1 -- 2 outdoor festivals --
Hey, yinz guys, git aht-side!
Venture Outdoors celebrates its 20th anniversary with a Pittsburgh accent. Big Day Aht packs a full array of fresh-air programming into a single day on June 5. The 30-plus activities include many that are geared to kids of all ages and abilities. Sign up for a Tyke Hike, a geocaching experience or a Survival Skills Workshop. Bring your pup along for a Doggie Adventure Hike or take an intro class in camping. Many activities are free, but all require registration.
Take a part in the BioBlitz
Explore the biodiversity of Schenley Park with Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ annual BioBlitz Family Fun Festival on June 6.Choose from more than a dozen free activities led by scientists and naturalists. The lineup includes walks that focus on subjects like spiders, fungi and snails. Or kids can try their hand at botanical drawing, learn about birding or enjoy a yoga stretch. Registration is free but required for each activity.
2 - the arts festival
Be the artist at Three Rivers Arts Festival
We’re excited about the return of a more traditional, in-person Three Rivers Arts Festival, running June 4-13. Grownups love the live music, artist market and all that fragrantly tempting festival food. But kids want more to stay engaged. Creative Activities is just the ticket! The Giant Eagle Activity Zone hosts cultural groups that have organized all sorts of hands-on and interactive endeavors. Explore movement with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, make a take-home box instrument with Unisound or mold seed bombs with Union Project. Find storytelling that engages kids though dance, music and dramatic play at EQT Plaza. And stop by Katz Plaza for a group painting session. Not ready to join the crowds? The schedule includes virtual activities, too.
3 -- Drive through a herd of dinosaurs
Your dinosaur-crazed kids will love Jurassic Quest Drive Thru when it makes a Pittsburgh stop during its national tour. More than 70 animatronic dinosaurs will make their home at The Pavilion at Star Lake from June 4-13. Along with a fierce T. Rex, the sail-back Spinosaurus and an intimidating Triceratops, adorable baby dinosaurs will offer a smiling welcome. Through the hour-long tour, an audio guide will offer informative background on the creatures. Dino wranglers will stop by your car for more personal interaction. Boost your kids’ anticipation by downloading free Jurassic Quest activities like a coloring book, word search and foldable projects. Ticket prices range from $39-$80 per car, depending on the date and vehicle size.