Heads up, Pittsburgh families! We found some really unique ways to tackle the cold this weekend, from checking out dazzling gingerbread creations downtown to getting outside for some serious tree identification skills. Skip the usual spots and check out these community gems!
Quick Picks
NFL PLAY 60 Training Day
Downtown
Free chance for kids to run through pro-style drills and compete for prizes.
Sensory-Friendly Weekend at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Oakland
Explore the museum with lower lights and sound for a calmer experience.
Story Saturdays at Carnegie Museum of Art
Oakland
Storytime followed by a hands-on art activity perfect for the under-12 crowd.
· January 31
623RD ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DISPLAY & COMPETITIONFREE : This is your very last chance to see the amazing, edible houses entered into the city's annual competition. It’s a super sweet, festive stop downtown!It's the final day to catch this dazzling, sweet competition before it disappears!
WINTERFEST AT MORAINE STATE PARKFREE : Head up to Moraine for a full day outside! They’ve got winter activities, craft vendors, and you can even join the annual soup contest.Get bundled up and head to the suburbs for outdoor fun, crafts, and a seriously competitive soup contest.
NFL PLAY 60 TRAINING DAYFREE : If your kids have energy to burn, bring them downtown to try out mini-NFL Combine drills across five floors. Free prizes are on the line!It's totally free, and kids get to run drills and compete for prizes—way better than just watching TV.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY WEEKEND AT CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY : Heading to a museum with sensory needs? They turn down the visuals and sound, plus you get access to calming spaces and fidget toys.This offers a thoughtful, inclusive way for families with sensory sensitivities to enjoy a major museum.
STORY SATURDAYS AT CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART : The curator reads a book, and then you jump right into an art-making activity led by the youth programs manager. Perfect for the 12 and under crowd.It combines storytime with an active, hands-on art project led by museum staff.
"THE ADDAMS FAMILY" PERFORMANCE (SATURDAY NIGHT) : Catch the darkly funny musical, 'The Addams Family.' The evening show is a great option if you need a later activity for older kids or teens.A fun, slightly edgy musical performance that parents and teens can enjoy together.
· February 1
4GROUNDHOG DAY WALKFREE : Celebrate Groundhog Day by joining Park Rangers for a short, guided walk in North Park to discover the world of groundhogs. Registration is required!It’s a low-key, free, educational hike centered around a fun holiday theme.
HIKE WITH A NATURALIST: WINTER TREE ID : Bundle up for a 1-2 mile hike in Frick Park where a Naturalist Educator teaches you how to identify trees just by looking at their winter bark and buds. So cool!A small-group, specific skill-building workshop disguised as a hike—great for curious nature lovers.
PITTSBURGH ANIME-FEST : If your older kids are into anime, take them up to Cranberry for voice actors, vendors, and a major cosplay contest.Perfectly targets the anime/cosplay interests of older kids and teens with specific attractions like voice actors.
"THE ADDAMS FAMILY" PERFORMANCE (SUNDAY MATINEE) : This is the final performance for this touring musical comedy, so grab your tickets for a great Sunday afternoon show!It’s the absolute last chance this weekend to catch this specific show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Pittsburgh this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 31 - Feb 1) you can find totally free options like the NFL PLAY 60 Training Day downtown on Saturday, and the Groundhog Day Walk in North Park on Sunday (registration required for the walk!).
Where can my little ones participate in an activity this weekend?
Check out the hands-on fun at Story Saturdays at the Carnegie Museum of Art on Saturday for kids 12 and under, or try the Winter Tree ID hike on Sunday in Frick Park to learn identification skills.
What's a great indoor option for a cold Sunday?
On Sunday, February 1st, the Sensory-Friendly time at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Oakland) offers a calm environment, or you can catch the final matinee performance of 'The Addams Family' in West Mifflin.