Family events in Pittsburgh, PA

The Salvation Army CVSC is hosting a back to school celebration featuring backpacks filled with school supplies for school-age children who live within its service area. Items are available while supplies last. See the attached flyer for eligibility information and additional details.

Enter a submarine challenge where a mysterious presence on the Ohio River sets the scene, and teams work together to help the USS Requin break free. Collaborate to solve puzzles and gather clues throughout the sub in a new installment of the escape room series. This experience requires full mobility. It is intended for adults and for participants ages 13 and up when accompanied by an adult, and young children are not permitted on board during escape rooms. Weather and river conditions may affect the program. Advance tickets are required, and walk-up entry is not available.

Fridays on Deck is a free weekly gathering that welcomes youth and their families throughout the summer, building a supportive place for safety and kinship among neighbors. Guests can enjoy free food, games, and activities for everyone. The series began in 2022 at Liberty Green park after Pittsburgh youth asked for a space to spend time together without being over-policed. 1Hood worked with young people through its We Keep us Safe program to create summertime events for youth of all ages. Now in its fifth year, Fridays on Deck has grown to include the Hill district's Kennard Park and Hazelwood Burgwin.

The Homewood Walk-In Food Distribution provides a choose-as-you-go experience with a variety of loose grocery items. Participants move through a line and pick what suits their household, including fresh produce, shelf-stable staples, and frozen proteins offered in portions sized for families. Vegetarian options are part of the selection.

Brookline Breezefest is a community celebration along Brookline Boulevard in Pittsburgh that highlights neighborhood spirit and support for local small businesses. With a family friendly focus and things to do for kids, it brings the Brookline community together and showcases ways to enjoy the boulevard.

The 3rd Annual Backpack Bonanza focuses on helping local students and families get ready for the new school year with backpacks filled with essential supplies. The event takes place at the West View office, and food is being donated by Center Avenue Slice. Advance registration is encouraged to secure a backpack, while walk-ins are welcome and distribution will be first come, first served while supplies last. Pre-registration also helps organizers plan quantities so there are enough backpacks and supplies for every student who attends. School supply donations are being accepted at the West View and McCandless offices, and contributions can also be dropped off at partner locations including Ridgewood Church, Dollar General at the Perry Highway and Three-Degree Road locations, West View Brew, Laurel Gardens Tire Service, Game Masters Dragon Roast Cafe, and Ross/West View EMS.

Baptist Temple hosts an annual community day that brings the Homewood community together, welcoming families, children, teens, young adults, and neighbors of all ages. The day features free food, games, giveaways, children’s activities, music, and opportunities for fellowship. Whether attending on your own, with family, or with friends, there is something for everyone, and all are welcome.

Celebrate what Wilkins Parks offer at a community gathering at Lions Park, the third stop on the list. Attendees can enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks along with a variety of activities. Balloon creations by Weird Eric & the Party Animals add extra fun. All offerings are free for Wilkins residents.

Bring your curiosity about model railroading to the Carnegie Modular Railroaders, an all-ages group where you can learn through hands-on activities, collaborate on building a shared layout, and explore the hobby together. The meeting runs from 12:30 to 2:00 PM (instead of the regular 1:30 to 3:00 PM). Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

Now in its thirteenth year, this family-focused celebration at the AHN Sports Complex at Cool Springs offers a playful day for children and their families. Activities are designed to spark joy, build friendships, and encourage teamwork, creating a welcoming space to have fun and connect. The event also celebrates community, family, and goodwill. All proceeds support youth enrichment programs, including providing school supplies for children in need.

Settle in for a Kitty Queen–style Slumber Purr-ty, an overnight experience in the main cat room surrounded by friendly rescue cats. Participants can enjoy snacks and beverages, play interactive games, and make a craft to take home. The evening begins with arrival in pajamas, followed by pizza and salad for dinner and a round of activities. When it is time to rest, guests tuck in for a cozy night with purrs and cuddles. In the morning, a light breakfast is served and there is time to visit with the kitties before heading out. This event is recommended for children ages 6 to 12. The ticket includes registration for one child and their adult, and adults spend the night too. Please bring a sleeping bag and pillow, a sleeping pad, comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, and a love for cats.

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds host Sacramento Republic FC for a soccer matchup in Pittsburgh. A Hype Train themed collectible will be available as a giveaway while supplies last.

Celebrate summer reading with an outdoor festival filled with music, storytelling, games, crafts, and food trucks, created for readers of every age. Award-winning author and illustrator Melissa Iwai leads a storytime and interactive session centered on A Garden for Lili, exploring urban gardening and how food brings communities together. Complimentary signed copies of her book will be available, one per household while supplies last. Squonk presents Joy Machine, a large scale musical spectacle that invites the crowd to help power the show, setting playful sculptures, whimsical instruments, and kinetic machines in motion alongside a high energy live band. Burghblooms hosts a Bouquet Bar where participants learn about local flowers and craft a mini bouquet. The Frick Pittsburgh guides a collaborative mural inspired by the Summer Reading theme GROW. Pittsburgh Puppet Works brings Inky’s Library Mystery to life, following Inky the Cat and Albert the Dog on a caper at the Purrrsburg Library. Look for activities and experiences with partners such as Animal Friends Therapets, Attack Theatre, Burghblooms, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Center for Creative Reuse, CitiParks, Duolingo, Eat n' Park, Face Paint Pittsburgh, Fund My Future, Hello Bistro, NextGen:Pgh, O'Ryan the O'Mazing, Phipps Conservatory, Pitt Kids' Thinking Lab, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, PSU Extension Master Gardener Program of Allegheny County, Reading is FUNdamental, Reading Ready Pittsburgh, The Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh, The Frick Pittsburgh, The Hood Garden, The Pittsburgh Zoo, and WQED. Food and sweet treats will be available for purchase from Beedle's Ice Cream, El Rincon Oaxaqueño, Fat Cat Mac Attack, Hot Ash Pizza, Kona Ice, Mr. Bulgogi, Nicky's Hot Dogs, Pita My Shawarma, The BoonSeek, The Roaming Bean, and Vaya Mexican Street Food. Purchases support the Library.

Elon alumni, families, and friends gather for an afternoon of baseball at PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates face the New York Mets. Each ticket includes a $5 preloaded credit that can be used for food or beverages at stadium concessions, making it a relaxed family day at the ballpark.

A weekly casual Pokemon gathering for trading and friendly pickup games. Bring binders for trades and a deck if you want to play. The atmosphere is informal, offering time to relax and connect with others who enjoy Pokemon. Singles are not bought or sold, but trading from your own binders is welcome.

Give your child a week of skill building with a kids martial arts camp designed for ages 5 and up. Campers build confidence, discipline, and fitness in a lively setting, and no prior experience is needed. Whether a beginner or already training, each participant receives guidance and motivation to progress throughout the week. The program blends martial arts instruction with conditioning and agility drills, verbal self-defense practice, and energetic dojo games. The fee is $275 for the week. Enrollment is open and space is limited. For questions, email josh@ryeracademy.com.

Dragon Slayers’ Guild presents Pack-a-Sack, a free back-to-school support day for students and their families. Attendees can pick up essential school supplies, learn about DSG programs, and connect with community resources in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Each student will receive a supply pack that includes a backpack, a notebook, pencils, a ruler, and a two-pocket folder. Registration by texting B2S to 412-318-5149 helps with planning, but it is optional. The event will be held at CLP Brookline in Pittsburgh in the meeting room on the lower level. Please note that CLP Brookline is not organizing or sponsoring this event.

Discover new ways to experience the Frick with free, drop-in activities offered weekly throughout the summer. Each visit can bring something new for all ages, including hands-on art projects, explorations of history, storytelling, and playful experiences. Pick up a Summer Explorer passport at the Grable Visitor Center and earn a prize after completing five activities.

Sharpen your game at a three-day basketball camp led by professional trainer Justice Cuthbertson of ICE Academy. Designed for girls in grades 4 through 8, the program blends focused skill building with competitive action and plenty of fun. Sessions take place at Oakland Catholic High School. Participants should come ready to work hard.