This long Thanksgiving weekend, there are plenty of ways to keep busy and enjoy some extra time with your kiddos, from stage productions to library events and holiday celebrations. The Downtown Holiday Market is also open for business, so visit Santa early this year or pick up a few gifts on Small Business Saturday.
Here’s what’s happening for families around the Pittsburgh region:
Friday, Nov. 28: Fandom Art: Winter Squishmallows at Penn Hills Library, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This event is designed for kids ages 6-11 years old who love Squishamallows (or are just crafty!). Kids will make art inspired by their favorite stuffed friend. This event is totally free. Find all the details right here.
Friday, Nov. 28: Super Science at CLP Carrick, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Get curious at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Carrick location. At Super Science events, kids in K-5th grade have a chance to get excited about a science topic. A read-aloud is paired with hands-on, high-quality STEM activities promoting scientific inquiry and wonder about science. Find more details here.
Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: Storytime at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m.
Join museum staff for Storytime at the Museum. Hear nature and science stories read by Natural History Interpreters and get a chance to touch museum specimens. Stop by for one page, one book, or stay for the whole 45 minutes. Meets at the bench in the entrance of the Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs. Registration is not required; find more info here.
Courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: Santa Trolley at the Western Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take an excursion on an antique street car this holiday season. You’ll have the chance to meet Santa Claus, chat with him on your journey, and take a picture with him before your ride concludes. After your adventure, explore several interactive exhibits, see the train display and LEGO display table from Steel City LUG, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. (Note: Admission to the museum on these dates requires the purchase of special tickets for $25 per person.) Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. will be a sensory-friendly event with reduced stimulation and other accommodations. Visitors ages 2 and under may attend this event for free when riding on the lap of an adult. This year’s event is sponsored by Washington Financial. Along with the Nov. 28-30 dates, this event also happens on Dec. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21. Find all of the details here.
Courtesy of the Western Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.
Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: Christmas with C.S. Lewis at the Greer Cabaret Theater
C.S. Lewis was greatly affected by his friend and fellow writer J. R.R. Tolkien, which led Lewis on his path to Christianity. In this stage show, he shares an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which may bring a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Tickets are $78.
Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: Visit with Santa, Heinz History Center, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Santa will be on hand to visit and pose with families in the museum’s Great Hall. And he will pose for pictures in an exact replica of the chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland. Plan to spend the day: Kids ages 17 and younger receive free admission. Adult admission is $20, $18 for seniors.
Courtesy of the Heinz History Center.
Saturday, Nov. 29: Brittsburgh Christmas Tea, Sherlock Holmes Celebration, 1 p.m.
This event, which is best for teens and adults, will feature premium tea, tea sandwiches, scones, and a special Sherlock Holmes-themed dessert. Pittsburgh’s own Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers, the Western Pennsylvania Sherlock Holmes scion, will bring the legends of Holmes, Watson, and Moriarty to life with stories, clever clues, and a festive twist of Christmas cheer at Ruckus Cafe. Admission is $55, and you can purchase tickets here.
Saturday, Nov. 29: Christmas in Guyasuta, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This historic Boy Scout camp welcomes visitors for a holiday event featuring a light display, access to their climbing wall, photos with Santa, crafts, and more. Tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door.
Saturday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Nov. 30: Ohio Valley Lanes Model Railroad Holiday Show, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting this weekend and running weekends through Jan. 11, this rail show in Ambridge showcases the history of rail along the Ohio River valley. The cost is a suggested cash donation of $5 for kids and $7 for adults. You can find all the info here.
Saturday, Nov. 29 Season’s Greetings Saturdays, The National Aviary, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet the miserly Grinch himself, alongside his stink, stank, skunk friend, or the original Whoo-oo-oo, an owl buddy. There will be crafts, a story time, and a chance for a holiday photo. Activities are included with general admission.
Courtesy of the National Aviary.
Sunday, Nov. 30: Royal Breakfast at Shakespeare’s Castle, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Looking for an “experience gift” this year? This breakfast in a castle will feature some of your child’s favorite princesses. There will be a story time, dancing, photo opportunities and more. Tickets are $50. Find more info here.
Courtesy of Kristen Kane Events.
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Photo at top of story courtesy of Super Science Saturday.