Discover a Weekend Wonderland: 10 Unmissable Family Events in Pittsburgh!

If a wintry, frosty week has left your family with an abundance of energy, there are numerous events this weekend to venture out and relish. We have compiled a guide to outdoor fun throughout the area as well as a summary of January happenings if you’ve missed them. Our indoor pool guide has also been refreshed, featuring several choices for swimming this weekend.  For this weekend, here are some of the leading family-friendly activities in and around Pittsburgh:

Friday, Jan. 10: Dew After Dark at Seven Springs, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What could be more thrilling than skiing at night with older children? Skiing with an added boost of energy. Seven Springs is organizing Dew After Dark from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 10 (and additionally on Jan. 25, Feb. 7, and Feb. 28) offering free Mountain Dew for skiers, a DJ, and various entertainment options, plus a chance to win prizes. This event incurs no cost, although a lift ticket is necessary to ski, snowboard, or tube. Check the details here.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Trivia for Kids Live Podcast at the Greer Cabaret Theater, 11 a.m.

This popular podcast is traveling this winter as Kacie and the team visit Bellevue Elementary and then the Greer Cabaret for some local excitement! This family-friendly, audience-favorite podcast brings the fun on the road with an interactive live show. Kids can put their knowledge to the test with quizzes covering family-friendly subjects. Tickets cost $20. (If you’re a podcast enthusiast, don’t forget to check out the Kidsburgh podcast as well!)

Saturday, Jan. 11: Crafting 3D Snowflakes at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join local young artisans Harshitha and Saanvi for this complimentary hands-on workshop where kids ages 10 and older will learn to produce their own charming 3-D paper snowflake decorations. These snowflakes are straightforward to create, yet they add a sophisticated touch to your winter decor. Teenagers and adults are also welcome to participate in this class. Spaces are limited, so register here.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Create & Learn with the Center for Creative Reuse at CLP, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Unleash your creativity and ingenuity with Creative Reuse at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Woods Run location. Examine a variety of distinctive reused materials and discover how to craft beautiful works of art, craft projects, or whatever you can envision while diverting useful materials from the landfill. This event is free, and it’s most suitable for children in elementary school. Get more details here.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Space Chips Die Cut Workshop at CLP, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This complimentary creative workshop is intended for children in elementary school and will be held at the main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. What is Space Chips Die Cut? It’s a straightforward make-and-take arrangement of slot-together, flat pieces of upcycled die-cut cardboard triangles, squares, and pentagons with equal-length slots along their edges that connect with one another to build. Discover more with Dick Esterle in this engaging hands-on workshop. For further information, click here.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Penny Arcade Kids Comedy Show, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Arcade Comedy Theater presents Penny Arcade, an interactive comedy event perfect for children aged 4 to 8, although all ages are invited. This 45-minute show encourages kids and their guardians to tap into their creativity and sense of humor. Penny Arcade nurtures cooperation, listening skills, and playful antics for everyone, regardless of age, through an engaging theatrical approach.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Pokémon Gathering at Robinson Township Library, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Has your child a passion for catching them all? Join librarians and fellow enthusiasts for a Pokémon celebration! Participate in games, exchange cards, and enhance your abilities at this complimentary occasion. Discover more information here. No need for registration.

Saturday, Jan. 11: Owl Adventure at Round Hill Park, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join us in discovering the enchanting realm of owls while learning from skilled park rangers who will facilitate this experience. This trek will cover about 1.5 miles with moderate elevation variations, so attendees should carry water and wear closed-toe footwear. Flashlights will be supplied. Participants will gather at the Round Hill Park Harmony House Shelter Trailhead (located at coordinates 40.25163, -79.85236). This activity is complimentary. Sign-up is mandatory, and these gatherings frequently reach capacity.

Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12: Junior Conductor Days at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

During this occasion, young attendees will have the opportunity to learn about trolleys and the individuals who drive them. Listen to a narrative regarding trolleys and other moving objects. Children can craft their own conductor hats during a special crafting session, identify the hand and bell signals trolley conductors use to communicate, and capture a delightful photo in the operator seat of a trolley. This event is included with general admission. No advance ticket purchase is necessary. Storytimes will occur at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This event welcomes all ages but is especially ideal for kids aged 4-10. Discover more details here. (And click here to find out additional information in this article regarding accessibility for everyone and sensory-friendly options at the Trolley Museum.)

Sunday, Jan. 12: Sensory Friendly Engineering Design Laboratory at MuseumLab, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

If you haven’t experienced MuseumLab at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, it’s a venue crafted specifically for youth. Neurodivergent youngsters aged 8-12 and their families are invited to join museum personnel this weekend for a free sensory-friendly morning at MuseumLab. Engage in hands-on engineering and design tasks tailored for neurodivergent learners, and explore interactive museum displays before they open to the broader public. Sign up for this free event here.

Kick off the new year in style by subscribing to the Kidsburgh newsletter. It’s the best avenue for local families to stay informed about happenings in and around the city. While you’re at it, follow us on Instagram and tag Kidsburgh whenever you’re enjoying activities in our city. We cherish seeing it!