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

Great Ways to Check Out Fourth of July Fireworks

by Jennifer Signore

July 01, 2009

Pittsburgh is a town that loves a good fireworks display, and we find reasons to put some extra sparkle in the night throughout the year.  So, at the Fourth of July, when fireworks are a necessity, it makes sense that you can find a great collection of displays and vantage points all around town.  Here are just a few to get you started.

Three Rivers Regatta
July 3, 4, and 5 the Three Rivers Regatta turns Pittsburgh into a festival with music, river fun, and food.  See a tightrope walk across the Allegheny River.  Go to one of the many concerts.  And don't forget about the icing on the cake-the "Flashes of Freedom" Fireworks Fantasia on the Fourth.  Check the schedule for details on all of the where and when for the weekend.   

Fireworks Front Row Seats at the Carnegie Science Center
If you want to see the Flashes of Freedom Fireworks Fantasia up close and personal without fighting the crowds at Point State Park or Mount Washington, why not check out the special seating at the Carnegie Science Center?  For only $35 (kids under 3 are free), you get an evening at the Science Center, starting at 6:00p.m.  You can explore the exhibits, take in an Omnimax movie, see a laser show, and participate in other special holiday activities.  Then, take a guaranteed seat on the lawn to see and *feel* the fireworks display. 

Celebrate America Days at Kennywood
In what has become a yearly tradition, Kennywood park turns back the clock to celebrate bygone days for a week during Celebrate America Days (formerly known as Victorian Days).  The park takes on a nostalgic feel with "street" performances by mimes, jugglers, and magicians.  Look for classic cars, craft demonstrations, and kids activities throughout the park (in addition to the rides, of course).  And take a chance to rest your barking dogs at Pavilion 23 near the Log Jammer for a concert.  Plus, each day features a parade at 6:00p.m. and fireworks after dark. 

Big Butler Fair
If you're looking for a way to get away for the weekend without *really* leaving town, why not check out the Big Butler Fair?  Now in its 154^th year (isn't that amazing?), the Big Butler Fair has activities galore.  Concerts, clowns, rides, animals, crafts, and a frontier show are just the beginning.  Are you a fan of dirt track racing and truck pulls?  The Big Butler Fair has you covered and then some.  And lest I forget the icing on the cake...the big fireworks display is on July 4^th.

So, what is *your* favorite vantage point for holiday fireworks? 

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."

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).

Weekend Happenings

by Jennifer Signore

December 04, 2008

As I mentioned on Monday, the holiday season normally yields many, many things to do. This coming weekend is no exception, and these are really awesome events. So, if you can spare an hour or two on either day this weekend (not both, of course--holiday madness!), it will be a great time for you and the kids. Here is the lineup: Kids' Holiday Crawl On Saturday, December 6,  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...

Budding Art Critic: Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights

by Jennifer Signore

November 06, 2008

The Pittsburgh 250 Festival of Lights is transforming buildings all over the city and surrounding area into lighted canvases. Using a technique called "light painting," several international artists , whose work has appeared in places like the Siene in Paris and the pyramids in Egypt, have draped our city's buildings with illuminated images like flowers and letters, just to name a few.  Read more...