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

Indoor Gardening with the Kids

by Jennifer Signore

March 17, 2009

Regardless of what Phil might have seen last month, we've still got two months before we can grow our gardens outdoors.  That doesn't mean you can't teach the kids about gardening right now, though.  You just have to think outside the box.  Or, rather, inside the house.  Here are some great ways to spend some time nurturing your green thumbs.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

I know that the classic "joke gift" is a Chia Pet, but they really are a neat item for kids to grow.  Better yet, get the Chia Herb Garden, and you can eat the spoils of your labor.  Both are easy, fun ways to bring a little green indoors.  (Tip: if your house tends to be a little dry, you may have to put the Chia Pet in a plastic bag to get the seeds to sprout.) 

Avocados Anyone?

If you can get your hands on an avocado this time of year, don't toss the pit in the trash.  Instead, start a windowsill garden to sprout it.  Get four sturdy toothpicks (the round, pointy kind, not the flat ones) and poke them into the seed such that you can hang it over the top of a glass and the pit will be partially submerged.  Before you know it, roots will be peeking through the seed case.  While you won't be able to follow through to the tree stage in our climate, watching the sprouting process is a classic.

Rapid Radishes

A great plant for quick growing time is the humble radish.  They grow nicely indoors and out, and the wait for the fruits of your labor is short (in garden time).  Most garden centers already have their seeds in stock, so stop by, pick up a pack, and get growing.

Aerogardening

The newest indoor garden sensation is the Aerogarden.  I haven't used one personally, but I've heard great things from others.  You can grow herbs, salads, and a variety of other garden goodies, and your kids would probably love having a miniature indoor garden to call their own.

Go Green at Phipps

If your own indoor garden isn't growing (or even if it is) you can get a year-round botanical treat from a visit to Phipps Conservatory.  Take step back in time (the main buildings date to the Victorian era) and a leap into sunny days as you stroll the lush pathways.

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...