Your weekend guide is here: So much family fun, from a musical petting zoo to a polar plunge!

Above image from Musical Petting Zoo courtesy of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

With many schools in the region moving to remote learning this week, many Pittsburgh-area kids may need to get some wiggles out this weekend. While temperatures are still expected to be chilly, it won’t be as bad as last week. Thankfully, we’ve got a selection of indoor and outdoor activities to meet every family’s needs:

Friday, Jan. 24: Trolley Tots at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 10:30 a.m.

This program is designed for early learners ages 2-5, and includes art, sensory and literary activities related to transportation. While Trolley Tots typically occurs on the third Thursday of each month, due to inclement weather it is now scheduled for this Friday. Check out various ticketing options and more details here.

Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26: “Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story” at the New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts

In 1960, a 6-year-old girl named Ruby Bridges became the first African American student to attend an all-white grade school in New Orleans. Experience her remarkable journey as she blazes a trail for generations to follow. Tickets are $39 for grownups, $19 for kids. A sensory-friendly performance is planned for Jan. 25.

Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26: Winterfest at Oglebay

Located just over an hour from Pittsburgh, the Oglebay Resort has skiing, ice skating, a zoo and more available year-round. This weekend Winterfest brings in even more family fun, including a Polar Plunge benefitting the Special Olympics, family-friendly entertainment, ice carving and a figure skating performance. Check out packages for visiting here. If you are interested in a day trip to the zoo or winter sports, that’s also an option.

Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25: World of Wheels Custom Car Show at the David Lawrence Convention Center

The 64th annual show gathers car enthusiasts to enjoy a full weekend of everything custom cars. Tickets are $25, $8 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. Discounts are available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Saturday, Jan. 25: Wonder Workshops: Game Changers at the Kamin Science Center, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

From making the rules to the board’s design, families will get to experience creating their own board games. Recommended for ages 6 and older. An adult must accompany the group. Registration is $70, which includes a group of seven players.

Saturday, Jan. 25: Mascot Skate at Schenley Park Rink, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Have you always wanted to skate with the Pirate Parrot, Steely McBeam and other local mascots? This weekend, you can do just that. Tickets range from $3 to $5 and rental skates are just $3. Please purchase tickets ahead of time for the 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. skate session here.

Saturday, Jan. 25: UniSound Musical Petting Zoo at CLP, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Just what is a musical petting zoo? Come to the Mount Washington branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to find out. Kids can hold instruments, give them a try, and ask any questions that they might have about musical instruments. Find more information here.

Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan 26: International LEGO Day at Ross Park Mall

This weekend, it’s time to celebrate all things LEGO at Ross Park Mall. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Steel City LUG will complete a live build, display some of their best work, and offer a scavenger hunt for families. This event is free. Find more details here.

Sunday, Jan. 26: Lunar New Year Fair and Show, Carnegie Museum of Art

This event is a great way to celebrate this important cultural holiday and also learn about it. This year’s events are inspired by the Year of the Snake. Tickets are $25. (Don’t miss Kidsburgh’s big guide to all Lunar New Year events, which we’ll be publishing on Thursday morning and will link right here.)

Saturday, Jan. 26: Summer in Winter: An Afternoon of Fun at Buffalo Creek Nature Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Take a break from winter with an afternoon of “summer” including themed snacks and drinks, plus a variety of summer activities like making rainbows, bubble painting and stories. Registration is $10.

Looking for more family fun? Check out our winter fun guide, guide to indoor pools, and sensory-friendly guide. There’s always something happening in Kidsburgh!