*This article is sponsored by Kennywood*
If you’re new to the area, or are a lifelong Pittsburgher, chances are you have kids, and want to have fun with said kids. Sure, all of the usual go-to kid pleasers are great – the zoo, the aviary, playgrounds, the Science Center – but try your hand at one of these fun, off-the-beaten-path ideas to engage the little guys in a completely different way.
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Penny Arcade Comedy
Arcade Comedy Theater
811 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh PA 15222
(412) 339-0608
www.arcadecomedytheater.com
The Arcade Comedy group offers a fun, kid-friendly improv comedy show for families on the second Saturday of every month. Before the troupe takes the stage, the audience participates in collaboration stations which utilize crafts and literary prompts to help produce ideas that are used in the show. After every show there is an option to meet the cast and play improv games. The show runs from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, and $10 for children. The troupe even hosts special parties, and can be booked to play at your event.
(Credit: Courtesy of Kennywood)
Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122
(412) 461-8127
www.kennywood.com
Whether you’ve been visiting Kennywood since you were a small child, or you’re planning your first venture, Kennywood Park is a kid’s paradise. With something for everyone, Kennywood delivers thrills for every age. Kiddie Land features kid rides for every age and adventure level (including many rides that mom or dad can hop on with the littest fellas); the gentlest rides include Crazy Trolley, Elephant Parade, Kenny’s Karousel and more. For the more adventurous kids, Lil’ Phantom, Pounce Bounce and Whirlwind are perfect. While Kiddie Land does have height restrictions for its rides, never fear, as older kids will be enthralled with fun rides like the Aero 360, Exterminator and the Black Widow. Birthday parties are also an awesome idea, and, new for 2015, Kennywood is hosting their inaugural Kidsfest – a three-day long celebration of ethnic culture and diversity, with special appearances by your kid’s favorite superheroes, princesses, and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. This year’s Kidsfest will be held from June 23 – June 25 and is free with admission.
Saturday Crafternoons
5125 Penn Avenue,
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (in Garfield)
(412) 432-9127
www.assemblepgh.org
Every Saturday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., get ready for some hands-on crafting for kids grades 1st – 8th, sponsored by Assemble Pittsburgh. Saturday Crafternoons promote hands-on learning, and community engagement through free, drop-in workshops (no preregistration is required) with local artisans and community partners. Each month, the organization hosts a series of fun, educational workshops that involve teamwork, skill-building, and neighborhood connections. Snacks are provided.
Half-Pint Prints
Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-8300
www.warhol.org
On the first Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Andy Warhol Museum presents its monthly silkscreen printing activity for young children aged 1-4, and their caregivers. Free with museum admission, this fun, hands-on activity, located in the Warhol’s Studio, is educational and rewarding, allowing tykes to take home their artwork.
Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Hike It Baby Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas
www.hikeitbaby.com
Hike It Baby Pittsburgh is a new parent’s group focused on getting families outside and active 3-4 times a week. Each event is free, and follows a different challenge each session – trail hikes, urban hikes and even some jogging. Each hike is color coded (green: easy; blue: moderate; black: difficult), and are all posted on Hike It Baby’s website. This collaborative effort redefines the traditional mama-only playgroup for stay-at-home parents. Check the website for upcoming events, like their meet-up at Phipps (!) and get those little legs in gear.
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn’t studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she’s out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
This is a “sponsored post,” meaning the company who sponsored the article compensated me for writing the article. The opinions I have expressed, however, are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
