11 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, from free family photos to a Double Dutch show

Photo above courtesy of Assemble.

We here at Kidsburgh hope you got a chance to get outside during the beautiful and unexpected November weather earlier this week. There are so many fun things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, both indoors and outdoors. Don’t forget to check out the new Moonshot Museum or pop into one of these local independent booksellers.

And along with the whole lineup of fun events listed below, make sure to visit our daily events calendar for a full listing of community-submitted events, too. 

We’re actually kicking off your weekend a day early, with a wonderful event happening on Thursday night…

Thursday, Nov. 10: Hazlewood Holiday Portrait Fair, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

While this is a Thursday event, we didn’t want families to miss the chance for free family photos, courtesy of Hazlewood Local and Propel Schools. Come to the Propel gymnasium where you’ll find free cozy beverages courtesy of the Hazlewood Cafe, cookie decorating with Community Kitchen PGH, free shape-ups or hair styling ahead of getting your picture taken, and free photos by J. Visionary Visual Co. 

Friday, Nov. 11: Pittsburgh Veteran’s Day Parade, 10:30 a.m.

This yearly parade begins at 10th and Liberty, and the procession moves down Liberty Avenue. This nonpartisan event was created to honor the city’s veterans and will feature bands, floats, vintage vehicles and members of various branches of the military. Find more info here. 

Friday through Sunday, Nov. 11–13: “Frankenstein” at the New Hazlett Theater, various times

This Prime Stage Theatre production follows the 18-year-old Mary Shelley as she imagines her famously monstrous story throughout a stormy night. Suitable for ages 13 through adult. Details and tickets here.

Saturday, Nov. 12: Super Science Saturday: Nature’s Amazing Machines, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Spend your Saturday under the soaring dinosaur bones at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History for another Super Science Saturday. It’s so interesting how nature works to outsmart humans. Museum staff will meet kids under the baobab tree and spend the day learning with you about how animals use tools, solve problems and more. This activity is best for kids ages 7 through 12. 

Saturday, Nov. 12: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Hex Bug STEAM Challenge, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Uh-oh! The Hexbugs are at it again! This is a STEAM challenge where kids can build a maze or set of obstacles for their Hexbugs using straws, tape and other scrap items on poster board. Did the bugs make it through your maze? Why or why not? Work together with your family to see if you can make a maze that these robotic creepy-crawlies can solve! More info here. 

Saturday, Nov. 12: Children’s Museum MAKESHOP presents Recycled Sculptures, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Looking for creative things to do in Pittsburgh? Join other creative kiddos in your favorite maker space for a workshop on reusing materials. From oatmeal containers to pop bottles, what sculpture can your kids create? This workshop is free with admission to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. (Don’t forget the museum participates in Museums for All, with steep discounts for families who receive public assistance.) 

Saturday, Nov. 12: Assemble Crafternoon,  1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Assemble Afterschool is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) program for kids age 5-11 that offers a space to learn through making, testing out wild ideas and building a better future. Join Assemble teachers for an afternoon of creating fun each Saturday. Students can explore the beautiful worlds of science, technology, and engineering, arts, and math each week with hands-on activities and creative inventions. Snacks are provided at this free program. Register here.

Saturday, Nov. 12: Puppets for Pittsburgh presents Giving Tales, 2 p.m.

At the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Knoxville location, this puppet show will do more than just entertain. Puppets for Pittsburgh will present tales from across the globe that highlight friendship and generosity. All the puppets were created locally. Find more details about this free event here. 

Saturday, Nov. 12: Intro to Musical Theater Auditioning, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Come join Pittsburgh Trust Arts in an event for students in grades 6-12 where they can learn more about what it means to audition for a musical. Acting, singing, and dancing instruction will be available at this free event, no experience necessary. 

Saturday, Nov. 12: SisTers PGH Presents Swissvale Fall Feast, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Join the folks at SisTers, Black- and trans-led non-profit organization that serves POC, trans, and nonbinary people within Southwestern PA, for their family-friendly fall festival at the Pittsburgh Mennonite Churrch. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults. There will be food, games, and prizes – including bingo and the chance to win a free turkey! Purchase tickets here. 

Sunday, Nov. 13: Book Reading with Pittsburgh Double Dutch Squad, 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Come join other little friends at Stories Like Me, a bookshop in Greenfield. Author Brittany Thurman will read her book, “Fly,” and the Pittsburgh Double Dutch Squad will be on-site to perform. Come support this local independent bookseller. The event is free, and more information can be found here. 

Want more things to do in Pittsburgh with kids? Check out our big fall events guide and lineup of 18 awesome November events and our guide to Light Up Night. And don’t forget to sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter here, if you haven’t already – it’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss a thing!