In January, even Nippy Jack Frost weather won’t stand in the way of families looking for fun. Let’s join forces and go out into nature. Children can stay energized with guided hikes and educational play.
Stop by Pirate Fest to liven up your peanut, popcorn, and Cracker Jack summer dreams. Live entertainment includes Rosa His Park, an emotional Cirque du Soleil on ice, a new presentation of the classic “The Call of the Wild,” and more.
Here are the top 10 family fun things to do in Pittsburgh in January.
![Boy at PNC Park with balloon sword and pirate flag.](https://i0.wp.com/nextpittsburgh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/JAN-pirates.jpg?resize=780%2C713&ssl=1)
1. January 6th: Pirates Fest 2024David L. Lawrence Convention Center
For Bucco fans who can taste the excitement of a winning season, hope springs eternal. Head out to PirateFest, which is expanding to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center this year. Family-friendly fun includes interactive games and photo opportunities with the Pirate Parrot, current players and favorite stars from the past. Visit our pop-up team store to find all the gear you need on opening day. Children 14 and under can sign up for free. Adult autograph sessions are $25, with proceeds going to Pirates Charities. Admission to Pirates Fest is free with registration. Let’s go, Bucks!
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2. January 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th: guided hikeAllegheny County Parks
Enjoy some fresh air at Allegheny County Park throughout the month. Park rangers lead guided hikes through eight parks where families can enjoy winter scenery. Open to all ages, each hike covers approximately 2 miles with some elevation changes. This session is guaranteed to energize even the most sedentary couch potato. Rangers remind participants to dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and bring bottled water. Registration is free but required.
![Children in boots and jackets are sitting on a bench.](https://i0.wp.com/nextpittsburgh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/JAN-SeedlingsCoverImage2.jpg?resize=780%2C410&ssl=1)
3. January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st: Seedlings: great winterPittsburgh Botanical Garden
Just because it’s winter and most plants and trees are dormant doesn’t mean you should forget about outdoor learning. Every Wednesday in January and February, children aged 3 to 6 are invited to Seedlings: A Wonderful Winter, a weekly indoor and outdoor session aimed at discovering nature in the garden’s quiet season. will be done. Each week we explore a different theme, starting with a talk and then heading outside to explore different habitats. Children also participate in story time sessions and free play. Registration fee for each session is $15, which includes adult admission.
Four. January 13th: Discovery time: Cherish natureFrick Environmental Center
Educators at the Frick Environmental Center are planning a fun afternoon of activities to teach children how to care for the earth. Classes include learning about the Potawatomi people’s relationship with the environment. Hands-on crafts include making envelopes from recycled paper and making seed balls to throw outside to grow native flowers and plants. This session is perfect for her ages 3-9. Registration is free but required.
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Five. January 13th-14th: locomotion weekendCarnegie Science Center
Locomotion Weekend comes to Carnegie Science Center, and the entire building is filled with model train excitement. Be sure to stop by the miniature railway. The family tradition of pointing out details and admiring model trains has been going on for over 100 years. Additionally, private model railroad layouts will be displayed throughout the science center. There are also many practical activities. Locomotion Weekend is included in general admission. Advance tickets are recommended for this long-awaited event.
6. January 17th-23rd: School Time: Courage to stand upHeinz Hall
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra hosts school groups with special presentations that demonstrate artistic challenges. Consider Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and the opening note that shocks the audience. Hear Langston Hughes’ groundbreaking jazz poetry. Other music selections include “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland, “Banner” by Jesse Montgomery, and “Umoja Anthem of Unity” by Valerie Coleman. The cast includes Pittsburgh Ballet Theater principal dancer Yosiaski Nakano. The public can purchase tickets for the evening concert on January 17th for prices ranging from free to $40. Don’t miss this dynamic exploration of an artist pushing the limits. Preview your playlist here.
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7. January 18th-21st: Cirque du Soleil “Crystal” PPG Paint Arena
This isn’t your grandma’s Ice Capades. Cirque du Soleil performs breathtaking acrobatics on ice. A breathtaking feat made even more dangerous by the addition of razor-sharp ice skating. In “Crystal,” players will dazzle families with bright, colorful creations that combine skating, circus feats, and acrobatic skills. Expect amazing trapeze, synchronized skating, juggling, freestyle figure skating and extreme skating. Tickets start at $60.
8. January 19th-21st: 2024 World of Wheels Custom Car ShowDavid L. Lawrence Convention Center
Gearhead kids who love Hot Wheels and teens obsessed with full-size models will want to cruise up to 63 inches.rd The annual World of Wheels. This year, Gotham City’s fifth generation of the Batmobile will be on display. Experience the excitement of his FMX freestyle motocross with multiple performances every day. Student Career Day will be held on January 19th ($10 registration required by January 9th), and teens will be able to preview the show and meet car owners and manufacturers before the opening. Connect and learn about careers in the automotive industry. Regular admission is $24 for adults, $8 for ages 6 to 12, and free for ages 5 and under. You can find discounted tickets at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
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9. January 19th-28th: “Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott” Hazlett Theater
Prime Stage Theater continues its Prime Stage Sprouts series with “Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott” by Sue Greenberg. The play focuses on Parks’ role in spearheading the civil rights movement to desegregate busing in Montgomery, Alabama. When the 42-year-old seamstress refused to give up his seat to a white man, he was arrested and jailed. In response, the black community banded together and staged a bus boycott that lasted over a year (381 days to be exact) and put the spotlight on Martin Luther King Jr. This compelling history lesson is perfect for third graders through adults. Tickets are $14 for students and $24 for adults. Look for paid preview tickets and sensory-infused, audio-described performances on January 19th.
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10. January 20th: “Call of the Wild Illustrated Edition” Bayham Theater
Austin, Texas-based Theater Heroes introduces “Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition” to its Bridge Theater Series. Based on Jack London’s classic book, the multimedia presentation combines storytelling with projected imagery. Buck is a beautiful St. Bernard/Scottish Collie cross who lives a comfortable life in a mansion in California. Buck is kidnapped and sent north as part of a dog sled team. He must adapt to survive and learn how to connect with his primordial ancestors. Perfect for ages 8 and up. Tickets are $12.
bonus event
January 5th – February 25th: Laser Beatles, Carnegie Science Center
Saturdays and Sundays through February: Penguins on Parade, Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
January 6-7: Greenburgh’s Great Train and Toy Show, Monroeville Convention Center
January 11: Youth pool kayaking, Venture Outdoors
January 20-21: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” Concert, Heinz Hall