11 family events in Pittsburgh this weekend, including so much Halloween fun

Photo above by Leo Rivas used by permission via Unsplash.

It’s here! The most wonderfully spooky, fantastic, and exciting weekend of the fall for little Pittsburghers who love dressing up in costumes. While Halloween itself falls on a Monday this year, there’s plenty of events around the city all weekend long. It’s also trick-or-treat weekend for many communities across the region, so check out KDKA’s list to find the one closest to you. Don’t forget to check out our calendar for a full listing of community-submitted events, too. 

And if you’re looking for sensory-friendly fun before the busy weekend begins, don’t miss Boo! A Sensory-Friendly Halloween on Thursday evening, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Children’s Museum!

Friday, Oct. 28: Dave and Buster’s Halloween Party, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Kids can craft their own foam pumpkins, paint their own real miniature pumpkins, win Power Cards, and get their photos taken with a festive backdrop and a professional camera! Trick-or-treating stations will be set up around the store for kids in costumes. In addition to crafting and gaming, children under the age of 12 get a free kids’ meal. All participants get a $10 power card. Cost is $15, and parents do not need a ticket. 

Saturday, Oct. 29: Crafternoon at Assemble, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Assemble offers great programs for kids and adults that focus on art, science, and creativity. Saturday Crafternoon is a weekly drop-in program for learners 5-11 years old. Join Assemble teachers and guest experts each week as they explore the dynamic world of STEAM. Find out more here!

Saturday, Oct. 29: Bellevue and Avalon Halloween Parade, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Join other kids and pets in a parade down historic Lincoln Avenue, ending at Bayne Park. There will be candy for everyone, a costume contest and more. Signup begins at 11 a.m. at Avalon Elementary school. The registration form is here, and this event is free. 

Saturday, Oct. 29: Doors Open Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh River Rescue Boat House, 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Go behind the scenes of Pittsburgh River Rescue at their boat house on the Allegheny River, where this specialized unit combines Emergency Medical Services, SCUBA Search & Rescue, and River Patrol into a single unit to protect and serve. Tour highlights will include the history of the River Rescue Unit, insight into the specialized training required of unit members, and a look at some of the equipment they use. Cost is $15. Note: Some parts of this tour are not wheelchair accessible.

Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30: ZooBoo, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Missed it last weekend? ZooBoo is back again this weekend at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Kids can dress in their best Halloween costumes to follow the Trick-or-Treat Trail at the annual ZooBoo. Themed features are geared toward little ones with not-too-scary haunt spots and creepy craft activities. Kids can march in the spooktacular parade to compete in the costume contest. ZooBoo activities and candy are free with zoo admission.

Saturday, Oct. 29: Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Enjoy a sensory-friendly Halloween celebration with quiet zones, scavenger hunt and story time. Costumes are encouraged. $5.95 for kids, $9.95 for grownups. Details here.

Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s Trick-or-Trolley,  various times

Come out to the trolley museum to trick-or-treat with local organizations and vendors. Families can enjoy fall goodies, games and treats. The trolley will be open for rides, too. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. 

Sunday, October 30: Día de los Muertos at Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens, 11 a.m.

Celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on Oct. 30. Learn about the traditions of the holiday and its botanical connections, create paper marigold decorations and make your own ofrenda. This event is free with garden admission of $10.

Sunday, October 30: Spooky Hike at North Park’s Haunted Blue Mist Road, 7 p.m.

Blue Mist Road Trail in North Park holds a haunted reputation with tales of paranormal mystery. Learn about one of the area’s spookiest stories along the way. On your hike back, look and listen for owls, bats and other critters that go bump in the night. Dress for the weather and bring along a flashlight. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Registration is free.

Saturday, October 29: Halloween Mayhem at Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Dress up in your favorite costume or come as you are for an afternoon of tricks, treats, and groovy beats. Join us at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater lobby for spooky make-and-take crafts, pumpkin decorating, and other activities. Then, come into the theater to enjoy family-friendly performances from Pittsburgh artists. It’s lots of fun for the whole family! As always, events at KST are “Pay what moves you” so admission ranges from free to $25 – whatever you can afford! Details here.

Saturday, October 29: Booseum at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Celebrate the season with the latest episode of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Super Science Saturday: Booseum. Kids can dress in costume and wander haunted halls to solve a scavenger hunt, earn trick-or-treat goodies and find spooky specimens. Booseum operates from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 29 and is included in general admission. Don’t forget the museum participates in several discounts, including Museums for All. If you have an EBT or Medicaid card, bring it for reduced admission. 

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