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

Summer Sessions at the Carnegie Museum of Art

by Jennifer Signore

May 22, 2009

I'm going to change the calendar format a bit this week because believe it or not, we are almost in the midst of summer camp season, and that means it's time to register (in fact, for some of the more involved camps and classes, it might be too late).  As a member of the Carnegie Museums, I received an e-newsletter with a layout of the summer classes at the Carnegie Museum of Art, and I liked the collection so much that I wanted to share it with you. 

Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers
I have mentioned these events before, as they do take place throughout the year.  What you will find during the summer is four sessions, each with two classes on subsequent Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30a.m.  These classes are designed for ages 3 to 4 and require that a caregiver remain present with the child.  The children will use this time to explore art by observing in the museum environment and creating with a variety of materials.  The cost for each session is $20 for members and $24 for nonmembers, which includes admission for one child and adult. 

Art and Architecture Camps (Ages 4 - 5)
This camp is divided into one-week sessions that run from 9:00 to 11:30a.m., and the variety of themes should have something for everyone.  You may notice that both these classes and the Gallery Play Dates allow children age 4 to attend.  The main difference is that in the Art and Architecture Camps, the children should be able to stay at the session without a caregiver.  You will need to make that decision based on your child's exposure to independence.  How well does he or she do when you get a babysitter?  Does your child cling to your leg or run off with the temporary caregiver easily?  The camp should be a fun experience even if it is also a chance to test out the preschool waters.  Perhaps you can do one of the early summer Gallery Play Dates and if your child seems enthused by the program, talk about the possibility of attending one of the more independent sessions later in the summer.  

Art and Architecture Camps (Ages 6 - 7)
This camp is designed in a similar fashion to the one described above except that you can attend sessions in the morning (9:00 - 11:30a.m.), the afternoon (12:30 - 3:00p.m.), or enroll in both to create a full-day session.

Art and Architecture Camps (Ages 8 - 13)
In these camp sessions, which are divided by age into an 8 - 10 year old group and an 11 - 13 year old group, the sessions run from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.

The Art and Architecture camps are $90/$100 (member/nonmember) for a half day class and $180/$200 for a full day.  In the case of full-day camps, you can also arrange for early drop-off and late pick-up for an additional fee.  You can register online, by phone, in person, or by mail.  No mater what your method, I would recommend registering soon, especially for the early-season sessions.   

So, if your budding artist is looking for something to do this summer, you might want to consider this exciting collection of classes from the Carnegie Museum of Art. 

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...

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...