Top FamilyFun Things to Do with Kids in Pittsburgh in October
by Janet Jonus
The leaves are turning, the days are getting cooler and it’s time for Halloween and Fall Festivals! Check out our calendar here: for plenty of FamilyFun.
Columbus’ Ships are at Station Square October 5th through October 10th. Take a tour of the recreations of the Nina and the Pinta.
It’s Autumnfest at Seven Springs October 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, and 20th & 21st. Autumnfest is a celebration of the season with entertainment, food, activities, and the beauty of the Laurel Highlands.
Local Farms have their Fall Festivals with hayrides, food, activities, and pumpkin patches. Head on out to the country and pick your own pumpkin. Some farms also have apple picking. Festivals run every weekend in October. The Fall Festival at Simmons Farm in Peters Township is open every day. The Fall Festival at Triple B Farms near Elizabeth is open Wednesday through Sunday. The Fall Festivals at Soergels Orchard and at Trax Farm are open on the weekends.
Kennywood Park has double the Halloween fun. Happy Hauntings is a kid-friendly, not-so-scary Halloween celebration every weekend from 1200PM-400PM. With rides, a maze, hayrides, and friendly decorations, Happy Hauntings is a new Halloween tradition. Phantom Fright Nights is the very scary Halloween terror on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Many rides are open and there are seven themed haunted houses and two themed haunted rides. Fright Nights are for guests 13+. Gates open at 600PM and close at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 1100PM on Sundays.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has a Sensory Friendly Afternoon on October 9th from 100PM-500PM. This program is for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Sensitivities.
The Glow is at Hartwood Acres. The Glow is a spectacular Halloween Seasonal Light display and Wonderland for the entire family. The Glow is open Thursdays through Sundays on October.
Hallowboo is back at Idlewild Park on weekends in October. This family-friendly favorite has rides, Halloween decorations, food, and Trick-or-Treating through Storybook Forest.
October 10th is Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day!
Fort Ligonier Days is held in Ligonier October 12th through the 14th. Commemorate the Battle of Fort Ligonier with reenactments, artisans, food, a parade, and more.
It’s FamilyFun night at the Movies at Round Hill Farm on October 12th. Watch Hocus Pocus under the stars starting at 600PM.
The Destination Moon Launch Party is from 600-900PM at the Heinz History Center on October 12th. Celebrate the opening of the History Center’s Destination Moon exhibit with a massive party filled with food and fun activities.
The Pumpkin Patch Trolley chugs out of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington PA. Ride a Halloween trolley to the pumpkin patch. Enjoy activities and refreshments. Catch the Trolley October 13th,14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th.
The Secret Garden runs at Little Lake Theater in Canonsburg on weekends October 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th.
Anastasia is at the Benedum October 16th through the 21st.
Fashion-lovers should catch Fairy Tale Fashion at the Palace Theater in Greensburg on October 17th at 600PM. This annual fundraising event features local and regional fashion designers showing off their Fairy Tale best.
The Monster Pumpkin Festival hits the North Shore October 20th and 21st. The Festival is a monster but so are the pumpkins! See truly giant pumpkins plus food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.
ZooBoo is at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium October 20th and 21st. With not-so-scary haunts, entertainment, and activities, this kid-friendly event is a hit with families.
Watch pumpkins fly at Punkin Chunkin at Hartwood acres October 20th from 1100AM-200PM.
