If you are looking for something fun to do with kids in Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Oliver, Mt. Washington, Pleasant Hills, South Park, South Side, Upper St. Clair, West Mifflin and the surrounding areas, MacKID South Hills 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. Let us help you find your family fun!
Macaroni KID South Hills' top picks of fun things to do with kids in the South Hills of Pittsburgh area from Monday, November 20th through Sunday, November 26th, 2023. Click on the links for all the details.
1. Thanksgiving Fun
- Thanksgiving is this WEEK and it's time to GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE up all of that delicious turkey. Try making these fun turkey cookies for the kids at Thanksgiving. Add some fun to your tables with Turkey Sugar cookies with ingredients like store-bought cookies or make them yourself, chocolate icing, red cookie decorating icing, candy corn, and candy eyes.
- Whitehall Public Library is hosting a Family Night: Turkey Trouble Storytime on November 20th. Get ready for turkey trouble and some fun.
- Peters Township Community Recreation Center is having a Friendsgiving for the ages 3-5. $8 per child attending. Celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends with a story, art, and fun activities.
- Do you love walking or running? If so, Bethel Park Community Center is having its 2023 Turkey Trot 5k Run & Walk starting at 7:30 am. Get those feet moving before you fill your tummies up with that amazing Thanksgiving dinner. The race is along the Montour Trail and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in multiple categories!
Check out these FREE printable activity sheets to keep the kids busy instead of gobbling up all of the food before Thanksgiving dinner has begun.
2. Holiday Cheer
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- Downtown Pittsburgh with Walk the Burgh Tours is having its Holiday Lights Tour. Learn about the history of the city and discover beautiful squares and pieces of architecture while getting to see all of the festive holiday lights and decorations for the upcoming season. See the world’s largest pickle ornament, unique gingerbread house display, a replica of the crèche from Vatican City, and so much more. The cost for adults is $28, children are $16 ( ages 6-13).
- Take a festive stroll through two million twinkling lights, and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state at Holiday Lights @ Kennywood on November 24th. Kennywood is also hosting Holiday Lights Fireworks Spectacular on November 24th starting at 8:45 pm. The cost for entrance is $39.99.
- 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.
- Join us for the opening night of Steubenville Nutcracker Village in Steubenville, OH. 5 NEW nutcrackers will be revealed Tuesday and we want to welcome them with a big street party and live music. Enjoy hot mulled wine and cider for a season of good cheer.
3. Fun on Ice
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).
4. Meet Santa
- I get that excited when I know Santa’s coming to town early. Santa is stopping and making a quick appearance at South Hills Village Mall on November 13th from 11 am to 1:15 pm. Get a festive picture with the jolly ole guy and tell him one thing you want this Christmas! Secure your spot today HERE! Enjoy seeing Santa in your PJs on November 14th and on November 16th show him your ugly sweater! Make a reservation HERE for your chance to see Santa in a festive way!
- Triadelphia Cabela’s on November 20th through November 28th is hosting their Santa Wonderland. Experience the true feel of Christmas magic by getting a FREE 4x6 photo with Santa and a shareable video. Families can mail their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last.
- The Galleria Mall is having photos with Santa from November 17th through December 7th. Times vary by Monday-Saturdays are 11:00 am - 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Sundays are 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Please keep in mind Santa must feed his reindeer each day! Prices start at $39.99. Appointments are recommended, visit vipholidayphotos.com/event/GALLERIAMLC23 to set up your appointment.
- 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.
- 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.
5. Live Performances
- 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.
- Benedum Center is hosting a Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on November 20th at 8 pm. Performing the music of Metallica, Black Sabbath, Rage Against The Machine, AC/DC, Rammstein, SOAD, Led Zeppelin, Evanescence, Guns N Roses, Billy Idol, Queens of The Stone Age & MORE!
- O’Reilly Theater is having a Christmas Story: The Play on November 25th. This is a great family fun activity and is for ages 9 and up. The ticket prices are $35-$88.
6. Plan Ahead
Can’t find anywhere with Santa being present? No worries, we have created a Santa Sightings - Photos, Visits, Breakfast, Calls & More Guide just for you. Here are two just for you now!
- Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh is hosting a breakfast/lunch with Santa with the following dates being December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17, and 23rd. Enjoy an amazing meal with Santa and his Elf with festive movies and activities happening all around. Purchase your tickets HERE for the price of $36.90 per person.
- Shady Elms Farm is having a Breakfast with Santa on December 2nd. Make sure to bring the whole family to meet the jolly ole fellow. Purchase your tickets HERE for Children prices are $20, adult prices are $35, a reservation of 8 people for $250, a reservation of 10 people for $325, and a reservation for 14 people for $475.
