11 weekend events Sept. 19-21: new surprises at the Children’s Museum, fall festivals and more

It’s time for the greater Pittsburgh area to leap headfirst into fall (and maybe a pile of leaves!). Whether you’re looking to go apple picking or check out a fall festival, there are so many options for local autumn fun.

There are also a host of events this weekend, big and small, to meet every family’s vibe and budget. Start reading — and start planning:

Through Sept. 21: Jungle Quest at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

This is the last weekend for this spectacular flower show, which features room after room of carefully crafted topiary animals, beautiful blooms, and lush greenery. Tickets are $22.95 for grownups, $20.95 for seniors, $19.95 for students, $13.95 for ages 2-18, and free for those younger than 2.

Through Sept. 28: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival

There are just two weekends left for this family-friendly step back in time. Expect crowd pleasers throughout the day, such as sword fighting, magicians, exciting tales of adventure from heroines in disguise, and more. Your family won’t want to miss the action-packed jousting of chivalrous knights on horseback. Tickets are available online and at the gate.

Friday, Sept. 19: Storytime and Crafting in the Garden at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Discover the wonder of nature through inspiring stories and engaging crafts. Themes for these sessions will be seasonal, and if you can’t make it this weekend, there are similar events on Oct. 3 and Oct. 17. Stories and crafts are most suitable for ages 3-6 years old. Activities are all included with general admission.

Saturday, Sept. 20: Storytime at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m. 

Come to the museum this weekend and sneak in some literacy. Kids will gather around to hear nature and science stories read by Natural History Interpreters and have the opportunity to touch museum specimens. Stop by for one page, one book, or stay for the whole 45 minutes. This storytime meets at the bench in the entrance of Dinosaurs in Their Time, and registration is not required. This event is included with museum admission.

Saturday, Sept. 20: Evans City PumpkinFest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Celebrate the fall season with carriage rides, themed treats, a pumpkin carving contest, a car cruise, an art show, and live performances in the picturesque town of Evans City, located about 45 minutes north of the city. This event is free; vendors and concessions are paid separately. Find more details right here.

Saturday, Sept. 20: “Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen” opening at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

This new exhibit was created by the Children’s Museum in partnership with Hosanna House, Inc. Inspired by the vision of Hosanna House Founding CEO and President Leon E. Haynes, III to make career possibilities in the field of aviation accessible to more people, this traveling exhibit honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by exploring STEAM concepts and aviation themes through the lens of the pioneering group. Activities in the exhibit, which runs through January 4, include a cockpit flight trainer, wearable wings, and more hands-on activities. This exhibit is included in general admission.

Saturday, Sept. 20: Children’s Author Michael Roth + Therapy Dog at B is for Books, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Children’s author Michael Roth will be coming to B is for Books this weekend to read from his new book, “Willow’s New Toy.” He’ll even be bringing his therapy dog for all the kids and families to meet and pet! (The therapy dog will visit from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and storytime is planned for 11:30.) There will be a themed snack, craft and book giveaway. This event is free.

Saturday, Sept. 20: Hay Day at Hartwood Acres, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This fall festival includes hayrides, inflatables, puppet shows, face painters and balloon twisters, an art station, a petting zoo, and a sensory-friendly play area. It’s free to attend, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Find all the details about Hay Day right here.

Saturday, Sept. 20: “History is Fun” at Braddock’s Battlefield, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Haversacks were the way many soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries carried their personal things and/or a day’s ration of food. This month, children will get to make and take home their own haversack at Braddock’s Battlefield History Center. Seamstress Sunshine MacIntyre will be on hand to teach participants basic stitching to sew the bag together. This event is for kids age 5-12, and is free with pre-registration. 

Saturday, Sept. 20: Record Your Own Podcast at SLB Radio (inside the Children’s Museum), 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Take your turn on the mic, ask questions, and tell stories with your family as you record a podcast of your very own at the SLB Youth Media Center, located downstairs at the Children’s Museum on the North Side. Recommended for families with children ages 8 and up, these activities are free. Registration is encouraged at tinyurl.com/SLBRAD25. Family Podcasting is made possible with support from the Allegheny Regional Asset District. (Learn more about RAD right here.)

Sunday, Sept. 21: International Red Panda Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Did you know that red pandas have suffered a 50-percent population decline over the past 20 years? Learn more facts about red pandas this weekend at the zoo, and get a chance to help the zoo with conservation efforts. It’s just one of the local ways Kidsburgh kids can learn about conservation. This event is included in zoo admission.

Looking for more family fun? Don’t miss our big fall events guide, and sign up for our newsletter, too!