From a Polar Plunge to “Paddington in Peru,” this weekend is full of family fun!

Above photo of Gee’s Bend Quilting activity courtesy of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

With temperatures below freezing, kids are busting with energy during this chilly Pittsburgh winter. Thankfully, there are so many activities this weekend designed to burn that energy off. From library events to theater performances (and a polar plunge!), it’s a great weekend for family fun in Kidsburgh. Top events include:

Friday, Feb. 21: Kids Club: Quilting at CLP, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

This Friday at the Lawrenceville location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, kids in elementary school can learn about the quilters of Gee’s Bend as part of Black History Month programming. This quilting tradition dates back to 19th century. This event is free.

Saturday, Feb. 22: Pittsburgh Polar Plunge at Acrisure Stadium, 9 a.m.

Let’s get chilly! The Iron Workers Local 3 is sponsoring this year’s Pittsburgh Polar Plunge! When registering, please use the code IWLOCAL3 to waive the registration fee. This event raises money for the Special Olympics. Find more info here.

Saturday, Feb. 22: Sensory-Friendly Screening of “Paddington in Peru” at the Lindsay Theater, 10 a.m. 

Paddington is back with new zany adventures, and this inclusive event at The Lindsay is the perfect way for individuals with sensory processing needs to enjoy the show. This showing of the movie will feature reduced volume and leave some lights on for comfort. Guests are welcome to move around the theater or go into the lobby for a break, if needed. It’s also a great setting for a child’s first movie theater experience. Find more info here.

Saturday, Feb. 22: Carnegie Science Center’s Preschool Adventure – Ready for Blastoff, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

This event at the Science Center is for kids ages 3-5 and will take them on a journey to prepare to launch into space. Learn what astronauts pack and how they train for outer space. This event is ticketed separately from the general Science Center admission, and the cost is $16. Find more info here.

Saturday, Feb. 22: Animal Friends Therapets Visit at CLP, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Come by the East Liberty location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to visit with a certified Therapet. These pets have undergone special training to provide comfort and affection, and are certified through Animal Friends Therapets program. All ages are welcome and more details can be found here.

Saturday, Feb 22: Stories Like Me Birthday Party, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Stories Like Me bookstore is turning two years old! Bring a donation to receive a discount, get answers to your questions about community resources, and complete a treasure hunt to earn stickers. Lissette Norman, an Afro-Dominican cultural worker, poet and author will be reading her book, “Abuela’s Library.” Find more details about this free event here.

Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23: Sensory-Friendly Weekend at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For families with members who have sensory processing needs, this weekend is designed for you. There will be calming spaces with support materials, including earplugs, sunglasses and fidgets. Museum staff will be available for kids who want to chat about their favorite topics like rocks, gems, dinos, bugs and more. Pre-registration is recommended.

Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23: “The Little Mermaid” at the Carnegie Music Hall, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Enjoy several showings of this classic tale this weekend at performances designed to be family-friendly. All performances are at the newly renovated Andrew Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie. Tickets are available online (ranging from $18- $24) and also at the door. For information, call 412-279-8887.

Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23: GLOW at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

This weekend, the Children’s Museum is hosting a winter festival (with evening hours!). Learn about sculpture, welding and lighting all day as part of regular admission, or come check out the special Evening Glow event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Find the full schedule here.

Sunday, Feb. 23: Thula Sizwe in Concert featuring the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, 4 p.m. 

With songs that hail from a time when South Africa was on the world stage and peace and freedom hung in the balance, this 10-man group from Soshanguve offers American audiences an authentic snapshot of traditional Zulu culture. This concert will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church and guests will be invited to sing along. Tickets range from $5 to $50.

Looking for more fun in and around Pittsburgh? Check out our guides to weekend road trips and indoor pools. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, too!