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? 

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?

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."

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."

Great Ways to Enjoy an Outdoor Show in Pittsburgh

by Jennifer Signore

May 19, 2009

Now that warmer weather is approaching, I wanted to share some great ways to enjoy being outdoors *and* enjoy a show all at the same time.  Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities really do have a lovely collection of outdoor events for the summer.  Here is a sampling of what you'll find this year.

Cinema al Fresco

Citiparks Cinema in the Park
Starting in June, the City of Pittsburgh hosts movie nights at various Citiparks venues, including Schenley Park (Flagstaff Hill on Sundays and Wednesdays), West End (Elliott Overlook on Tuesdays), East Liberty (Beatty Street behind the library on Mondays), Brookline Memorial Park (Oakridge Street on Thursdays), Arsenal Park (Lawrenceville on Fridays), Grandview Park (Mt. Washington on Saturdays), and Riverview Park (Observatory Hill on Saturdays).  All movies start at dusk and are free.  For information, call 412-937-3039.

Drive-in Movies
All things old are new again, so why not re-live your own childhood by taking the kids to see a drive-in movie?  There aren't many of these theaters left, but you can find one in Moon Township and another in Mt. Pleasant (south of Pittsburgh).  These theaters are showing first-run movies for less than you'll pay at the indoor theater, and you can either enjoy them from your car or on lawn chairs and blankets.    

Concerts Galore and More

Allegheny County Summer Concert Series
Every year, the county sponsors a concert series at various locations, with most events taking place at South Park, North Park, Hartwood Acres.  Various other venues take a turn, so be sure to check the schedule.  This year's lineup includes the River City Brass Band, Joe Grushecky, the Pittsburgh Opera, and the Tonight Show's Kevin Eubanks just to name a few.  You will notice that the link above also includes other county parks events, like plays at the South Park Theater, which has a children's series (and tickets for the children's series are only $2!).     

First Fridays at the Frick
On the first Friday of June, July, August, and September, pack yourself a picnic dinner, grab a blanket and the family, and head over to the grounds of Clayton (the Frick mansion) for a relaxing evening of great music.   The whole family is welcome, and suggested admission is a donation of $5 per adult.  If you take the kids, I would suggest you set up your picnic on the Lexington Avenue side of the stage (to the right as you face the stage).  You will see a line of trees and shrubs to the side of the mansion as well as other families in the vicinity.  We jokingly call it the "children's section."  You won't be able to see the stage from here, but the music will still be loud and clear.  Plus, the kids can run about without disturbing anyone as there is a large grassy area just beyond the trees.  

Three Rivers Arts Festival
June 5 - 14, 2009
The Arts Festival will be here again before you know it, so grab your umbrella!  For those new to the Pittsburgh area, our running joke is that we get our worst rain of the summer during the Arts Festival.  But do not let the perceived threat of rain stop you!  The Arts Festival has such an amazing collection of artists, musicians, and performers that you really shouldn't miss attending at least once.  I would recommend using public transport if possible, especially on the weekends to eliminate a parking headache.

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? Mar 6 - 12 Edition

by Jennifer Signore

March 05, 2009

THIS WEEK'S HAPPENINGS

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Disney on Ice at the Mellon Arena
Catch your favorite Disney characters live!
10:30a.m. and 7:00p.m.

Family Yoga at the Children's Museum (every Friday)
12:15 to 12:45 p.m., free tea afterwards for participants

March Unblurred on Penn Avenue
Check out the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative First Fridays Unblurred arts and music event
Various locations along Penn Ave, 6:00p.m. to 2:00a.m.

Let's Dress David at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Create a wardrobe of your design for Michelangelo's David
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Disney on Ice at the Mellon Arena
Catch your favorite Disney characters live!
11:00a.m., 3:00p.m., and 7:00p.m.

Dr. Seuss Day at the Children's Museum
Enjoy stories and activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss from noon to 3:00p.m.
A free Dr. Seuss book for each child while supplies last.

Saturday Light Brigade at the Children's Museum
See and hear a live broadcast of this show from 10:00a.m. to noon

Scratch Art at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 4 - 6, 10:00 to 11:30a.m.
Learn how to make scratch art!
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

Disney on Ice at the Mellon Arena
Catch your favorite Disney characters live!
1:00p.m. and 5:00p.m.

We're Holden Puppets at the Children's Museum
Shows at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00p.m.
Plus, make your own puppets between shows!

Charter Day at Old Economy Village
Celebrate the 328^th anniversary of the creation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Free admission, noon - 5:00p.m.

Circulo Juvenil de Cultura Mini Film Festival
CMU University Center
Ages 6-12, 2:00p.m.
412-268-1895

North Suburban Symphonic Band: Into the Woods
Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3:00p.m.
Tickets $8, children under 10 free
412-366-1983

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

Gallery Play Dates for Preschoolers at the Carnegie Museum of Art
Building Blocks:  explore the basics of architecture
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; additional cost = $20 members/$24 nonmembers per adult-child pair
Call for reservations:  412-622-3288

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

Raising Picasso Workshop at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 4 - 6, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Two Wednesdays, March 11 and 18
Create works of art inspired by the masters
Tuition: member $25/nonmember $40

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Printmaking for Kids at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Ages 6 - 10, 4:30 to 6:00p.m.
Discover the art of printmaking!
Tuition: member $15/nonmember $25

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
Check out the daily calendar for a list of what's happening at the science center.    

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

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.

First Night Fun

by Jennifer Signore

December 29, 2008

(Giveaway at the bottom...check it out!) First Night Pittsburgh 2009 is a fun, family-friendly, alcohol-free way to ring in the New Year. It is celebrated in more than 200 cities worldwide, so it's a great way to get in touch with our world neighbors. And no, that's not a typo at the beginning. It is First Night 2009 because it is the first night of 2009. Cool, huh?  Read more...

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...

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...

Oh, Fiddlesticks! A musical adventure

by Jennifer Signore

November 03, 2008

If you hear the word "symphony" and think "stiff, stodgy, and unapproachable" then you haven't been to Fiddlesticks. Fiddle-what, you say? Fiddlesticks! Three times a year, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra invites a big cat with a big imagination named Fiddlesticks to join them for a special family concert. While the concerts are recommended for ages three to nine, I have been taking my  Read more...