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Earth Day — scheduled this year for Saturday, April 22 — is a time to reflect on the beauty of our planet and to get outside. Each Saturday this month, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will be hosting family-friendly activities at various parks in the city to appreciate nature. 

Saturday, April 1

Westinghouse Park, 7051 Thomas Blvd. in North Point Breeze, from noon to 3 p.m. The Conservancy will offer lawn games, balloon artists, free food, nature activities, live music and more. Registration is required only for two programs:

• Meet Me in the Park Children’s Activities 

This program is best for families with children younger than 8. Register here.

• Trees and History Walk

Learn about the history of the origins of Westinghouse Park and explore the trees and other nature with naturalist educator Nyjah Cephas. This program is best for teens and adults (ages 14+). The hike meets at the entrance of Westinghouse Park on North Murtland Street across from Starling Way. Register here.

Saturday, April 8

Allegheny Commons, North Side. 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. 

Expect lawn games, balloon artists, free food, nature activities and live music. Y on the Fly, the mobile YMCA van that offers pop-up summer activities, also will be on hand. 

Registration is required only for these two events: 

• Story Hike: Planting a Rainbow

Children will listen to a reading of “Planting a Rainbow,” a book by Lois Ehlert, and will create a colorful display on the paths with sidewalk chalk to welcome spring. This program meets at Lake Elizabeth. Register here.

• Meet Me in the Park Children’s Activities

These will be held near Lake Elizabeth. Register here.

Saturday, April 15

McKinley Park, nestled between Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover, Bon Air and Knoxville neighborhoods. Noon to 3 p.m.

You’ll find lawn games, balloon artists, free food, nature activities, live music and more.  Y on the Fly, the mobile YMCA van that offers pop-up summer activities, also will be on hand. 

Registration is required for the following activities: 

• Hike with a Naturalist: Spring Mushrooms

Join naturalist educator Stephen Bucklin or Jim Tunney on a mushroom walk in McKinley Park to learn about the different varieties. Participants will pick up trash along the way. Meet at the entrance near 900 Delmont Ave. Register here.

• Meet Me in the Park Children’s Activities

This program meets at 900 Delmont Ave. at the Shelter House. Register here.

Saturday, April 22

Schenley Plaza, Oakland, Noon to 3 p.m.

The event will include lawn games, balloon artists, free food, nature activities, live music and more. Y on the Fly, the YMCA van that offers pop-up summer activities, will also be there. 

Registration required only for: 

• Meet Me in the Park Children’s Activities

This program is best for families with younger children, under 8. Register here.

Saturday, April 29

August Wilson Park, 1803 Cliff St., Hill District, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You’ll find lawn games, balloon artists, free food, nature activities, live music and more. There also will be a City Nature Challenge Demo.

Registration is required only for: 

• Meet Me in the Park Children’s Activities

This program is best for families with younger children, under 8. Register here.

To learn more about the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and their upcoming events, find a full calendar here.