Your kid-friendly guide to nearly 100 Pittsburgh summer events, many of them free

Photo above courtesy of Picklesburgh.

The calendar of Pittsburgh summer events is overflowing with cool activities your kids will love. Family-friendly festivals, performances and interactive educational experiences are all part of the lineup. Check out what’s coming up, and don’t miss our guide to free summer movies screenings, guide to great local swimming pools and details on CLP’s Summer Reading Program.

Through June 25: “For Peter Pan on Her 70^th Birthday,” Little Lake Theatre. In her father’s hospital room with her siblings, Ann remembers playing Peter Pan in her hometown theater and how her dad brought flowers after every performance. Best for ages 13 and older. Buy tickets here.

Through Sept 3: Wild Kratts: Creature Power!, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Based on the popular PBS Kids series, this new interactive exhibit allows kids to explore animal habitats from around the world. This 2,500-square-foot exhibition focuses on cultivating STEM skills in kids ages 3 to 9. Activities are free with museum admission.

Through Sept. 4: Vikings: Warriors of the North Sea, Carnegie Science Center. See more than 140 authentic Viking artifacts, including a full-size replica of a Viking boat. Tickets are $20, $16 for ages 3-12 years, separate from general admission. Get all the details here.

Through Sept. 4: Superheroes of the Sky, The National Aviary. Kids can test their superpowers and learn what makes birds so incredible. Daily activities and fun, engaging play spaces are filled with comic-inspired décor. Superheroes of the Sky activities are included with admission. Add on a live bird show and learn how to become a champion of conservation.

Through Sept. 4: Guyasuta: The Life and Legend of a Seneca Chief, Fort Pitt Museum. The exhibit showcases Guyasuta’s relationship with George Washington and how he sought peace prior to the French and Indian War. Admission is $18, $15 for seniors, $9 for students, free for ages 5 and younger.

Through Sept. 5: Laser Taylor Swift, Carnegie Science Center. A new laser show takes Taylor Swift’s biggest hits and brings them to life with dazzling laser lights and special effects. Tickets are $7.

Through October: Tri-Anglers Lunchtime Fishing, North Shore River Walk. Venture Outdoors hosts its annual lunchtime fishing series every Wednesday. All the gear is provided, along with instructions on baiting your hook and casting your line. Registration is free but required.

Through Jan. 2: Jane’s Endangered Animal Experience, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This interactive exhibit is based on the new Apple TV+ series, “Jane,” and inspired by the work of Jane Goodall. The experience includes a 30-minute media presentation in the Earth Theater at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Entry is free with museum admission.

June 21: Make Music Day, Schenley Plaza. Steel City Ukulele Club of Pittsburgh will offer free ukulele lessons for all ages prior to a concert. Free, no registration required.

June 21: Snowball Day, Carnegie Science Center. Remember those snowballs you stached in the freezer last winter? Today’s the day to launch them into the Ohio River. Activities included with half-price admission.

June 22-July 2: “Into the Woods,” Benedum Center. What happens when the fairytale ends? Pittsburgh CLO presents this innovative production that is sure to enchant as it ventures beyond “happily ever after.” Tickets start at $29.

June 23: Plant Walks, Riverview Park. Join community herbalist Annie Fox on a slow, one-mile walk to learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Registration is free.

June 23: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

June 24: Birthday Celebration, The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Special guests include musician Lee Robinson, Double Dutch & Y on the Fly, O’Ryan the O’mazing and DJs, along with usual museum shenanigans. Free admission.

June 24: SkyWatch, Carnegie Science Center. Connect with the night sky with a planetarium performance and live views through a rooftop telescope. Tickets are $12.

June 24: WYEP Summer Music Festival, Schenley Plaza. WYEP’s annual day-long celebration of national and Pittsburgh music. Free.

June 24-25: Kid Comedy Show, Penny Arcade, Downtown. This 45-minute, interactive comedy show encourages kids and their parents to unleash their imaginations and sense of humor. Best for age 4-8 years. Admission is $12, with a pay-what-you-wish option.

June 25: Sunday Stories: Kindness Zone, Heinz History Center. Early learners ages 2-5 and their grownups are invited to join museum educators for Sunday Stories, a monthly themed story hour where kids can read, sing, play and learn about history and the world around them. Included with museum admission.

June 25: OpenStreetsPGH, multiple locations. It’s a blast to walk, skate or bike on closed streets and bridges. Pause along the way to take part in activities. You’ll likely come across pop-up parklets, live entertainment and fitness classes that will keep your energy up. Watch for schedule updates coming soon.

June 26-July 5: “The Spell of Sleeping Beauty,” South Park Theater. The familiar story of Princess Briar-Rose who is cursed by a witch to fall into a deep sleep is presented as a charming and comedic story with zany, lovable characters. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.

June 27-October: Table-Top Tuesday: Board Games, Schenley Plaza. Enjoy a selection of free tabletop games under the Schenley Plaza tent every Tuesday. Free.

June 30: Family Pride Night, Pittsburgh Zoo. Celebrate Pride and LGBTQIA+ communities with an evening of fun, inclusive activities for families of all ages. Admission is $25.

June 30: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

June 30: E-Parks, Schenley Plaza. Join like-minded gamers as you play video games projected on the Schenley Plaza Oval Tent, Smash Bros tournament with giveaways, all while listening to beats from a guest DJ. This all-ages event is sponsored by Schell Games. Registration is free.

June 30: Final Fridays Disco Golf Party, Schenley Park and Schenley Plaza. Gather with friends or family to play 18-holes on Schenley Park’s classic disc golf course. Then, head to Schenley Plaza where you’ll putt the 19th Hole and join the after party. Begin at the 19th Hole with rental discs, discs for sale, and putting practice on the Final Friday of each month through October. Best for ages 14 and older. No registration required.

June 28, July 26 and Aug. 23: Kids Vs. Adults Science Challenge, Carnegie Science Center. This after-hours science smackdown challenges kids and grownups in a battle of wits with a series of challenges, such as designing and building contraptions, deciphering brain-teasing puzzles and competing in a high-energy scavenger hunt. Tickets are $20 for grownups, $12 for kids.

June 30-July 8: The Big Butler Fair, Prospect. Now in its 167^th year, fair includes the School Bus Demolition Derby, country music concerts, midway games and carnival rides. Kids will be entertained by the Agricadabra agricultural magic show, the exotic petting zoo and Hot Diggity Dog Show. Admission is $7-$9, free for ages 6 and younger. Ride-all-day packages are available.

JULY

July 1: Anthrocon Fursuit Parade and Block Party, Downtown. Anthrocon participants will close down Penn Avenue between 9th and 11^th streets for two public events – the Fursuit Parade and the Anthrocon Block Party in Market Square – for a family-friendly day of mingling with their fandom.

July 1- Sept. 4: Architects of Air: Daedalum, Backyard, Pittsburgh Cultural District. This awe-inspiring, immersive inflatable sculpture known as a “luminarium,” Daedalum’s core element is a maze of 17 egg-shaped domes and the arrangement of their translucent dome tops and pods, designed to produce vistas and hues of considerable variety and subtlety. Tickets are$25, $10 for kids.

July 1-Sept. 4: Chirp, Chitter, Caw: Surrounded by Bird Song, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This audio exhibition offers a listening lounge, the chance to mimic unusual bird calls, plus a stroll down Bird Hall to hear sonic snapshots of bird calls. Free with museum admission.

July 2: Liberty Day, Oliver Miller Homestead. Celebrate our nation’s freedom, learn about the Miller family’s involvement in the Revolutionary War and celebrate our veterans with fireworks and music. Admission is $2.

July 2: Independence Day Celebration, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Celebrate the spirit of America with historical demonstrations and period games at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier area and 19th-century rural village. Activities included with general admission.

July 4: Fourth at the Fort, Fort Pitt Museum. At 1 p.m., museum staff, scouts and local veterans will help kick off the Fourth of July holiday by raising a 36-foot American flag. Following the patriotic flag raising ceremony, visitors can enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of living history demonstrations, cannon-firing, and 18th-century martial music. Outdoor activities are free.

July 4: City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration, Point State Park. Enjoy a family-style picnic, complete with patriotic music and food vendors from 4-10 p.m. The Independence Day Fireworks will begin at 9:35 p.m.

July 7: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

July 8: Second Saturdays: Historic Chores, Meadowcroft Shelter and Historic Village. Every second Saturday of the month, Meadowcroft will provide a themed educational program. This Second Saturday will explore the topic of historic chores with immersive and educational activities. Included with admission. Candle-dipping is $3.

July 8: Super Science Saturday: All Things Tiny, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Kids can explore everything microscopic and unseen using scientific tools. Follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries to see if you can find the tiniest specimens on display, including micro fossils and tiny snails. Activities included with museum admission.

July 9: Kennywood Day: 125 Years of Memories, Heinz History Center. Bring your friends – and wear your best matching Kennywood outfits – for a day of special programming, family-friendly games and carnival-themed food throughout all six floors.  Activities included with museum admission.

July 9: Kids Day, Schenley Plaza. Enjoy Kids Day activities like a balloon artist, crafts, special guests and performers, plus rides on the PNC Carousel. Best for families with kids younger than 8. Free, no registration required.

July 9: Nature Play Date, Frick Environmental Center. Families are invited to participate in fun activities in the nature play space and mud kitchen. Registration is free.

July 10-19: “Through the Looking Glass Musical,” South Park Theater. This silly adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass” depicts Alice in Wonderland’s coming-of-age story with fun twists and music audiences of all ages will adore. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.

July 11-16: “The Sound of Music,” Benedum Center. High-spirited Maria transforms the Von Trapp family home from a place of strict rules and regulations to one filled with joy, laughter, and music. Pittsburgh CLO presents one of Rodgers & Hammerstein most beloved musicals. Tickets start at $29.

July 13: Teen Night: Field Science, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Teens how are interested in archaeology and paleontology will learn the difference between these two scientific fields and see the tools scientists use on expeditions. Food will be available from 5-7 p.m. Registration is free for ages 13-18.

July 13: Calliope House Concert Series, Schenley Plaza. Calliope is a nonprofit educational and presenting organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional and contemporary folk music.  Free.

July 13-15: Black Music Festival, Point State Park and Market Square. The three-day lineup features gospel, jazz, R&B and soul. Free.

July 14: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

July 14: Plant Walks, Allegheny Commons West. Join community herbalist Annie Fox on a slow, 1-mile walk to learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Registration is free.

July 14-16: Northside Festival, Deustchtown. The Northside Music Festival, formerly the Deutschtown Music Festival, offers hundreds of free local bands, art vendors, food trucks and family activities. Free.

July 15, 16, 22 and 23: Fiddlesticks in Your Neighborhood. The Pittsburgh Symphony’s musical ambassador, Fiddlesticks, is visiting neighborhoods to share his favorite things in these summertime family concerts. Fiddlesticks visits Moon Area High School on July 15, Penn Hills High School on July 16, Moon Area High School on July 22 and Bethel Park High School on July 23. Tickets are $15, $10 for kids.

July 16: Whiskey Rebellion Day, Oliver Miller Homestead. Hear the true tales of the Whiskey Rebellion from the source: the Miller family. Admission is $2.

July 21: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading and free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

July 21: Plant Walk at McKinley Park. Learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Registration is free.

July 21: Short Short Fest, Schenley Plaza. The Short Short Fest is a touring animation festival for local and independent animators and creatives. Free, no registration required.

July 21-23: Picklesburgh, Downtown. The three-day festival, named USA Today’s No 1 Specialty Food Festival in the country for three consecutive years, has expanded to a new location: Boulevard of the Allies between Stanwix and Smithfield Streets, and PPG Plaza. Free.

July 22: SkyWatch, Carnegie Science Center. Connect with the night sky with a planetarium performance and live views through a rooftop telescope. Tickets are $12.

July 22 and 23: Pancakes with Parents, Pittsburgh Zoo. Get treated to a tasty breakfast along with other fun activities before heading out to explore the zoo for the day. Tickets are $40, $10 for those younger than 2, which includes zoo general admission.

July 22-23: Vintage Grand Prix Race Day, Schenley Park. Vintage Grand Prix lineup of events begin July 9, but this challenging racecourse is the biggest attraction. The best place to watch the races is from the Bob O’Connor Golf Course where the Grand Prix stages its International Car Show. A weekend donation is $10. Parking is available on Flagstaff Hill for $30 and up to 4 people in the car receive a wristband for free entry into the event and shuttle transport to the golf course.

July 24-Aug. 2: “Little Red Robin Hood,” South Park Theatre. This hilarious fractured fairy tale mashes favorite characters like the Three Pigs, Humpty Dumpty, Simple Simon and Rose Red, who accompany Red through Sherwood Forest. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.

July 25-30: “Once on This Island,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO presents this highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.” Tickets start at $29.

July 28: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

July 28: Final Fridays Disco Golf Party, Schenley Park and Schenley Plaza. Gather with friends or family to play 18-holes on Schenley Park’s classic disc golf course. Then, head to Schenley Plaza where you’ll putt the 19th Hole and join the after party. Begin at the 19th Hole with rental discs, discs for sale, and putting practice on the Final Friday of each month through October. Best for ages 14 and older. No registration required.

July 28: E-Parks, Schenley Plaza. Join like-minded gamers as you play video games projected on the Schenley Plaza Oval Tent, Smash Brothers tournament with giveaways, all while listening to beats from a guest DJ. This all-ages event is sponsored by Schell Games. Registration is free.

July 30: Azure Family Concert Series, Schenley Plaza. This concert takes place in a sensory-friendly environment that features live music, during which audience members are welcome to sit, stand, walk around and dance. All behaviors are welcome. Registration is free.

AUGUST

Aug. 4: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

Aug. 7-16: “Cinderella Caterpillar,” South Park Theatre. This savvy spoof turns the age-old “Cinderella” love story into a modern-day bug story with a fresh and original twist. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.

Aug. 8-13: “Guys and Dolls,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh CLO presents this popular musical that features some of Frank Loesser’s most memorable tunes. Tickets start at $29.

Aug. 11: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

Aug. 11: Plant Walks, Allegheny Commons West. Join community herbalist Annie Fox on a slow, one-mile walk to learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Registration is free.

Aug. 12: Super Science Saturday: Land of the Giants, Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Kids can take a closer look at some of the largest specimens in the museum’s collection, from mammoths to giant geodes. Learn how our planet has supported enormous organisms like T. Rexes and sequoias throughout geologic time. Activities included with museum admission.

Aug. 12: High Tea, Schenley Park Visitors Center. Sip an endless pot of hot tea or hot chocolate while tasting sweet and savory treats catered by Mana Meals. Registration is $50 for adults, $20 for kids. Ticket sales support the parks.

Aug. 12: 18^th Century Firearms & Accoutrements, Oliver Miller Homestead. All citizens of the 18th century would have been acquainted with the items and procedures that will be displayed at this event. Admission is $2.

Aug. 13: Kids Day, Schenley Plaza. Enjoy Kids Day activities like a balloon artist, crafts, special guests and performers, plus rides on the PNC Carousel. Best for families with kids younger than 8. Free, no registration required.

Aug. 13: Nature Play Date, Frick Environmental Center. Families are invited to participate in fun activities in the nature play space and mud kitchen. Registration is free.

Aug. 17-27: “Willie Wonka Jr.,” Little Lake Theatre Company. Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory lights up the stage in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. The show features songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of new tunes. Best for ages 3 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for those younger than 16.

Aug. 18: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

Aug. 19: Vintage Base Ball Day, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. Come watch a 19^th-century base ball game  (originally two words) with the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder and the Addison Mountain Stars who will use 1860s rules. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Free with general admission.

Aug. 19: Rock, Reggae and Relief, Forbes Avenue, Downtown. This benefit music festival brings reggae tunes, unity and feel-good vibes to benefit Catapult Greater Pittsburgh.

Aug. 19: Junior Garden Bugs, Frick Environmental Center. Join naturalist educators in the From Slavery to Freedom Garden for a story, take a look at what is growing in the garden and use garden materials as paint for an art project. Registration is free.

Aug. 24: Sloth Birthday Party, The National Aviary. Kids can sign a card and enjoy sloth-related activities and coloring sheets. Included with aviary admission.

Aug. 25: Story Time, Schenley Plaza. Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration required.

Aug. 26: SkyWatch, Carnegie Science Center. Connect with the night sky with a planetarium performance and live views through a rooftop telescope. Tickets are $12.

Aug. 26: The Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival, The Stacks at 3 Crossings, Strip District. Expect more than 25 food vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Admission begins at $13.

Aug. 26-Oct. 1: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, West Newton. Look forward to 16^th-century music, magic and merriment, including jousting competitions, themed weekends and a cast of hundreds.  Admission prices to be announced.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 7-24: “Lord of the Flies,” Little Lake Theatre Company. This thrilling classic looks into the darker parts of human nature where it’s civilization vs. savagery and the mob vs. morality. Best for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for those younger than 16.

Sept.8-10: Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Carrie Blast Furnaces, Homestead. Get a big taste of Ireland with music, dancing, food and vendors. Tickets are $17-$25, kids younger than 12 are free.

Sept. 9: Second Saturdays: Preserving Harvest. Meadowcroft Shelter and Historic Village. Explore the topic of preserving harvest with immersive and educational activities. Included with general admission. Candle-dipping is $3.

Sept. 10: Kids Day, Schenley Plaza. Enjoy Kids Day activities like a balloon artist, crafts, special guests and performers, plus rides on the PNC Carousel. Best for families with kids younger than 8. Free, no registration required.

Sept. 14: Calliope House Concert Series, Schenley Plaza. Calliope is a nonprofit educational and presenting organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional and contemporary folk music and its allied arts.

Want more Pittsburgh summer events? Check out our daily events calendar!