This winter, say “so long” to the Pittsburgh cold and go on a “Coastal Getaway” to the National Aviary! The National Aviary’s new seasonal theme launches January 3 with new and returning daily activities, many included with admission. Venture to Canary’s Call Presented by Dollar Bank for a new daily Birds of the Islands Talk to learn more about exciting tropical species, like Mariana Fruit Doves, Crested Wood Partridges, and…Malayan Flying Foxes (an adorable fruit-eating bat!). After, head to the Wetlands habitat to visit stand-out birds like American Flamingos and Inca Terns during a feeding with a National Aviary expert, bringing these beautiful species even closer to guests. Explore the rocky coastline of Penguin Point, inspired by the beaches of South Africa, and meet an African Penguin colony! Continue a warm, immersive staycation in the Tropical Rainforest habitat, with gorgeous birds like a family of Victoria Crowned Pigeons perched in lush trees, ready to fly overhead!
Upgrade the visit with several add-on experiences, including feeding bright, vibrant Rainbow Lorikeets as they land directly on guest’s outstretched hands and feed on a cup of sweet nectar. Take the flight of a lifetime with Birdly® Presented by Vitro, the ultimate virtual experience where guests can soar over a city or glide through the ocean like a penguin. Get even closer to an adorable tuxedoed bird during a Penguin Encounter (or the Jr. Penguin Encounter for little ones). Kids can also explore new, interactive play spaces, such as shopping for penguin-approved sustainable seafood options at a Grocery Store, putting on the ultimate production in the Puppet Theater, and use their imagination to explore a pretend seashore, complete with “water,” shells, and more at the Coastal Sensory Table! But the fun for children doesn’t stop there, with select mornings featuring art activities and sensory play.
Looking for other opportunities to engage with Animal Ambassadors? Amateur and budding photographers alike can attend a two-part course in January taught by Mike Faix, an accomplished nature photographer and Aviary expert. PLUS, teen animal enthusiasts interested in learning more about the birds that reside at the National Aviary can register for Teen Job Shadow!
Don’t forget to mark those social calendars for upcoming special events, including Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day Brunches in The Garden Room, as well as the return of ever-popular celebrations; Flamingo Fest, Eggstravaganza, and Penguin-Palooza!
Want to attend 2024 special event weekends for free? Start the New Year off right with a National Aviary membership! New and renewing members enjoy special perks including FREE admission for the year! Members receive discounts on Animal Encounters, camps, and classes, 10% off Gift Shop purchases, and PLUS exclusive invitations to Members-only events.
Upcoming Events/Programs
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Early Childhood Activities | Wednesdays, January 3, February 7, March 6, April 3, & May 1
Geared toward children under the age of 5, kids can experience a fun and engaging morning with art activities, sensory play, and books to read! After play time, families get a chance to spend time with their little ones while exploring the vibrant world of birds in the National Aviary’s immersive habitats.
· 10:30 - 11:30 am
· Included with National Aviary admission
· Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org
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Sensory Friendly Mornings | Wednesdays, January 10, February 14, & March 13
Explore the National Aviary during a sensory-inclusive morning designed for all visitors to make the most of their Aviary experience. Sensory Bags from Kulture City, 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. See and touch biofacts during the visit and enjoy a sensory-friendly version of Habitat Heroes Presented by AAA Travel at 11 a.m. During this immersive bird show, lighting is consistent, and volume is low, setting the stage for an engaging experience.
· 10 am - 12 pm
· Pre-registration is required. Call the National Aviary at 412-323-7235 for more information
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Bird Photography Workshop Series | Saturdays, January 21 & 28, 2024
Learn how to snap that picture-perfect wildlife shot and 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 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.
· 9 - 11 am
· The photography workshop is open to participants 13 years or older; those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
· $299 per person (price includes both sessions)
· Register in advance at aviary.org
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Teen Job Shadow | Saturdays, January 27, February 3, 10, & 17
Calling all teen animal enthusiasts! Spend FOUR Saturdays with National Aviary experts learning about the dynamic world of animal care and conservation. This program offers a unique and one-of-a-kind opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and experience what it takes to care of the more than 500 animals that call the Aviary home.
· 1 - 3 pm
· Teen Job Shadow is open to participants ages 14-18.
· $299 per person (price includes all four sessions)
· Register in advance at aviary.org
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Falconry: The Sport of Kings | Saturday, March 9
Falconry, the Sport of Kings, has been around for thousands of years. Join the National Aviary’s licensed falconer, Cathy Schlott, to discover the rich history and modern-day practices behind this unique sport. Learn about the variety of birds falconers hunt with and the individual consideration in selecting a species while enjoying a visit from one of the National Aviary’s Ambassador Animals. Explore the variety of falconry equipment and get an overview of the regulations governing falconry in the United States.
· 10 am – 12 pm
· The falconry workshop is open to participants 10 years or older; those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult
· Non-Members: $25 per person; Member Savings Price: $20 per person
· National Aviary Admission Included
· Register in advance at aviary.org
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Birdwatching Kayak Tours with LL Bean (Spring Migration) | Sundays, April 28 & May 19
Take to the water with the National Aviary 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. 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. No prior experience is necessary.
· April 28 | 9 am – 12 pm
· May 19 | 8 – 11 am
· The birdwatching kayak tours are open to participants 8 years or older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
· $75 per person, per session
· Register in advance at aviary.org
Birding Expedition Bus Tour: Presque Isle | Saturday, May 4
Meet National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for a morning of birdwatching at Presque Isle, a bird migration hotspot prized by birders in our region and beyond! Hone bird identification skills, learn birding basics, and witness this unique migration pattern up close. Meet at the National Aviary and ride over as Bob shares his knowledge and stories from decades of birding.
· 7 am – 2:30 pm
· The birding expedition bus tour is open to participants 6 years or older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult
· Non-Members: $150 per person; Member Savings Price: $140 per person
· Pick-up and drop-off from and to the National Aviary is included
· A packed lunch from Atria’s Specialty Catering will be provided
· Registration coming soon
Save the Date for these Special Events
Valentine’s Day Brunch in The Garden Room | Sunday, February 11
Seatings at 11 am and 12:30 pm | Brunch includes National Aviary Admission
Lovebirds and families alike are invited to the National Aviary for a delectable brunch prepared and served by the friendly staff of Atria’s Specialty Catering. Enjoy a sampling of fresh fruits and pastries before the main course: a selection of gourmet dishes from Chef Josef Karst. Cozy up in The Garden Room, a beautiful space bookended by two stone fireplaces, and enjoy a brunch cocktail, available for purchase, before spending the afternoon exploring the National Aviary’s immersive habitats as brunch includes admission. Registration is coming soon!
Flamingo Fest | Saturday & Sunday, February 24 – 25
11 am – 3 pm| Included with General Admission; Members visit for FREE!
Add-on: Brushes and Birds I Saturday, February 24 | 11 am – 1 pm
Get ready to fla-mingle! Guests can wear their 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 Aviary experts, and meet the flock in the Wetlands habitat. Have the most fabulous Flamingo Fest ever by adding-on a painting experience with Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (MariasIdeas.com) on Saturday, February 24; 11 am to 1 pm and create a flamingo portrait to take home. Purchase admission tickets for Flamingo Fest in advance (as they sell out quickly!) now at aviary.org. Brushes and Birds tickets are coming soon; the class includes National Aviary Flamingo Fest admission!
Eggstravaganza | Saturday & Sunday, March 23 - 24, Friday & Saturday, March 29 - 30
11 am - 3 pm | Included with General Admission; Members visit for FREE!
Guests can kick-off springtime at the National Aviary during Eggstravaganza! Explore the Aviary’s immersive habitats during a themed scavenger hunt. Experience a fun and engaging story time, make a craft to take home, and enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny in the Atrium during each day of the event. Purchase tickets in advance at aviary.org.
Easter Brunch in The Garden Room | Sunday, March 31
Seatings at 11 am and 12:30 pm | Brunch includes National Aviary Admission
Get egg-cited for a delicious Easter brunch prepared by the friendly staff of Atria’s Specialty Catering. Enjoy a sampling of fresh fruits and pastries before the main course: a selection of gourmet dishes from Chef Josef Karst. Cozy up in The Garden Room, a beautiful space bookended by two stone fireplaces, and enjoy a meal, before spending the afternoon exploring the National Aviary’s lush and vibrant habitats. Registration is coming soon!
Penguin-Palooza | Saturday & Sunday, April 27-28
11 am - 3 pm | Included with General Admission; Members visit for FREE!
Waddle over to the National Aviary to celebrate everyone’s favorite flightless feathered friends: penguins! Meet the colony of African Penguins in Penguin Point, watch a fun feeding with National Aviary experts where you also learn how to help penguins and other marine life every day, and even make a penguin craft to take home!
Mother’s Day Brunch in The Garden Room | Sunday, May 12
Seatings at 11 am and 12:30 pm | Brunch includes National Aviary Admission
Show mom some love with a special brunch prepared by the friendly staff of Atria’s Specialty Catering. Enjoy a sampling of fresh fruits and pastries before the main course: a selection of gourmet dishes from Chef Josef Karst. Cozy up in The Garden Room, a beautiful space bookended by two stone fireplaces, and enjoy a meal, before exploring the National Aviary’s lush and vibrant habitats. Registration is coming soon!
The National Aviary’s winter season begins January 3.
The National Aviary is closed Tuesdays in January and February.
Beginning March 5, we will be open to the public seven days a week!
