Remake Learning Days. Take advantage of free family events across the city!