From an ice festival to a hike with park rangers, check out 10 events happening around the Pittsburgh region this weekend

Photo above by Aaron Burden used by permission via Unsplash.

This short school week leads into a weekend full of great low-cost family activities. Check out some of the fun events happening around the Pittsburgh region this weekend, including several local hikes and theater events.

It’s never a dull weekend in Kidsburgh, even when it’s cold out! 

Friday, Jan. 20: North Hills High School Aquatics, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

It’s the perfect weather for swimming… indoors. North Hills High School (53 Rochester Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15229) is excited to bring back its open swim sessions for families. Cost is $5 per person and occurs every Friday through Feb. 24. If this Friday’s open swim at North Hills doesn’t work for you, don’t miss the rest of the local indoor pools we rounded up for you right here in our indoor pools guide. 

Friday, Jan. 20 – Sunday, Jan. 22: World of Wheels Convention, various times

At the David Lawrence Convention Center, this weekend is all about cars — especially hot rods, trucks, and motorcycles. There are plenty of events ranging from a pedal car race to appearances by Henry Winkler of “Happy Days” fame. Kid tickets start at just $7. Discounted tickets are available at some NAPA Auto Parts stores. Find the full schedule here. 

Friday, January 20 – Sunday, January 22: Harriet Tubman and The Underground Railroad, various times

At the New Hazlett Theater, learn about the courageous journey and heartwarming adventures of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, as she freed herself and others from the world of slavery. She is best known as “The American Moses.” Filled with spiritual songs you’ll experience her determination and charity. Tickets can be purchased from Prime Stage Theatre Co. here. There is a sensory-friendly performance as well as an audio-described performance. 

Saturday, Jan. 21: Hike With a Naturalist: Winter Tree Identification, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Walk through the woodlands of Frick Park with Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin to practice your observation skills with an in-depth look at bark and buds. This hike is geared toward teens and grownups. Registration is $5.

Saturday, Jan. 21: Health and Wellness with Sesame Street and WQED at Bayne Library, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Join the staff at Andrew Bayne Memorial Library in Bellevue as well as WQED health and wellness educators to learn about fruits and veggies with hands-on experience — including preparing a recipe together! This event is free and open to all ages, but probably best for ages 2-6. Note: No Sesame Street characters in costume are appearing. Get more details here. 

Saturday, Jan. 21: Mad Science Presents Seeking Our Senses, 1 p.m.

Join the zany, fun science team of Mad Science of Pittsburgh for a deep dive into our sensory system. This free event, located at the main Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland, will teach kids to think about what it means to see, hear, smell and move through fun hands-on activities. Check out the event page for more info. 

Saturday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22: Paw Patrol Live! The Great Adventure at the Benedum Theater, various times

Set sail for adventure with the pirate pups of the PAW Patrol! They are dressed as pirates for their new high-seas mission aboard the Sea Patroller to save their mateys, Carlos and Tracker, and find some pirate treasure, too. It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first. Tickets range in price and can be purchased here. 

Saturday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22: Winter Animals Guided Hikes, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Explore the ways that animals have adapted in order to survive winter conditions in this cold and snowy city on Jan. 21 at Round Hill Park and Jan. 22 at White Oak Park. Bring water for this two-mile hike with moderate elevation changes. Registration for this all-ages activity is free.

Saturday, Jan. 21 and Sunday, Jan. 22: Ligonier Ice Fest

This annual outdoor festival includes more than 50 ice sculptures, carriage rides, and two free concerts, giving revelers the chance to warm up in the Town Hall Auditorium. Big Fat Jazz performs at 2 p.m. on Jan. 21 and Candle in the Wind plays at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.

Sunday, Jan. 22: Frick Environmental Center Nature Art, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Artists use nature as inspiration and for materials. Stop by the Frick Environmental Center classroom between 1:00-3:00 to experiment with nature art! Paint with mud, make designs with loose nature materials, or make a nature envelope! We provide the materials; you provide the creativity. This program is best for families with children ages 4-9. More info can be found here. 

Looking for more Pittsburgh events? There are so many fun outdoor winter activities in our guide, but we also have a big guide to indoor play places for days when it’s just too inclement to venture out. 

And 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.