In true Pittsburgh fashion, the last full weekend in February may see rain and sun and snow. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities both inside and out to meet every family’s need for excitement.

Whether you’re up for a quiet library event or a big undertaking, check out some of this weekend’s top events:

Friday, Feb. 20-Sunday, Feb. 22: “America 250″ at the Benedum Center

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Pittsburgh Ballet in a vibrant mixed repertory program that honors the American spirit, featuring Lisa de Ribere’s The Mighty Casey and George Balanchine’s jubilant “Stars and Stripes Pas de deux.” Tickets start at $33. (Get all the details here.)

Photo courtesy of PBT.

Saturday, Feb. 21: George Washington/Cherry Pie Long Hike at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 9 a.m. 

This long hike on the North Country Trail will cover 7 miles. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Registration is free, but a donation of $5 per person (max of $15 for families) is suggested. The deadline to register is Feb. 19. Please call (724-794-6011) if you’re registering after that date.

Saturday, Feb. 21: 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. This event meets at the bench in the entrance of Dinosaurs in Their Time. Registration is not required, and this activity is included with general admission.

Courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Saturday, Feb. 21: “Pop! Snow People” at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

If you haven’t yet checked out the Children’s Studio at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, it’s a great place for kids to be inspired. This weekend, create a Pop-style painting of people in a seriously snowy scenario. This event is designed for kids ages 7-10. Registration is $25.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Winter Hike and Hot Chocolate at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Who says winter isn’t a great time to be outside? Join educators on a family-friendly guided hike through the Garden looking for tracks, scat and other signs of animals. If the weather permits, participants will play in the snow. So dress accordingly. Wrap up the morning with games and a build-your-own hot chocolate bar, including botanically-sourced flavors like peppermint and lavender. The cost is $10-20, and you can find more info here.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Parachute Play at Penn Hills Library, 10:30 a.m.

Join library staff for creative movement, songs and games with a colorful parachute. This session will focus on developing gross motor skills, rhythm and social interactions. This activity is designed for children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers and is free to all. Find more info here.

Courtesy of Penn Hills Library.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Squonk’s Rube Goldberg Workshop at Sto-Rox Public Library, 10:30 a.m. t0 11:30 a.m

Unleash your creativity with Rube Goldberg Machines and Squonk. Join Squonkers for an exciting workshop where science meets art this weekend. Kids aged 6-13 will dive into the world of Rube Goldberg Machines, learning how to harness the flow of energy, using everyday objects to create quirky, complex contraptions with chain reactions. Don’t miss out on this chance to build, play and explore. This event is free and no registration is required.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Lunar New Year at Phipps, 11 a.m to 4 p.m. 

This event, which is included with general admission, is a terrific way for families to learn about and celebrate the Year of the Horse. Families will find performances, food and craft vendors, and educational experiences. Find more info here.

Courtesy of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Sunday, Feb. 22: Learn about Indian Harvest Festivals at the South Fayette Senior Center, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Come celebrate, foster community, and learn about the Indian Harvest Festivals of Pongal, Sankranthi and Lohri. Enjoy an Indian dance demonstration, art, education and food with your neighbors, as well. The cost is $5, and kids under 3 are free. Please register here.

Courtesy of South Fayette Senior Center.

Sunday, Feb 22: Breakin’ for Kids with Los Sabrosos, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

These easy, fun classes are where students learn the first steps to becoming a breakdancer. Students ages 7-12 will get the chance to explore new movements gradually as the teacher breaks down the elements of each step. Class begins with a warm-up and ends with open questions. The goal is for students to build confidence in themselves and the new moves they’ve learned. This is a 60-minute class with breaks. There are single classes, monthly packages, and semester registrations available. Find info here.

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Header photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens.