things to do in Pittsburgh with kids

10 things to do in Pittsburgh with kids this weekend, from pottery throwing to free music classes and more

The upcoming chilly and rainy Pittsburgh weekend might not be the best choice for outdoor activities, but there’s still a ton to do. Cirque du Soleil is in town, there’s a model train convention, and a free puppet show, too! 

Don’t miss a thing on the first full weekend of 2023! 

Friday through Sunday, Jan. 6-8: Signups for Teen Welding Workshop at Industrial Arts Workshop

This event actually occurs throughout the springtime over several weeks, but for teens interested in industrial art, don’t miss the soon-approaching deadline to apply at the Industrial Arts Workshop in Homewood. Learn more about their program right here, and find more details about signups here. Final signups are due by January 25,  but space is limited. 

things to do in Pittsburgh
Photo by Juliet Martinez used by permission.

Friday through Sunday, Jan. 6-8: Free Admission to the Heinz History Center

This is the last weekend for free admission to the local Smithsonian family of museums. Entry is free for kids 17 and under to the History Center and the Fort Pitt Museum. Find all the details here — and remember, if you miss this free admission window, they also participate in Museums for All.

Friday through Sunday, Jan. 6-8: “Cirque du Soleil: Corteo at PPG Paints Arena, various times

Cirque du Soleil brings its trademark magic with elaborate acrobatics and humor. This time, they’re telling the story of Corteo as acrobats twirl through the heavens. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased through PPG Paints Arena.

Saturday, Jan. 7: Music Together at Hampton Township Community Center, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

This 10-week class is offered to families at a low cost (more details here, including sibling discounts and free admission for babies), but this first session is free. Come join music instructor Mary Lynne Bennett as kids learn about stick instruments and build a foundation for enjoying music throughout their lifetime. 

things to do in Pittsburgh

Saturday, Jan. 7: Puppets for Pittsburgh – Exploring Generosity, Carnegie Library South Side, 1 p.m. 

The creative minds behind Puppets for Pittsburgh will be at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s South Side location this weekend. Through the art of puppetry, kids will learn about folktales and generosity. This event is geared for preschoolers and early elementary-aged kiddos, and is free. More details can be found here

Saturday, Jan. 7: High Voltage at the Carnegie Science Center, 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In The Works Lab at the Carnegie Science Center, there is always something curious and wonderful happening. The High Voltage class, which is included with admission to the museum, will teach kids about currents and watts as they try a frozen marshmallow and safely observe molten metal. This event is free with admission, and discounted admission is available through Museums for All.

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7-8: Pottery Exploration Weekend at the Children’s Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This weekend at the Children’s Museum is all about clay. Watch live demonstrations, make small clay creations to take home, and practice throwing and shaping clay on a wheel with expert advice. All of the details about what is happening both days can be found on their events page. This activity is included with admission, and they also participate in Museums for All.

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7-8: Final Weekend of “Measurement Rules” at the Children’s Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you stop by the Children’s Museum for pottery exploration weekend, don’t miss the last chance to see the Measurement Rules exhibit. Find out how many chickens you weigh, test your internal clock for accuracy, and work with other kids to measure some big, big things. Measurement Rules closes on Jan. 8 at 5 p.m., so check it out before it’s gone. 

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7-8: Penguins on Parade at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, 11:30 a.m.

While this special event can occur any weekend morning in January and February, the conditions have to be just right. This weekend in Pittsburgh is cold enough without any wild weather, so there’s a good chance the penguins will parade at the zoo. Check ahead for weather conditions to prevent disappointment on their website. Free with zoo admission

family-friendly events in Pittsburgh
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7-8: Great Train Show at the Monroeville Convention Center, various times

More than 80 exhibitors from across the country will operate model train displays and offer workshops and demonstrations. Admission is free for ages 11 and younger, $12 for grownups on Saturday (which includes Sunday admission), and $11 for grownups on Sunday. Purchase tickets here

Are you signed up for the Kidsburgh newsletter? It’s the best way in the new year to make sure your family knows what’s going on around the city. If you haven’t visited the Carnegie Science Center’s newest exhibit on Mars, it’s a great cold-day activity. In fact, we have a big guide to indoor play places for when Pittsburgh winter is in full force. 

If you’re looking for more things to do in Pittsburgh, don’t miss our big guide to events happening all winter long