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

A Day at Kennywood Park

by Jennifer Signore

July 06, 2009

For most Pittsburghers, summer is not complete without a trip to Kennywood Park.  Situated on a bluff overlooking the Monongahela River, this Victorian-era park, founded in 1898, has a vibrant history and was even named to the register of National Historic Landmarks in 1987.  The sounds of calliope music and numerous manicured gardens along the meandering walkways make it feel like far more of an escape than the reading on your odometer might suggest.

Your preschoolers will love the adventure awaiting them in Kiddieland (the first special area for kids in any amusement park--way to be a trendsetter, Kennywood!).  There are enough rides to keep most kids busy for quite a while, and, even on weekends, the lines are never very long.   Some of the rides, like the Crazy Trolley, Lil' Phantom, and Turtle Chase (among others) allow adults to ride with the kids, which is nice if your kids are visiting the park for the first time.  (Side note: The Lil' Phantom is actually quite bumpy and throws riders to the side even though the hills are small.  I would recommend putting your arm around a small child to prevent them from hitting the side while riding.  But do ride--my kids both love it.) 

Be aware of the many height restrictions throughout Kiddieland.  Some rides mandate an adult (they call it a "responsible rider") for any child under a certain height (usually 46 inches, but it varies).  Other rides are only available to children under a certain height.  In all cases, infants (defined as children who cannot walk independently) are not allowed.

One other thing you should be aware of is that unless a parent can ride with their child, adults are not permitted within the fenced area of the Kiddieland rides.  The operators will assist your children while entering the ride and will buckle them securely, but you cannot actually place your child in the seat.  Be sure to talk with your child about this fact, especially if they are hesitant around strangers.  

In the main park, there are many other amusements on which your young children can ride.  If you would like to plan in advance, the Kennywood Web site has a list of ride height restrictions; or, you can simply read the signs at each ride as you stroll around the park.   Don't miss a chance to ride the old train or the classic and ornate carousel. 

If you are hungry, the choices within the park are many.  We often take our main meal at the Park Café, which dates back to the park's founding and gives diners a chance to sit indoors, relax for a moment, and really refresh and refuel.  For a quick snack, the Potato Patch is a top choice for many.  Or, if you feel inclined to pack a cooler, you can picnic at one of the many tables or groves along the park's perimeter.  For those that haven't visited in a while, there aren't really any places just outside the park to which you can walk for a meal, so plan to either dine-in or pack a picnic.

All that's left now is to pick a date!   Hope you enjoy your summer day at Kennywood as much as we did!  

Have A Savvy Pittsburgh Staycation

by Jennifer Signore

June 23, 2009

Many families are choosing to take a staycation this summer, but since Pittsburgh has so many great things to do, it won't feel like you're giving up your summer fun.  In fact, so many families find that they don't explore their own cities as much as they would like, which means that a staycation might be better viewed as an opportunity to be a tourist in the ‘Burgh.

I have collected some features from the last eight months of Being Savvy Pittsburgh into a Pittsburgh Staycation Guide.  It is by no means exhaustive, but it will point you in the right direction.  And if you do take a staycation this summer, stop back and let me know what you did around town-I'd love to hear all about it!

If you have a few days in a row, why not truly approach it from the perspective of an outsider and check out the "Three Days in Pittsburgh" travel guide.  As the title implies, this series of posts gets you through a long weekend (or part of a week) in Pittsburgh.  Day 1 starts slowly with a chance to soak in the scenery.  When's the last time you went up to Mt. Washington and enjoyed the city skyline?  Get thee to an incline!  Day 2 throws in a fun trip to the Children's Museum with some yummy treats from the Strip District.  And Day 3 swings over to Oakland to take in the Carnegie Museums of Natural History and Art.  

If you only have a day to spare, why not spend it at the Children's Museum?  It's a fantastic place for kids, and the adults will get a kick out of the displays, too.  Or, visit another North Side landmark, the National Aviary.  The new penguin exhibit is sure to be a crowd pleaser, and don't forget to stop in a feed the Lories! 

If you are up for more of a long-term adventure around town, perhaps you'd like to tackle one of the Pittsburgh lists?  The Pittsburgh Alphabet offers a lot of possibilities, and you might challenge the kids to build their own version of the alphabet list as you check off the many places and activities featured in the Savvy list.  You could also tackle the "99 Things" list (which currently has 60 items, so send more ideas please).  Trying to get through the whole list in a week will leave the whole family cranky and exhausted.  But, perhaps you could see how many you can tackle in a year.  It might just be the "to-do list" the whole family can get excited about.

Finally, given that we are in the heart of the summer season, don't forget to take an opportunity to enjoy an outdoor show around town.  There are so many possibilities-check out the Savvy list for a start and stop by for the weekend "What's Happening" posts for an up-to-date version of the goings on in the city. 

There is a ton to do this summer in Pittsburgh.  Where will you begin?

Last Chance to Visit the Three Rivers Arts Festival!

by Jennifer Signore

June 12, 2009

If you haven't been to the 2009 Three Rivers Arts Festival, there is still time.  Limited time.  The festival runs through this coming Sunday, and the rain seems to be lifting, so why not take the family out for some great art in the city?

The Arts Festival really does have something for everyone.  The music collection is amazingly diverse, and the artists' styles range from reggae to blues to folk to rock. Coming up this weekend are the Battle of the Bands winners on Saturday and to close out the festival, some fabulous reggae rhythms to get your soul moving.  The collection of art shows within the festival is staggering, and visiting all of them would keep you busy for a very long day.  I plan to check out the Artists in Action: Quilting exhibit, because I'm one of those crazy ladies that likes to cut up fabric and sew it back together again.  And since you'll have the kids along, be sure to visit some of the kids events at the Arts Festival.  Mr. McFeely will be there with a puppet show (Speedy delivery!) full of characters from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, or you can check out Shark Hats & Sidewalk Chalk for your own budding artists (speaking of which, the photo in that link is from the Fifth Avenue side of WQED studios, and it looks really cool in person-and hopefully the recent rains didn't wash it away). 

If you want to take a piece of art home with you, explore the artists' market.  There, you'll find booth after booth of wonderfully talented individuals displaying their wares and their talents (many of them will continue to work on-site).  This is a great place to teach the kids about different artistic forms.  Ask the artists about their techniques, their inspirations, how long it takes to make a piece, and so forth.  I bet the kids will jump in with a bunch of questions of their own, too.

And, of course, you'll find the usual Pittsburgh festival foods-gyros, funnel cakes, corn dogs-true, they are not the most healthy choices for the kids, but when a festival happens only once a year, it's ok to indulge a little. 

So get thee to the festival for a sensory extravaganza!

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."

Local Charity Walks

by Jennifer Signore

April 21, 2009

This week is National Volunteer Week, and what better way to celebrate the many ways that volunteers have made a difference in the community than by...volunteering!  Or, at least, making a plan to volunteer.  Going on a walk for charity is a great way to get your kids started with volunteering and charitable giving.  Getting outside together is healthy, fun, and, in these instances, a great way to contribute to some great causes.

I have assembled a list of upcoming walks in the Pittsburgh area to get you started.  In the interest of full disclosure, each of these is a walk in which I have either supported a walker or have walked/will walk myself.  But, because I'd love to get the word out about as many local walks as possible, if you will be supporting or participating in an upcoming regional walk, tell everyone about it in the comments section.  Give us the date and a Web site or contact if available-and let's all get out there and stretch our legs for a good cause!  

Genesis Riverside Run-Saturday, April 25

Genesis of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit maternity care, adoption, foster care, and social service agency providing for the needs of women with unplanned pregnancies.  Genesis relies heavily on volunteer efforts, so if you can't make the run but would like to help, contact their volunteer coordinator.  Registration for the Riverside Run closes on Thursday, April 23, so if you plan to participate, act quickly.

March for Babies-Saturday, May 9

As I mentioned yesterday, the March of Dimes' upcoming March for Babies will be here before you know it.  If you live in one of Pittsburgh's surrounding communities, your local March may be on April 26.  Check the schedule for details, and look to yesterday's post if you'd like to contribute to a local family's walking team.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure-Sunday, May 10

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a foundation focused on finding an end for breast cancer.  The work leads to more early detection, more hope, more research, and more survivors.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the largest source of nonprofit funding in the fight against breast cancer in the world, an amazing feat made possible by the efforts of countless individuals  You can register for the Pittsburgh race online or by calling 412-342-0500.

ACS Relay for Life-Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life has multiple venues all over Pittsburgh and the surrounding area (23 relays within a 30-mile radius of the city, so you have plenty of choices). I will be participating in the Relay for Life of the South Hills as a survivor on the weekend of June 13-14.  Yep, cancer is pretty personal for me, and I want to stand up to it in any way I can. 

The Walk to Defeat ALS-Saturday, September 12

Amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that results in gradual paralysis and, soon after, death.  There are currently no know cures and therapeutic options are limited.  The local chapter of the ALS Association coordinates a walk at the Pittsburgh Zoo, which makes it a perfect event for the whole family.  Our family walked last year and plans to do so again.  If you would like to participate in the local walk, you can register online. 

A Day at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

by Jennifer Signore

April 06, 2009

I have mentioned the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in previous posts as a great place to spend a rainy day, learn to tell time, or hear a story.  But I haven't yet written an entire piece on that location, and, well, it's about time I did.  The Children's Museum is one of the best places in Pittsburgh for preschoolers to explore, create, imagine, and play.  If you haven't been there yet, you must go soon. 

Located on the North Side in the Allegheny Square region, the Children's Museum packs a historical punch before you even enter the building.  As you approach from the front, to your left is the Old Allegheny Post Office building, complete with a cute rotunda on top.  To your right is the old Buhl Planetarium building.  The structure connecting the two spaces makes up the entryway. 

Once inside, you can spend an entire day in one area or hop from place to place, absorbing the dizzying array of activities and exhibits.  I will share with you a few of my favorites, but it is by no means an exhaustive list of fun and fancy.

If your preschoolers are at the young end of the spectrum or you also have an infant in tow, check out the Nursery on the third floor.  The Light Wall and Table is like a Lite-Brite on steroids, which means you'll get a kick out of it, too (plus a taste of nostalgia for your own childhood).  The pegs are a bit tough for the smallest hands to push into the wall, but they'll soon master it.  Another favorite of ours is the Bubble See Saw (hint-it makes for a really cute picture if taken through the bubble wall).  And don't' forget to stop at the rice table for some sensory fun!

For older preschoolers, don't miss the Garage and Workshop.  This expansive, round room (the old planetarium room from Buhl, for those who grew up in the ‘Burgh) is all about hands-on activities.  As you enter the room, you will find a collection of deconstructed automobile pieces that demonstrate exactly how the mysterious parts under the hood make a car get up and go.  The Interactive Art Pulley takes a series of colored balls up to the top of the room and lets them roll back down on what might be described as a roller coaster of wires.  If your kids are anything like mine, this task will keep them occupied for quite some time.  Then, you can launch little parachute men from the Climbing Structure.

Before your day has ended, make sure to stop by the Studio to make a little something to take home.  The selections normally include printmaking, painting, paper making, and clay sculptures (I believe the clay sculptures cannot go home with you, but everything else can).   And, lest you think that the museum is only fun on a day that is better spent inside, then you have not experienced the new and improved Backyard (just outside the Studio).   I am partial to the musical swings, but the Waterworks are pretty cool, too. 

Overall, a day at the Children's Museum is a day well spent.

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

Dino Hunt! Oakland

by Jennifer Signore

February 24, 2009

Now that DinoMite Days are long behind us, many of the dinosaurs created for that event were purchased by individuals or organizations and are housed in various locations around the city. Because our house is currently going through a dinosaur phase (and I suspect a lot of yours are, too), I thought I'd assemble a dino hunt for you and your little adventurers. All but one of these dinos is in the Oakland area and could be made into a walking tour if the weather cooperates. The last one is a bit farther away, but you'll build an appetite finding the first four, so it's a great final destination. Enjoy the hunt!

Dippy the Dinosaur
Installed in 1999 in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the expedition that discovered Diplodocus fossils in Wyoming, Dippy has become a Pittsburgh landmark. At 22 feet tall and 84 feet long, Dippy is a life-size replica of Diplodocus carnegii, a dinosaur named after Andrew Carnegie, the man who funded the expedition. Depending on the time of year, Dippy might be sporting a scarf (black and gold, of course!). A path leads straight to Dippy and you are welcome to touch him-always a plus with the kids! 

Alphabetasaurus
At the corner of Bellefield and Forbes, the Alphabetasaurus is a playful take on a triceratops. His bright colors and bold letters will amuse all in the preschool set. And, appropriately, he stands on the grounds of the headquarters for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Go letters!

Seymour Sparklesaurus
At the Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind, on the corner of Bellefield and Bayard, you will find Seymour Sparklesaurus . Sparky was decorated by children at the School for the Blind and features golden handprints from students, teachers, and sponsors along it's sides. You can also find the word "stegosaurus" spelled out in Braille using bottle caps.  

Fredosaurus Rex Friday XIII
This dinosaur created as a tribute to Fred Rogers stands outside the WQED studios on Fifth Avenue between Neville and Morewood Avenues. You won't be able to stop along Fifth to see this dino, but if you park along one of the side streets opposite his location, you can either check him out from a distance or *carefully* cross the street for an up close visit. My son sings to him every time we pass with a little song he made up to the tune of Frere Jacques (Fred-a-saur-us, Fred-a-saur-us...).

Pittsburghius Architectaurus
You've had a great day, so why not collect your just desserts. Or just eat dessert. At Eat n Park. (Get it?  Desserts?  Ok, I admit that's a bad one.)  At the entrance to the Homestead Waterfront's Eat n Park restaurant, you will find the last dino of the quest. This figure features Pittsburgh's buildings both past (left side) and present (on the right). See if the kids can figure out which side is which!  

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...

Holiday Gift Guide: Creativity Toys

by Jennifer Signore

December 02, 2008

Magna Doodle I just love the Magna Doodle because it can go anywhere and there's NO MESS. My son has been drawing on one for ages, and my one-year-old is now addicted, too. They both love the magic of being able to create a picture and then erase it with the flip of a lever. Get a travel size one, too--great for car trips. Play Doh Creativity Center What a great Play-Doh  Read more...

Birds of a feather...go to the aviary!

by Jennifer Signore

October 20, 2008

The National Aviary , on Pittsburgh's North Side tucked away in West Park, offers a fun way for your little flock to hang out with feathered friends. Parking is free and convenient (always a bonus in that part of town), and many of the city's coupon books offer discounts for admission. Just a warning to those with preschoolers of the "I need that mommy, I neeeeeeed that!" variety--you  Read more...