11 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, from Monster Jam to a Valentine’s riverboat cruise

With temperatures in the mid-50’s this weekend, most kids will be itching to get outside and run off some winter energy. We’ve found a slew of activities — both indoors and out — that will ensure a fun-filled weekend full of things to do in Pittsburgh for local families.

Read on to see what’s happening all across Kidsburgh:

Friday, Feb. 9 to Sunday, Feb. 11: Monster Jam at PPG Paints Arena

Each year when Monster Jam comes around, the Penguins’ pristine ice is covered with tons of dirt. Then some of the world’s best drivers and their 12,000-pound monster trucks arrive. With engines roaring, they engage in intense competitions of speed and skill, gleefully tearing up all that dirt for your enjoyment. Tickets start at $24.

Friday, Feb. 9 – Sunday, Feb. 11: Hearts in the Garden at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

During your visit to the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens this weekend, you may notice some unique heart-shaped additions to the gardens and woodlands. Stop by the Welcome Desk and pick up a clue sheet to see if you can find all of the hearts that have been hidden throughout the Garden! This event runs through Feb. 19. It is suitable for all ages and included in general admission.

Friday, Feb. 9 to Saturday, Feb. 10: Carved in Ice Festival, various times

Each year, Butler hosts an amazing event with ice carvings, family activities, food and drink and more. This year Carved in Ice has a family fun day on Saturday, with plenty of events for kids. Find out more details here.

Saturday, Feb. 10: Turn Your Think Into Ink! at CLP, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Join the folks from Incubator Productions and learn how to take the thoughts in your head and cartoonify them. This free cartoon drawing class will be held at the South Side location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. It is open to all ages.

Saturday, Feb. 10: GLOW at the Children’s Museum, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will celebrate light, kindness and community with a family-friendly evening of art-making, exhibits and performances that will glow, spark and light up the dark on Saturday night. Tickets for this after-hours event are only $2.00 for all members and non-members. General admission tickets to the museum are not required. Get tix here.

Sunday, Feb. 11: Dormont Valentine’s Tour, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come check out a new event in Dormont! This free event invites kids to decorate a Valentine’s box at Dandelion Kids, then walk up and down Potomac Avenue collecting treats from local vendors. It’s like trick-or-treating in February. Check out all the details here.

Saturday, Feb. 10: I Made It! Sweet at Rockwell Park, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Named Pittsburgh’s top craft market by Pittsburgh City Paper, I Made It! will be at Rockwell Park in Point Breeze. This love-themed market will feature crafts and goodies from dozens of local vendors. Check out all the details here.

Saturday, Feb. 10: Mascot Madness, Schenley Ice Rink, 1 p.m.

While the ice rink isn’t working right now for the regular Mascot Skate, local mascots will still be available for a massively fun hangout. Online tickets are available: $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and veterans, $3 for ages 17 and younger.

Saturday, Feb. 10: Cue’s Creative Workshops for Kids at CLP, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

As part of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Black History Month programming, local artist Cue Perry will be guiding kids in grades K-5 through a free art workshop where they can learn to let their creativity shine. This event is at the Beechview location. Find all the details here.

Sunday, Feb. 10: Family Fun Needle Felting Workshop at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

Join zero-waste artist, Barb Grossman, as she works with salvaged wool to create works of nature-shaped art to take home. Needle felting can also be used as an embellishment technique or to create pictures, ‘painting with wool.’ This workshop will take place over a four-hour period, starting after lunch at 12:30pm. Drop in when you wish and work as long as you wish (until 4:30pm). Cost is for each completed take-home artwork and not based upon the number of family members working on it. Please note that this workshop is not appropriate for anyone with a wool allergy. Suitable for ages 7 and up, and cost begins at $20.

Sunday Feb. 11: Princess Valentine’s Ball and Cruise on the Gateway Clipper, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Looking for an excuse to dress up and cruise the three rivers? This family-friendly event is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your children. There will be characters in costume, snacks, and plenty of dancing. Tickets begin at $5 for babies, $20 for children and $35 for adults.

We’ve got a guide to the whole month of February as well as a list of Black History Month events, too. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter — that way, you’re guaranteed to not miss a thing!