Things to Do with Kids at the 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh

The 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be one of the biggest events the city has ever hosted—and it’s not just for football fans. Families will find tons of things to do with kids across the North Shore, Downtown, and beyond, from hands-on football activities and interactive fan zones to live music, cultural events, and kid-friendly experiences. Whether you’re planning a full day exploring Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium or looking for indoor stops like the Carnegie Science Center and Heinz History Center, this guide covers the best family-friendly events, tips, and must-see attractions during 2026 Draft weekend in Pittsburgh.

📍North Shore  

Interactive Fun

• Run the 40-yard dash + test your skills
• Kick a field goal
• Try on real NFL gear
• Meet players + autographs

Photo Ops

• Pose with all 32 NFL team helmets
• Snap pics in jumbo Draft photo frames
• Step into a “Look Like a Pro” uniform mold 

Shopping + Food

• Official NFL Shop
• “Taste of Pittsburgh” food experiences

📍Acrisure Stadium

Kick a Field Goal

Join on-field clinics led by USA Football coaches + NFL players

• First-come, first-served + spots fill fast!

Watch the draft Live on the field

📍Science Center

NFL Experiences - Located in SportsWorks

• Locker Room Experience 
• NFL Museum + Hall of Fame Exhibit

Catch The Football Town film narrated by Pat McAfee—a fun and immersive look at Western PA football culture - Located inside the Science Center at the Rangos Giant Cinema

📍Point State Park - Steelers Country

Hands-On Football Fun

• Run the 40-yard dash
• Test your vertical jump
• Kick a field goal
• Try on real football equipment

Photo Ops 

• Draft stage + red carpet 
• Vince Lombardi Trophy
• Terrible Towel Art Piece
• Immersive Fan Cave - A 1970s-style Pittsburgh basement
• Six Super Bowl Rings Display – Larger-than-life replicas 

Autographs + Fan Experiences

• Player + legend appearances
• Live entertainment + Draft coverage
• Daily shows on the main stage

Food, Drinks + Shopping

• Beverages at the Steelers Nation Unite Bar 
• Official NFL Shop
• “Taste of Pittsburgh” food experiences

‼️ IMPORTANT INFO ‼️

Entry to Draft Experience is FREE, but requires you to download the NFL OnePass. Only adults (18+) need a QR code. The app also gives you schedules, maps, and autograph times.

Strollers ARE allowed (security screening required). 

Nursing areas and changing tables are available.

All fans will go through airport-level screening for entry.

The NFL Clear Bag Policy will be in effect.

Experiential Pitt Football Museum 

Interactive draft showcase highlighting Panther greats and the program’s NFL pipeline

Live music and entertainment

Thursday 4/23
DJ: B-Renn | 10 am-12:30 pm
Live Music: SpinCycle | 1-2 pm & 3-4 pm

Friday 4/24
DJ: Dwayne Moyer | 10 am-12:30 pm
Live Music: Casaundra | 1-2 pm & 3-4 pm

Saturday 4/25
DJ: Todd Griffin // Todd Anthony Group | 10 am-12:30 pm
Live Music: Megan Paullet & HR Department | 1-2 pm & 3-4 pm

Food trucks, beverages, and local vendors

Activity zone

‼️ IMPORTANT INFO ‼️

Entry is FREE

Strollers ARE allowed (security screening required). 

All fans will go through airport-level screening for entry.

The Clear Bag Policy will be in effect.

Steelers-themed bar

• A featured attraction within the square.

Mini-Golf

• Pittsburgh-themed miniature golf.

Live Entertainment

• Various performances throughout the weekend.
• Kick-off Party Wednesday, 22nd: 
  • 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm: DJ Arie Cole
  • 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm: NASH.V.ILL
  • 6:00 pm – 6:50 pm: Big Jus & Steeltown Horns
  • 6:50 pm – 7:00 pm: DJ Arie Cole

Blacksmithing

• Live demonstrations by Rivers of Steel.

Games & Photo Stations

• Interactive experiences and selfie spots.

‼️ IMPORTANT INFO ‼️

Entry is FREE

📍Victoria Gallery, 1st floor of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center 

Stories of standout HBCU athletes who made it to the NFL

Historic memorabilia + cultural artifacts

‼️ IMPORTANT INFO ‼️

$10 suggested donation

Prior to entry all guests and permissible items may be subject to a physical screening and inspection

• Tailgate-Style Games
• Sports-Themed Scavenger Hunts
• Pittsburgh Sports Museum Tour
• Gameday Food + Atmosphere

Pro Football Hall of Fame Pop-Up

• Game-worn jerseys from legends
• Original Steelers first-round draft cards

Museum Shop

• Official NFL Shop
• Pittsburgh favorites like Mister Rogers and Heinz-themed items

‼️ IMPORTANT INFO ‼️

Kids 17 and under are FREE

Open 10 AM – 5 PM during Draft weekend

Hosted by BOOM Concepts

Hands-on sports-themed crafts and activities

Retro Sports Gaming

Indoor Lawn Games

Screen Printing

Live DJs

Female Music Lineup

Limited-edition Women Who Rock items

Photo Ops

Live Music + DJs

• Featuring S.R.G. of The Clarks

Interactive Fun

• Lawn games
• Mini Combine hosted by Union Fitness
• Classic Pittsburgh-style games with YaJagoff

Food, Drinks + Shopping

• Local Vendors at I Made It! Market
• Food Trucks
• Eco-Bistro and Federal Galley Bar

Choreographed drone light show beginning after the last pick (late evening) on Friday night.

Best Viewing Spots

• Point State Park
• North Shore (near the Draft stage)
• Roberto Clemente Bridge
• Mount Washington overlooks

The 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh is more than just a football event—it’s a city-wide celebration filled with family-friendly activities, interactive experiences, and unforgettable moments for kids and parents alike. From running drills at Point State Park to exploring museums, enjoying live music, and discovering hidden gems around the city, there are so many things to do with kids during Draft weekend. Whether you stay for a few hours or make a full day of it, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience Pittsburgh in an exciting and memorable way.

Did we miss something? We’d love to hear from you! If you know of a family-friendly event or activity happening during the 2026 Draft, feel free to share it with us at mackidcityofpittsburgh@macaronikid.com so we can continue helping local families find their fun.