This three-day weekend is a celebration end-to-end, with Valentine’s Day on Friday and most schools on vacation Monday to honor Presidents’ Day. Take advantage of three days off to find some family-friendly activities and bond together. Here’s what’s happening in the Pittsburgh region:
Friday, Feb. 13: Storytime at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join the Botanic Garden’s Youth Educator, Ms. Colleen, to discover the wonder of nature through inspiring stories and engaging crafts. The read-aloud will take place from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m., followed by a craft related to the story themes. This is a free program that will take place inside the Welcome Center during the winter months. The Feb. 13 guest author is Eva Lin, who will join storytime to read her book “The Light in You,” accompanied by child-friendly yoga and self-affirmation crafts. Find details here.
Friday, Feb. 13: Crafternoons in the Fab Lab at CarnegieOne Braddock, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with creativity! Kids ages 3-12 with an adult caregiver are invited to the Fab Lab for a fun, hands-on crafternoon every Friday. They will explore different materials, tools and simple maker projects while building creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence. Each session features a guided craft or open-ended making time in a supportive, playful environment. This free event is perfect for curious makers who love to create, experiment and have fun!
Friday, Feb. 13: Attack Theater’s Parents Night Out, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without your littlest sidekicks? While you enjoy a romantic dinner or a stroll through the heart of Lawrenceville, kids will be busy falling in love with creativity. Attack Theater is hosting an evening packed with high-energy dance games, DIY Valentine’s crafts and imaginative creative play. They will keep the energy up with tasty snacks and festive music, ensuring they have just as much fun as you do. The cost is $30 per child, and registration is required.
Friday, Feb. 13: Step Afrika! at Byham Theater, 7:30 p.m.
This stage performance is a great way to learn with your family during Black History Month. “Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” charts the story of African Americans moving from the rural South to the industrial North. Tickets start at $23.
Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Friday, Feb. 13: Tween Galentine’s Party at Vintage Max, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
At this artsy event, guests ages 9-12 will enjoy a Girl Dinner, make paper flowers, create book bundles and more. Tickets are $45 each, with a discount for purchasing two tickets (so bring a bestie!) Sign up right here.
Friday, Feb. 13-Sunday, Feb. 15: Akeelah and the Bee” at Alumni Theater Company
Based on the 2006 film, this electrifying stage adaptation follows Akeelah Anderson as she claims her voice one unforgettable word at a time. Battling fear, doubt and personal loss, Akeelah and her village rise together to win in a world built to count them out. Alumni Theater Company brings this powerful story to life with heart, joy and community at its core, featuring a special guest performance by WTAE’s Sheldon Ingram as the unforgettable Dr. Larabee — a reminder that mentorship, courage and belief can change everything. Tickets begin at $15.
Courtesy of Alumni Theater Company.
Saturday, Feb. 14: Family Valentine’s Party at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the season of love with the people you care about most! During this program, families will make heart and love-inspired crafts alongside one another, with a focus on reused and natural materials. Games, stories, craft supplies, and small treats will be available in the warm and cozy atmosphere of the garden during winter. Tickets range from $5 to $15.
Saturday, Feb. 14: Black History Month workshop with Cue Perry at CLP West End, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Local Artist Cue Perry for a Black History Month-themed art workshop for children in grades kindergarten through 5th. This event is at no cost. No registration is required; find more details here.
Courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Saturday, Feb. 14: 20th Annual “Valentines on Ice,” Schenley Ice Rink, 3 p.m.
This fun and entertaining event includes an All-Family Skate at 3 p.m. Activities include caricatures and a selfie booth, raffle giveaways, and take-home chocolates and flowers. Light refreshments will be served. Online-only tickets are $9 for a grown-up and a child.
Monday, Feb. 16: Kids’ Art Studio Day at Vintage Max, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
No school, no problem. Bring the elementary-age kiddos to the bookstore for four hours of childcare and creative arts time. Kids will make air dry creations, work on graphic novels, play board games, and more. Lunch and snack will be catered by neighboring Haven Cafe. Caregivers are welcome to stay for the event or drop kids off. The bookstore will be closed to customers during the event for safety. The cost is $60 for one child or $90 for two children, and tickets can be purchased here.
Want more ideas? If you’ll have kids at home on Monday and you’re looking for things to do indoors, explore our lineup of Maker Monday projects right here. Though many of these projects are best for younger kids, you can find dozens and dozens (and many more dozens!) of ideas for kids of all ages. And these step-by-step projects can be done with items you may have around the house or can get at a dollar store.
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Above image by Laura Ockel on Unsplash.