FAMILY

By Roberta Mintz Levine, Contributing Editor

“TOUGH ART”
Saturday, October 10, 2009 through Sunday, January 10, 2010
“Tough Art,” an annual exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, features artists’ work designed for the rigors of children’s enthusiasm. Ian Ingram’s “Nutnutkin-Kinnutkin” explores squirrel communication through tail flicks; Matt Mets has made a musical instrument played by the placement of magnetic shapes; Jennifer Van Winkle’s sculptural installation, “The Expedition,” offers a tactile journey through tunnels; and Anneka Herre’s room-within-a-room offers surprising new viewpoints. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.  
Tickets: Free with admission: adults, $11; children ages 2-18 and seniors, $10
(Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children’s Way, North Side
Event phone #: 412/322-5058
Event Website: pittsburghkids.org)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 05:00PM
You don’t have to worry that the kids will be bored at these programs at Carnegie Science Center. Drop the kids off at 5 p.m., and they’ll forget you in a flash as they feast on pizza and watch a laser show, an Omnimax film and explore the exhibits. This program is for children ages 6 to 12. 5-10 p.m.; pickup at 11 p.m. for an additional $10. Registration required.  
Tickets: Members, $35 per child; nonmembers, $40 per child.
(Carnegie Science Center, 1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore
Ticket phone #: 412/237-1637 /
Event phone #: 412/237-3400
Event Website: carnegiesciencecenter.org)

A LYRICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 through Monday, December 21, 2009
The performance is presented by Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
Tickets: $10-20
(New Hazlett Theater, Allegheny Square East, North Side
Ticket phone #: 412/539-0900
Event Website: pittsburghmusicals.com)

A ROUND IS A CIRCLE
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 10:00AM
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 11:30AM
Experience singing in a round at this Chatham Baroque “Peanut Butter and Jam Session”—a concert of live music and fun for children ages 1 to 5 years old and their guardians.
Tickets: Adults, $8; children, $5.
(Chatham Baroque, Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., Shadyside
Ticket phone #: 412/687-1788
Tickets online: chathambaroque.org)

SARA PENNYPACKER AT THE “BLACK, WHITE AND READ ALL OVER” SERIES
Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 10:30AM
Fans of the not-so-common third grade girl, Clementine, from the book of the same name, and fans of the Flat Stanley series will flock to hear the author talk about her books and answer questions as part of the “Black, White and Read All Over” series at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall. A book signing and refreshments follow the lecture.
Tickets: Adults, $10; children, $8.
(Carnegie Library, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.
Ticket phone #: 412/622-8866
Tickets online: pittsburghlectures.org)

BALLET FUNDAMENTALS!
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 02:00PM
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh present an insider’s look at The Nutcracker ballet for families with children ages 3 to 11. Hear the story of The Nutcracker and learn about the life and career of PBT dancer. There’s even a chance to try some of the steps and positions of classical ballet.
Tickets: Free
(Carnegie Library, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland.
Event phone #: 412/622-3122
Event Website: carnegielibrary.org)

HOLIDAY BEAD-A-THON
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 09:00AM
Make gorgeous holiday jewelry to keep for yourself or to give as gifts using beads from around the world and special holiday-themed beads in this workshop at Sweetwater Center for the Arts. Children ages 6 to 11 can come with an adult; participants ages 12 and older can come on their own. 9-11:30 a.m.  Registration required.
Tickets: Members, $20; nonmembers, $30; additional materials cost, $10-$30.
(200 Broad St., Sewickley
Ticket phone #: 412/741-4405
Tickets online: sweetwaterartcenter.org)

MAKE-IT-NOW ORNAMENTS
Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 12:00PM
Pittsburgh Glass Center once again offers you the opportunity to make your own glass ornaments—an on-the-spot glassmaking experience for anyone ages 10 and older. Stop by between noon and 4 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 5; the project will take 20 minutes or less. Reservations suggested.
Tickets: $25
(5472 Penn Ave., Friendship.
Ticket phone #: 412/365-2145, ext. 201
Event Website: pittsburghglasscenter.org)

A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL
Thursday, December 10, 2009 through Wednesday, December 23, 2009
See Web site for show times of Pittsburgh CLO’s annual holiday production.
Tickets: $26.50-$44.50; discounts available for children ages 3 to 14.
(Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., downtown
Ticket phone #: 412/456-6666
Tickets online: pittsburghclo.org)

THE NUTCRACKER
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 03:00PM
Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 08:00PM
Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 03:00PM
 The performance is presented by Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and Laurel Ballet.  
Tickets: $10-$28.
(The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg
Ticket phone #: 724/836-8000
Tickets online: thepalacetheatre.org)

A COOL YULE: FAMILY FUN DAY
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 12:00PM
Families with kids of all ages can stop by Frick Art & Historical Center for a celebration that includes stories, interactive tours and holiday art projects, including making a handmade ornament and a frame for a family photo. Tours of Clayton, the former Frick family home, are free for kids ages 16 and under. Noon-4 p.m. Reservations suggested.  
Tickets: Free
(7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze
Ticket phone #: 412/371-0600
Tickets online: frickart.org)

NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 11:00AM
Get an early start to the new year and celebrate with the animals at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, with festivities on Thurs., Dec. 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Radio Disney DJs will do a countdown at the Aquarium at noon, and you’ll get to make noise and enjoy special entertainment. Regular zoo hours: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tickets: Free with admission: adults, $9; children ages 2-13, $8.
(1 Wild Place, Highland Park
Event phone #: 412/665-3640
Event Website: pittsburghzoo.org)

FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH
Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 06:00PM
  Head to downtown’s Cultural District to celebrate New Year’s Eve in an uplifting, alcohol-free environment with children’s activities, performances, art installations and a spectacular fireworks finale. First Night buttons, which serve as admission to all events, are available at the box office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Ave., downtown; at some Giant Eagle stores, and online at pgharts.org.
Tickets: $8. Children ages 5 and younger, free.
(655 Penn Ave., downtown
Event phone #: 412/456-6666
Event Website: firstnightpgh.org)

CIRQUE DREAMS: ILLUMINATION
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 through Sunday, January 10, 2010
Acrobats, athletes and musicians transform the landscape of a city into a dreamlike performance that thrills and astounds. Audiences of all ages will marvel as performers re-invent ordinary objects, balance and take flight into the extraordinary. Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $21-$61
(Heinz Hall, Sixth Street, downtown
Ticket phone #: 412/456-6666
Tickets online: pgharts.org)

JEFF KINNEY
Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 02:00PM
Don’t wimp out on this really special event with the author of the best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. He will talk about life as a wimp and answer questions as part of the “Black, White and Read All Over” series. A book signing and refreshments follow the lecture.
Tickets: Adults, $10; children 18 and under, $8
(Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland
Ticket phone #: 412/622-8866
Event Website: pittsburghlectures.org)

PIGEON PARTY
Sunday, January 24, 2010 through Sunday, January 31, 2010
Mo Willems’ three Pigeon books from the series of the same name are crammed into one fun party in this performance with original music and audience participation. The show is performed by Big Wooden Horse Theatre Co. of Great Britain as part of Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater’s Family Series. (Jan. 24, 2 p.m.: Byham Theater, downtown; Jan. 27, 7 p.m.: Gateway High School, Monroeville; Jan. 28, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.: Pine-Richland High School, Pine Township; Jan. 29, 7 p.m.: Moon Area High School, Moon Township; Jan. 30, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Keystone Oaks High School, Mount Lebanon; Jan. 31, 2 p.m.: Seneca Valley High School, Harmony Township.)
Tickets: $11 at the door; $9.50 in advance
(Locations vary
Ticket phone #: 412/456-6666
Tickets online: pghkids.org)

CATS
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 through Sunday, January 31, 2010
This “meow-able” Andrew Lloyd Webber classic is a wonderful introduction for youngsters of all ages to live theater, with timeless songs, including “Memory,” and the magic of feline lifestyles. (Jan. 26-31: Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.)
Tickets: $23-$55
(Benedum Center, Seventh Street, downtown
Ticket phone #: 412/456-6666
Tickets online: pgharts.org)

“DELICIOUS DOUBLE STOPS”
Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 10:00AM
Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:30AM
Chatham Baroque’s Peanut Butter & Jam Session is an informal concert for preschoolers and their parents, and at this month’s performance, “Delicious Double Stops,” kids can learn the music technique “double stopping.” It’s a technique played on the violin and viola de gamba, where musicians play two strings at the same time, producing two pitches. 
Tickets: Adults, $8; children, $5
(McClintic Hall, Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., Shadyside
Ticket phone #: 412/687-1788
Tickets online: chathambaroque.org)