There’s a special joy to the quiet days between the Christmas and New Year holidays, when schools are closed and the world slows down a bit. But filling those days can also feel daunting, especially for working parents.

Below you’ll find a list of day events where kids can have fun while parents work on a laptop nearby, as well as activities families can do together to break up the week and enjoy each other. In the past, Kidsburgh has also listed several day camps available during school breaks. You’ll find some below, though there are fewer camp options happening during winter break this year.

We’ve also got guides to the region’s seasonal events, holiday lights and sensory-friendly activities. And coming later this week: Our guide to places where families can volunteer together.

The Fort Pitt Museum

Located adjacent to Point State Park, the Fort Pitt Museum is part of the Smithsonian family of local museums, along with the Heinz History Center. Even young kids enjoy learning about the history of Pittsburgh at this small museum, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during break (though not on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). While you’re at the Point, check out the other holiday festivities Downtown, like the Holiday Market and the Rink at PPG Place. Kids 17 and under get into the Fort Pitt Museum for free thanks, to a generous donation from the Kamin family. Find all the details about visiting right here.

National Aviary Winter Camps

Act fast, because there are just a few spots left for the winter camps at the National Aviary, happening on Dec. 26, 29 and 30. These camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are $69 per day. Campers will learn about the animals at the aviary, conservation, and explore hands-on fun. Register here.

Photo courtesy of The National Aviary.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Winter Mini Camps

If you have a budding zoologist (or just need a way to keep curious kids busy), the zoo has some spots left for their winter mini camps, which run on Dec. 29, 30, and 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids will learn about animals, tour the zoo, and engage in fun activities with zoo staff. The cost is $165. Register right here.

Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

The UPMC Rink at PPG Place

The Rink at PPG Place, which surrounds one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic trees, has extended skating hours over winter break. While packed weekend nights can be tricky at the rink for inexperienced skaters, weekdays are calmer with room for learning. The rink is even open on Christmas Day this year (and will remain open through March 1, 2026). Find all the ticketing info and full hours here.

Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Library Association Events

Libraries are one of the best places to spend a lazy winter day without school. Adults can read or work remotely while supervising kids, and there is typically a range of free events on any given day. On the Carnegie Library events page, there are various story times, kids’ clubs, and teen hangout events scheduled throughout late December. The Allegheny County Library Association also has a selection of story times and other events, which can be filtered by location here.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

The Children’s Museum is one of the few local institutions that is offering a day camp this year, but their offerings are incredibly popular: All sessions were full early in November. Nevertheless, the museum is one of Kidsburgh’s best spots to explore and run off some energy. The museum is open during winter break, excluding Christmas Day, and admission is free on Christmas Eve. MuseumLab will also be open each of those days from noon to 5 p.m. There are several days the museum will close at 3 p.m., so please check their website for details on classes, workshops, and specific hours. Admission for non-members is $19 for adults and $17 for kids ages 2–18 and seniors. Don’t forget the Children’s Museum participates in Museums for All, which offers deeply discounted admission for those who qualify.

Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum

Each November, the volunteers at this delightful train display open up for nearly two months of fun. This is the 37th year for this display, which is a model of the Pittsburgh region from the Mon Valley to Downtown. Kids and adults alike will find intricate detail and history woven into every scene. Visitors can get very close to each part of the display, then visit the lower floor of the museum for more hands-on activities, a gift shop, and a snack bar. Admission is $6 for kids and $12 for adults. (Note: Please bring cash.) The museum is open now through Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. On Friday evenings, the model is open until 9 p.m. for a special show called “Steam at Twilight.” In January, the museum is only open on weekends. Find all the details right here.

Photo courtesy of Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum.

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

This duo of museums is open throughout winter break, with some special holiday showcases such as the Carnegie Trees and Neapolitan Presepio, a unique nativity display. Check out the calendar of events for daily happenings, or just show up to spend a few hours of indoors bonding with your kids. The museums offer discounted admission for EBT cardholders, veterans, and other groups. Find more info here.

Neapolitan Presepio courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Kidsburgh Event Guides and Activities

All year long, the Kidsburgh team works hard to round up local events for families, maintain our events calendar, and send out newsletters that highlight info Pittsburgh-area families need to know. If you’re bored this winter break, check out some of the resources we’ve created, such as:

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