If you are looking for something fun to do with kids in Ambridge, Bulger, Crafton, Carnegie, Clinton, Coraopolis, Greentree, Leetsdale, McDonald, McKees Rocks, Moon, Pittsburgh, Sewickley, Robinson, or any of the surrounding areas, MacKID Pittsburgh West has you covered by finding five fun things for you to do with your kids in the area or a short drive away over the coming week.
Here are Macaroni KID Pittsburgh West's top picks of fun things to do with kids in the Pittsburgh area from 11/22 - 11/29 2023. Click on the links for all the details.
1. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is this WEEK and it's time to GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE up all of that delicious turkey. Here are some great kid activities to keep them busy throughout the day with 14+ ideas!
- Ready to get up and move your feet at War Memorial Park for their Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning? This event is for everyone to run or walk the 5k path through Sewickley. Prices to participate are $20/$35 and you can pre-registration HERE.
- Stop by Sewickley Public Library for a festive Fall Craft To-Go Kit on November 25th. All supplies are included and are for children in preschool to 2nd grade. Try a craft at home with this fun step-by-step guide to create the perfect Turkey for Thanksgiving.
2. Fun with Santa
- The Mall of Robinson is having Cookies with Santa on November 22nd with milk provided by Chick-fil-A. Space is limited so reservations are required, no walk-ins will be allowed. The special package price is $44.95 which includes a storytime session, 2 photo prints of any size, a digital download, and cookies and milk to-go. On November 26, the mall is also hosting Paws and Claus! Bring your furry bestie to get a photo with Santa with a deposit of $20 that will be applied to your photo digital downland at your visits! Please keep in mind that all non-service pets must be secured for this special event.
- Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is having a Santa Trolley on November 24th from 9 am to 5 pm. Upon the train meet Santa and all of his friends then stop in the Visitor Center to see the large Lionel toy train layout. Prices for adults are $13, seniors (62+) are $12, children(3-5) are $11, and enjoying little ones under 3 are FREE.
- Santa is making a Pitt stop at Heinz History Center on November 24th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Stop in for a picture with Santa while he sits in the replica of the chair from Kaufmann’s Santaland. Santa visits are included in with the regular museum admission. For more information, check out heinzhistorycenter.org.
- Come on Down to Santa’s House in Heinz Hall Courtyard with your wish lists and meet Santa in person in his brand new home in Heinz Hall Courtyard.
- Aboard the Pittsburgh riverboat tour as the kids enjoy the DJ and a special treat from Santa on the Gateway Clipper on November 24th. Tickets for adults are $32 and children ages 1 -12 are $20.
- Season’s Greetings Saturdays are for your children to meet the big man himself, SANTA. Stop by the National Aviary on November 25th from 10 am to 3 pm to take pictures with Santa and a penguin. There are many activities that are available to those who attend. Prices are normal for general admission.
- Season’s Greetings Saturdays are for your children to meet the big man himself, SANTA. Stop by the National Aviary on November 25th from 10 am to 3 pm to take pictures with Santa and a penguin. There are many activities that are available to those who attend. Prices are normal for general admission.
3. Holiday Fun
- Many consider the Carnegie Trees' annual installation to be the start of the holiday season. See the Hall of Architecture filled with towering Fraser fir trees, each lit to perfection and trimmed with festive baubles, snowflakes, glistening snow, and more! Wintry Days & Frosty Nights are at Carnegie Museum of Art on November 18th starting at 10 am.
- The holiday season isn't complete without a visit to Phipps Conservatory, Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden on November 17th. With a charming theme of "Season's Greenings," guests are sure to be captivated by the wonderful winter themes and lovely lights throughout. Plus, the beauty isn't just indoors: our celebrated Winter Light Garden fills our Outdoor and Discovery Gardens with spectacular lights in vivid shades that will awe guests of all ages.
- Peoples Gas Holiday Market is on November 20th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Shop from vendors to even just strolling around through the lighted Market Square.
- Candle Tree Farm is having its tree sales on November 22nd from 3 pm to 5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving, and reopened on Black Friday 10 am - 5 pm. There are 6 varieties to choose from and cut from for Candle Tree Farm’s customers. They have the perfect tree for you!
- Molly’s Trolleys is having a Jolly Trolley Pittsburgh Holiday Sightseeing Tour on November 25th from 10 am to 11 am. The Jolly Trolley is an hour-long holiday sightseeing tour of Pittsburgh that is great for all ages. It begins in North Shore and takes you through the city to discover all of the magic that the holiday brings and the city of Pittsburgh. Prices are adults $30, and children 12 and under in age are $20.
- The Grinch is returning to Sarris Candies from Grinchmas on November 26th from 11 am to 2 pm. Make sure to purchase some delicious treats can get a FREE picture with the mean green guy who calls himself the Grinch. This is a first come, first serve event.
- Holiday KidsPlay is November 24th across from Santa’s House on Sixth St. and Liberty Ave in Pittsburgh. Decorate a Mister Rogers sweater ornament, join in on hands-on craft stations, attend Sunday Story Time with Fred Rogers Productions, embark on a Math and Pattern Quest with Peg+Cat, and so much more.
4. Ice Skating
The UPMC rink at PPG Place is having Ice skating from November 20th til February 25th, 2024. This is a fun experience for all ages and prices are for adults (ages 13-49): $11-$12, children (through age 12): $10-$11, seniors (ages 50 and up): $10-$11, the military is (with ID): $10-$11, First Responders are (with ID): $10-$11, and Skate Rental: $5-$6 (Sizes 9 Jr to 15 adults).
5. Light Up Nights
Check out these Light Up Nights near you. Enjoy the festive lights for the upcoming Christmas season.
- Light up Night in Mcdonald is November 22nd. See live entertainment, Christmas carolers, FREE Horse-drawn carriage rides, FREE face painting, FREE festive photos booth, Mr & Mrs. Claus, and fireworks.
- Clinton Christmas Light-Up is November 22nd starting at 5:00 pm. The cost per car is $10 and is CASH only.
- November 24th is Beaver’s Annual Light Up Festival. The parade will start with bringing Santa to town and live entertainment and free activities to follow.
- Downtown Washington, PA is their Light Up Night on November 25th. Stroll through all of the lights, enjoy food trucks, and roast marshmallows over the firepits. There will be a petting zoo, a pop-up escape room, and a light show to celebrate the season. Don’t forget about old Saint Nick stopping by to make his appearance before Christmas Eve.
- Walk the Burgh Tours is holding its Holiday Lights Tour on November 22nd. Tour the big city and learn historic facts while enjoying the display of all of the festive lights. See the world’s largest pickle ornament and the unique gingerbread house display, the replica of the crèche from Vatican City, and more. Adult prices are $28 and children who are ages 6-13 are $16.
6. Mr. Messado
Forget everything you know about magicians pulling rabbits out of top hats and see Mr. Messado bring a fresh new take on the age-old art of prestidigitation on November 26th. Join superstar magician Mr. Messado for his new astonishing play designed exclusively for Liberty Magic. This 60-minute spectacular, featuring a combination of stunning magic and clean comedy, is full of interactive wonder. Whether it be shouting the magic words from the comfort of your seats or coming up on stage to be trained as a magical assistant, every member of your party will actively participate throughout the show.
