12 things to do with kids in Pittsburgh this weekend, including sensory-friendly fun and free events

Photo above courtesy of Meadowcroft Rockshelter/Heinz History Center.

Yes, the (fake) cobwebs have come down and the pumpkin decorations are being tucked away ’til next October. But Pittsburgh is still gearing up for plenty of fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh during the weekend ahead. Check out this sensory-friendly activity, as well as a road race for the whole family. Along with the whole lineup of fun events listed below, don’t forget to visit our daily events calendar for a full listing of community-submitted events, too. 

Friday, Nov. 4: No Cost Farmers Market at Carnegie Libraries, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join your local librarians and staff from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for this free event that combines reading and groceries. No pre-registration is required, but please bring bags or a cart for your food. Don’t forget to take a new book home, too! Details can be found here.

Friday through Sunday, Nov. 4 – 6: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Experience, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

What can be done with all the empty retail space across the region? One option is to turn it into a roving work of art. Through January, the space that held J.C. Penney on the second floor of Ross Park Mall will be reimagined as the Sistine Chapel. The best part about this installation? You’re actually allowed to take photos. Tickets begin at $18, but kids 3 and under are free. 

Friday through Sunday, Nov. 4 – 6: “Frankenstein” at the New Hazlett Theater, various times

Halloween may be over, but there are still (mildly) scary things to do with kids in Pittsburgh. 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.

Friday through Sunday, Nov. 4 – 6: “The Little Mermaid” at the Byham Theater, various times

Journey under the sea with your kiddos for this special performance highlighting the youth in our city. This Young Artist performance is presented by students of Pittsburgh Musical Theater Conservatory in collaboration with the CAPA Orchestra. Tickets start at $19.50.

Saturday, Nov. 5: Carnegie Library’s Science Adventure – Insects, 1 p.m. -2 p.m.

Come out to the Carnegie Library on Mount Washington for this free STEAM activity in partnership with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Kids will examine the biodiversity of beetles, moths and butterflies. More info here. 

Saturday, Nov. 5: The Great Pumpkin Roll in Beaver County, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Always wondering what to do with those pumpkins after Halloween? Why not bring them out to New Brighton for an afternoon full of snacks, games, and pumpkin rolling competitions? The rolls are grouped by age. It’s $5 for kids if they bring their own pumpkin, or $10 if you need one. There’s also a straw hunt that’s free. Check out more info here. 

Saturday, Nov. 5: Teen Zine Takeover at CMOA, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Have a teen that is interested in print media or graphic design? Come to the Carnegie Museum of Art for an afternoon of creativity, complete with snacks and a DJ. This event is free for any teen, and does not require museum admission. But please do pre-register here. 

Saturday, Nov. 5: Insider Tour of Meadowcroft Rockshelter, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

The Meadowcroft Rockshelter, a historic site run by the Heinz History Center, is excited to offer expert-guided tours led by the famous archaeologist James M. Adovasio, Ph.D. Meadowcroft is an active archaeological dig site. Tickets are $15 for museum members and $30 for nonmembers. (Don’t forget the Heinz History Center participates in Museums for All for equitable access.) Find more details and pre-register here. 

Saturday, Nov. 5: Open Skate for 12 and Under at Switch & Signal Skate Park, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Every Saturday morning, Switch & Signal offers skate hours just for kids, so they can practice on the ramps and rails of the former train-part factory without fear of crashing into adults. (That’s how this cool place got its name! They used to make switches and signals.) Fee is $12 per kiddo, and they do have some loaner boards and pads available. Sign up here. 

Saturday, Nov. 5: Everyday Heroes concert at Heinz Hall, 11:15 a.m.

This Fiddlesticks family concert shines a light on the heroes we meet every day. Come early for an hour of activities, followed by a concert that includes “Stars and Stripes Forever,” Dvořák’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me” and John William’s theme from “Superman.” Tickets start at $16.

Sunday, Nov. 6: EQT 10 Miler with Kids of Steel, all day event 

For the first time, kids can run with their parents during the EQT 10 Miler due to a new partnership with the Kids of Steel program. “We know that finding childcare can be one obstacle that prevents parents and/or guardians from participating on race day. With this new program, parents can take the time to focus on their fitness goals while knowing that their kids are having fun as they MOVE with our Kids of STEEL team,” says Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. Registration is here. 

Sunday, Nov. 6: Sensory-Sensitive Science Hours, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Children and adults who are on the autism spectrum or have sensory sensitivities are invited to Carnegie Science Center’s Sensory Sensitive Science Hours on select Sundays from 9 am-noon. Exhibit lights and sound effects will be adjusted and special activities will be added to foster a safe, welcoming, and most of all, fun, environment for all visitors. More info here.

Want more things to do with kids in Pittsburgh? Check out our big fall events guide and lineup of 18 awesome November events. 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!