Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will celebrate summer with programming for people of all ages designed to foster a deeper connection with nature and the community and ranging from educational outings to family friendly activities.
“Our summer programming guide is a testament to our commitment to providing enriching experiences that celebrate the beauty of our parks and the diversity of our community,” explained Matthew Hileman, director of operations and visitor engagement at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “We invite everyone to join us in exploring, enjoying and preserving these invaluable natural resources.”
Notable events include Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club meetings that offer insights into fungi on June 19, July 16 and Aug. 20 starting at 7 p.m. at the Frick Environmental Center. A summer mushroom walk will take place on June 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with naturalist educator Stephen Bucklin and club members. Participants will meet at the fountain outside the center, and registration is required.
Forest bathing sessions, which provide a unique sensory experience under the moonlit sky, will take place on various dates and times, including some under the summer full moon, at Allegheny Commons, Frick Park and Riverview Park. Registration is required.
Birding events include one on Monday, June 10, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Emerald View Park led by Bucklin. Beginners are welcome, and the walk will begin at the intersection of Beltzhoover and Baily avenues. Registration is required.
For families, a Black Power Storytime will be held on June 19 in the From the Slavery to Freedom Garden at the Frick Environmental Center. The special Juneteenth celebration will feature engaging stories and interactive garden activities.
The summer series kicks off this Sunday with a visit from the world’s most famous nanny, Mary Poppins, and her chimney sweep friend, according to a news release, who will grace the PNC Carousel for a “jolly holiday” and be available for photos until 1 p.m.
On this first Kids Day of the summer, Thousand Bridges Opera Company will present a 30-minute opera at 11:30 a.m., and musical theater program tailored for family audiences under the plaza’s oval tent. Activities such as balloon art, face painting, lawn games and kids crafts will continue until 4 p.m. The PNC Carousel will also offer free rides from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more family entertainment that evening, the CitiParks Office of Special Events, in collaboration with the conservancy, will screen the science-fiction adventure film “Strange World” by Walt Disney Animation Studios at dusk on the Schenley Plaza lawn, weather permitting. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a comfortable viewing experience.
Additional Kids Days will be held this summer from noon to 4 p.m. on July 14 and Aug. 11 at Schenley Plaza with free carousel rides, live performances and interactive fun for families and all ages. Each month these special days will showcase unique entertainment and activities, including character meet-and-greets and participation from local organizations such as Pittsburgh Festival Opera, WQED, the National Aviary, Azure Family Concerts, ZeroFossil Energy Outfitters and more. Detailed schedules will be posted on the conservancy’s website and social media platforms.
Peoples Gas is presenting this community program, too, with additional Kids Days scheduled this fall for Sept. 8 and Oct. 13.
Movie Nights in the Parks will start at dusk on June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14. Check out the titles and more information at pittsburghparks.org/movienight. This program, too, is presented by Peoples Gas.
Adults seeking wellness and community can participate in “Walk with a Doc” sessions led by physicians from UPMC on June 23 and July 28 from 1 to 2 p.m., offering health education and camaraderie in Schenley Park. Participants will meet at the Schenley Park Visitors Center, and the walks occur rain or shine. Registration is required.
Three Rivers Outdoor Co. will lead Yoga in the Plaza every Thursday until September from 6 to 7 p.m. It’s a drop-in, pay-what-you-feel program, according to the program guide. More information is available at 3riversoutdoor.com.
The Parks Conservancy will host two community events this summer at Schenley Plaza. World Refugee Day will take place on June 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. with cultural performances and more. The WYEP Summer Music Festival 2024 is set for all day June 29 and will showcase diverse cultural performances and musical talents. Featured artists include Middle Kids, Oh He Dead, and Jade Bird, plus Ames Harding & The Mirage, Chariot Fade and Mani Bahia.
A complete summer program guide is available online.
Registration for events requiring them can be completed online. For more information, visit pittsburghparks.org/events.
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