Family Friendly Fun in Downtown Pittsburgh
By Layla Joseph
With back-to-school season approaching, grab the kiddos and explore the city. What better way to get their minds back into learning mode than showing them that learning can be fun? DNA has composed a list of enjoyable events and activities in the city that get you and your child out of the house!
Pittsburgh’s National Aviary is offering half-off admission for children aged 12-years-old and under on weekdays throughout the month of August. The aviary’s seasonal theme is Superheroes of the Sky and features formidable fowls from across the country.
General admission includes daily activities encompassing up-close meetings and feedings with birds of all kinds. Starting at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., you can witness birds devour prey with the Wetlands, Tropical Rainforest and African Penguin feedings for no additional cost.
For an additional $3 to $5, you can choose activities that allow an even closer experience. Personally feed different birds, experience the SkyDeck show or spread your wings and take flight for 10 minutes on the aviary’s full-body flight simulator.
Pittsburgh’s Children’s Museum is offering free admission every day in August. The museum hosts an interactive exhibit surrounding the PBS Kids series Wild Kratts through September 3.
The Wild Kratts: Creature Power exhibit encourages children to embrace their inner animal by utilizing creature powers like a jaguar’s stealth, a spider monkey’s swing and a kangaroo’s jump to complete missions. Watch your child explore habitats in the Rainforest, Antarctica, Australian Desert and more.
This Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., experience Wild Kratt Wednesday with WQED for more activities and adventure.
Heinz History Center is also one of the museums offering free admission for the month of August. Take your young Yinzer to the Strip District and experience six floors of exhibits showcasing the history of western Pennsylvania.
Receive a guided tour for no additional cost, explore the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and travel with your child to the Kidsburgh exhibit.
The Andy Warhol Museum is the last museum offering free admission in August thanks to the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).
The Warhol Museum showcases a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for children, along with colorful artwork that demands their attention. Allow the kids to visit the play area and socialize with others before heading to the next attraction.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History is hosting the Chirp, Chitter, Caw! exhibit presented by The World According to Sound. This exhibit will be open until September 4 and invites guests to open their ears and minds as they browse photos of birds and listen to their songs.
For little Pittsburghers that love primitive creatures, be transported to the Mesozoic Era and witness “Dinosaurs in their Time.” This exhibit allows guests to see original fossils and what scientists believe to be accurate reconstructions of prehistoric pals. Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., let your kids 10-years-old and younger to dig up something new for no additional cost at the Bone Hunter’s Quarry.
The Asian Lantern Festival takes flight on Friday and will run Thursday through Sunday until October 29 at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Enjoy the atmosphere, dazzling lights and animals from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. as you walk through the zoo.
Entertainment and food inspired by Asian culture will be available, immersing visitors in history and heritage.
The Carnegie Public Library also hosts activities for kids and teens with a library card at the Downtown location. Click here For a list of Downtown activities and dates, including Teen Time, Kids Club, storytimes and more.
For folks with nothing on their agenda, travel to Oakland on Sunday and enjoy the Summer Reading Extravaganza for an afternoon full of music, crafts, prizes, games and more.
