10 reasons to leave the house this weekend, from family dance classes to snowshoeing and more

Photo above courtesy of Assemble.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Black History Month begins with writing and dance workshops, and several winter fests around the region are packed with cold-weather fun. Check out these family events: 

Friday, Feb. 3: Clay Camp at Assemble, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Do you love to sculpt with clay? Join Assemble for this ceramic-filled day. This camp is open to students in grades 1-2. Lunch and snacks are included. Camp is free for Garfield residents. Scholarship pricing is available for those living in other neighborhoods. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with before and after care available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register here.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Winterfest at Ohiopyle and Moraine State Parks 

Winterfest celebrates the cold weather season at two Pittsburgh-area State Parks on the same day. Ohiopyle State Park will offer free snowshoe and cross-country ski demonstrations, horse-drawn sleigh rides for a donation and a bring-your-own-sled opportunity to slide down the hill. Moraine State Park offers winter-themed activities like kids’ crafts, winter recreation demonstrations, chainsaw carvings, cold water fishing lessons, live music and a bonfire. Free at both locations.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s Alloy Studio Open House, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Alloy School Winter/Spring session spans 10 weeks of Saturdays at KST’s Alloy Studios from February 4 – April 8. Each Saturday, expert teaching artists guide six 50-minute classes. Every session is designed to teach new moves and give insight into the cultural roots of these different styles. The season ends with a public showcase and a Let’s Move! Family Dance Party. Classes have a casual atmosphere. Kids can wear leotards, pajamas, business suits, or even costumes. Details are here.

Saturday, Feb. 4:  Youth Writers Camp at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This is the first session of a program that will run through May. Campers will analyze August Wilson’s “Joe Turner Has Come and Gone” and produce original writing related to the play’s topics of self-identification. Registration is $15 per session. Held via Zoom sessions from August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Boyce Park Snowfest 2023, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Boyce Park Snowfest is filled with exciting activities like Mini Junior Olympics Ski and Snowboard Races for age categories from 5 to 12 years. The entry fee is $10 (or $5 with a canned good donation). Entry fees benefit the Boyce Park Ski Patrol and canned goods will be donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Saturday, Feb. 4: Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse presents Sculpture Art at CLP-Beechview, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Learn, explore and create with Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse and the Beechview branch of the Carnegie Library in a sculpture art activity celebrating Black History Month. All upcycled materials will be provided. Recommended for children in grades K-5 and their caregivers. This event is part of CLP’s Black History Month 2023 programming. (And don’t miss CLP’s Black History Month reading lists for the whole family right here.)

Saturday, Feb. 4: Valentine’s Day Family Dance Party at CLP, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Join your favorite librarians for a dance party perfect for little kids. This event, at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville location, is free and requires no pre-registration. Check out the CLP events page for more info. 

Saturday, Feb. 4: “The Chocolate Nutcracker,” 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This production of “The Chocolate Nutcracker” is at The Pittsburgh Project on the North Side. The show, featuring a cast of Black youth and adults, features dance, music, and theater. The project is possible through the support of New Sun Rising, and grants from PA Council on the Arts, and The Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative. Tickets start at $15, and can be purchased through Eventbrite. 

Sunday, Feb. 5: Leave No Trace Hike, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Hikers learn about the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” for minimizing your impact after you have enjoyed the outdoors. This event is best for teens and adults. The session will also explore some of the tracks and signs of animal movement in Boyce Park. The program takes place on Feb. 5 and again on Feb. 15. It’s free, but registration is required.

Sunday, Feb. 5: Park After Dark Intro to Snowshoeing, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Join the rangers at Boyce Park to learn about snowshoeing. This class is best suited for ages 5 and up. This event is free and equipment is provided, but all children must have an adult present. Space is limited. Sign up here to learn to snowshoe with a park ranger.

Want more things to do in Pittsburgh? We also have a big guide to indoor play places for when Pittsburgh winter is in full force, as well as an indoor pool guide. Looking for more events for families in Pittsburgh? Don’t miss our big guide to events happening all winter long and visit our daily events calendar for even more fun.

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