10 things to do this weekend, from a LEGO fest and clowning class to a Tu BiShvat celebration

Image above courtesy of MuseumLab. 

With the Pittsburgh region blanketed with snow and ice last weekend, many families stayed home. So you and your kiddos might be itching for some fun activities this weekend. We’ve rounded up a great list of ideas: Go to Ross Park Mall to watch a world record being broken, stop by for a penguin parade at the zoo, celebrate Tu BiShvat at Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens and more.

Check out these events:

Friday, Jan. 26 — Sunday, Jan. 28: Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Into the Mist at Phipps Conservatory

Every day through March 3, visitors can see unique orchids and bonsai creations that defy the imagination. Water, lighting and mist are being used to create a new and unique experience highlighting these specimens. This event is included with admission to the conservatory, and Phipps does offer discounted tickets to those receiving public assistance. Find out more here.

Saturday, Jan.  27 and Sunday, Jan. 28: Penguins on Parade, 11:30 a.m.

It’s the final January weekend for the penguins at Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium to parade around. The parade happens throughout January 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 in December, January and February.

Saturday, Jan.  27 and Sunday, Jan. 28: Chroma Maze, noon to 5 p.m.

Explore an immersive environment of color at MuseumLab. This inflatable structure by art and design studio Pneuhaus lets you interact with color in a tactile and joyful way in a shoes-off, socks-on shared experience.  MuseumLab is open Saturday and Sunday, noon – 5:00 pm, and included with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh admission. Learn more here. Chroma Maze will run through September.

Saturday, Jan. 27: Animal Friends TheraPet Visit at CLP, 10:30 am. to 11:30 a.m.

Does your child love animals? Or maybe is your child a little fearful of animals? TheraPets are the perfect calm and loving way to get to know pets. Come to the Lawrenceville location of the CLP and meet with specially trained animal friends in a low-pressure setting. Details can be found here.

Saturday, Jan. 27: O’Ryan the O’Mazing’s Circus Class at CLP, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

At this free library event, children grades 5 and younger will learn the basics of clowning, juggling, plate spinning and improvisational physical theater while having fun, playing games, and building confidence and focus. Together, students will also learn to overcome failure and embrace their inner clown. Great for children of all ages. Find info here.

Saturday, Jan. 27: “Volcanos: The Fire of Creation,” at Carnegie Science Center, 12: 15 p.m. 

This film, which requires a ticket that is separate from Science Center admission, will delve into the role and history of volcanoes on Earth and how they’ve shaped the planet. Find more details here.

Saturday, Jan. 27: Teen Job Shadow at the National Aviary

Here’s a unique opportunity: Teen animal enthusiasts can spend four Saturdays, beginning this weekend, with National Aviary experts learning about the behind-the-scenes world of animal care and conservation. Registration is $299 for the full program.

Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28: International LEGO Day Weekend, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Join Steel City LUG, Pittsburgh’s Adult LEGO User Group, to celebrate International LEGO Day. All weekend there will be awesome LEGO displays, a scavenger hunt, build challenges, free building and more. Steel City LUG’s very own YouTuber, JonnyBuildz, will be attempting to set a world record for speed building. This is a family-friendly and free event. Find more details here.

Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28: “Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott,” New Hazlett Theater

Prime Stage Theatre continues its Prime Stage Sprouts series with this civil rights story. Tickets are $14 for students, $24 for grownups. There are also sensory-inclusive and audio-described performances.

Saturday, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 28: Shen Yun at the Benedum Center

Shen Yun showcases classic stories of love, faith and courage told with cutting-edge backdrops, exquisite costumes and a live orchestra. Tickets start at $86.25.

Sunday, Jan. 28: Tu BiShvat at Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Tu BiShvat is a Jewish holiday that translates to “New Year of the Trees.” In contemporary Israel, this holiday is celebrated as an ecological awareness day where trees are planted in celebration of their role in the balance of nature. This program includes a guided tour of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden with a focus on the different trees at the Garden, both deciduous and evergreen. Participants will learn the history of Tu BiShvat and trees’ role in how our world functions, as well as gaining a new appreciation for their beauty in the winter season. The cost is $5 to $10.

Looking for more winter fun? Check out our guide to January events and our big winter guide.