10 Pittsburgh events to keep families busy this weekend, from the Asian Lantern Festival to a Spooky Sonata

October is a hard month to be bored in Pittsburgh with so many great events every weekend. You can try apple picking or a day at of pumpkin picking and fun at a local farm, or check out one of these events this weekend. There’s a Halloween carnival, several plays and performances, and even free admission for kids to one of the area’s top historical attractions.

What will your little yinzers find to do this weekend?

Through Oct. 29: Asian Lantern Festival, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo celebrates its 125th anniversary with a global passport during this year’s Asian Lantern Festival. Visitors have the option of a walk-through ($16-$23) or drive-through ($70 per vehicle) experience.

Through Oct. 29: Free Days for Kids, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village

Meadowcroft Rockshelter will offer free admission for all kids ages 17 and younger through support from Alex E. Paris Contracting and Washington Financial Bank. Adult admission is $15, senior citizens pay $14.

Friday, Oct. 13 – Sunday, Oct. 15: Freeport Halloween Carnival

This event will have a midway full of games, live music, a trick-or-treat event for kids, and tons of food. O’Ryan The O’mazing will be entertaining crowds, too. Admission is free, and games and food can be purchased at the event. Check out their Facebook page for more information. 

Friday, Oct. 13 – Sunday, Oct. 15: “The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress,” South Park Theatre

It’s hard being a girl in a fairytale land where everyone expects you to be a damsel in distress. These four young ladies are just not having it. Follow them as they prove they can find their own way through the world, strong and independent. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.

Saturday, Oct. 14: City of Asylum Story Hour with Jack Wong, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

As part of the Alphabet City Kids series at City of Asylum, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winning author and illustrator Jack Wong will be on site for a storytime event. He will read his new picture book, “The Words We Share.” After the story hour, there will be time for questions and other activities. Find all the details here. 

Saturday, Oct. 14: Fam Jam: Spooky Sonata, Trust Arts Education Center, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come in costume for this all-ages, family workshop that combines music and movement to create spooky stories. Registration is free.

Saturday, Oct. 14: L.L. Bean Fall Foliage Kayaking tour, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event at North Park is the perfect introduction to kayaking and exploring the changing leaves at one of the county’s most gorgeous spots for leaf peeping. The tour is for kids and adults ages 10 and up, and kids ages 10-13 must also have a grownup with them. The cost is quite high — $70 per person — and registration is required. 

Saturday, Oct: 14: Children’s Harvest Festival, Oliver Miller Homestead, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harvest time in the 18th century wasn’t all work, no play. It was an opportunity for communities to get together and enjoy each other’s company. This event is especially family-friendly with an emphasis on children’s games, crafts, music and a giant leaf pile. Admission is $2.

Saturday, Oct. 14: Monster Mash at CLP Lawrenceville, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

At the Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Library, it’s all about monsterish fun — in a very not-scary way! This free event will feature dancing, spooky stories and more fall favorites. 

Saturday, Oct. 14: Campfire Ghost Stories” at Boyce Park, 7 p.m.

Bring your own chairs and blankets for free Stories & Songs with Josh & Gab  Oct. 14 at Boyce Park Four Seasons Activity Center. These stories are only mildly scary and are great for families of all ages. 

For more Pittsburgh events, check out our October events guide and Not-So-Scary Halloween Events guide. 

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