July starts with a bang with fireworks and Independence Day celebrations. A laser-light-fueled monster truck show and a Furry parade bring cool excitement. The fun continues with a dinosaur birthday party and an amazing story that starts with flip-flops.
There’s lots more ahead for Pittsburgh kids. Here’s the lineup:
1. July 4 and 7: Independence Day celebrations
Head to Point State Park for a full day of free holiday fun. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. with the raising of a 36-foot flag at Fort Pitt Block House, Pittsburgh’s oldest building. Fourth at the Fort includes tours of a replica of George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent and living history demonstrations.
Hang around for the Independence at the Point party beginning at 4 p.m. Live music, line dancing and free family activities will fill the evening with food concessions throughout the park. Squonk will perform its rollicking sensation, “Brouhaha,” at 5 and 7 p.m. The day finishes with booming, sparkling fireworks at 9:35 p.m.
Across the river, Kamin Science Center hosts Explosive Science, offering exceptional views of fireworks, activities, live entertainment, a buffet picnic dinner and a 21+ rooftop party. Pick your party level with tickets ranging from $79-$139.
Farther afield, the Independence Day Celebration at Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village joins the merriment with 18th-century historical demonstrations and period games. Free with general admission.
Oliver Miller Homestead carries its holiday acknowledgment to July 7 with Liberty Day, recognizing the Miller boys’ involvement in the Revolutionary War. Raise a Liberty Pole to honor vets who’ve served throughout the years. A reading of the Declaration of Independence is followed by firing guns and a round of firecrackers. Admission is $2.
2. July 6: Fursuit Parade and Anthrocon Block Party, Downtown
We love it when the Furries come to town – and they love Pittsburgh, too. Anthrocon has made the David L. Lawrence Convention Center its gathering spot since 2006. It’s fun to catch a glimpse of a Furry strolling through Downtown sidewalks, and you can see a whole army of Furries at the annual Anthrocon Parade, where the friendly critters pause for selfies and high-fives. The parade starts at 2 p.m., leaving the convention center and heading down Penn Avenue. The march stops between 9th and 11th streets for the Block Party, where the public can interact with Furries while savoring eats and refreshments from food trucks and other concessions.
3. July 7, 14, 21, 28: Guided Hike: Explore the Farm, Round Hill Farm
Join the Allegheny County Park rangers for an all-ages guided hike to learn about the resident animals at Round Hill Farm, part of the county parks system. Visit with this year’s baby animals, such as a velvety calf, cute pigs and chirpy chicks. The walk covers about a half-mile on a paved surface, making it easily accessible for little legs and strollers. Registration is free.
4. July 8-17: “Snow White and the Seven Fairy Godmothers,” South Park Theatre
Fractured fairy tales give the best laughs with silly plot twists of familiar stories. “Snow White and the Seven Fairy Godmothers” makes us smile just from hearing the play’s title. There’s the expected wicked stepmother and Magic Mirror but instead of hiding out with a bunch of dwarves, Snow White is trapped in a cottage with a gaggle of blundering fairy godmothers. Surprise appearances by Sleeping Beauty and her Prince Charming confuse the plot even more. Expect laughs and a happy ending. South Park’s outdoor theater welcomes picnics and lawn chairs for a relaxing outing. Admission is $5, free for ages 3 and younger.
5. July 12-13: Whiskey Rebellion Festival, Washington
The annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival offers a weekend history lesson packed with reenactments, theater performances, music, food and adult libations. Tours of The Bradford House and the Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center will be offered on July 12. Kids will get a whiskey-free taste of history in the Li’l Rebels area. They can try their skill at writing with a quill and experience old-timey games from the 18th century like rolling hoops, quoits, cup-and-ball and stilts. Chores from the era are another way to learn about life for kids from yesteryear. Kids can put effort into beating rugs and doing laundry by hand with a washboard. Less exerting, but just as entertaining are Bob the Juggler and Storytelling by Robert. Festival admission is free.
6. July 12, 13, 18, 23: Dippy’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Andrew Carnegie supported the 1899 Wyoming expedition that discovered our beloved Dippy – Diplodocus carnegii – and was honored with the name. Plaster replicas of Dippy can be viewed in museums all over the world, but we boast the real deal here. Dippy was so massive, the museum was forced to expand its exhibition halls, leading to it being known as “the house that Dippy built.” Here are the kid-focused events:
July 12: Discovering Dippy: The Dinosaur That Changed the World. The all-day event includes talks by scientists, historians and museum professionals.
July 13: Super Science Saturday: Dippy’s Jurassic World. A Jurassic party includes excavation in Bone Hunter’s Quarry and learning how scientists bring specimens back from the field.
July 18: Teen Night: Dippy 125. Jurassic-themed activities reveal why the discovery of Dippy was such an important event. And enjoy a snack in the teens-only lounge.
July 23: Dippy & Friends: A Virtual Event. Join dinosaur curator Matt Lamanna to learn about the amazing animals that shared Dippy’s world some 150 million years ago.
7. July 13: Story Saturday: “FlipFlopi,” Carnegie Museum of Art
“FlipFlopi: How a Boat Made From Flip-Flops is Helping to Save the World,” by Linda Ravin Lodding and Dipesh Pabari, is based on a true story about a special Kenyan dhow boat. In 2017, 30,000 flip-flops and other pieces of plastic were collected from the Kenyan coast, melted down, shaped and carved into the dhow. Named FlipFlopi and weighing in at 7 tons, the boat demonstrates how innovation and resolve can create new uses for old plastic. Kids will enjoy a storytime reading of “Flipflopi,” followed by a hands-on craft. Best for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free with museum general admission.
8. July 13-14: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party, PPG Arena
This explosive event goes beyond the usual monster truck mayhem, adding a laser light show, dance parties and special effects. Popular Hot Wheels Monster Trucks are the stars of the show with a lineup that includes Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Mega Wrex and Bigfoot. There’s even a new firetruck called HW 5-Alarm. Kids will go wild watching a transforming robot, the freestyle motocross team and Hot Wheels giveaways. Tickets for kids start at $10. Discounts are available for family four-packs.
9. July 19-Sept. 1: “Young Frankenstein,” Greer Cabaret Theater
“He’s alive!” This monstrous, pun-loving musical is an adaptation of Mel Brooks’ hilarious movie. When Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits his grandfather’s Transylvania castle, the young scientist discovers Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s laboratory and notes on regenerating life. As he works with the assistance of Igor (pronounced Eye-gore), the beautiful Inga and housekeeper Frau Blucher (cue horse neighing) to bring the monster to life, you’ll be screaming with laughter. Musical numbers keep the pace rolling along, leading to the toe-tapping “Putting on the Ritz” number. The show, produced by Pittsburgh CLO, plays in the renovated Greer Cabaret Theater. Best for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $75.
10. July 20, 21, 27, 28: Breakfast with the Animals, Pittsburgh Zoo
Celebrate Christmas in July with the zoo’s Breakfast with the Animals. Get an early – really early! – start on the holiday season. Your up-close experience will include visits from the zoo’s education ambassador animals and their handlers. Your ticket includes a full-day visit to the zoo, where you can wander the exhibits and see some of your favorite animals enjoying their special holiday breakfast treats. Tickets are $40, $10 for those younger than 2.
Bonus events
July 13, Aug. 10: Penny Arcade: Kids Comedy Show, Arcade Comedy Theater
July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8: Kids Day, Schenley Plaza
July 17, Aug. 4: Princess Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet
July 18-21: Picklesburgh, Downtown
July 28: Pressley Ridge Ice Cream Fundae, Pittsburgh Zoo