Explore Wondrous Forests and the Birds Lurking within through New, Exciting Daily Activities, Interactive Play Spaces, and Seasonal Special Events, only at the National Aviary!
Step into a fantastical world and get up close to birds of prey during the National Aviary's fall seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples, starting Wednesday, September 3. Autumnal décor, new daily activities and expert talks, and other special programming will make for the ultimate way to spend a crisp fall day. Lush, immersive habitats inspired by the mythical-like forests of North America and the jungle-esque rainforests found in tropical climates are sure to take guests on an otherworldly adventure.
Each season at the National Aviary brings brand-new programming included with admission. This fall, guests will come face-to-face with bird species that appear as though they have flown straight out of the pages of everyone’s favorite fairy tales. Dive into the lore with Dillon the Martial Eagle, a species that instantly evokes the mythical half-horse, half-eagle creature from Roman-Greek folklore known as the Hippogriff. During this Fantastical Eagle Meet and Greet, held daily in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater, visitors will learn all about majestic species like Dillon from an Aviary wizard. “Fly” down The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall to discover TWO more Eagle species, the Bald Eagle and the Steller's Sea Eagle, during the Eagles of the Forest Expert Talk. Head to the Whimsical Wetlands habitat for an expert talk featuring even more birds with fanciful features, such as American Flamingoes, and Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise! “Teleport” to the Tropical Rainforest and regale in a Forest Fables: Expert Feeding, as captivating Victoria Crowned Pigeons and a White-cheeked Turaco strut by and swoop overhead to enjoy a home-prepared and tasty meal.
Guests can get closer to more surreal forest-dwelling species by purchasing add-on experiences; hand-feed Rainbow Lorikeets; witness Scarlet Macaws, whose red plumage rivals the vibrancy of the mythological Phoenix, in the Aviary’s most immersive bird show to date: Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel, and get even closer to other “fabled creatures” such as Eastern Screech or Northern White-faced Owls during an Animal Encounter. PLUS, join us down the “rabbit hole” and meet fan-favorite Aviary Animal Ambassadors known for their burrowing skills, such as a Striped Skunk and a Four-toed Hedgehog, by adding on the limited-run Life Underground Encounter!
Free with General Admission, parents can relax while little ones explore engaging play spaces: your loved ones can cozy up to read a story in the “Fairytale Manor,” build their very own log cabin, akin to one found in a fantastical forest, immerse themselves in a woodland environment at the “Forest Floor Sensory Table,” and enjoy a superb make-believe picnic lunch with their bird friends as they imagine a colorful "Pumpkin Patch" and "Apple Orchard!” Families can also look forward to morning programs with story times and sensory-friendly performances, plus exciting special events, including an end-of-summer birthday party fit for a sloth. Kick off fall with two ultimate bird-loving celebrations: International African Penguin Awareness Day, which shines a light on the plight of this adorable, Critically Endangered tuxedoed species, and Owl-O-Ween, the National Aviary’s annual celebration of fantastic birds that soar through the night. Special programs for outdoor aficionados include local trips to spot an array of bird species in their natural habitat on Birding Expeditions, bus and kayak tours, and nearly four different types of owls during an Owl Prowl or a special Owl Prowl and Birdwatching Kayak Tour!
Creative animal enthusiasts can unleash their inner artist at not one but two Brushes and Birds events with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas. Before the temperatures cool, paint a sloth masterpiece in honor of two Aviary sloth residents, Vivien and Wookiee!
Then, during a cozy October evening, artists ages 21 and up can add on a cold beer or glass of wine while creating a Boo-tiful portrait of a Northern White-faced Owl. Hone those new skills while learning the art of nature photography from National Aviary Educator and Photographer Mike Faix as part of a comprehensive two-part workshop! Teens can get in on the fall fun during a Teen Job Shadow series, where they will learn first-hand what it takes to care for the more than 500 birds and other animals that call the Aviary home. And last, but certainly not least, welcome the season with your chosen family at a satisfying Friendsgiving Brunch in The Garden Room. Don’t forget: save the date for some exciting Holiday Happenings!
Make the next Aviary visit even more special by becoming a Member! Members get exclusive perks including free general admission for an entire year, discounts on Animal Encounters and tickets to Passport to Parks presented by AAA Travel, and a 10% discount on National Aviary Gift Shop purchases! PLUS enjoy access to members-only events, including Member Mornings and special talks with National Aviary experts. View the complete list of 2025 Members-only perks here.
Current & Upcoming Events/Programs |
End-of-Summer Event! Sloth Birthday Celebration
Thursday, August 21 | 10:15 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Included with General Admission
A party fit for a sloth! Help the National Aviary’s Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloths, Vivien, and Wookiee, celebrate their special days during our Sloth Birthday Celebration. Sign a unique birthday card painted by fellow Aviary sloth Valentino,using his natural ability to grasp and move objects. Give Wookiee a special birthday shout-out during a Tropical Rainforest feeding and learn more about him and Vivien during special talks that day only. Don’t move slowly (like a sloth), purchase General Admission tickets in advance at aviary.org.
*Don’t forget: add on a Sloth Encounter with Vivien to celebrate her special day throughout August!
End-of-Summer Event! Brushes & Birds featuring Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas
Saturday, August 23 | 11 am – 1pm
Non-Members: $45; Members: $40
Keep the Sloth celebration going with a special edition of Brushes & Birds with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas; MariasIdeas.com. In this course, painters of all ages and abilities will follow Maria’s step-by-step instructions to paint a dazzling portrait of a sloth! Register in advance at aviary.org.
Early Childhood Mornings
Wednesdays, September 3, October 1, November 5, & December 3 | 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Included with National Aviary Admission
Geared toward children under the age of 5, experience a fun and engaging morning with art activities, sensory play, and books to read! After playtime, families get a chance to spend time with their little ones while individually exploring the vibrant world of birds in the National Aviary’s immersive habitats. Plus, each Early Childhood Morning features a different theme!
September: Back to School
October: Halloween
November: Fall
December: Winter
Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org
Sensory Friendly Time
Wednesdays, September 10, October 8, November 12, & December 10 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Pre-registration is required. Call the National Aviary at 412-323-7235 for more information.
Explore the National Aviary during a sensory-inclusive experience designed for those with sensory processing needs. Sensory Bags from KultureCity, each equipped with headphones, fidget toys, and other items, are available to borrow during any National Aviary visit, and a helpful sensory guide to the sights, sounds, and climate of the National Aviary’s habitats can be viewed in advance at aviary.org. During the visit, see and touch biofacts, make use of a designated quiet space, and enjoy a sensory-friendly version of Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel. During this immersive bird show, lighting is consistent, and volume is low, setting the stage for an engaging experience.
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Bird Photography Workshop
Sundays, September 14 & 21 | 9 – 11 a.m.
$299 per person per session
13 years and older; under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Learn how to snap that picture-perfect wildlife shot! Focus on refining bird photography skills with a two-part course taught by National Aviary Educator and Photographer Mike Faix, an accomplished nature photographer with years of experience photographing birds. Learn how to best snap a shot of gorgeous birds in a variety of settings. Practice portraiture during visits from a variety of Animal Ambassadors like stately owls or colorful macaws and take action shots in the National Aviary’s dynamic and immersive habitats, home to curious curassows and laughing Inca Terns. This course is best for photographers with basic to intermediate skills; you must bring your own camera.
Spots are filling fast! Register at aviary.org
Birdwatching Kayak Tour with L.L. Bean
Saturday, September 20 | 8 – 11 a.m.
$75 | 8 years and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Take to the water to experience birds from a new vantage point! Join a National Aviary expert and L.L.Bean for a birding adventure by kayak on North Park Lake in Allegheny County. Early birds can rise with the sun to catch a magnificent morning display as birds wake up on a Sunrise Tour, or see birds settling in for the night on a beautiful Sunset Tour. L.L.Bean’s experienced and professional guides will provide on-land instruction on kayak equipment, basic strokes, and safety guidelines before a National Aviary expert leads kayakers out on the water to scan the shoreline and surrounding forest for birds. All equipment, including kayaks, paddles, safety flotation devices, and L.L.Bean Discovery Binoculars, is included. No prior experience is necessary.
Register at aviary.org
Friends of the Flock Champagne Brunch
Sunday, September 21 | 11 am | 21+
Individual: Before August 24: $68 per person; After August 24: $78
Table Sponsor*: Before August 24: $700 per table; After August 24: $780
Clink, Clink! Join the National Aviary’s Friends of the Flock for their exclusive annual fundraiser, a 21+ Champagne Brunch Presented by 535media.
During this year’s Birds + Bubbly-themed occasion, indulge in a delicious brunch prepared by Executive Chef Nathan Collins of Atria’s Specialty Catering! Dine on fresh cut fruit, freshly baked pastries, a mimosa (or two!), and a hot cup of coffee or tea before the main course: a selection of delectable entrées and entremets. All Champagne Brunch Guests will enjoy live entertainment, exclusive Animal Ambassador programming, and a complimentary ticket to Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel!Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org.
Birding Expedition: Powdermill Avian Research Center
Saturday, September 27 | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$50 with National Aviary Membership; $55 for non-members
Participants travel independently to the birdwatching location
6 years and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Meet up with noted National Aviary Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill and Educator/Photographer Mike Faix for a morning of birdwatching. Birders and animal lovers will be able to hone bird identification skills, while younger families with birding beginners can learn the basics as they explore one of Western Pennsylvania’s most beautiful locations. The Powdermill Avian Research Center in Ligonier Valley is also the field station of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill, who helped operate their bird banding station for nearly 30 years, will assist participants in spotting birds like warblers, thrushes, vireos, and flycatchers while providing interesting information and birding tales appealing to kids and adults alike. Learn about how this research is helping scientists understand birds and their conservation needs. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour Powdermill’s Nature Center and visit additional birding hotspots nearby! Binoculars will be provided to borrow by guests who don’t bring their own.
Register at aviary.org
Owl Prowl
October 3 & 10 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Friday, October 3: Wingfield Pines Conservation Area with Cathy Schlott
Friday, October 10: Frick Park with Robert Mulvihill
$20 per person
6 years and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Who-o-o will you hear calling from the trees at night? Take a twilight trek through Pittsburgh’s Parks with the National Aviary’s own Cathy Schlott or Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill to search for some of nature's most mysterious creatures: owls. Learn about the various owl species found in and around Pittsburgh, get to know their adaptations and behaviors, and with any luck, hear one calling from up in the trees! Participants should wear appropriate footwear for walking on unpaved paths and have a flashlight handy. Cathy and Robert will also share their respective expertise on the owls heard during the walk, along with a short, printed guide that highlights the species you'll be learning about. Bring that guide to the Aviary another day to learn even more about birds that go bump in the night.
Register at aviary.org
 Apollo, a Northern White-faced Owl |
International African Penguin Awareness Day
Saturday, October 11 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Included with National Aviary admission
International African Penguin Awareness Day is a celebration of all things African Penguin! Penguin lovers can don their best black and white outfits and join the Aviary’s plight to raise awareness about the Critically Endangered African Penguin species. Join the tuxedoed colony for fun activities: making a craft to show off while practicing a silly penguin shuffle, watching penguin feedings and engaging talks, and snapping pictures along a penguin species wall while learning about the 18 different penguin species worldwide! Find out more about how individual choices can affect African Penguins and ways that the National Aviary works to protect them in the wild.
Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org; sellouts are likely!
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Owl Prowl + Birding Kayak Tour with L.L.Bean
October 12 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
$75 per person
North Park Lake
8 years and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult
For one October night only!! Two of the Aviary’s most popular fall programs are combining in 2025! Join National Aviary Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill and Education/Photography expert Mike Faix, alongside L.L.Bean’s experienced and professional guides, for an Owl Prowl + Birding Kayak Tour! This by land AND water excursion promises an exhilarating fall evening. First, observe birds by kayak during a twilight tour. Watch as birds settle in to roost, then move to nearby trails for a moody trek to search for and listen to native owl species, like Eastern Screech Owls and Great Horned Owls.
L.L.Bean’s experienced and professional guides will provide on-land instruction on kayak equipment, basic strokes, and safety guidelines before the National Aviary expert leads kayakers out on the water to scan the shoreline and surrounding forest for birds. All equipment, including kayaks, paddles, safety flotation devices, and L.L.Bean Discovery Binoculars, is included. No prior experience is necessary. Participants should wear appropriate footwear for walking on unpaved paths and have a flashlight handy.
Register at aviary.org
Brushes & Birds Evening Edition: Northern White-faced Owl
Thursday, October 16 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
$40 with National Aviary Membership; $45 for non-members
Ages 21+
Sp-oo-ky vibes ahead! Kick off the National Aviary's Owl-O-Ween festivities a few days early by joining Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasideas.com) for a special 21+ evening edition of Brushes and Birds. During this cheerful and Boo-tiful portrait class, painters of all abilities will follow Maria’s step-by-step instructions to paint their very own Northern White-faced Owl portrait. Materials are included.
Before class, relax with friends and meet a National Aviary Animal Ambassador while enjoying a glass of wine, beer, or a delicious non-alcoholic beverage and scrumptious bites available for purchase from Atria's.
Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org
Access to National Aviary habitats will be closed during the event
Owl-O-Ween
October 18 – 19; 25 – 26 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Prepare to meet some of the most mysterious members of the bird world as Owl-O-Ween, the National Aviary’s annual celebration of creatures that soar through the night, returns! Kids will be able to spend their visit entranced by Halloween treats (no tricks!), delighting in the making of a fun Owl-O-Ween themed craft, and engrossing themselves in other engaging activities. PLUS, anyone can wear their most charming or spellbinding costume and join the Halloween festivities: getting the chance to meet an Animal Ambassador Owl while learning about what makes them unique from a National Aviary Expert in a Sp-OO-ky Meet and Greet!
Included with National Aviary admission
Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org; sellouts are likely!
 Family with the Screech Owl at Owl O Ween Costume Parade at National Aviary |
Teen Job Shadow Series
Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, & 22 | 1 – 3 p.m.
$299 for the full series of sessions
Open to ages 14 – 18
Teens ages 14 – 18 with a passion for working with animals can spend four Saturdays with National Aviary experts learning about the dynamic world of animal care and conservation. This program offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of National Aviary habitats! Teens will join Animal Care, Animal Training, and Veterinary staff as they go about their daily responsibilities caring for the more than 500 birds and other animals at the Aviary.
Register at aviary.org
Birding Expedition: Blue Spruce
Saturday, November 2 | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$50 with National Aviary Membership; $55 for non-members
Participants travel independently to the birdwatching location
6 years and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Make a magical woodland moment come to life with a trip to Blue Spruce County Park alongside National Aviary Educator and Photographer Mike Faix and Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill. Meet up with the dynamic duo for a morning of birdwatching...and chickadee feeding! Birders and animal lovers will be able to hone bird identification skills, while younger families with birding beginners can learn the basics as they attend this special Indiana County birding experience. Watch as adorable chickadees who have been taught to land on the outstretched fingertips of bird watchers of all ages for scrumptious sunflower seeds! November is near the height of fall bird migration, so Robert and Mike will also lead attendees on a park exploration in search of waterfowl and other traveling species. Binoculars will be provided to borrow by guests who don’t bring their own.
Register at aviary.org
Friendsgiving Brunch in the Garden Room
Sunday, November 17 | Seating at 11 a.m.
Adults: $55; Kids 12 and under: $35
National Aviary Admission Included
As the leaves turn to stunning orange, yellow, and red hues, friends and family members alike can enjoy a delightful Friendsgiving Brunch in The Garden Room! Savor mouthwatering entrées crafted by Atria's Specialty Catering and add on a refreshing cocktail. Take in the stunning views of Lake Elizabeth and the historic Rose Garden while creating special memories. PLUS, explore the Aviary’s free-flight habitats as brunch includes general admission!
Registration coming soon
Birding Expedition Bus Tour: Goddard State Park
Saturday, December 7 | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
$50 with National Aviary Membership; $55 for non-members
Participants travel independently to the birdwatching location
6 years and older; under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Tis the season to see Eagles! Join the National Aviary for an exciting day trip to Goddard State Park. Meet at The National Aviary and enjoy knowledge and stories from years of birding, from National Aviary Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill and Photographer/Educator Mike Faix, during the ride! Goddard State Park is known for its gem of a birding habitat - Lake Wilhelm, which attracts a large variety of water birds, including gulls, terns, waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. For most people, the main attraction is the chance to see Bald Eagles. During the height of winter, Bald Eagle populations can reach high numbers as they search for fish amongst the gaps of ice in the frozen lake. Join Mike and Robert for the unique opportunity to see these large birds of prey, and even more of Pennsylvania’s avian winter residents. After a morning of birding and exploring around Lake Wilhelm, expeditioners will warm up at a nearby restaurant for lunch and stop by a local birding shop where they can stock up on supplies before heading home!
Register at aviary.org
