October is jam-packed with family fun in Pittsburgh from beginning to end. You will find interactive theater, an explosive festival and oh-so-many Halloween events. Your kids (and you!) will love brand-new happenings like the premiere of a fairy-tale ballet, a family-focused Oktoberfest and a walk-through jack-o-lantern trail.1. Through Jan. 5: Spontaneous Order – the Rhythm of Fireflies, Children’s Museum of PittsburghAs summer wains, the beauty and magic of lightning bugs continue with a new installation at the Children’s Museum. Spontaneous Order – the Rhythm of Fireflies presents 200 hanging jars along a 50-foot stretch of ceiling that blink randomly just like real fireflies in nature. As the light from one jar is recognized by another, the blinking synchronizes and shifts from blue to yellow in beautiful patterns, accompanied by a summer soundscape. The exhibit was created in collaboration with artist Sally Weber and optical innovator Craig Newswanger, founders of Resonance Studio of Oakland, Calif. The experience blends art and technology, including lessons on how to be firefly-friendly in our backyards. This immersive installation is included with museum admission.A new adaption of “Alice in Wonderland” will delight kids with silliness and the opportunity to interact with the actors. Photo courtesy of Gemini Children’s Theater.2. Sept. 28-Oct. 13: “Alice in Wonderland,” Gemini Children’s TheaterGemini Children’s Theater continues its mission to cultivate creativity and imagination with its musical theater offerings for little kids. The latest production, a retelling of “Alice in Wonderland,” includes an entertaining interactive quality that allows kids to become involved in the story along with the actors onstage. In this version, Alice must use her sorely lacking imagination for a homework assignment. A white rabbit takes her on a bizarre journey through Wonderland, where she meets characters like the Tweedles and the Queen of Hearts. Will she learn to rouse her imagination and return home? You will need to buy a ticket to find out! Admission is $15 for ages 3 and older, $5 for ages 2 and younger.Simone Biles leads the team of American champion gymnasts in a high-energy performance. Photo courtesy of Gold Over America Tour.3. Oct. 2: Gold Over America Tour, PPG Paints ArenaFollowing the exciting performances of the Summer Olympics, it’s no surprise that this tour title is an acronym of GOAT. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, leads an army of champion athletes, from Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey to Paul Juda and Brody Malone. Presented in a pop concert style, this high-energy spectacular will have the audience on the edge of their seats and cheering with every jump, twist and tumble. The athleticism and choreography will delight and impress all ages, from limber young gymnasts to their creaky grownups. Tickets are $35-$175.The inaugural Pittsburgh Oktoberfest offers more than brats and beer. Kids will be entertained with lots of family-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.4. Oct. 3-13: Pittsburgh Oktoberfest, DowntownThe inaugural Pittsburgh Oktoberfest will draw crowds of all ages. Imagine the thrill of rocking atop a 60-foot Ferris wheel installed at the apex of the Roberto Clemente Bridge with views of PNC Park and The Point. The bridge is the site of the Sixth Street Karnevale, where kids will be challenged with games like brezel werfen (pretzel toss) and hammerschlagen (hammer striking). Kids will find more activities at Kinderplay in Market Square, where they can make Alpine hats and gingerbread hearts and throw inflatable axes. They will get a kick out of cheering on challengers in the Feats of Strength competitions, such as Barrel Rolling, Stein Racing, Keg Lift Racing and the official Stein Holding Competition. Advance tickets for Ferris wheel rides are $5. Grownups can register for competitions here. Oktoberfest admission is free.Gates open at dusk for the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.5. Oct. 3-Nov. 3: Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza, Pittsburgh Zoo & AquariumThe zoo presents a brand-new nighttime experience for families this season. Thousands of intricately carved pumpkins will glow along the walk-through paths. Light, sound and special effects will contribute to the magic. Pumpkins will be carved to represent zoo creatures and characters from pop culture, sports and fantasy. The jack-o’-lantern path travels through the first half of the zoo, from the Forest Passage and African Savannah to The Islands and Jungle Odyssey. Gates open at dusk with tickets starting at $18.The zoo offers daytime festivities, too, with the return of Zoo Boo, running weekends from Oct. 19-27. Kids can show off their costumes in a contest and trick-or-treat throughout the zoo. Favorite costumed characters and mascots will be on hand for meet-and-greets. Hands-on crafts are part of the program, too. Zoo Boo activities are included in zoo admission.An all-day iron pour is at the center of the Festival of Combustion. Photo courtesy of Carrie Blast Furnaces.6. Oct. 5: Festival of Combustion, Carrie Blast FurnacesRivers of Steel Festival of Combustion is a firey blast from Pittsburgh’s industrial past. The towering Carrie Blast Furnaces is the perfect setting for showcasing welders, blacksmiths, metal fabricators and glassblowers. An all-day iron pour is the centerpiece of the event. Kids and their grownups can stretch their creativity with hands-on activities and embark on self-guided tours throughout the day. Browse the market where regional artisans will offer crafts, and food trucks will serve up a variety of eats. Live music from the likes of Ames Harding & the Mirage, Tom Breiding and the Union Railroad, plus The Polkamaniacs (including NEXT Publisher Sharon Steele), provides a soundtrack for the festival. Advance admission is $20, free for ages 18 and younger.Image courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.7. Oct. 5: Story Saturday: “Craft Roach,” Carnegie Museum of ArtRachel Burke’s “Craft Roach” storybook might change your mind about cockroaches. Unlike other bugs, who tend to stay hidden in dark corners, Craft Roach is a rather flamboyant, artsy bug who loves to sparkle and shine. When the house’s human leaves for a week, he decides to take advantage of all the craft supplies left behind. And he tries to convince his fellow roaches to explore their creativity with glitter and color. As this month’s Story Saturday, kids ages 12 and younger will enjoy story time with a reading of “Craft Roach,” followed by a bug-inspired making activity. Registration is free with museum admission.Trunk-or-Treat is one of the many Halloween activities at Allegheny County Parks. Photo courtesy of Allegheny County Parks.8. Oct. 12-27: Allegheny County Parks Fall Special Events, multiple locationsAllegheny County Parks and Recreation filled the calendar with plenty of family fun, perfect for spooky season. No registration is required for these free events. Follow links for times and park locations.Campfire Ghost Stories offers spooky tales and sing-alongs around a roaring campfire on Oct. 12, 19, 20, 26 and 27. Halloween costumes are encouraged.Head to an outdoor screening of “Halloweentown” on Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26. The G-rated story of three generations of witches is sure to delight. Bring your own drinks and snacks along with chairs or blankets for movie-watching comfort.The annual Punkin Chunkin at Hartwood Acres returns on Oct. 19 with a full-size trebuchet that launches across the field. Family activities include crafts and games, face painting, balloon art and Medieval sword fighting for a complete festival experience.On Oct. 26 and 27, costumed kids can Trunk-or-Treat from car cruisers, which will pass out candy and treats. Join the fun as a trick-or-treater or as a generous decorated car cruiser.Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artists Josiah Kauffman (Peter) and Amanda Morgan (Wendy) star in the new “Peter Pan” ballet. Photo by Michael Henninger.  9. Oct. 25-27: “Peter Pan,” Benedum CenterPittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents a new version of “Peter Pan” that interprets the story through the eyes of a child. Not-to-be-missed features include flying, sword fights, giant puppets and punk fashion costumes. Expect a bit of pixie dust from Tinkerbell, antics from the boy who refuses to grow up and mothering from Wendy. This Pittsburgh premiere is sure to charm the entire family. Other programming includes a family workshop prior to the Oct. 26 matinee. The story time and activities aim to enhance a child’s appreciation of the performance (register here). “Peter Pan” is part of this season’s Family Fairy Tale Package, which includes “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 6-27) and “The Wizard of Oz” (May 9-18). The three-ticket packages for kids start at $37.50 for all three ballets, $72 for grownups.  Individual tickets are $28-$135.Lorna Courtney and the cast of “& Juliet.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.10. Oct. 29-Nov. 3: “& Juliet,” Benedum CenterWe all know the tragic ending of “Romeo and Juliet.” But what if Will Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, put her two cents in and flipped the script with a more positive conclusion? That’s the premise of “& Juliet,” a musical rom-com in which Juliet receives a second chance at life and love. Created by David West Read, the Emmy Award-winning writer of “Schitt’s Creek,” you can bet on more than a few laughs along the way. The show is filled with rousing pop anthems like “Roar,” “Since U Been Gone” and “Baby One More Time,” certain to energize the audience. The Broadway touring production of “& Juliet” explodes with dazzling special effects, spectacular choreography and lots of energy. Best for ages 8 and older. Tickets are $44-$150.Bonus events:Through Oct. 27: HalloBoo!, Idlewild Park Through Oct. 27: Phantom Fall Fest, Kennywood Park Oct. 11: Blippi: Join the Band Tour, Byham Theater Oct. 17-27: Pittsburgh Playhouse Fall Fest Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27: Owl-O-Ween at the National Aviary Oct. 19-20: Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival, Strip District Oct. 24-27: Disney on Ice Presents “Frozen” and “Encanto,” PPG Paints ArenaThe post Top 10 October events for Pittsburgh kids who get a kick from Halloween, lightning bugs and Simone Biles appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.