In the summertime, my main parenting goal is getting my kids outside and off screens. If it’s sunny, we’re at the pool. If it’s rainy, we’re at a museum. But there’s a limit to how much you can do those things. Inevitably, one of my four kids will be tired of the pool or not in the mood for a museum — or just not in the mood to do anything big. Fortunately, three days a week, we have the Roving Art Cart as an option.

Make The Roving Art Cart a Pittsburgh Summer Tradition

The Roving Art Cart has been bringing art into Pittsburgh’s CitiParks for more than 50 years. As many as three days a week from June through August, the art cart stops at a different local park or playground, bringing with it puppets, painting, clay, chalk and any number of other multimedia options kids can partake in for free.

Recommended for kids ages 5-12, the Roving Art Cart literally has something for everyone in my family, and the activities are more often quality over quantity — my kids aren’t making things I want to throw away as soon as their backs are turned. I’ve been to Roving Art Carts where one of my kids will paint a picture they’ll proudly display for months in their room while another is learning how to silk screen — while another is dressing up in one of Cheryl Capezzuti’s giant puppets. (They all want to join the line for a balloon animal, though, given the option.)

A Parent’s Perfect Outing

Because the Roving Art Cart circulates through the city, we can go multiple times and have a different experience. What kid would turn down an offer of: “Would you like to go to a playground you’ve never been to before and see what kind of fun crafts they have?”

And once we get there, it’s low-energy on my part. My kids can don a smock and learn to mix paint colors from a volunteer or hop to another booth where someone will help them create a beaded necklace. All I have to do is watch (and I often learn something myself). 

I’ve also never felt rushed. Sure, sometimes another kid is waiting for an easel or your spot at the clay station, but there are enough staff members on hand to help kids along when needed while encouraging creativity. Each kid can explore at their own pace. 

It’s just what a summer activity should be. 

Story and Photography by Lauren Davidson

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