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Dogs to S'Mores: 25 Best Events For Families in Pittsburgh this August

Celebrating our youth, our girlfriends, and much more in August!

By Emily Papa, Macaroni KID Pittsburgh Publisher August 3, 2022

Those hot days of August are upon us — and we're loving all this time outside with our kiddos! But it also feels like summer is drawing to a close, with the start of a new school year just around the corner. For families in Ambridge, Avalon, Bellvue, Bulger, Crafton, Carnegie, Clinton, Cuddy, Coraopolis, Eldersville, Greentree, Joffree, Heidelberg, Imperial, Ingram, Langeloth, Leetsdale, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Midway, Morgan, Moon, Neville Township, Noblestown, Pittsburgh, Presto, Robinson, Sewickley, Slovan, Southview and Sturgeon, PA and the cities in between, here are 25 holidays and events and the best things to do with kids in Pittsburgh that you and your family can mark this August.


1. World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week, supported by UNICEF and the World Health Federation in more than 120 countries, was created with the goal to provide support for breastfeeding moms everywhere. Aug. 1-7


 FatCamera via Canva


2. National Girlfriends Day 

Sounds like a good excuse for a night out with your BFFs! Aug. 1


 Jupiterimages via Canva


3. McSummerfest

The 30th annual McSummerfest runs through August 6th. Free admission, parking, and entertainment. One-price rides by Tropical Amusements Tuesday through Saturday 6-11. All entertainment begins at 7:30. Through August 6th


4. National Night Out

National Night Out, observed annually on the first Tuesday of August, is a night for community building. Aug. 2


Monkey Business Images via Canva


5. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act

In honor of the Great American Outdoors Act that was passed in 2020, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Pack a picnic, get the kids in the car and take a day or weekend trip to your favorite National Park for Free Entrance Days in the National Parks. August 4th


6. The Moraine State Park Regatta

The 2022 Regatta on Moraine State Park’s South Shore will be held on Lake Arthur with a weekend of free, family fun! August 5-7


7. Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Front Porch Day

Overrun by zucchini from your garden? If you don't think you can sneak some into your kids' smoothie, sneak some onto your neighbor's porch today, (Yep, there's really a day for this!) Aug. 8


Pexels via Canva


8. National S'mores Day

That's right. Give me s’more. We’ve got more than a dozen takes on this ooey, gooey, delicious summertime treat. Learn how to make perfect s'mores and then check out this idea for a s'mores buffet to help you find your favorite combination! Aug. 10


 KarenUpNorth via Canva


9. International Youth Day

International Youth Day, a day designated by the United Nations, is an opportunity to celebrate the involvement of young people in issues worldwide, ranging from the political to the environmental. Take the opportunity to ask your kids what they think the most pressing issues of today are. You might be surprised by their insights. Aug. 12


 Yurii Sliusar via Canva


10. Kindergarten: Here I Come

Kindergarten is a big transition for our youngest learners. At this annual event hosted by the Children's Museum, children entering kindergarten in the fall can experience a day full of fun activities, resources and learning. This event is free for kids going into kindergarten however registration is required. Read more details here.  August 13th


11. FlightFest

Flight Fest, held at Washington County Airport is an event that is filled with family fun for everyone. Plane rides, live music, bounce houses, food trucks, touch-a-truck and more! Free admission. August 13th


12. Pittsburgh Neighbor Nights at the Aviary

Pittsburgh Neighbor Nights include full access to the National Aviary’s immersive habitats, meet and greet opportunities with beautiful birds, and a take-home craft activity! Best of all, admission is free! August 18th


13. Teen Night at the Carnegie Science Center

Join the Carnegie Museum of Natural History for a teen event centered on sustainability. Explore the museum, learn how scientists study the impacts of climate change on plants and animals, and hear from local organizations about ways you can take action for the climate. Nature’s Amazing Machines, the limited-time traveling exhibit, will be free to all teens at this event—plus light refreshments! August 18th


14. Findlay Township Fair in the Woodlands

The Findlay Township "Fair in the Woodlands" is held in the scenic wooded area of Clinton Community Park. The fair is organized by the Findlay Township Fair Board and staffed by many volunteers, employees, and vendors. The "Fair in the Woodlands" features food, games, exhibits, entertainment, craft demonstrations, parade, fireworks, children's activities, 5K Race / Fun Walk. Those wishing to participate must register at this website. August 19-21


15. Garden Bros Circus

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus is coming to Pittsburgh and MacKID readers can get tickets for JUST $14.50 for an adult AND child Ticket with this CertifiKID Deal. It's time for a much-overdue outing with your family! With over 60 performers in 3 rings, this all-new show features: Human Cannonball, Wheel of Death, Motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Human Slingshot, Chinese Acrobats, Clowns, Comedy and more! August 18th to 21st


16. MessFest

It’s time for MESSY SCIENCE at the Carnegie Science Center! End the summer with science and spend a day full of hands-on, interactive experiments that teach real scientific principles at the Carnegie Science Center MessFest. August 20th


17. Pittsburgh Public Schools Back-to-School Event

Every year, Pittsburgh Public School's welcome thousands of families to an event designed to equip families with the resources necessary to achieve a healthy start to the 2022-2023 school year.  Presented by PNC, #PittsburghForPPS is open to all current Pittsburgh Public School students and will take place in the North Shore at Gold Lot 1 (W. General Robinson Street) and Acrisure Stadium from 11 AM - 3 PM.  August 22


18. Pluto Demoted Day

This commemorates that day in 2006 when it was announced poor Pluto had been demoted from its planetary status. Have kids interested in space? It's the perfect time to pique your kids' interest with the James Webb Space Telescope sending back unbelievable pictures. Follow the telescope and its latest images on NASA's site and keep your eyes open for meteors the whole month of August. Aug. 24


 Science Photo Library via Canva


19. Dog Day 

Celebrate the pup in your life today! Don't have one? Stop at your local animal shelter for a pet, or to give a donation. Aug. 26


Damedeeso via Canva


20. Women's Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day marks the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted the right to vote to women. We still have a ways to go to achieve equity ... and voting has never been so important. Exercise that right! Aug. 26


 LPETTET via Canva


21. Teen Silent Disco

Get your groove on at Carnegie Science Center’s teen-only Silent Disco in scenic PointView Hall! Throughout the night, enjoy dancing, activities in the main lobby, refreshments, and admission to Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World—plus live music within the exhibit. August 26th


22. South Fayette Community Day

Find your family fun in Fairview Park with South Fayette Community Day back in action! There will be vendor, food, live entertainment and more for all to enjoy! August 27th


23. Babies & Bumps

Calling all new and soon-to-be moms. This is an even't you won't want to miss!  Babies & Bumps events are key to preparing for pregnancy, birth, and life with a baby. Learn from experts and tap into a world of resources for every situation you’ll face as a new parent. Book through MacaroniKID and receive 25% off your admission rates. August 27th


24. Anniversary of 'I Have a Dream' Speech 

Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I Have a Dream” speech on this day in 1963. Today, with your kids, read the speech and talk about King's message. How far have we come? How far do we have to go? Aug. 28


25. Countdown to Summer

The end of summer will be here before we know it. Lucky for you, we have plenty of ideas to keep you busy and things to do with kids in and around Pittsburgh to keep you active until the last minute. Get your free printable here and make these last days of summer in Pittsburgh count!


Don't forget to check the MacKID calendar for more things to do with kids in the Pittsburgh West area and subscribe to our newsletter, so you can get the best things to do with kids in Pittsburgh delivered right to your inbox each week.