This three-day weekend is made for fall activities, from local farms and not-so-spooky fun to the fun happenings you’ll find below. Whether you are looking for a big fall celebration or a simple family morning, Kidsburgh has a stellar lineup for the long weekend:
Friday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 11: Magic Pumpkin Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Plant a magic pumpkin seed, and then, after a trolley ride through beautiful fall scenery, your pumpkin seed will have magically grown to its full pumpkin size! Other activities include pumpkin decorating, complimentary refreshments and interactive exhibits. A sensory-sensitive session is planned for Oct. 9, and this event runs the following weekend as well. Check event details for specific times for each day. Tickets are $23 for grownups, $22 for seniors, $15 for kids and free for little ones ages 2 and younger.
Friday, Oct. 9-Saturday, Oct. 10: Halloween Movies in the Park at Allegheny County Parks, 6:30 p.m.
This weekend and next, county parks have a lineup of movies to get you in the spooky spirit. “Monster House” (PG) and “Sixth Sense” (PG-13) will play as double features at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Hartwood Acres (Oct. 9), White Oak Park (Oct. 10), Round Hill Park (Oct. 16), and Deer Lakes Park (Oct. 17). Pack chairs, blankets and snacks for these free admission screenings.
Photo courtesy of Allegheny County Parks.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Cheer on dragon boat racers at Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Creighton, where families will also find cultural entertainment, food vendors and kid-friendly activities. Hosted by Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel, the festival supports local breast cancer survivors. Admission is free for spectators.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Chinese Library for Children: Mandarin Storytime, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Little ones and their caregivers will enjoy Chinese picture books, songs, movement and hands-on crafts at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill branch. The program is primarily in Mandarin and especially suited to children who speak, understand or are learning Chinese. But families of all backgrounds are welcome. This event is free, with no registration required.
Saturday, Oct. 10: Trick or Tea at the Omni William Penn Hotel, various seatings
The Terrace Room gets a spooky makeover for Trick or Tea each October. Guests will have a chance to enjoy a themed selection of tea sandwiches and decadent desserts. Costumes and festive attire are encouraged, but not required. Reservations are $65 for grownups, $35 for kids. (You’ll find various times available when making a reservation.)
Saturday, Oct. 10: Family Night With Purpose, 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
Head to Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh on the South Side for face painting and balloon art with CoCo the Clown. A child eats free with the purchase of an adult entrée (limited to one kids’ meal per child) and families will have the chance to round up their check to support the UPMC Mercy Burn Center through the Copeland Burn Fund. Find all the details here.
Saturday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oc. 11: Autumnfest at Seven Springs
There’s no reason to skip out on the ski resorts, even though the ground is bare. This weekend and next, family fun at Seven Springs includes live musical entertainment, chairlift rides, the alpine slide, pumpkin patch and the Kids Zone of activities. Admission is free, with fees for individual activities.
Courtesy of Seven Springs/Vail Resorts.
Sunday, Oct. 11: Monster Brass Bash at the New Hazlett Theater, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
River City Brass Band and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh present a special, family-friendly afternoon packed with music and creativity. Free, hands-on activities run from noon-5 p.m. The day’s highlight: The 3 p.m. concert will feature spooky, familiar favorites from “Ghostbusters,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Harry Potter” and “Jaws.” Concert tickets are $35 for grownups, $25 for kids.
Sunday, Oct. 11: NonStop Broadway’s Ultimate Broadway Karaoke & Sing-Along, 7 p.m.
Broadway fans of all ages will get their moment in the spotlight at City Winery Pittsburgh, with favorites from “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” “SIX” and more. Choose a Cast ticket to sing onstage or a Chorus ticket to join in from your seat. The show welcomes all ages, but lyrics are uncensored, so it may be best suited to teens and tweens. Get the details here.
Monday, Oct. 12: Microbial Monday at The Citizen Science Lab, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young scientists get a chance to explore bacteria, DNA and the microscopic world through hands-on activities at The Citizen Science Lab in Mount Lebanon. Kids will get a chance to practice laboratory techniques and work with scientific tools. The program is listed at $150; learn more about registration here.
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