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

Enjoy a Book and a Smile

by Jennifer Signore

August 03, 2009

This week at the Savvy Source, we are talking about books that make us laugh.  In our house, books are king, and I have found that the biggest belly laughs have come from how I read the book rather than the content.  Do we have silly books?  Of course.  But they are not nearly as silly when read with a straight face.  So, cut loose and be wacky and silly with your kids while sharing a book.  You might be surprised at how hilarious it can be.

Here are some of my favorite funny book moments:

In Green Eggs and Ham, Sam and his unwilling traveling companion splash into the water and the line is uttered (for the umpteenth time), "I do not like them Sam I Am."  Try saying it while flapping your lips with your index finger to sound like you are "underwater."  That one gets requests for a repeat over and over.

If you are reading the Gruffalo, you simply must do the voices.  I always make sure to get all hooty with the owl voice and a bit hissy with the ssssssssslithery sssssssssssnake.  It's a fabulous book on its own, but the enjoyment goes up a notch when voiced in character.  (In my opinion, that fact is true of most books.)

For silly in general, nothing much beats a Dr. Seuss book.  Have you seen the VUG under the RUG?  Or what about Beft?  Why is it that Beft always go to the left? 

In reality, you can make almost any children's book a time to laugh.  Especially when the book gets "hungry" and decides to take a little nibble on an arm or two (guaranteed to make even the most hard-core grump crack a smile).  

Happy reading!

Going Global at the Dinner Table

by Jennifer Signore

July 07, 2009

I know that everyone is pinching pennies these days, so a ‘round-the-world vacation is probably out of the question.  Well, what if you brought the world to your home?  Or, more specifically, to your table?  I bet that would fit into a lot more of our budgets.

There are so many ways to make the meal and preparations into a wonderful learning experience for your kids.  And, if you bring the international dining to your own home, you'll be less stressed if the kids decide they are less interested in eating the meal than they were in talking about the meal.  Here are some ideas to get you started. 

What's Happening? June 19 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

June 18, 2009

NEW at the Children's Museum, Bob the Builder: Project Build It!  Visit Bob and the gang now through September 27 for building adventures.  Every Friday at 11:30a.m. and Sunday at 2:00p.m. you can meet Bob and shake hands.  Every other Thursday, check out the Real Trucks that will be parked in front of the museum.  Special Tool Belt Time workshops will be offered throughout Bob's visit to the museum, and you'll find even more Bob the Builder activities on the museum calendar (look for events listed in red).  I have added this event to the evergreen section below, but I wanted to be sure to highlight it for you here, too.  We hope to visit soon, and I'll write up a feedback post when we do.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Kung Fu Panda at Arsenal Park in Lawrenceville
At dusk, free, for info call (412) 937-3039

Summer Solstice Spectacular in Bellevue
Family-friendly festival-something for everyone,
including a Movie in the Park

Buffalo Nation Pow Wow at the Woodland Zoo in Farmington, PA
Celebration of Native American culture and history with food, activities, dance, and music
Tickets range from $8 to $55 depending on what you attend

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Kung Fu Panda at Grandview Park in Mt. Washington/Allentown
At dusk, free, for info call (412) 937-3039

Summer Solstice Spectacular in Bellevue
Family-friendly festival-something for everyone,
Including trolley rides around Bellevue

Buffalo Nation Pow Wow at the Woodland Zoo in Farmington, PA
Celebration of Native American culture and history with food, activities, dance, and music
Tickets range from $8 to $55 depending on what you attend

Pancakes with Pop and Grandpop at the Penguin Book Shop in Sewickley
Pancakes, crafts, and stories-what could be better?  Oh yeah, it's free.

Father's Day Lunch and Kids Cooking Class at Heritage Library in McDonald
Pittsburgh Cookie Company will teach kids ages 4 - 16 to prepare a gourmet lunch for dads, grandpaps, moms, and anyone else who'd like to attend.  
Tickets are $12 for chefs and $15 for attendees. 

Hunter's Harmonica Festival at Rock Falls Park in Slippery Rock
Admission $15 for adults, $5 for kids 10-15, and kids under 9 are free

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day at the National Aviary
Dads get in for free today-don't miss the Flite Zone show or the new Penguin Point!

Father's Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
Dads get in for free today when accompanied by their kids!

Summer Solstice Spectacular in Bellevue
Family-friendly festival-something for everyone,
Including the Pampered Pooch Promenade

Buffalo Nation Pow Wow at the Woodland Zoo in Farmington, PA
Celebration of Native American culture and history with food, activities, dance, and music
Tickets range from $8 to $55 depending on what you attend

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.  Here for the summer:  Bob the Builder-Project Build It.

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."

Review: Obama The Historic Journey Young Reader's Edition

by Jennifer Signore

June 01, 2009

Talking about politics with kids can be a challenge because the nuances of how and why our government works are not easy to explain.  I remember on Election Day 2008 trying to explain both the voting process and the office of president to my then three-year-old.  I told him that the president is the person that runs the country, but without being able to get into checks and balances and such, it probably sounds-to a kid-a lot like the idea of a king.  Not quite the impression we want to bestow on our young ones.

So, when MotherTalk and Mom Central asked for moms to review Obama The Historic Journey Young Reader's Edition, I jumped at the chance.  This 95-page hardbound book, which is the young adult companion to Obama The Historic Journey, is full of beautiful photographs that illustrate Obama's road to the White House.  One of the first things I noticed about the book is that it could be explained to a number of age groups.  The youngest children would enjoy seeing the photos of Barack Obama and the text could be easily paraphrased for descriptions.  Older children would benefit from the brief, but informative, text, which I would say is at the listening level of a five-year-old and the reading level of a second or third grader. 

Beyond the campaign and politics of the book, it shows Obama as a family man.  His children, Malia and Sasha, are pictured throughout the book, and a section is dedicated to the first daughters.  They are the youngest children to live in the White House since the Kennedys, and that should get kids a lot more interested in learning about politics because kids may not yet care what President Obama is doing, but they might be fascinated by the daily activities of Malia and Sasha (not to mention Bo, their dog).   

The book also touches on the other notable aspect of the Obama presidency-the fact that he is our first African-American president.  One section, called, "The Scars of Yesterday," talks about the 1963 March on Washington and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.  It also provides feedback from a few individuals who were at that 1963 march and also at the 2009 inauguration.  I love when a personal experience can be used to convey an event, especially one with such a charged history.  Parents can easily use this section of the book, and the other chapters for that matter, as a springboard from which to talk about the African-American experience in the United States across the years.

Overall, I was quite impressed with Obama The Historic Journey Young Reader's Edition and would recommend it to any family looking to expand their children's knowledge of the White House and the politics surrounding it.  Even if they don't become the legislators of the future, they will get a taste of the many facets of government and life on which our country was built.  It's a must-have book for your children's collection.

 In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for my review.

Books on the Big Screen

by Jennifer Signore

May 18, 2009

This week at the Savvy Source, we are talking about kids videos, especially ones that are based on children's books.  These videos are some of my kids' absolute favorites.  In case you are looking for new video ideas for those lazy summer evenings when you want to just curl up with your kids and relax, here are the top five book-based videos from our collection.

Shrek

Shrek was the first video my son actually enjoyed and asked for again and again (at the time he called it "Monster and Donkey").  It has become the go-to video in our house.  I love the vibrant animation and clever reference to so many classic fairy tales.  If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for?  This pick is sure to engage every person in your household.  As an added bonus, the soundtrack will have you singing along (we have the CD because it's just that good).

Curious George

Who can resist that clever little monkey?  In this cartoon, we see a rendition of how George and the man in the yellow hat (in this pic called "Ted") initially meet.  We also get a humorous take on why, exactly, Ted wears that bright yellow suit and hat.  George's character will capture the hearts of both kids and parents (the way in which they have animated his behavior to mirror that of any given toddler adds wonderful character to the movie).  And, again, the soundtrack is great (can you tell I like music?). 

The Jungle Book

This classic Disney cartoon is a must-see for every family.  What child doesn't imagine him- or herself wandering around the jungle interacting with the animals.  After watching it, my son proceeded to march around like the elephants for months on end counting out just as they did.  You know you want that level of cute in your house, too. 

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web was one of the first chapter books I read by myself, and I think I have now read it at least 100 times.  To see it on screen is a real treat.  I admit that I have a soft spot for the original animated version of the story, but the live-action movie from a few years ago did a nice job of staying close to the story line while giving it a new dimension.   A must-see for every family.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I think I have read almost every Rohl Dahl book and enjoyed them all.  For movie adaptations, though, I am partial to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-specifically the original starring Gene Wilder.  True, the special effects are a bit more low-tech, but the story is much more true to the book.  I have seen other screen adaptations of Rohl Dahl stories, like James and the Giant Peach, but I really did prefer the book on that one.  I think it might be my aversion to bugs, though, and preferring to imagine them in my mind versus see them "live" in front of me on the screen. 

What are your favorite kids' books gone Hollywood?

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).

What's Happening? Apr 24 - 30 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

April 23, 2009

THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Arbor Fest at the Children's Museum
Events throughout the day

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Rapunzel at the Gemini Children's Theater
Interactive musical children's theater
1:00 and 3:00p.m.; tickets $9

Arbor Fest at the Children's Museum
Events throughout the day

DNA Day at the Children's Museum
Sing alongs and crafts

Saturday Light Brigade Broadcast from the Children's Museum
10:00a.m. to noon

"If You Were a Penguin" Celebration at the Carnegie Library
Come to a special family storytime at various library locations
East Liberty at 11:00a.m.
Brookline at 12:30p.m.
Knoxville at 1:00p.m.

Jazz for Tots at the Carnegie Library in Homewood
Music, dance, and sing-along for ages 3-5; noon

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

Rapunzel at the Gemini Children's Theater
Interactive musical children's theater
1:00 and 3:00p.m.; tickets $9

Arbor Fest at the Children's Museum
Events throughout the day

Family Dance Party at the Children's Museum
1:00 to 3:00 p.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? 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."

Alphaboat Giveaway!

by Jennifer Signore

March 02, 2009

Before I tell you about my latest great book find, I wanted to give a shout out for Dr. Seuss' birthday.  He would have been 105 if he were still around.  But, lucky for us, he left behind a legacy of silly creatures and whimsical rhymes that have entertained children (and adults) for generations.

I have recently become aware of another author that puts an air of whimsy in his illustrations and books.  His creatures do not climb impossible staircases or drive ridiculous vehicles, but they are composed of something that is near and dear to most kids...the alphabet.

Preschoolers are innately curious, and one thing that will eventually grab their attention is the alphabet.  Once your child realizes that there are letters everywhere, it's as if someone has introduced them to a magical world that was previously hidden in plain sight.  Watching this transformation from the perspective of a parent is, in itself, magical, too. 

Michael Chesworth's Alphaboat is a great book to encourage your children's love for letters and playful imaginations.  As an added bonus, it's chock full of great jokes and puns that will keep you entertained while you cuddle up for story time.  This book is not just impressive and entertaining, but it is also educational. With such detailed illustrations and subtle humor in the text, you are sure to find something new every time you open the front cover.

Here's a sample of what you'll find inside:

One day i chanced to stop for t
and listen to sweet Mellow D,
in her old H beside the sea,
sing of her long-lost Mister E.

She said he'd hid a treasure chest
out on an I-land to the west.
Just where it's buried she knew not.
But X would surely mark the spot.

Michael Chesworth has been illustrating children's books since 1989 and hit a home run when not only illustrating, but also writing Alphaboat himself.  Also on his list of "authored" and illustrated books is Rainy Day Dream. 

Would you like a chance to win your very own copy of Alphaboat?

Simply send me an e-mail (our comments are not working at the moment, sorry) at beingsavvypittsburgh AT savvysource DOT com.  Put "ALPHABOAT" in the subject line, and, in the e-mail, tell me your favorite letter of the alphabet and why.  It can be silly, of course!  The winner will be chosen and notified directly on March 6, so don't delay!

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.

Focus on The Things That Matter

by Jennifer Signore

January 06, 2009

As parents of preschoolers, we do hundreds of things on a daily basis in the process of raising our kids.   Some of those things won't matter worth a hill of beans in ten years and others could make a lasting impression.   Do you know the difference?   Do you worry about whether you're getting it right?   I know that I worry about things like this, but to save my sanity, I've tried to  Read more...

Best Burgh Books

by Jennifer Signore

November 25, 2008

Today's theme brings us to books that are essential for any kid growing up in Pittsburgh. Heck, maybe some adults who didn't grow up here will enjoy them, too. These are just my choices for the top five. What books would you add to the list? Pittsburgh A to Z An obvious choice for this list, Pittsburgh A to Z contains 26 great places and things around town. You can use it as  Read more...

Holiday Help: Five Must-Have books

by Jennifer Signore

November 24, 2008

Where the Wild Things Are I want to laugh every time I read this book to my son and he puts his "claws" up and roars like the monsters. I don't, of course, because this is very serious monster business. :-) The vivid imagery combined with the simple, repeating text, make it ideal for every preschooler. Go, dog! Go! This book is fantastic for early reading because of the  Read more...

I Love to Laugh: Favorite Funny Books

by Jennifer Signore

November 18, 2008

I definitely love to laugh, and I love it even more when the kids can get in on the fun. Seeing them crack a smile, look to you for reassurance, and then burst into bellylaughs is one of the moments I cherish most in life. So, as you might expect, I enjoy reading funny books with my kids. We have a lot in our collection, and I have gathered here, for you, some of our favorites: If You  Read more...

Animal Thanksgiving at the Zoo

by Jennifer Signore

November 13, 2008

If you are looking for something to do on Saturday, November 15, consider a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo for the Animal Thanksgiving. The animals will have their own special feast, complete with pumpkins, gourds, yams, and more. You can use the trip as an opportunity to talk to your kids about your own Thanksgiving menu, comparing what you will have with what the animals are eating. What do  Read more...

Storytimes Around Town

by Jennifer Signore

November 11, 2008

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh When I think of stories the first thing I think of is the library. So, what better place to go for a storytime with your child? The Carnegie Library has several programs that might catch your interest. The Toddler Storytime , for ages 18 to 36 months, is a 20- to 30-minute program aimed at presenting children with stories that will build their  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...

The Local Lingo: A Pittsburgh Alphabet

by Jennifer Signore

November 04, 2008

Today we are all thinking "red" and "blue" but how about thinking A to Z?  Pittsburgh has a fantastic collection of people, places, and things that make us someplace special.  Let's start with a list of 26.  Read more...

Top Five Things to Do on a Rainy Day

by Jennifer Signore

October 21, 2008

1. Go to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History !   The CMNH has become my family's new favorite place to spend an afternoon now that Dinosaurs in Their Time is complete.   Who doesn't want to walk among prehistoric behemoths as they battle it out in a forgotten time?   And don't forget to stop by the Bonehunter's Quarry !   My son can't wait to don his goggles and scrape,  Read more...