Pittsburgh Moms Blog’s Family Fun Round Up! November Edition!

Life is quickly beginning to buzz with excitement and preparation for the beginning of the holiday season! The weather is getting colder and the countdown until Christmas has officially begun. November is here! November also brings us Thanksgiving-and turkey- and stuffing- and pumpkin pie (yum!). Thanksgiving means even more than just delicious food, it is also the season for reflecting on what is important to you and your family. It is a time for giving thanks for your blessings and hopefully finding a way to give back to your community. This month’s round up features lots of family fun and even some great opportunities to donate some of your time to help out those in need! Look for #PMBShares below for events that offer an opportunity to give back to the community this holiday season!

November

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November 6th
Moe’s Southwest Grill- Kids Eat Free Week!

All 8 Pittsburgh Locations
During the week of November 5th through the 11th, all Pittsburgh area Moe’s Southwest Grill locations are offering free kids meals with each adult meal purchase! Children must be 12 years of age or younger. While you are there you can snatch a $5 off coupon for the Carnegie Science Center and The Art of the Brick exhibit.

Tiny Hands Workshop- Bath Time Sand Art
Well Oiled Dormont, PA
6pm
Well Oiled offers the Tiny Hands workshops especially for children.  This particular offering will allow the kids to make sand art using yummy smelling bath salts! $8 per child. 

www.getoiled.com

 

November 7th
Plate it Forward
Houlihan’s Mt. Lebanon

11am to 10pm
#PMBShares invites you to help support the family of Bryson Ackermann. Bryson was diagnosed with AFM( Acute Flaccid Myeltis) in October and has a long road to recovery ahead of him. He and his family could use lots of support during this trying time. By visiting this participating Houlihan’s on November 7th,  15% of all food proceeds, will go to Bryson and his family! Just mention Bryson’s name. 

Willy Wonka
CV Theatre Chartiers Valley Middle/High School Campus
Bridgeville, PA
This production follows the age old story of Charlie Bucket and his winning trip to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Share the story you enjoyed as a child with your children! 

Kindermusik with Grandfriends
Country Meadows of South Hills 
Bridgeville, Pa
10am to 11am
#PMBShares We couldn’t love this event anymore! Kindermusik with Kathy’s Music has developed this intergenerational event in partnership with Country Meadows Memory Care Center. Research has proven that music can help the brain of patients who are suffering from dementia. This fact paired with a desire to do something to help in the community, led to this great partnership! For 5 Wednesdays this fall Kindermusik will be meeting at 10am at Country Meadows in Bridgeville for 40 minutes of music. The whole family is encouraged to participate!

November 8th
Halloween Candy Buy-Back 2018
Polished Dental Pittsburgh, PA
#PMBShares 
This event benefits Operation Gratitude, an organization that sends care packages to the brave men and woman serving in our military, as well as veterans, first responders and military families. Gather up all of your left over candy and bring it into Polished Dental’s downtown Pittsburgh office. The kiddos will get $1 for each pound of candy they donate and the candy will go to care packages being created by Operation Gratitude, win win!

Photo Credit: facebook.com/thestreetsofcranberry/sparklenight

 

November 9th
Sparkle Night

The Streets of Cranberry
4pm to 7pm
All of your favorite holiday fun wrapped up into one family friendly evening! Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree, ice carving, bounce house obstacle course, fire truck, and Santa!

The Grinch 3D
The Rangos Giant Cinemas and Carnegie Science Center
12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 7pm
Enjoy the latest installment of the traditional story of The Grinch. From the creators of Despicable Me, Secret Life of Pets and Sing, this version of The Grinch is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the kiddos! Special Note: A special sensory sensitive screening of The Grinch will take place at noon on Sunday November 18th.

November 10th
Sparkle Night

Settlers Ridge Robinson, PA
4pm to 7pm
This family fun night has something for everyone! Enjoy the beauty of lighting the Christmas tree while listening to the music of the Montour High School Chorus. There will also be face painting, photo booth, ice carving and of course, Santa!

Christmas on Main Street
Volant Village Volant, PA
10am to 6pm
This event is a great way to kick off your family’s Christmas spirit. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, an outdoor movie, crafts and more! Event continues on Sunday November 11th!

November 11th
Harmony Museum’s Annual WeihnachtsMarkt (Christmas Market)

Harmony’s National Historic Landmark District Harmony PA
11am to 6pm (Sat Nov 10th) 11am to 4pm (Sun Nov 11th)
Come take in the beauty and wonder of the holiday creations made by artisans, quilters, weavers and model railroad displays!

Holiday Print Party
Kolor N Kiln Robinson Pa
11am to 5pm
This event will allow you and your children to make a special piece of art you can cherish for a lifetime. You can create a print of your child’s hand or foot out of raw clay and Kolor n Kiln will turn them into a Santa or Reindeer Ornament! The kids will also enjoy a hot chocolate bar and a chance to write a letter to Santa! Tickets required.

November 12th
Mommy and Me Thankful Plate

Fired Up Pottery Studio McMurray PA
5:30pm to 7pm
Event is open to all ages! Using your little one’s fingerprints, you will be able to create a sweet Thankful Plate. Tickets and registration required.

PJ Plays at Stay N Play
Stay N Play at Beth El Greentree, PA
9:30am to 11am
This event hosted by PJ Library. Spend the morning hearing a story and completing a craft related to this month’s theme, traditions.

November 13th
Mickey’s Birthday Party

Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill Homestead, PA
6pm to 8pm
It may be hard to believe, but Mickey is turning 90! Uno’s Pizzeria wants to celebrate everything Mickey! Children will enjoy their meal free with the purchase of an adult meal. Mickey and Minnie will be there to celebrate and take pictures too! Each child will get a party favor bag.

November 14th
Candy Corn Crazy Days
Party Lane Mars, PA

9am to 4pm
Love candy corn? Then this is the event for you! Enjoy snacking on this seasonal treat while creating a fun craft that incorporates it too!  $10/child includes the craft and free play!

November 15th
Christmas Light Up Celebration Walk Thru Nights

Clinton Park Clinton PA
5pm to 10pm
For the evenings of Nov 15th and 16th enjoy a walk thru experience of Clinton Park’s Christmas lights. While enjoying your walk you will be able to take in the lights close up. No cars will be able to drive through on these nights, making it extra safe for your littles! 

November 16th
Santa’s First Stop

Cranberry Municipal Center Cranberry Township, PA
6pm to 8pm
Enjoy a few of your favorite holiday things : Santa, tree lighting, crafts and more!

Santa Spectacular
Point State Park
Enjoy the beauty of the three rivers and the Point all while celebrating the holidays. Festive performance by local music groups and activities for all ages await you at this family fun event!

A Very Potter Christmas Party
Fun Fore All Cranberry, PA
5pm to 9pm
If your family is a lover of all things Harry Potter then you’ll definitely want to put this event on your calendar! Everyone gets their very own wand, has a meet and greet with a LIVE owl, enjoys Harry Potter trivia, and more. Ticket includes Holiday Mini Gulf and a 4 hour indoor play pass. Registration is required. 
#PMBShares The proceeds from admission to this event benefit The Highmark Caring Place. The Caring place was created to support children and their families who are coping with the death of a loved one. Each year the caring place provides peer support groups, education, consultation, and referral services to families in the community. To learn more about the caring place click here

Comcast Light Up NIght
PPG Place Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s official kick off of the holiday season is downtown’s Light Up Night Celebration. Take the wonder of the Christmas tree lighting, fireworks and more. 

November 17th
Read, Skip, Hop

Green Tree Public Library
10am to 12pm
This event is geared toward children 5 and under. This event is meant to give your little one an opportunity run wild and burn off some of their youthful energy! Spend time learning and exploring, and then settle in for a mini story time. Storytime focuses on healthy eating, activity and sports. No registration required.

Flashlight Scavenger Candy Cane Hunt
Alameda Park Carousel Shelter Butler PA
6:30pm
Don’t forget your flashlight for this event! You’ll use it to look for candy canes hidden around the park!

It’s a Wonderful Life Festival
Downtown Indiana Indiana, PA
The Christmas tree lighting starts off a whole weekend of festival fun. Tree is lit at 7pm Saturday night. There will be food, music, entertainment and more!

Holiday Dazzle
Pine Community Center Wexford PA
4pm to 7pm
Fireworks in November! Yep this event has it. This family event includes carriage rides, crafts and more!

Holiday Light Up Parade
E. State St Hermitage, PA 
A joyous parade to kick off the holiday season!

Photo Credit: Green Tree Public Library

November 18th
Let it Glow

The Waterfront Homestead, PA
3pm to 6pm
This is a free family fun event! Santa will arrive by fire truck in time to light the Christmas tree and take photos. There will also be music, crafts, holiday characters and even strolling carolers. Tree lighting is at 6pm.

Double Dare Live! In Pittsburgh
Benedum Center 
3pm
If you were a kids growing up in the 90s then you remember the Nickalodeon original, Double Dare. A family game show. Well they have revived it and it is making its way through the burg! Have a little fun reliving something from your childhood with your own littles! Tickets available here

Holiday Hand Print Keepsakes
Ton Pottery Millvale, Pa
10am to 3pm
Bring your babies and kiddos in to create a holiday keepsake using their handprints. Choose from one of three options: four hand print ornament, two small hand prints tray, or one large hand print cookie platter, Cost is $25 each. You do not need to pre register!

November 19th
Spirit of Giving from Around The World
PPG Place Pittsburgh
Open 7 days a week, Monday thru Friday 7am to 8pm, extended hours on the weekends
This unique event brings you the stories of Christmas and Santa Clause across the globe. You may be surprised to find what you will learn about Christmas folklore in different countries and cultures around the world! The exhibit includes life size Santa displays!

Bargain Mondays
South Side Works Cinema
Mondays 12pm to 11pm
Make a good use of your free time on Monday and enjoy a $5 movie at the South Side Works Cinema. Also enjoy discounted prices on concession stand items like, $1 off all popcorn and $2 off kiddie combos!

Carnegie Science Class
Monroeville Public Library Monroeville, PA
5:30pm
This class is geared toward children 8-12 years old. The Carnegie Science Center is going on the road and bringing their educational experience right to your neighborhood library. Registration required and can be done by clicking here.

Photo Credit: www.funforeall.com

 

November 20th
Holiday Lights Mini Golf

Fun Fore All Cranberry, PA
5:00pm
A fun twist on the typical holiday light show, enjoy the lights while enjoying a round of miniature golf. 

Peppa Pig’s Surprise
Byham Theater Pittsburgh PA
6pm to 8pm
Your favorite lovable pig family is coming to town! Enjoy a live action rendition of Peppa Pig just in time for the holiday season.

Super Hero Family Fun Night
Washington Salvation Army Washington, PA
5pm to 6:30pm
This event is open to all ages and is fun for the whole family. Come dressed as your favorite super hero and enjoy crafts, super hero challenges, and dinner! Costumes are not required. Register by calling 724-225-5740.

November 21st
Turkey Day at Stay N Play

Stay N Play at Beth El Greentree, PA
9am to 1pm
Celebrate Thanksgiving with snacks, crafts, games and more at this Turkey Day party! Party is free with admission to Stay N Play.

Kennywood Holiday Lights Blood Drives
Various Locations Pittsburgh
Consider taking time out this holiday season to make a blood donation through the Central Blood Bank. This November they are offering donation drives at area locations where once you donate you earn a free ticket to this year’s Kennywood Holiday Lights. Please see dates and locations here.
#PMBShares Donating blood this holiday season could literally save someone’s life. Each day in the US hospitals and surgery centers need 36,000 units of blood. The demand becomes even greater during times of extreme weather and unforseen tragedies. Your donation could go a long way! To learn more about blood donation and the requirements for donation please visit Vitalant. 

November 22nd
2018 YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Turkey Trot

YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 
PNC Park, N Shore Drive & Mazeroski Way
7am to 12pm
Med Express Family Fun 1 mile walk 8am
United HealthCare Turkey Trot 8:30am
GH& A Double Gobble 5K + 5 mile 8:30 am
TIckets available here.
#PMBShares The annual Turkey Trot was developed as a fun family tradition for a good cause. Through this event the YMCA is hoping to support their efforts to provide food security to the families, seniors, children, and individuals in need in the Pittsburgh area. 174,110 people in the Allegheny County area struggle with gaining access to healthy food.

 

Photo Credit: ymcaofpittsburgh.org/turkeytrot

Turkey Trot Sewickley 5K Run/Walk
War Memorial Park Sewickley, PA
8:30 am to 11:30am
Heritage Valley Health System Foundation and The Sewickley YMCA have teamed up for this event. The 5K course takes you through the picturesque town of Sewickly dressed in its holiday cheer.
#PMBShares Proceeds of this event benefit the Faith in Action program at the Sewickley YMCA. Faith in Action provides the elderly with drivers to take them to their doctors and medical treatments so that they can remain as independent as possible. 

November 23rd
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Little Lake Theatre Canonsburg, PA
8pm
Follow the story of 9 year old Ralphie Parker as he spends his holiday season yearning for the ultimate Christmas gift- and official Red Ryder air riffle. This holiday musical treat is based on the original movie classic!

Family Day
The Mattress Factory Pittsburgh PA
Shopping may not be your family’s idea of fun for Black Friday, so instead try out Family Day at the Mattress Factory. During the event you and your children will enjoy several hands on art activities. There truly is an activity for every age. You will find face painting by Rikki, zine making, a scavenger hunt, early learner explorations, teen activities, hot chocolate and evening dancing with DJ Dave Zak. This event is free with paid admission to museum. While you are visiting you will have a chance to learn more about the Mattress Factory’s educational programs as each of them will be reflected in the day’s activities. This programs include ARTlab and Mini-Factory.

 

November 24th
WPXI Holiday Parade

9am Downtown Pittsburgh
What better way to kick off the holiday season than a big old Pittsburgh parade! The route starts at 11th street and Liberty Ave and ends at Stanwix Street and Liberty Ave. There will be music, marching bands, balloons, floats, and more, marching down the street! This is truly fun for the young and old!

Photo Credit: wpxi.com

 

Spirit of Christmas Parade
Main Street Butler, PA
5:30pm
Holiday parade fun!

Candy Land Celebration
Downtown Butler, Butler PA
12pm to 5pm
This event is actually includes a life size version of the Candy Land Game. Not just that you will find a petting zoo and ice skating too!

November 25th
Gingerbread House Building

Western Allegheny Community Library Oakdale PA 
Create your own holiday gingerbread masterpiece! Bring a decoration to share and a baking sheet to put your house on and the library will provide the rest. 

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Byham Theater Pittsburgh PA
2pm and 5pm
Join Charlie and the Peanuts gang for this holiday classic. You will follow the chlidren as they prepare for their class holiday play, save a tree and learn the true meaning of Christmas. Heartwarming fun for all!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

November 26th
Candlelight Mansion Tours

Hartwood Acres Manor
4pm to 8pm
Go back in time as you walk through the fully decorated mansion by the warmth of candle light.$6 per person, advanced registration required.

There Movie House Monday
The Ultra Lounge Pittsburgh, PA
9:00pm
The perfect event for movie lovers! Come in and enjoy two movies every Monday night. Enjoy popcorn and getting comfy with your family.

November 27th
Children’s Story Time!

Mystery Lovers Bookshop Oakmont, PA
11am
Enjoy story time and crafts with Melissa. Stop in for this entertaining and educational experience.

November 28th
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: The Musical

The Palace Theatre Greensburg, PA
6:30pm to 7:45pm
One of the most beloved holiday stories of our time, Rudolph the Musical, will surely delight the whole family!

Family Clay Ornaments & Trinkets
Hatch Art Studio Pittsburgh, PA
Take a break from the busy rush of the holiday season and spend some time enjoy a special family ceramic class. You will be able to make a handful of cute, custom clay creations to take home and put on your tree! Make sure to register before seats fill up! 

Photo Credit: www.thepalacetheatre.org

 

November 29th
All Events Elf on the Shelf Kick Off

Peters Township Public Library McMurray, PA
6:30pm to 7:15pm
Who doesn’t love Elf on the Shelf, he brings Christmas cheer to all with his silly antics! Enjoy this event where they will share a story, craft, treat and a movie, all well celebrating your favorite elf!

Christmas at Plum Creek
Plum Creek Park Plum PA
5:30pm to 9pm
The 3rd annual offering of this event features the lighting of the Christmas tree, carriage rides, hot chocolate, food and more!

November 30th
Hopewell’s Holiday Express
Hopewell Twp Municipal Building Hopewell PA
Hopewell’s annual light up night event. This year the Polar Express Movie will be featured, with cookies and more!

The Joy of Cookies: Cookie Tour 2018
Lawrenceville, PA

10am
This free family event will make your heart and your belly happy. Walk along the scenic Butler Street in Lawrenceville and visit over 45 businesses for holiday shopping and cookies!