The May calendar opens up with loads of free family-focused festivals, exciting new exhibits and special tributes to moms on Mother’s Day.
These can’t-miss events will keep your kids running on high octane.
1. May 2-22: Remake Learning Days, multiple locations
An explosion of creative educational events and hands-on activities are planned for this year’s Remake Learning Days. Kids from pre-K to high school will be engaged and entertained by more than 350 free, in-person and virtual happenings. In their quest for joyful experiences, families can choose from six themed areas: Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology and Youth Voice. Build a robot, code an art spinner, direct a film or be a scientist. The activities happen at schools, museums, libraries and tech companies. Registration is required for individual events.
2. May 4-Sept. 8: Summer Flower Show: Under the Sea, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
What a concept! The glass Victorian halls of Phipps will be transformed into a walkable aquarium with undersea delights like a treasure chest filled with gold coins, tropical fish made of flowers and a giant pearl inside an oyster. Pass below a canopy of glowing jellyfish and check out the topiary seahorses. Sea-loving kids will get a kick out of the animatronic shark, 16-foot whale and colossal octopus. While you’re there, stop in the Butterfly Forest, which opens on May 4. Phipps admission is $21.95 for grownups, $19.95 for seniors, $13.95 for ages 2-18.
3. May 4: Music of “Star Wars,” Heinz Hall
“May the Fourth be with you” on May 4 when you join other “Star Wars” fans on its special holiday. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will play pieces from the rousing and unforgettable John Williams’ Oscar-winning score. The music we know so well — think “The Imperial March” and “Yoda’s Theme” — has captivated audiences for 47 years. What a treat for young fans to hear it live. Tickets are $45-$95.
4. May 10-12: Mother’s Day Celebrations, multiple locations
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden hosts a Tea Party and Floral Crown Workshop for ages 5-10 with an adult on May 10. The event includes making floral crowns with fresh flowers. Fancy! Tickets are $20 for kids, $45 for grownups.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will throw a Mommy & Me Dance Party on May 11 at the Trust Arts Education Center. Tickets are $25 per family, up to six family members.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will offer family photo portraits on a first-come, first-served basis from 1-4 p.m. on May 12. Free with admission. Family portraits will also be offered on Father’s Day (June 16) and Parent’s Day (July 28).
Head to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium on May 12 when moms receive free admission when accompanied by their kids.
5. May 17-19: EQT Children’s Theater Festival, Downtown
In its 38th year, the EQT Children’s Theater Festival is the largest festival dedicated to kids in Pittsburgh. Paid tickets are required for the seven theatrical performances, such as “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster,” “Poli Pop” and “Finding North.” Dozens of free activities fill the three days of fun. Look up to see the 200 kites tangled in trees as part of “A Sudden Gust of Wind.” Participate in the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo. Laugh with O’Ryan the Amazing. And move to the groove in the Giant Puppet Dance Party. Reservations are needed for the featured performances, priced at $10, $5 each for two or more tickets. The rest of the festival is free.
6. May 17-19: “Cinderella,” Benedum Center
Tiny dancers – and their big sisters – will get caught up in the beauty and romance of Pittsburgh Ballet’s premiere of Jayne Smeulders’ “Cinderella.” The full-length ballet’s classic choreography is set to Sergei Prokofiev’s 1944 score. Expect exquisite costumes, fantastic sets, magical and wicked characters – plus a fairytale ending. The family-friendly performance includes community programs to engage audience members of all ages. Smeulders will present the opening night preview on May 17. An artist Q&A follows the May 17 and May 18 performances. The family workshop (registration required) on May 18 includes storytime, a craft kit and the chance to learn a dance from “Cinderella.” Tickets start at $29.
7. May 18: Ultimate Play Day, Riverview Park
Playful Pittsburgh and Trying Together team up for this annual event to raise awareness of the benefits of play. Nearly 30 organizations and vendors will gather at the Activities Shelter in Riverview Park to offer games and activities along with playful music from DJ PVO (Positive Vibes Only). Venture Outdoors hosts Backyard Bass and Kayak Cornhole. Play a matching game with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and join a song with the Fred Rogers Institute. Guided walking tours of Allegheny Observatory will be offered, too. Ultimate Play Day is free, but registration is required.
8. May 18: Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival, Strip District
It’s the cheesiest! No worries about what the kids will want to eat at this outing. The Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival will draw more than 30 variations from chefs, food trucks and food vendors. Live bands will provide the day’s soundtrack. Mom and dad will enjoy sampling Pennsylvania wines and whiskeys. Tickets are $20-$69, free for kids 12 and younger. The mac attack takes place at 3 Crossings in the Strip District.
9. May 25-Jan. 5: The Science Behind Pixar, Kamin Science Center
To infinity and beyond! This interactive exhibit delves into the creative process and STEM skills – science, technology, engineering and math – required to produce Pixar features. More than 50 interactive and hands-on displays fill 1,200 square feet on two stories. Kids can create a robot friend for WALL-E, check out a re-creation of “A Bug’s Life” set and change the appearance of a vehicle from “Cars.” Take selfies with favorite characters like Buzz Lightyear, Mike and Sully from “Monsters University” and Dorie from “Finding Nemo.” Timed tickets are separate from Science Center admission priced at $22 for grownups, $20 for seniors and $18 for kids.
10. May 24-25: Chalk Fest, North Shore
Riverlife kicks off the summer season with Chalk Fest, a gathering of 25 chalk artists from more than 12 states. Visitors can watch sidewalks transformed into colorful, temporary art and take part in creating a community mural. Food trucks and vendors will offer eats, drinks and brews, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Riverlife’s efforts to protect and enhance Pittsburgh riverfronts. Chalk Fest takes place on Isabella Street and Allegheny Landing. For added entertainment, stroll along Federal Street to the Pittsburgh Pirates Block Party on May 24 and the Pirates Fun Zone on May 25. Admission is free.
Bonus events
May 1-8: Schooltime: Meet the Orchestra, Heinz Hall
May 4-17: Spring Wildflower Walkabout, Jennings Environmental Education Center
May 11: Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
May 18: How People Make Things opening day, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
May 25-August: Colors in Flight, The National Aviary