6 fun events for Pittsburgh kids this weekend, from a DeepRacer Experience to Black History Month celebrations

Photo above courtesy of Phipps.

With a long weekend ahead, many parents are hunting for cool events for Pittsburgh kids. Check out this lineup of ideas:

Friday, Feb. 18: Boys & Girls Club’s Kids Zone at the Pittsburgh International Auto Show, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Boys and Girls Club of Western PA (BGCWPA) and Amazon are co-hosting the “DeepRacer Experience” at this year’s Auto Show, happening Friday through Monday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This “Kids Zone” will offer a hands-on opportunity to work with local Amazon engineers who specialize in autonomous car racing. Create a blueprint that can be used to guide a mini autonomous car around a track constructed as part of the exhibit. On Friday evening starting at 6 p.m., youth from the BGCWPA will participate in a racing competition to crown a DeepRacer champion. Tickets are available here. (BGCWPA and Amazon are also both hiring in the Pittsburgh area and will have team members on-site to answer questions and get the employment process started.)

Friday, Feb. 18: Heinz History Center Black History Month Virtual Lecture, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Older kids can join their grownups for the Heinz History Center’s eighth annual Black History Month Lecture. Renowned professor and lawyer Gloria J. Browne-Marshal will discuss her book, “She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law and Power” and share remarkable experiences of forgotten women in history from 1619 to 1969. Register here for free.

Saturday, Feb. 19: Tropical Forest Hawai‘i at Phipps, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Escape to the Hawaiian archipelago — where history, nature and culture are intertwined. Encounter a model canoe representing the first Polynesian voyages to Hawai‘i, be immersed in fragrant flora, see carvings of native birds and more. Buy tickets here.

Saturday, Feb. 19: Geocaching at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 11 a.m – 12 p.m.

Winter is perfect for geocaching, and there’s no better place than the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Learn the basics of geocaching and explore the Garden as you follow clues to find hidden caches. Bring your own device, or borrow one of ours. Each child (ages 8+) must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for Scouts BSA (as part of the Geocaching Badge) and Girl Scouts (Junior Geocacher Badge). Program fee is $15 for one child with one adult. $10 for an additional child. Space is limited, so register here.

Saturday, Feb. 19: Colors of My Heart at Father Ryan Arts Center, 4-6 p.m.

Head to the Rocks to celebrate Black History Month with Focus On Renewal. The organization’s 11th annual community festivities will feature live performances, vendors, food, crafts, and special guests. Register for free here.

Sunday, Feb. 20: “Ireland” at the Rangos Giant Cinema, 11 a.m.

Visit the Emerald Isle without leaving the Steel City this weekend at the Carnegie Science Center. Soar over the Giant’s Causeway, peer into The Book of Kells and take a tour with famed Irish writer, traveler and television host Manchán Magan. From medieval manuscripts to dramatic seaside cliffs, you’ll experience all the breathtaking details on Western PA’s largest screen. Buy tickets here.

Looking for more events for Pittsburgh kids? Check out our guide to watching the Olympics with your kids, our lineup of the best places in town for breakfast and brunch, our February events guide, our guide to outdoor fun in the region and our winter entertainment guide!