National Aviary guests can take a break from Pittsburgh’s dreary winter weather and experience “Seaside Escape.” This seasonal theme offers new daily activities, many included with admission, a special new Jr. Toucan Animal Encounter designed for children, beautiful coastal décor and more. With each season at the National Aviary, guests can explore the world of birds and conservation through a different lens with interactive programs, educational signage, fun play spaces, and décor. Seaside Escape introduces guests to the roles they can play in protecting coastal and tropical species and their vital habitats. The new season begins January 4 and runs through May 26.
The fan-favorite Wetlands Feeding returns with the reopening of the beautifully updated Wetlands habitat. This activity, included with admission, brings guests closer to colorful and diverse species like Golden-breasted Starlings, Bali Mynas and Hadada Ibises as they fly in for a nutritious meal from a National Aviary expert. The habitat is also home to a vibrant flock of American Flamingos, gorgeous Roseate Spoonbills, and many other species from around the world.
In the Discover the Rainforest daily activity, also included with admission, guests can get an in-depth look at a particular species found in the National Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest. Species spotlighted range from the Great Argus Pheasant, which boasts the longest tail feathers of any bird in the world, to the iridescent-hued Nicobar Pigeon, and the plants that support thriving rainforest environments, like cacao and coffee trees.
A new Jr. Toucan Encounter is also debuting with the new season, offering a chance to get even closer to birds. In this Animal Encounter designed with children under six in mind, a National Aviary expert illustrates the awesome adaptations of toucans, including their signature over-sized beaks, through stories and touchable biofacts like feathers. Children can watch as a petite Curl-crested Aracari flies in to land on an expert’s hand right in front of them. They can observe one of these beautiful, multi-colored birds up close. Animal Encounters include the cost of admission and can be booked in advance at aviary.org.
The new year also brings new programs and events at the National Aviary. A calendar of scheduled activities follows!
National Aviary
Winter-Spring Programs & Activities Calendar
General Listing for the National Aviary
National Aviary, 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
412-323-7235
Timed tickets available at www.aviary.org
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays in January and February)
Children under 2: free
Children: $14.95
Seniors: $16.95
Adults: $17.95
Early Childhood Mornings
Wednesday, January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Experience a fun and engaging morning with art activities, sensory play, and books to read. Spend time with your little learner exploring the vibrant world of birds in the National Aviary’s immersive habitats.
Included with admission
Teen Job Shadow Series
Saturday, January 14, 21, 28 and February 4
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
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 and experience what it takes to care for the more than 500 animals that call the National Aviary home.
$299 per participant
Registration now open at aviary.org
Sensory Friendly Mornings
Wednesday, January 11, March 8, April 12, May 10 and Monday, February 20
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Experience a sensory friendly morning at the National Aviary with touchable biofacts like eggs and feathers, interactive play spaces, and more. Enjoy a live immersive bird show that uses consistent lighting and volume levels, setting the stage for an engaging experience for all guests. During Sensory Friendly Mornings and every day at the National Aviary, guests can borrow Sensory Bags from Kulture City with items like headphones and fidget toys to help them make the most of their visit. The National Aviary Sensory Guide, available at aviary.org/sensory-guide, can help you plan an engaging visit.
Call the National Aviary at 412-323-7235 for more information
Bird Photography Workshop
Sunday, January 22 & 29
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Focus on refining your 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 to photograph birds in a variety of settings. Practice portraiture during visits from Animal Ambassadors and action shots in the National Aviary’s dynamic and immersive habitats. This course is best for photographers with basic to intermediate skills. The photography workshop is open to participants 13 years or older; those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
$299 per participant
Registration now open at aviary.org
Valentine’s Brunch
Sunday, February 12
Seating at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Love is in the air! Lovebirds can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special brunch prepared by Chef Josef of Atria’s Specialty Catering. Enjoy pastries, fresh fruit, hot coffee or tea, and even a brunch cocktail along with a gourmet dish, with vegan and vegetarian options available. After brunch, stroll through the National Aviary’s tropical habitats and spend the day among beautiful birds.
Adults: $55 (includes National Aviary admission)
Children 12 & under: $35 (includes National Aviary admission)
Purchase tickets soon at shop.aviary.org
Flamingo Fest
Saturday & Sunday, February 25-26
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get ready to fla-mingle! Put on your finest pink attire and head to the National Aviary for the return of Flamingo Fest. Make a fun flamingo craft, learn about all things flamingo from the experts at the Aviary, and meet the flock in the newly renovated Wetlands habitat. Have the most fabulous Flamingo Fest ever and buy a ticket for a painting experience with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (MariasIdeas.com) on Saturday, February 25, when you’ll create a flamingo portrait to take home.
Included with admission
Brushes & Birds
Saturday, February 25 & March 18
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pick up a paintbrush and create a masterpiece featuring a National Aviary animal, like an American Flamingo or an African Penguin! Join Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (MariasIdeas.com) at the National Aviary for a step-by-step course in painting an animal portrait, perfect for painters of all experience levels. Registration includes all materials and admission to explore the National Aviary’s immersive habitats! Brushes and Birds classes are open to participants 8 years and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Members: $60 per participant (includes materials and National Aviary admission)
Non-members: $65 per participant (includes materials and National Aviary admission)
Register at aviary.org
Penguin-palooza!
Saturday & Sunday, March 18-19
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Waddle on over to the National Aviary and celebrate everyone’s favorite flightless feathered friends: penguins! Meet the colony of African Penguins in Penguin Point, watch a fun feeding and talk with National Aviary experts, find out what makes penguins so unique, and even make your own penguin craft. Learn how you can help penguins and other marine life every day. Buy a ticket for Brushes and Birds, a step-by-step painting class hosted by Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (MariasIdeas.com), and create a picture-perfect penguin portrait on March 18!
Included with admission
Spring Brunch
Sunday, March 19
Seating at 11 a.m.
As the weather warms and the days grow longer, gather in The Garden Room and welcome spring over a delicious brunch. Savor freshly baked pastries, fresh fruit, hot coffee or tea, and your pick of delectable dishes served up by Chef Josef of Atria’s Specialty Catering, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Spend your afternoon among colorful birds in the National Aviary’s warm, tropical habitats!
Adults: $55 (includes National Aviary admission)
Children 12 & under: $35 (includes National Aviary admission)
Purchase tickets soon at shop.aviary.org
Aviary for Adults: Birds of Prey Around the Word
Thursday, March 30
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
From eagles to hawks, falcons to owls, the birds that are commonly called birds of prey are as diverse as they are powerful! Learn how each of these varied groups is defined, as well as the characteristics that are shared among them. Find out about the roles birds of prey play in supporting healthy ecosystems, even in urban environments like Pittsburgh. Spend time with a National Aviary expert and take a closer look into the fascinating world of these impressive birds. Aviary for Adults is open to participants ages 18 and older.
Members: $20 per participant
Non-members: $25 per participant
Registration available soon at aviary.org
Aviary for Adults: Birds and Conservation
Thursday, April 6
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Birds around the world need our help—nearly 50% of the world’s bird species are declining, and one out of eight bird species is now considered endangered. Explore how human and environmental factors are affecting birds and leading to species’ declines, then discover how conservation initiatives from zoos, scientists, and everyday community members like you are helping species make big comebacks! Aviary for Adults is open to participants ages 18 and older.
Members: $20 per participant
Non-members: $25 per participant
Registration available soon at aviary.org
Aviary for Adults: Avian Medicine
Thursday, April 13
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The veterinary experts at the National Aviary care for birds as tiny as Red Siskin chicks, whose bodies are no larger than a strawberry, to massive Andean Condors, which boast wingspans of up to 10 feet. Join the Aviary’s veterinary team to learn how they care for the more than 500 birds that call the National Aviary home, and use their expertise and experience to help birds around the world. Aviary for Adults is open to participants ages 18 and older.
Members: $20 per participant
Non-members: $25 per participant
Registration available soon at aviary.org
Aviary for Adults: An Introduction to Bird Identification
Thursday, April 20
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Birdwatching—the simple act of observing birds—is becoming more and more popular. Whether you watch birds through your windows at a feeder or venture out to see birds in their habitats, seeing birds is just one part of the process—correctly identifying birds is the other! With more than 50 years of experience as a birdwatcher, National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill has developed a practical method for bird identification. Join Bob to learn his method and have an opportunity to practice inside or outside the Aviary. Aviary for Adults is open to participants ages 18 and older.
Members: $20 per participant
Non-members: $25 per participant
Registration available soon at aviary.org
Eggstravaganza
Saturday & Sunday, April 1-2, Friday & Saturday, April 7-8
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hop on over to the National Aviary for a spring celebration! You’ll have an egg-cellent time exploring the Aviary’s immersive habitats and searching for eggs on an egg-themed scavenger hunt. Experience a fun and engaging story time and craft!
Included with admission
Easter Brunch
Sunday, April 9
Seating at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Gather with loved ones in The Garden Room and enjoy a delicious brunch prepared by Chef Josef of Atria’s Specialty Catering. Sample fresh pastries and fruit, sip hot coffee or tea, or indulge in a brunch cocktail to complement a gourmet meal. Vegan and vegetarian options available. Stroll through the warm, tropical habitats at the Aviary after brunch.
Adults: $55 (includes National Aviary admission)
Children 12 & under: $35 (includes National Aviary admission)
Purchase tickets soon at shop.aviary.org
Earth Day
Saturday, April 22
11a.m. – 3 p.m.
Connect with nature and explore expansive habitats to complete a “green”-themed scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes. Attend expert talks and immersive daily activities, plus a fun story time, to learn about the role you can play in being a good steward of our planet.
Included with admission
Birdwatch Kayak Tours with L.L.Bean
Sunday, April 23 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday, May 21 | 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
These popular trips to the lake are back! Experience the excitement of spring migration on the water! Join a National Aviary expert and L.L.Bean for a birding adventure by kayak. 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 North Park Lake in Allegheny County. Kayakers will scan the shoreline and surrounding forest for birds. L.L.Bean will provide all necessary equipment, including kayaks, paddles, safety floatation devices, and L.L.Bean Discovery Binoculars. This experience is open to kayakers ages 8 and up. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
$75 per participant
Registration available soon at aviary.org
Falconry: The Sport of Kings
Saturday, April 29
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Explore the ancient sport of falconry with the National Aviary’s licensed falconer, Cathy Schlott. Discover the rich history of what has been known as “the sport of kings” and how it is practiced and regulated today. Learn about the qualities falconers seek in the birds they use for hunting and the variety of species trained for falconry. Enjoy a visit from a National Aviary Animal Ambassador and see what equipment is used in this fascinating sport. This program is open to participants 10 years or older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Members: $20 per participant
Non-members: $25 per participant
Registration available soon at aviary.org
International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 13
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Birds accomplish amazing feats as they migrate, crossing oceans, navigating at night, and covering thousands of miles on their journeys. Learn about migratory birds found in Pennsylvania and around the world at our discovery table, make a craft to take home, and enjoy more activities!
Included with admission
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 14
Seating at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mom with a scrumptious brunch and a wonderful day connecting to nature, and each other! Start your day with a relaxing meal in The Garden Room and enjoy delicious pastries, fresh fruit, and hot coffee and tea before the main course: your choice of several gourmet dishes prepared by Chef Josef of Atria’s Specialty Catering! Vegan and vegetarian options available. After brunch, venture into the National Aviary and enjoy a day together in our immersive habitats.
Adults: $55 (includes National Aviary admission)
Children 12 & under: $35 (includes National Aviary admission)
Purchase tickets soon at shop.aviary.org
The National Aviary will be closed on Tuesdays until March, with additional closures on March 28, April 27, and May 9, and will open late on May 7 for the Pittsburgh Marathon.
