10 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh with kids, from skating mascots to a little kid disco

Photo above by freestocks via Unsplash. 

This weekend is packed with so many things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, both indoors and out. Learn about fossils, find out how to be more like Dr. King in preparation to celebrate his birthday, and dance the afternoon away at a disco designed just for kids. 

Check out all these great events:

Friday, Jan. 13: Snowed In at The Citizen Science Lab, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join the crew at Citizen Science Lab for an evening packed with snowy science. Guests at this event can tour the laboratory, meet the animals that live at the lab, and enjoy several winter-themed experiments. There will be drinks and snacks, too! Get all the details here.

Friday, Jan. 13: Foster and Adoptive Family Respite Night, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For local families formed by adoption and/or foster care, The Bible Chapel is hosting a free night of childcare, games and activities. Grab a coffee, shop kid-free, or just take a nap in your car. Registration closes January 12, so sign up here. 

Friday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 15: Pittsburgh Restaurant Week

This event actually starts Jan. 9, and it continues running all weekend. It’s time for Pittsburgh’s restaurants to show off. The theme this year is “new dishes for the new year” and there are so many options available. Check out the full list of menus and prices here. There are options for picky kids and adventurous eaters, too. It’s a great way to introduce little foodies to the vibrant local restaurant scene. 

Friday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 15: Locomotion Weekend at the Carnegie Science Center

It’s a weekend designed for engineers of all ages. Along with other activities and railroad exhibits, Locomotion Weekend includes “Rocky Mountain Express” screenings in The Rangos Giant Cinema. Activities are free with general admission. The film admission is $7. 

Saturday, Jan. 14: “Llama, Llama – Live!” at the Byham Theater, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

It’s that time of year when the city kicks off its fabulous children’s theater program (See the whole lineup of shows and get details here.). This year, the series opens with this storybook favorite, brought to life on stage. Tickets are $12 and more information can be found here. 

Saturday, Jan. 14: Pittsburgh Park Rangers present Introduction to Archaeology, 1 p.m.

Join park rangers and the librarians at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s West End location to learn about local fossils, including how Native American groups fashioned different tools. This event is free. Find more details here. 

Saturday, Jan. 14: Saturday Crafternoons with Assemble, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

It’s time for another Saturday Crafternoon! This weekly drop-in STEAM program is for kids ages 5-11. Kids will learn to create, imagine, and dream with the staff at Assemble. Find out about the great things they have going on here.

Saturday, Jan. 14: Dr. King 360 – A Pop-Up Book Shop, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by The Kingsley Association for a pop-up event by The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore where kids can learn about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The organizers hope this event will inspire families to think critically about racism and equity. “Viewing MLK from these vantage points allows children to imagine how they can become change makers in their families, communities, schools, and world.” More info can be found here. (Want more ideas for celebrating MLK Day? Check out our guide.) 

Saturday, Jan. 14: Mascot Skate at Schenley Park, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

All of the city’s favorite mascots, from the Smiley Cookie to the Pirate Parrot, will be skating this weekend at Schenley Park. Strap on some skates and practice your spins with the Duolingo owl. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids. Skate rental ($3) is not covered in the admission charge. There are limited spots, so be sure to sign up here. 

Saturday, Jan. 14: Little Kid Disco, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Join the creative minds at Joel Lindsey Entertainment to get your groove on. Families can boogie the afternoon away at the Ruckus Coffee Gallery and Cafe in the North Hills for $10 per child. Adults and infants are free. This event is best for ages 8 and under. There will be a light show, premier tunes from a kid-friendly list, and a great dance space. There is a snack bar where attendees can purchase goodies, too. Advance tickets here. 

Are you signed up for the Kidsburgh newsletter? It’s the best way in the new year to make sure your family knows what’s going on around the city. We have a roundup of some great indoor pools around the city and a big guide to indoor play places for when Pittsburgh winter is in full force. 

If you’re looking for more things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, don’t miss our big guide to events happening all winter long!