18 February events for families in Pittsburgh and beyond, many of them free

Photo above courtesy of Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

While February is the shortest month of the year, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do. From celebrations of Black History Month to snowsports, check out our guide to fun February events for families in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. 

Feb. 1-2: Step Afrika! 

This vibrant performance comes from the first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping — a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument. Tickets start at $31, with $10 pricing for the student matinee. Tickets are available through the Byham Theater.

Feb. 2: Groundhog Hike at Moraine State Park

Celebrate Pennsylvania’s favorite rodent with an energizing two-mile hike that highlights groundhog trivia. Choose your trail difficulty and length. Dress for the weather and bring water and trail snacks. Meet up at the Pleasant Valley Picnic Area on the South Shore. No registration is required for the free activity.

Feb. 4: Winterfest at Ohiopyle and Moraine State Parks 

Winterfest celebrates the cold weather season at two Pittsburgh-area State Parks on the same day. Ohiopyle State Park will offer free snowshoe and cross-country ski demonstrations, horse-drawn sleigh rides for a donation and a bring-your-own-sled opportunity to slide down the hill. Moraine State Park offers winter-themed activities like kids’ crafts, winter recreation demonstrations, chainsaw carvings, cold water fishing lessons, live music and a bonfire. Free for both locations.

Feb. 4: Boyce Park Snowfest 2023 

The Boyce Park Snowfest runs from 12 p.m. to 5 pm. with exciting activities like Mini Junior Olympics Ski and Snowboard Races for age categories from 5 to 12 years. The entry fee is $10 (or $5 with donation of a canned good). Entry fees benefit the Boyce Park Ski Patrol, and canned goods will be donated to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Feb. 4 and 18: Beat ‘Em Bucs Guided Tours

Relive some of the greatest moments in Major League Baseball history by discovering the stories of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their five World Championships. Included in general admission to Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at Heinz History Center. It’s a great way to celebrate Andrew McCutcheon’s return to Pittsburgh! 

Feb. 4:  Youth Writers Camp

Campers will analyze August Wilson’s “Joe Turner Has Come and Gone” and produce original writing related to the play’s topics of self-identification. Registration is $15 per session. Held via Zoom sessions from August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

Feb. 4-6: “Rapunzel”

This new adaptation of the classic fairytale revisits Rapunzel, whose Nan builds a tower for protection. Rapunzel’s hair grows along with her curiosity about the outside world until a friend helps her find the courage to be free. Expect songs, magic and special effects in this production by Claire Sabatine and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Best for ages 3 and older.

Feb. 4: Hike With a Naturalist: Lichen Exploration

Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin to learn about lichens. This two-hour guided walk will give you hands-on experience observing lichens in their habitat and learning about their growth forms, structures, and ecology.. This free hike is geared toward teens and adults.

Feb. 4 and Feb. 15: Leave No Trace Hike

Hikers learn about the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” for minimizing your impact after you have enjoyed the outdoors. The session will also explore some of the tracks and signs of animal movement in Boyce Park. The program takes place on Feb. 5 and Feb. 15. It’s free, but registration is required.

Feb. 5: Give Me Liberty: East Liberty Celebrates MLK Day

This kid-friendly event at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater features activities from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. as well as a performance at 2 p.m. This event is “pay what you can” and all donations make the programs at the theater possible. 

Feb. 8-10: Theater Arts Workshops at the Byham Theater

Find the perfect workshop for kids interested in performing arts. Feb. 8 is the Theater Arts Workshop – Middle School event and Feb. 9 and 10 are the Theater Arts Workshop – High School event. Kids will work with theater professionals in hands-on sessions that cover set and light design, costume, playwriting, stage combat and acting. Registration is $150.

Feb. 10-12: Monster Jam 

It’s time for Monster Jam to return to Pittsburgh! 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.

Feb. 10-12: Jurassic Quest

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.

Feb. 11: Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Appearance 

At the Carved in Ice festival in Butler (which runs Feb. 10-11), the giant hot dog itself will be making an appearance. The details of the Weinermobile tour can be found here. At the festival, you’ll also find ice carvings, an ice slide, touch-a-truck and other family activities.

Feb. 11: Contemporary Craft Community Day

Contemporary Craft‘s Community Day will be held from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 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.

Feb. 11, 17-20: Latodami Birding by Smartphone 

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.

Feb. 23-24: “Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries”

Danny Carmo is more interested in becoming a magician than concentrating on learning math. But as Danny learns tricks involved in magic, he discovers that math is the secret behind the mystery. This spectacular, interactive performance from Cahoots is best for ages 7 and older.

Feb. 25-26: Flamingo Fest

Wear your finest pink attire for the return of Flamingo Fest. Kids can make a fun flamingo craft, learn about all things flamingo and meet the flock in the newly renovated Wetlands habitat. Free with general admission to The National Aviary.

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 also have a big guide to indoor play places for when Pittsburgh winter is in full force, as well as an indoor pool guide. Looking for more February events for families in Pittsburgh? Don’t miss our big guide to events happening all winter long and visit our daily events calendar for even more fun.