Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in pittsburgh, PA

What's Happening? May 29 to June 5 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

May 29, 2009

THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

This week, I have tried to capture some events that are one of a kind, so the calendar might seem a bit brief.  Don't forget that there are also lots of fun explorations at our venues in the "evergreen" section below!

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Touch-a-Truck
Does your child love big trucks and construction equipment?  Then make sure to head over to Touch-a-Truck at 15^th and Smallman in the Strip District and get a chance to explore trucks of all shapes and sizes.  The event runs from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. and the $5 admission benefits the Junior League of Pittsburgh.

Open House at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture
Take a look at the new August Wilson Center building and celebrate the art, culture, and history of African Americans and people of African descent worldwide.   This event runs from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Beyond Bikes Day at the Kingsley Association
Kick off National Bicycle Month with a bike safety check and guided tours throughout the day.  The event starts at noon and is sponsored by Venture Outdoors, a non-profit seeking to make the outdoors an integral part of life in Pittsburgh.  For more information, call (412) 255-0564.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

Solar Concert Series at the Children's Museum
The summer sun will power the sound system at this green concert series held on Wednesdays at 12:15p.m. in front of the Children's Museum.  Concerts will be held weekly from June through August, so you can surely catch more than one this season!  This week's concert features Todd Burge.

Don't forget that the Three Rivers Arts Festival opens this week on Friday, June 5 and runs through Sunday, June 14!

EVERGREEN EVENTS

Children's Museum
There's always something happening at the Children's Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don't forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details.

Carnegie Museum of Art
CMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don't forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.Carnegie Museum of Natural History
CMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays. 

Warhol Museum
The Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it's a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

Carnegie Science Center
There's always something happening at the Carnegie Science Center.  Nurture your kids' curiosity at one of the many science exploration areas, see a demonstration, or just watch the miniature railroad go by.  No matter how you spend your day, it will be a trip worth taking.

Phipps Conservatory
Take a stroll back in time as you meander through lush gardens and picturesque vignettes.  Learn all about plants in 17 distinct botanical areas.  Check out the exhibit, "Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon" as well as the latest addition, "Life in the Garden: Frabel Glass at Phipps."

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival

by Jennifer Signore

May 08, 2009

I'm changing format this week's schedule post because I wanted to highlight an upcoming event that you must attend.  Really, you must. 

The Pittsburgh International Children's Festival is one of only four theater festivals of its type in the country, bringing together music, dance, theater, and visual arts from around the world.  Throw in a bunch of other free stuff for the kids, like crafts, activities, and roving performers, and you've got a great event on your hands. 

The festival runs from May 13 - 17 in the Oakland neighborhood and includes seven different performances (repeating multiple times across the festival days).  The performances range in their suggested target age, but no child will be kept from entering the theater.  Use your best judgment of your child's interests and attention span, and you'll be able to pick the right show(s) for your family.  Here is the lineup (along with suggested ages in parentheses):

Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny (2 - 8)
Farfalle: The Butterfly Garden (4+)
The Hobbit from Beneath the Stage (7+)
African Sunshine (all ages)
Kraft (4+)
Harmony Street (5+)
MisterRogers' Neighbors (2-8)

For a complete description of the performances, check out the event flyer, which also includes information to order performance tickets.  Ticket prices are reasonable, and make it easy for the whole family to enjoy the fun.  Individual tickets are $8 per person, and children under age two attend free (just ask for a lap pass).   If you plan to attend two shows, save a bit with a two-show pass that costs only $14 per person.  And, if you are going to more than two shows, you'll get the best bargain of all.  Three or more shows costs only $18 per person.  You can order your tickets by phone (412-456-6666), online (for more than one show, order online here), or by fax using the order form.   

Some performances may sell out.  If you want to check availability before placing your order, call 412-456-6666.  Group rates are available if you have a whole gang of people attending (call 412-471-6930).

Baby Einstein World Music

by Jennifer Signore

April 27, 2009

On March 31, Baby Einstein released the latest additions to their video and music collection for kids, the World Music DVD and World Music CD.  I was asked to be one of a group of moms to host a premiere party for the new DVD and CD and was happy to participate.  Our family has a few other Baby Einstein products, both CD and DVD, and the kids always seem to enjoy them.

A small, but mighty, group of our friends and their children gathered to experience the World Music collection, and the overall impression was very positive.  The DVD has a lot of classic Baby Einstein features like the animal puppets and short, funny scenes where two of the puppets interact.  The kids all got a kick out of the puppets acting silly, getting rained upon, chasing each other, and generally acting like, well, children.  Actually, the adults seemed to crack a smile more than once, too.

The DVD included some other features that caught my attention.  One is called "Grow with Me" and allows the program to play with video and music alone or with video and music paired with spoken and written words corresponding to items in the scene.  This way, as your child becomes more interested in language, the video can provide a new connection.  The "Select a Segment" feature is one that our house will definitely appreciate.  What it does is allow you to select a five or ten-minute segment for those times when you don't want to see the entire 37 minute video.  My kids are quite good at identifying when the video has actually ended, so if I try to turn it off sooner (and claim that it's the end), I will get an earful from the peanuts.  Loudly.  If I know that we only have a few minutes for video time, I can choose a shorter segment and everyone wins.

The World Music CD is a lovely mix of world music performed in the Baby Einstein style, and it makes my kids dance around every time they hear it.  What I like about the song collection is the nice mix of soothing and vibrant musical selections.  When you pop the CD into your computer, you also have access to song lyrics as well as discovery cards to help your children learn even more from their world music experience. 

Overall, I would give the Baby Einstein World Music CD and DVD a definite thumbs up both for the quality of the program and the improved use of the DVD and computer interfaces to customize the viewing (and listening) experience.  If you already have the World Music collection, or plan to get it, make sure to stop by the Baby Einstein DVD or CD Web pages to share your experiences under the "Customer Stories" link.   

In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a copy of the DVD and CD as well as party supplies (plates, cups, napkins) in exchange for my review.  Two families that attended the party will each receive the DVD or CD (I wanted to keep them until my review for reference).

What's Happening? Apr 17 - 23 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

April 16, 2009

THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

Earth Day is April 22, but you can start the celebration this weekend.  Check it out!

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

Party for the Planet at the Pittsburgh Zoo
Participate in green activities and shop at a green marketplace
11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.

Art in Bloom at the Carnegie Museum of Art
Experience the galleries as art is paired with fresh floral arrangements.
Special guided tours and children's programs available.
For details, call the museum 412-622-3131

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Earth Day at the Natural History Museum
Celebrate Earth day with various activities throughout the day

Art in Bloom at the Carnegie Museum of Art
Experience the galleries as art is paired with fresh floral arrangements.
Special guided tours and children's programs available.
For details, call the museum 412-622-3131

Earth Day at the Children's Museum
Various activities throughout the day-check it out!

Saturday Light Brigade Live Broadcast at the Children's Museum
10:00 to noon

Hard Head Helmet Fittings in Sheraden
Make sure your child's safety helmet is fitted properly
Kiwanis Club of Sheraden, 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Follow the link for the full schedule-coming soon to a location near you!

Beginner's Origami at the Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill
Learn to fold paper into fabulous shapes; noon

Spanish Fun at the Carnegie Library in Oakland
Sing some songs in Spanish-all levels welcome
Registration required (follow link above)

Jazz for Tots at the Carnegie Library in Homewood
Saturdays from noon to 1:00p.m. in April
Music, dance, and sing-along for ages 3-5

"If You Were a Penguin" Celebration at the Carnegie Library
Come to a special family storytime at various locations:
Hill District @ 11:30a.m.
South Side @ 11:30a.m.
Beechview @ 2:00p.m.
Hazelwood @ 2:00p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Kidtoons "Celebrate Earth Day" Movie at Showcase Cinemas North
Join Super Why and the cast of Word World in some cinematic fun!
Noon; tickets $3.50

Once Upon a Toon at the Children's Museum
Zany storytelling and live illustrations
1:00, 2:00, and 3:00p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

Happy Earth Day!

Blue, Gold, and Green at the University of Pittsburgh
Music, food, eco-friendly displays and information--all in one place
Free and open to the public; 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

EVERGREEN EVENTS

Children's Museum
There's always something happening at the Children's Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don't forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details.

Carnegie Museum of Art
CMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don't forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.Carnegie Museum of Natural History
CMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays. 

Warhol Museum
The Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it's a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

Carnegie Science Center
There's always something happening at the Carnegie Science Center.  Nurture your kids' curiosity at one of the many science exploration areas, see a demonstration, or just watch the miniature railroad go by.  No matter how you spend your day, it will be a trip worth taking.

Phipps Conservatory
Take a stroll back in time as you meander through lush gardens and picturesque vignettes.  Learn all about plants in 17 distinct botanical areas.  Check out the newest exhibit, "Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon."

What's Happening? Mar 20 - 26 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

March 19, 2009

THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

I’ve added a couple of entries to the “Evergreen” section of the calendar—don’t forget to check them out!

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day
Wear your favorite sweater to celebrate the life of Mister Rogers
Find various activities on the Web site

Mister Rogers’ Birthday at the Children’s Museum
Celebrate the life of one of Pittsburgh’s greatest neighbors
Free admission, meet Mr. McFeely, hear the PSO perform at 1:00p.m.

Dora The Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys (at the Benedum)
Meet Dora and all of her friends on this musical adventure
7:00p.m., tickets start at $15

King Tut at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 6:00 to 8:00p.m.
Learn about ancient Egypt and write heiroglyphics
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25
 

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

Tomato Plant Girl at the Children’s Museum
Get a sneak peak of the show by Shakespeare in the Schools and make a puppet afterwards
2:30p.m.

Kidapalooza at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Meet your favorite characters, participate in numerous activities, and get fingerprinted for safety
Adults $9, kids 3-11 $6, kids 2 and younger free; 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Glade Run Maple Sugar Festival in Zelienople
Learn the maple syrup process from tap to final product
Admission $5, children 12 and under free

Annual Spring Flower Show at Phipps
Opens today and runs through April 19

Dora The Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys (at the Benedum)
Meet Dora and all of her friends on this musical adventure
11:00a.m., 2:00p.m., and 5:00p.m.; tickets start at $15

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Dora The Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys (at the Benedum)
Meet Dora and all of her friends on this musical adventure
11:00a.m., 2:00p.m., and 5:00p.m.; tickets start at $15

Zippy’s Roadside Fest at the Children’s Museum
Storytelling by cartoonish Joe Wos at 1:00p.m.
Learn about the Pittsburgh signs project at 2:30p.m.
Hear Rick Sebak (of WQED fame) talk about PA’s roadside treasures at 3:00p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 23

Exploring Australia at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Voyage down under and create Aboriginal-style art
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Willy Wonka Junior at the New Hazlett Theater
Enjoy this musical children’s classic in a vibrant stage show
7:30p.m., tickets start at $5 (save by purchasing in advance)
Show runs through Sunday, March 29

EVERGREEN EVENTS

Children's Museum
There's always something happening at the Children's Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don't forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details.

Carnegie Museum of Art
CMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don't forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.Carnegie Museum of Natural History
CMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays. 

Warhol Museum
The Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it's a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

Carnegie Science Center
There’s always something happening at the Carnegie Science Center.  Nurture your kids’ curiosity at one of the many science exploration areas, see a demonstration, or just watch the miniature railroad go by.  No matter how you spend your day, it will be a trip worth taking.

Phipps Conservatory
Take a stroll back in time as you meander through lush gardens and picturesque vignettes.  Learn all about plants in 17 distinct botanical areas.  Check out the newest exhibit, “Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon.”

99 Things to Do With Your Kids Before They Grow Up

by Jennifer Signore

March 03, 2009

In no particular order, here are 99 things you should do with your kids before they go to kindergarten (ok, actually, it’s only 60 right now…your input welcome!):

1.  Go through the keyhole in Storybook Forest

2.  Ride the trolley in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood at Idlewild

3.  Eat warm soft pretzels at the Pretzel Shop on Carson Street

4.  Cook a meal together

5.  Visit the animals at Round Hill Park

6.  Go on a hay ride

7.  Watch a thunderstorm roll in

8.  And then splash in the puddles

9.  Get a cone at Page Dairy Mart and watch the trains

10.  Ride the rails at the Trolley Museum in Washington, PA

11.  Stop at a random playground—just because

12.  Spend a day at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum

13.  Ride the bubble-making see-saw in the nursery

14.  Make your own paper or clay sculpture

15.  And don’t forget to run the trolley in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

16.  Have dinner at Eat n Park just for the Smile Cookie

17.  See the holiday lights at Oglebay

18.  Visit Dippy the Dinosaur in Oakland

19.  Ride the carousel at Schenley Plaza

20.  Cuddle up with a book in the children’s room of the Carnegie Library

21.  Get hands-on at the Exploration Room at the Natural History Museum

22.  Dig for dinos at the Bonehunter’s Quarry

23.  See a mummy with your Mummy

24.  Pretend to be a king or queen in the commons room at the Cathedral of Learning

25.  Go to a neighborhood carnival

26.  And eat cotton candy

27.  Spend a day at Moraine State Park

28.  Find the Smiley Van at an event and decorate your own cookie

29.  Feed the fish at the Pymatuning spillway

30.  Check to see if the ducks really walk on the fish

31.  Visit Tour-Ed Coal Mine

32.  Play in the Silver Clouds room at the Warhol Museum

33.  Wish on the first star of the night

34.  Visit the cheese counter at Penn Mac in the Strip

35.  Get creative at the Weekend Factory at the Warhol

36.  Wear a sweater for Won’t You Be My Neighbor Days

37.  See a Fiddlesticks concert

38.  See the city on the back of a duck (a Ducky Tour, that is)

39.  Visit Laurel Caverns

40.  Go to a Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater performance

41.  See a baseball game at PNC Park

42.  Enjoy a day at Kiddieland at Kennywood Park

43.  And then ride the big carousel

44.  And then ride the train

45.  Now you’re ready for a funnel cake

46.  Take a river tour on the Gateway Clipper Fleet

47.  Attend the International Children’s Festival in May

48.  Go ice skating at PPG Place

49.  And catch snowflakes on your tongue

50.  Hear a story told by the Queen of Hearts

51.  Have a picnic dinner at First Fridays at the Frick

52.  Ride the incline (one or both…just do it)

53.  Have an ice cream sundae at Sarris Candies

54.  And wander the rows of chocolate delights

55.  Go to the Blue Slide Playground

56.  See the miniature railroad at the Carnegie Science Center

57.  Go to the Three Rivers Arts Festival (bring your umbrella)

58.  Check out the fish tanks at Wholey’s

59.  Go to one of many summer outdoor concerts

60.  Go on safari at Living Treasures Animal Park

What's Happening? Feb 20 - 26 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

February 20, 2009

THIS WEEK’S HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 

Drip, Splatter, and Splash at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Take a look at some Jackson Pollock works and then create your own abstract paintings. Wear your old clothes because it’s going to get messy!
Ages 4 to 6, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers 

Engineer the Future at the Carnegie Science Center
Explore all the ins and outs of engineering with hands on activities and demonstrations 

Family Yoga at the Children’s Museum
(every Friday in February)12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free tea afterwards for participants  

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 

Animation for Kids at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Lets your kids, ages 5 – 7, explore the art form of animation
Class begins Saturday, February 21
Four sessions, 10:00 to 11:30a.m.
Space is limited 

Engineer the Future at the Carnegie Science Center
Explore all the ins and outs of engineering with hands on activities and demonstrations 

Once Upon a Toon at the Children’s Museum
Storytelling and live illustration by cartoonist Joe Wos
Shows at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00p.m. 

Darwin Remembers: A Play at the Carnegie Science Center
Saturdays through February 28, 2:00p.m.
Celebrate Darwin’s 200^th birthday by learning more about his life 

Open House at La Escuelita Arcoiris
Spanish immersion preschool and kindergarten
Squirrel Hill, 10:00a.m. to noon  

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

 Mardi Gras Masquerade at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Learn about Mardi Gras while you create art projects, make painted noisemakers, and march in a parade through Sweetwater!
Ages 4 to 6, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 

Seussical the Musical at New Hazlett Theater
Through March 1
Tickets: Advance $15/$5, Door $20/$10 

The Gruffalo at the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater
Through March 4
Join mouse in a musical adventure of this loved children’s book
Various locations; tickets $9.50 in advance, $11 at the door    

EVERGREEN EVENTS 

Children’s MuseumThere’s always something happening at the Children’s Museum.  Check out their calendar for the month for a great activity to share with the kids.  Don’t forget that they have classes for kids every day.  Most are included with museum admission; check the Website for details. 

Carnegie Museum of ArtCMOA has a variety of classes for all ages.  Every weekend from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., check out the ARTventures: Drop-in Family Art-Making.  You can pick up a gallery search and to explore together and then make your own masterpiece at an art station.  And don’t forget about the recurring Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers.

Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryCMNH has a great collection of activities for museum visitors.  On weekends, you can augment your explorations with the Discovery Carts, located throughout the museum (Saturdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.).  Or, take a trek downstairs to the Discovery Room, which is open daily (check Web for exact hours).  Here, you can touch and explore the displays and materials or check out a Museum Bag to take with you as you visit other museum displays.   

Warhol MuseumThe Warhol is an eclectic place with lots of bold patterns and bright colors that should appeal to the kids.  Check out Good Fridays.  While they are not necessarily geared toward the kids, admission is half price, and it’s a great way to burn off some steam at the end of the week.  On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., check out the Weekend Factory, where everyone in the family can get hands-on with an art project, usually including a silkscreen on paper.

Three Days in Pittsburgh: Day Two--Children's Museum and the Strip

by Jennifer Signore

February 02, 2009

Start your day with a big breakfast at your local Eat n Park , where the breakfast buffet lets everyone eat exactly what they want (always a plus when kids are involved). Kids five and under will eat free with an adult buffet purchase and kids 10 and under eat for half price, so it's easy on the wallet. It's a family friendly place with a great cup of coffee to get a parent's day  Read more...

Music for the Whole Family

by Jennifer Signore

January 22, 2009

On Saturday, Savvy Parenting will be talking about songs to help beat the winter blues, so I thought I would tell you about some music that is heard regularly in our house and is enjoyed by all. Some of it may not quite be "traditional" preschool music, but it gets our kids dancing and doesn't bother the adults in the room. For the Children--Max Q I know I have mentioned  Read more...

First Night Fun

by Jennifer Signore

December 29, 2008

(Giveaway at the bottom...check it out!) First Night Pittsburgh 2009 is a fun, family-friendly, alcohol-free way to ring in the New Year. It is celebrated in more than 200 cities worldwide, so it's a great way to get in touch with our world neighbors. And no, that's not a typo at the beginning. It is First Night 2009 because it is the first night of 2009. Cool, huh?  Read more...

Give the Gift of Pittsburgh

by Jennifer Signore

December 16, 2008

There are so many places to go and things to do around Pittsburgh, that it won't take much effort to treat your families to one of the gifts that keeps on giving--a local membership or subscription. Here are just a few to get you started: Carnegie Museums Membership A membership to the Carnegie museums gets you into not one, but FOUR great Pittsburgh museums: the  Read more...

Holiday Gift Guide: Off the Beaten Path

by Jennifer Signore

December 11, 2008

Only 11 days from now, Hanukkah begins, and in two weeks, it's Christmas. Have you finished shopping? Are you looking for something a little different? I am always on the lookout for gifts that are a bit out of the ordinary. Here is a list of gifts and shops you may not have considered (and won't find in the weekly circulars). XO Laptop The One Laptop Per Child  Read more...

Holiday Events in Pittsburgh

by Jennifer Signore

December 09, 2008

Pittsburgh has an amazing collection of holiday events, and many of us who grew up here can remember what we've done every year since we were a kid. And we want to share those events with our kids. Here are some of my favorites: Miniature Railroad and Village I remember as a kid the thrill of visiting Buhl Planetarium every December to see the miniature train display. I would want to stay  Read more...

Pittsburgh Holiday Traditions

by Jennifer Signore

December 02, 2008

Pittsburgh's rich ethnic heritage, while always a part of life in the 'Burgh, becomes clear to all when the holidays approach. So many cultures have come together to form our city, but it's the differences between these cultures, the traditions they hold dear, that truly make this place we call home so special. I'd like to focus on a handful of holiday traditions that I look forward to each  Read more...

Books come to life at the international children's theater

by Jennifer Signore

November 10, 2008

This month, Savvy Source is focused on great books, a theme near and dear to my heart. I have been an avid reader my whole life, and my kids seem to be following in my footsteps. Perhaps your kids are bookworms, too. If not, they may still love the idea of a story that has come to life. Intrigued? Then check out the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater , which brings  Read more...

Oh, Fiddlesticks! A musical adventure

by Jennifer Signore

November 03, 2008

If you hear the word "symphony" and think "stiff, stodgy, and unapproachable" then you haven't been to Fiddlesticks. Fiddle-what, you say? Fiddlesticks! Three times a year, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra invites a big cat with a big imagination named Fiddlesticks to join them for a special family concert. While the concerts are recommended for ages three to nine, I have been taking my  Read more...