11 family events in Pittsburgh this weekend: Monster Jam, Mo Willems and much more

Photo above courtesy of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Since the groundhog has promised us six more weeks of winter, there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy cold-weather events in Pittsburgh, as well as find some cozy indoor fun. This weekend, family events in Pittsburgh include monster trucks, guided outdoor activities, and even a Viking ship (stay tuned for our upcoming article on the Science Center’s awesome Vikings exhibit).

Check out this list of family events in Pittsburgh this weekend: 

Friday, Feb. 10 through Saturday, Feb. 11: Carved in Ice Festival, various times

At the Carved in Ice festival in Butler, families can enjoy ice carvings, an ice slide, touch-a-truck and more. If you like Oscar Meyer Weiners, the giant hot dog truck itself will be making an appearance. (The details of the Weinermobile tour can be found here.)

Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12: Monster Jam, various times

It’s time for Monster Jam to return to Pittsburgh! This event is perfect for little kids, or kids at heart who love big trucks. Roaring, crashing 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in intense competitions of speed and skill. Tickets start at $26 at PPG Paints Arena.

Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12: Galleries at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, various times

Pittsburgh was home to famed Black playwright August Wilson, who grew up in the Hill District and set many of his works there — showcasing the struggles and joys of Pittsburgh’s Black community. The AWAACC has frequent musical and speaking events, and also has galleries open to the public that showcase Black excellence. For Black History Month, stop by the galleries from 3 p.m. – 8 p..m. on Fridays and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12: Jurassic Quest, various times

Skyscraping, animatronic dinosaurs bring supersized family fun to the David Lawrence Convention Center for Jurassic Quest. Get up close to life-size, realistic dinos and ancient ocean dwellers. Admission is $22 for ages 2-adult, $19 for seniors. Add-ons are available.

Friday, Feb. 10 through Sunday, Feb. 12: Mo Willems “Opposites Attract” Exhibit, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mo Willems, children’s book author, has a new exhibit in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The exhibit, on display at the MuseumLab, features original abstract paintings by Willems that reflect his new book “Opposites Abstract”. It’s a departure from his well-known books, including the Pigeon series, Elephant and Piggie, and Knufflebunny, which are stories with characters. Last weekend was filled with special events for the grand opening, but this weekend is open to all guests. Check out our full write-up here. This exhibit runs through September.

Saturday, Feb. 11: Vision to Learn Mobile Optometrist, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vision to Learn provides free eye exams, glasses, and replacement glasses to kids throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. An estimated 30,000 kids throughout the Pittsburgh area don’t have the glasses they need to see the board, read a book, or participate in class. Appointments are required; please contact the Allegheny branch to schedule.

Saturday, Feb. 11:  Latodami Birding by Smartphone, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn the basics of the Merlin Bird ID and eBird apps on Feb. 11 at North Park in preparation for the Great Backyard Bird Count happening Feb. 17-20. This program will help birders of any skill level identify birds by sight and ear using the Merlin app and keep count of them using eBird for smartphones. Best for ages 13 and older. Free, but registration is required.

Saturday, Feb. 11: Contemporary Craft Community Day, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Contemporary Craft‘s Community Day will be held this Saturday at their Lawrenceville studio. This free event will feature artist demos, art-making activities, light snacks, a scavenger hunt and a guided tour of their glass exhibition.

Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12: Penguins on Parade, 11:30 a.m.

This is the final weekend for Penguins on Parade. Crowds gather on Saturdays and Sundays to watch the penguins waddle in their personal tuxedo style. Check ahead for weather conditions to prevent disappointment. This event is free with zoo admission.

Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12: VIKINGS: Warriors of the North Sea, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This exhibit opens on Saturday, and will be in the city for a limited amount of time. See over 140 Viking artifacts including a full-size replica of a Viking ship! It was a time of colonization, conquest, and plunder, but also a period when towns with trades, specialized crafts, professions, and communication networks were established. This centralization of power led to major changes in society and an entirely new social structure. Tickets are separate from admission to the main Science Center. 

Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12: “Freckleface Strawberry – The Musical”

Based on the beloved New York Times best-selling book by celebrated actress Julianne Moore, Freckleface Strawberry is a fun and touching family musical for young audiences. This show will be held this weekend and next at the Andrew Carnegie Free Music Hall in Carnegie. Families can step inside the book’s pages with Freckleface and friends as they learn to “love the skin they’re in.” Tickets begin at $11 and can be purchased here. 

Want more family events in Pittsburgh? Don’t miss our big guide to events happening all winter long and visit our daily events calendar for even more fun.

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