10 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, from PiratesFest to Penguins on Parade

Photo above courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.

With most little yinzers just coming off the winter school break, don’t be surprised if your kiddos are extra tired this weekend as they adjust back into school routines; it can take several weeks for kids to find their stride again. If your family is up for some weekend fun, we have some great options for kicking off the new year.

Check these out:

Friday, Jan. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 7: Western Pa Model Railroad Museum

If you didn’t catch this amazing show during the holiday season, it’s open for just two more weekends before it closes until November. The model railroad museum, located in Gibsonia, has interactive models, play space, and tells the story of the Mon Valley during the heyday of steel. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Find hours and other information here.

Friday, Jan. 5 to Sunday, Jan. 7: The Factory at the Warhol, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Each weekend, the Andy Warhol Museum offers screen printing and other art mediums in their open family studio hours. This is included with museum admission. Screen printing ends at 4 p.m. when The Factory is open. The Warhol is part of the Carnegie family of museums and offers discounted membership for those receiving public assistance through Museums For All. Find more details about The Factory here.

Saturday, Jan. 6: Ballroom Dancing for Kids, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

This fun introductory course is presented by Los Sabrosos and will cover a variety of ballroom styles including the hustle, salsa, the waltz, swing, the jitterbug, foxtrot, and more! Classes are designed to help participants explore ballroom music and technique. No partner is required, kids will switch partners during the class. This class is for kids ages 6 and up. The cost is $20 for one session. (There are packages of classes available as well.) Find all the details here.

Saturday, Jan. 6:Music Together Free Demonstration Class, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. 

If your little one is interested in musical instruments and wants to explore more, check out this free intro class offered by Mary Bennett of Music Together. This class is for kids up to age 5 and their grownups. You can pre-register here.

Saturday, Jan. 6: PiratesFest, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It’s time to get hyped up for the 2024 Pirates baseball season (Andrew McCutchen has signed on once again!). Guests at this event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center will get to meet Pirates’ players, get autographs, play games, and shop at a pop-up store. This event is free, but registration is suggested.

Saturday, Jan. 6 and Sunday, Jan. 7: Penguins on Parade, 11:30 a.m.

It’s that time of year again where the penguins at Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium parade around each Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. The parade happens when the weather conditions are just right (typically between 25 and 45 degrees, but check the zoo website before venturing out). Penguins on Parade runs every weekend through January and February.

Saturday, Jan. 6: Create and Learn with Center for Creative Reuse at CLP, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

If you haven’t yet checked out the Center for Creative Reuse, this is the perfect chance. Join other creatives of all ages for this free event at the Hazelwood Library, where you’ll learn how to turn trash into treasure. Find all the details here.

Saturday, Jan 6: Family Nature Walk at Powder Mill Nature Reserve, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

This guided nature walk will meet in the atrium of the Powdermill Nature Center before heading outside to explore. This family-friendly experience is open to participants of all ages. Organizers tell us these events fill up fast, so plan ahead. Registration is recommended to guarantee your spot. If there are spots available at the time of the program, non-registered individuals can join on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunday, Jan. 7: Pittsburgh Reptile Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Have a scaly, cold-blooded pet at home, or just some kids who are curious about them? This reptile show, hosted by ReptiRoots, will have animals for sale, demonstrations and learning experiences for visitors of all ages. The cost is $6, and kids under 4 are free. Find more info here.

Sunday, Jan. 7: Playdate at CLP Allegheny, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This free event is designed for kids ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Play, create and make friends at this regular playdate. Children’s Services staff will provide interesting toys and guide the group through exploring them. Check out all the details here.

Here’s a great New Year’s resolution: Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter, so your family always knows what’s happening in Kidsburgh.