“Discover 40+ Thrilling Winter Adventures for Families in Pittsburgh: Indoor and Outdoor Delights!”

Image by Bryan Conley, courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.

Winter has surely made its presence felt in Pittsburgh, bringing far more than just snow and frigid conditions. Numerous outdoor activities await those willing to embrace the cold and expend some energy. Indoors, you can take your pick from thrilling Monster Jam action, life-sized dinosaurs, and a preview of the Pirates season.

The theaters are also abuzz with comedic, heartfelt, and enchanting performances. Families in Pittsburgh will discover a multitude of thrilling entertainment this winter. Dive into our guide:

Available until Feb. 23: Penguins on Parade, Pittsburgh Zoo. On weekends, crowds convene to see the penguins as they parade in their individual tuxedo style. Be sure to check the weather beforehand to avoid any letdowns. Free with zoo admission.

Now through May 9: Carnegie Lab Drop-In, Carnegie Museum of Art. Join art educators in the Art Studio every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for art-making and sensory activities inspired by the museum’s exhibitions. Free with museum admission. No need for registration.

Jan. 8-March 26: Youth Open Studio, Artist Image Resources. The Andy Warhol Museum’s drop-in Youth Open Studio runs from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Middle and high school students will gain access to screens, ink, transparencies, printers, and Photoshop. Email whiteh@warhol.org to secure a spot.

Jan. 8-spring: Rainforest Retreat, National Aviary. Step away from winter at the Aviary’s latest seasonal exhibition, Rainforest Retreat, where the warm environment features flamingos and other exotic birds fluttering beneath the lush, leafy canopy. Rainforest Retreat is part of general admission.

Jan. 10-Feb. 28: Discussing Art with Kids, Carnegie Museum of Art. Explore the museum galleries with educators who will introduce children ages 3-10 to various artworks, activities, and discussions. The tours are included with general museum admission.

Jan. 11: Kids Trivia Live Podcast, Greer Cabaret Theater. This family-oriented, audience favorite podcast takes the excitement on tour with a live, engaging show. Your children can challenge their knowledge with trivia on family-friendly subjects. Admission is $20. (Additionally, stay tuned for our Kidsburgh Podcast interview with Kacie, coming soon!)

Jan. 11: Trail Expedition, Hays Woods Park. Join Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a refreshing hike. Savor hot cocoa as you navigate the winter scenery and discuss the ecological restoration initiatives shaping the park’s future. Registration is free.

Jan. 11, 18, 19: Guided Hike: Owl Adventure with Park Rangers, various locations. Discover more about owls from Allegheny County Park Rangers on Jan. 11 at North Park or Round Hill Park, on Jan. 18 at Boyce Park or Hartwood Acres, and on Jan. 19 at Harrison Hills. Registration costs $5, or $6 for non-residents of Allegheny County.

Jan.12: Winter Seed Planting, Frick Environmental Center. Join Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Bird Lab staff to learn about the outdoor seed-starting process known as “winter sowing.” All materials, soil, and seeds will be supplied for the program. Participants should expect to bring home 1-3 containers of planted seeds. This program is particularly suited for adults or families with older children aged 8 and above. Registration is $10.

“`html

Jan. 12-March 23: Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and the Young at Heart, Liberty Magic. This 60-minute performance, held on Sunday afternoons, showcases a blend of captivating magic, clean humor, and engaging activities. Admission costs between $25-$40.

Jan. 15 and 29, Feb. 12 and 26, March 12 and 26: Seedlings: Wonderful Winter, Pittsburgh Botanical Garden. A horticulture educator will guide youngsters to explore a different theme each week, covering topics from evergreen trees to winter avifauna. Each session will feature outdoor exploration in the Garden’s various environments, storytelling, crafting, and free playtime. Recommended for children aged 3-6 years. Fee is $15 for children and $20 for adults. An adult guardian is required for every three children.

Jan. 15, Feb. 12, and March 12: Sensory-Friendly Time, National Aviary. Upon arrival, youngsters will be given a KultureCity bag containing essentials like headphones and sensory toys (available for borrowing daily at the Aviary). Children can handle biofacts such as feathers and eggs and enjoy interactive play areas. Registration is mandatory.

Jan. 16-17: “Cat Kid Comic Club,” Byham Theater. This comical musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” offshoot series, “Cat Kid Comic Club,” promises to amuse. Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have established an outstanding club to teach 21 energetic baby frogs how to craft their own comics. Tickets range from $12-$30.

Jan. 17-26: “Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story,” New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts. In 1960, a 6-year-old girl named Ruby Bridges makes history as the first African American to enroll in an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Experience her extraordinary journey as she paves the way for generations to come. Tickets are $39 for adults, $19 for children. The performance on Jan. 17 operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. A sensory-friendly performance is set for Jan. 25.

Jan. 18-19: Frick Winterfest 2025, Frick Pittsburgh. This yearly celebration of the winter season features live shows, art-making activities, historic house tours, delightful treats, and hot drinks from The Café. Discover the full schedule here.

Jan. 18-19: PiratesFest 2025, David Lawrence Convention Center. Celebrate the forthcoming Pirates season with enjoyable activities, immersive games, and chances to meet the Pirates players. Secure your complimentary tickets.
“`

here.

Jan. 18-19: Locomotion Weekend, Kamin Science Center. Train aficionados from across the area converge to fill the Science Center with scaled-down railroad exhibits and train-themed activities. Locomotion Weekend activities are included with general admission.

Jan. 18-19: Paw Patrol Live: “A Mighty Adventure,” Benedum Center. With daring rescue missions, memorable songs, and loads of interactive enjoyment, PAW Patrol’s thrilling new quest will definitely have tails wagging and spectators cheering. Tickets are priced between $31.50 and $181.50.

Jan. 19: Discovery Time: Things with Wings, Frick Environmental Center. Children will discover the diverse range of wings in the animal kingdom. Examine feathers closely, create your own butterfly, or transform into one by wearing butterfly wings. Ideal for ages 3-8 years. Registration is complimentary.

Jan. 20: In the Spirit of Rev. Dr. King: An MLK Day Celebration Through Art & Advocacy, Kelly Strayhorn Theater. KST’s yearly day dedicated to contemplation, unity, and artistic expression begins with events in the lobby, proceeding with performances in the theater. The lineup features Hill Dance Academy Theatre faculty, Guardians of Sound’s Hip Hop Orchestra, and participants from the Los Sabrosos Dance Company. Admission is “pay what moves you” ranging from $0-$25.

Jan. 20: Let Freedom Sing, Kelly Strayhorn Theater. The 18^th annual Let Freedom Sing Concert honors the social justice legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a mix of vocal and instrumental music, alongside spoken word performances. Tickets are “pay what moves you” priced at $2-$50.

Jan. 20: Day Off at the Museum: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Carnegie Museum of Art. Young creators aged 6 to 10 are invited to make the most of their day off from school by immersing themselves in art, education, and enjoyment. Registration is priced at $75.

Jan. 24-25: World of Wheels Custom Car Show, David Lawrence Convention Center. The 64th edition of this show attracts auto enthusiasts for a weekend filled with everything related to custom vehicles. Tickets are $25, $8 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Discounts can be found at O’Reilly Auto Parts. More details here.

Jan. 25: Wonder Workshops: Game Changers, Kamin Science Center. From establishing the rules to creating the game board itself, families will have the opportunity to design their own game. Suggested for ages 6 and up. An adult must accompany the group. Registration costs $70, which encompasses a group of seven players.

Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15: Teen Job Shadow, National Aviary. Teens aged 14-18 who are eager to work with animals are invited to join National Aviary experts behind the scenes for four Saturdays, gaining insights about animal care and conservation. Registration is $299 for this educational series of four sessions.

Jan. 26: Lunar New Year Fair and Show, Carnegie Museum of Art. “Spiral Symphony: A Chorus of Transformation” and “Renewal: The 28th Greater Pittsburgh Lunar New Year Fair and Show” draw inspiration from the Year of the Snake.

Tickets are priced at $25.

Jan. 26: Summer in Winter: An Afternoon of Enjoyment, Buffalo Creek Nature Park. Escape the winter chill with an afternoon of “summer” featuring themed snacks and beverages, alongside an assortment of summer-oriented activities, including creating rainbows, bubble painting, and storytelling. Registration costs $10.

Jan. 28-29: College Fair 2025, David Lawrence Convention Center. Delegates from educational institutions across the nation congregate to showcase their academic programs and motivate students and guests to enroll in their establishments. Registration is complimentary.

Jan. 28-Feb. 2: “Life of Pi,” Benedum Center. Presented with breathtaking visuals, exceptional puppetry, and remarkable stagecraft, “Life of Pi” offers a visually mesmerizing journey that will leave you in wonder and delight. Martel’s remarkable tale of family, perseverance, and survival is recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets range from $38 to $117.

Feb. 1: Family Hike, Powdermill Nature Center. People of all ages will appreciate this refreshing winter trek. Registration is free of charge.

Feb.1: NFL Play 60 Training Camp, Heinz History Center. Children are encouraged to lace up their shoes and enhance their skills during a day filled with enjoyment and wellness. Five levels of activities include mini-NFL training featuring a series of fast-paced drills, physical challenges located throughout the Sports Museum, expressing creativity in the touchdown celebration contest, and competing for prizes and giveaways. Entry is complimentary for individuals aged 17 and younger.

Feb. 1: SnowFest 2025, Boyce Park. This yearly gathering assures a complete day of wintry enjoyment. Compete in the Mini-Junior Olympics for skiing and snowboarding, or challenge your engineering abilities in the Cardboard Box Snow Tubing Derby. Awards will be given to the top three competitors in each category, and the entire family can savor live entertainment and complimentary hot cocoa at the Lodge. Registration for competitors is $10 for each event, along with a lift pass.

Feb. 2: Guided Hike: Groundhog Day with the Park Rangers, Deer Lakes Park. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if it could? Discover this and other facts about the groundhog, often referred to as a whistle pig or a woodchuck. The guided excursion will cover approximately two miles with moderate elevation variations. Bring water and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Registration is complimentary.

Feb. 8: “Goodnight Moon” & “The Runaway Bunny,” Byham Theater. “Goodnight Moon” honors well-known nighttime traditions, while “The Runaway Bunny’s” imaginative story of leaving home garners comforting reactions from his loving mother. Both narratives include lovable rabbit characters, accompanied by the gentle rhythms of bunny dialogue and dream-like visuals. Tickets range from $12 to $25.

Feb. 8: Winterfest 2025, Moraine State Park. Discover the park’s numerous activities and stunning views at the peak of winter. Food and craft vendors will also be available. Entry is complimentary.

Feb. 9: Hike With a Naturalist: Winter Tree ID, Frick Environmental Center. Walk through Frick Park’s woodlands with Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin to enhance your observation abilities with a thorough examination of bark and buds. The hike spans around one to two miles of natural trail and crushed limestone with variable inclines. Sign up is free.

Feb. 9: Guided Hike: Super Bowl Sunday with the Park Rangers, North Park. Accompany the Park Rangers for a hike prior to the major game, learning about five native Pennsylvania animals that serve as NFL team mascots. This hike will be approximately two miles with moderate elevation changes. Bring water and dress suitably for the weather. Sign up is complimentary.

Feb. 14-16: Monster Jam, PPG Paints Arena. Thunderous, crashing, 12,000-pound monster trucks create chaos in fierce contests of speed and skill. Tickets commence at $20.

Feb. 15: Swirl by Swirl, Frick Environmental Center. Spirals are striking, stunning, and enigmatic – and they can be found throughout nature. Join a naturalist educator for a reading of “Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature” by Joyce Sidman, followed by a hike to search for spirals and other shapes in nature. Suitable for ages 3-8. Sign up is free.

Feb. 27-March 2: “The SpongeBob Musical” Youth Edition, Gargaro Theater. When the residents of Bikini Bottom learn that a volcano will soon erupt and obliterate their modest home, SpongeBob and his companions must unite to preserve the fate of their underwater world. Pittsburgh Musical Theater features this Young Artist production. Tickets will be available for purchase on Feb. 4.

Feb. 28-March 2: Jurassic Quest, David Lawrence Convention Center. This dinosaur experience showcases numerous life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Children can ride a dinosaur, excavate fossils, meet baby dinosaurs, and create dino-themed crafts. Timed tickets are priced at $33-$36.

Feb. 28-March 9: “I Never Saw Another Butterfly and The Terezin Promise,” The New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts. Inside the Terezin concentration camp, Austrian artist Friedl Dicker-Brandeis instructs Jewish children to create poems and drawings in clandestine art classes. Experience her dedication, the children’s creativity, and the unquenchable strength of art to inspire hope and healing during the darkest times of the Holocaust. Tickets are $39, $19 for students. The preview on Feb. 28 is pay what you can. A sensory-friendly afternoon performance is scheduled for March 1.

March 4-9: “Kimberly Akimbo,” Benedum Center. Fifteen-year-old Kimberly must maneuver through family turmoil, a rare genetic condition, her first love – and potential felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to discover happiness against all odds and embark on a remarkable journey. Best suited for ages 10 and above. Tickets are priced between $38 and $117.

March 6-9: Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party, PPG Paints Arena. Your child’s favorite Disney figures – including Elsa, Moana, Mickey and Minnie – will perform on ice in this vibrant show. Tickets start at $26.

March 14-15: “Annie,” Benedum Center. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theater enthusiasts that sunshine is always just around the corner. This tribute to family, hope, and the American spirit continues to be the remedy for life’s many challenges. Tickets are available for $38-$125.