This month, spring has officially sprung (we rarely get snow in April, though it has happened). That means the city is teeming with events designed to help Pittsburgh-area families explore the outdoors as nature wakes up around us. There are also plenty of indoor events, too, mostly free, for those inevitable chilly or rainy days.

It’s also high school musical season, so don’t forget to see what local shows are happening near you. It’s a great, low-cost way to introduce your kids to theater.

Check out this crop of top April events:

April 1: Early Childhood Morning at the National Aviary

Geared toward children under the age of 5, with their caregivers, kids can experience a fun and engaging morning with art activities, sensory play and books to read. After playtime, families can explore the vibrant world of birds in the Aviary’s immersive habitats. These activities will also occur on May 6, and are included with Aviary admission.

April 3 and 17: Animal Encounters at Schenley Park Visitors Center

Stop by between 2 and 4 p.m. for a live animal meet and greet presented by local wildlife rescues and other local partners. This Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy drop-in program is free and reservations are not required.

April 3-5: Jurassic Quest at the Monroeville Convention Center

This three-day event brings dinosaurs to life with robotic marvels that growl, roar, hiss and interact with the audience. There is also less-scary fun at this event, including a fossil dig, bounce houses and more. There are accommodations for visitor with disabilities that can be found here. Tickets begin at $30.

Photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest.

April 5: Bunny Family Fun Cruise with the Gateway Clipper Fleet

Enjoy great music and dancing as the DJ plays the “Bunny Hop” and other fun songs. Kids will receive a special treat from the Easter Bunny, and there are snacks available for purchase. Tickets are $35, $20 for ages 3-12, $5 for ages 2 and younger.

April 8: Sensory Friendly Time at the National Aviary

This experience is designed for those with sensory processing needs that may make enjoying the Aviary difficult on a typical day. Sensory Bags from KultureCity, each equipped with headphones, fidget toys and other items, are available to borrow, and a helpful sensory guide to the sights, sounds, and climate of the National Aviary’s habitats can be viewed in advance at aviary.org.  Advance registration is required. Call 412-258-9439 or visit aviary.org for more information.

KultureCity bags are available at the National Aviary.

April 9 and 14: Launch into Girl Scouts

Over two days, there will be four sessions at parks around Allegheny County where kids can gather together and explore STEAM activities together with a NASA theme. Membership in Girl Scouts is not required to attend. (Though if you haven’t yet found a troop to join, Girl Scouts of Southwestern PA can help you do that before the event.) This event is free, and more info can be found here.

April 10-12: “Spring Mix” at the August Wilson Cultural Center

“Spring Mix” features the work of some of the world’s most thrilling choreographers, including the Pittsburgh premiere of Mark Godden’s “Angels in the Architecture,” set to Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” The production will also feature a world premiere from acclaimed choreographer Garrett Smith, among other pieces. Tickets start at $33.

April 11-12: Vintage Tech Fest at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

If you’ve got a kid who is into gadgets, this event will be right up their alley. Guests will be able to explore antique radios, typewriters, printing presses, Victrolas and phonographs from the trolley era. There will be a chance to meet the exhibitors and see the passion they have for their hobbies. This event is included with museum admission.

April 17: Parents Night Out at Attack Theater

Have a date night or dinner with a friend in Lawrenceville, and let Attack Theater do the babysitting. From 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., kids will celebrate our planet with an evening of eco-friendly fun. The night will be filled with nature-inspired dance games, upcycled art projects, and imaginative play centered on our big, beautiful world. Tickets are $30. 

April 18: “Fiddlesticks: Sing, Dance, Play” at Heinz Hall

What happens when you mix a cuddly cat, a stage full of musicians, and your favorite songs from movies, musicals, and TV? You have a concert for kids that is all about the joy of music and how it brings us together. Fiddlesticks is the perfect way to introduce kids to symphony with its zany, family-friendly shows.  Tickets start at $24.

April 18: Love Pop Kids Cruise with the Gateway Clipper Fleet

Join a pop princess and dance bop duo singing favorite K POP jams as they fight against evil with a friendly tiger sidekick. The 2-hour tour includes a DJ and live entertainment. Tickets are $35, $25 for ages 3-12, $5 for ages 2 and younger.

Photo courtesy of Gateway Clipper Fleet.

April 18: RecycleFest at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Celebrate Earth Month by exploring all of the ways we can help our planet. Learn about recycling through games and resources, get inspired by artists who use recycled materials in their work, meet local organizations who keep the trash out of landfills. You can also visit MuseumLab to see the Youth Recycled Art Showcase, featuring pieces created by students in grades K-12, and enjoy a reception. This event is included with museum admission and you can save on that, too: Bring 6 or more empty, clean aluminum cans and receive ONE FREE adult admission to the Children’s Museum and Recycle Fest. Limit one free adult admission per family.

April 18: Medieval Magick Faire

This all-ages event is where fantasy meets medieval. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., see live mini-shows and battle demos. You can also do some magical shopping at the All American Field House in Monroeville. Tickets begin at $15 for kids 13 and up, and up to four kids are free with each adult ticket. Find more info here.

April 23-25: NFL Draft 

This year, Pittsburgh is home to the NFL Draft, which will bring thousands of visitors to the city. It’s free to attend, but you need to register via the NFL One app (you’ll choose a number of kids to register under each adult profile, but kids do not need their own registration). Visit Pittsburgh has a great guide to the whole weekend right here. (The other option that weekend, of course, is to stay far from the North Shore to avoid the chaos with kids!)

Courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.

April 23-25: Pitt Block Party at the NEW Arts Landing

Have you heard about the Arts Landing along the Allegheny River in the Cultural District? While the Draft will be the first event to utilize the space, the landing features Downtown’s first playground, plus pickleball courts, a lawn and stage for entertainment, and more. The Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing will complement the Draft’s nearby location and schedule, alongside other “PicksBURGH” attractions. The event will offer an immersive football experience that celebrates Pitt’s longstanding football legacy. Admission is free.

April 25: Frick Park Bioblitz – City Nature Challenge at the Frick Environmental Center

Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin and Ecological Restoration Manager Brandon McCracken on a walk to document the biodiversity of Frick Park. A smartphone or digital camera is recommended to take pictures. Expect a walk of about one mile on a paved surface and natural trail with varied slopes. Registration is free.

Before you go, take a moment and sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter. As more warm-weather events hit the local social calendar, you’ll be among the first to know.