CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
4400 ForbesAve., Oakland, 412-622-3131
EXHIBITS: "M Is for Museum" -- Exhibit designed for ages 5-13 teaches kids how museums help protect, explore and explain life and earth (Oct. 15-Aug. 26; member preview Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, opens to the public at noon). "Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection" -- Traveling exhibit features more than 200 of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's pins, showing how she used jewelry to convey diplomatic messages (Dec. 13-March 4).
EVENTS: "T Is for Taxidermy" -- Demonstration of specimen preparation techniques and other family activities in connection with the "M Is for Museum" exhibit (Nov. 5 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.). "Mornings at the Museum" -- Early Saturday morning hours for "M Is for Museum," with hands-on experiments and family activities: "F Is for Fossil" (Nov. 12 from 9-10 a.m.), "W Is for What" (Dec. 3 from 9-10 a.m.). Registration required: 412-622-3288 or ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org. "Breakfast With Dinosaurs" -- Breakfast, activities including investigation of dinosaur tracks and fossil specimens and tour of "Dinosaurs in Their Time"; registration: 412-622-3288 or ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org (Nov. 26, Dec. 10, Dec. 17 from 8-10 a.m.). Holiday Camps -- Themes include Peculiar Paleontology, Rockhounds, Survivor Adventure, Backyard Biology, Egyptian Exploration and more. Registration no later than one week before camp: 412-622-3288 or ProgramRegistration@carnegiemuseums.org (Dec. 27-30 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Overnights at the Museum -- Tours, activities, guest appearances and games, sleepover and continental breakfast: Dino-ROAR (Nov. 19, Dec. 2); Night of the Living Carnegie (Oct. 21). For ages 6 and up; one chaperone for every five children required (7 p.m. Friday to 9:30 a.m. Saturday). Pajama Party -- Overnight adventure program without the overnight stay: Dino-rific (Oct. 29, Dec. 10). For ages 2 to 8; one adult required for every child. Registration required: 412-622-3289 or GroupVisits@carnegiemuseums.org (Saturday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.).
Events at Powdermill Nature Reserve, Carnegie Museum of Natural History's biological research station in Rector: Family Overnight at Powdermill Nature Reserve -- Explore trails at night, learn about nocturnal animals and their habitats, storytelling around the campfire. Evening snack and breakfast. Activities geared to ages 5-12 and their families. One adult per five children required. Registration: 412-622-3289 or GroupVisits@carnegiemuseums.org (Sept. 23-24; Friday from 6:30 p.m. to Saturday at 9 a.m.).
CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER
One Allegheny Ave., North Side. 412-237-3400
EXHIBITS: Miniature Railroad & Village (opens Nov. 25). Ongoing exhibitions and programs: Highmark SportsWorks, USS Requin, "Air Power!," "Body Tech," "Seascape," "roboworld" and Observatory SkyWatch.
EVENTS: Parents' Night Out! -- Parents can drop the kids off for the evening, including dinner, Omnimax movie, laser show and other Science Center activities while they enjoy a night out (Sept. 10, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Dec. 10). Tour Your Future -- Science career exploration program for girls ages 11-16: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Visit ReefBot! (Sept. 10); National Aviary (Sept. 17); Bodiography (Oct. 8); Magee Womens Research Institute (Oct. 15); Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Institute (Nov. 5); The Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research (Nov. 11). Munchkin Mondays -- Themed science activities for ages 6 and under (Mondays from Sept. 12-Oct. 31). Miniature Railroad & Village Behind the Scenes Workshops (Sept. 24, Oct. 2). Science Sleepovers! -- Includes Omnimax movie, laser show, late-night snack, continental breakfast, free next-day admission: CSI Sleepover (Oct. 14); Spooky Science Sleepover (Oct. 28); Light-Up Night Sleepover (Nov. 28); Polar Express Sleepover (Dec. 10). ChemFest -- Activity stations and chemistry-related career information (Oct. 21-22).
RANGOS OMNIMAX THEATER: "Hubble" (through Nov. 23); "Tornado Alley" (through 2011); "Animalopolis" (through 2011); "Rocky Mountain Express" -- Film takes viewers on a ride on the railroads that cross the Rocky Mountains (opens Nov. 25); "Polar Express" -- IMAX version of the holiday classic (opens Nov. 25).
LASER SHOWS: The Beatles Anthology, Bob Marley, Laser Michael Jackson, Laser Sublime and Midnight Floyd (through November); Laser Lady Gaga (opens Sept. 30); Laser Halloween (Oct. 17-Nov. 3).
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH
Allegheny Center, North Side, 412-322-5058
EXHIBITS: "Tough Art" -- Fifth annual exhibit of original interactive exhibits built to be tough enough to withstand kid handling (Sept. 14-Jan. 16). Youth Photography Exhibition: "International Heritage Photographic Experience" -- Images by young regional photographers age 14-21 (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). "Putt Putt" -- Five miniature golf holes created with educational components including sound obstacles, numbers, recycling and more (Sept. 15-Oct. 20). "Make Shop" -- New permanent exhibit provides space for building and tinkering with electronics, sewing machines, animation stations, woodworking and more (opens Oct. 22). "How People Make Things" -- Exhibit inspired by Mister Rogers' factory tour videos shows how everyday items are made (Nov. 5-Feb. 5).
EVENTS: Pittsburgh Mini Maker Faire -- Presented by Hack Pittsburgh and the Children's Museum, featuring rockets, robots, DIY science and technology, urban farming, alternative energy, bicycles, crafts, educational workshops and installations (Oct. 23 from noon-6 p.m.).
CONSOL ENERGY CENTER
1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown, 412-642-1800
EVENTS: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (Nov. 2-6).
FORT PITT MUSEUM
Commonwealth Place, Downtown, 412-281-9284
EXHIBITS: "The American Frontier Rifleman: Tall Tales & Truth" -- Exhibit explores the history of the legendary frontier rifleman (through Oct. 30).
EVENTS: "RADical Days" -- Free admission (Oct. 2).
GATEWAY CLIPPER FLEET
Station Square, 412-355-7980
DINNER CRUISES: Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise (Saturdays through November); Chicken & Ribs Dinner Cruise (Thursdays in Sept. and Oct.); Dinner Theater Cruises: "A Dinner With the Godfather" (Sept. 16, Nov. 4); "Lordy Lordy! Marty's Forty" (Oct. 14); Oldies Dinner Dance Cruise: Johnny Angel & the Halos (Nov. 12); Pure Gold (Nov. 19); Thank Goodness It's Friday Dinner Cruise (Oct. 7).
LUNCHEON CRUISES: Rivers Casino Lunch Cruise: Bo Wagner's Frank & Dean Revue (select Mondays through Nov. 21); Gospel Lunch Cruise (Sept. 11); Saturday Family Picnic Cruise (Sept. 17).
SIGHTSEEING CRUISES: One Hour Sightseeing Cruise (daily through Oct.).
EXCURSION CRUISES: Fall Foliage Cruise (Oct. 6-8, 13-15); Oglebay Festival of Lights Cruise & Tour (Dec. 2).
ENTERTAINMENT CRUISES: Blues & Barbecue Cruise: Jill West and Blues Attack (Sept. 30, Nov. 26).
HOLIDAY CRUISES: "Halloween Whodunnit?" Cruise (Oct. 19); Halloween Fun Cruise (Oct. 29); Halloween Dance Cruises (Oct. 28, 29); Light Up Night Dinner Dance Cruise (Nov. 18); Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise (Nov. 24); Santa Family Fun Cruise (Nov. 26, 27, Sat. and Sun. from Dec. 3-18), morning cruises (Dec. 10, 17, evening cruise Dec. 5); Holiday Dinner Dance Cruise (Fri. and Sat. from Nov. 26-Dec. 17); Holiday Luncheon Cruise (Dec. 2, 10); New Year's Eve Cruises (Dec. 31).
MEADOWCROFT ROCKSHELTER & HISTORIC VILLAGE
Meadowcroft Road, Avella, 724-587-3412
EVENTS: American Indian Heritage Weekend -- Native artisans, Indian agriculture and more (Sept. 24-25); Insider Tour of Meadowcroft Rockshelter -- Lecture and tour led by archaeologist James M. Adovasio. Reservations: 724-587-3412 (Oct. 1, 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
NATIONAL AVIARY
Ridge Avenue and Arch Street, North Side, 412-323-7235
EVENTS: RADical Days -- Free admission to the Aviary (Oct. 14). Owl-o-ween -- Costume contest, storytelling, crafts, owl flight show, snacks and more; advance registration suggested (Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m.). FLight Up Night -- Tree lighting, visit from Santa and his penguin pal, night-time bird encounters and more; advance registration suggested (Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.). Breakfast with Santa -- Visit with Santa and his feathered friends, breakfast treats and "Wings!" free flight bird show (Dec. 3, 10, 17 at 8:30 a.m.).
PHIPPS CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Schenley Park, 412-622-6914
EXHIBITS: Summer Flower Show: "Living Harmoniously With Nature" -- Interior designers incorporate sustainable textiles, architectural elements and decor into summer blooms (through Sept. 27). Fall Flower Show -- Chrysanthemums and autumn foliage create fall scenes (Oct. 12-Nov. 6). Garden Railroad -- Model trains in miniature living landscapes (opens Oct. 12). Winter Flower Show -- Evergreens, poinsettias, holiday lights and more (Nov. 25-Jan. 8).
EVENTS: Halloween Happenings -- Kids are invited to dress in costume and enjoy holiday activities (Oct. 28 from 4-8 p.m.). Santa Visits -- Kids can visit with Santa and decorate cookies (Sat. and Sun. from Nov. 26-Dec. 24). Gifts, Greens and Tea -- Evergreen decorations and unique holiday gifts (Dec. 1-3 at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park). Candlelight Evenings -- Evening hours with candlelit walkways and live entertainment (Dec. 5-31 until 10 p.m.). Family Fun Days -- Family activities include crafts and potting plants (Dec. 26-30). New Year's Eve Celebration -- Early New Year's Eve family celebration (Dec. 31 from 6-9 p.m.).
PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM
Highland Park, 412-665-3639
EVENTS: UPMC For Life Grandparents Day -- Grandparents admitted free when accompanied by their grandkids (Sept. 11). Macy's Elephant Day -- Entertainment, animal presentations, art contest and more (Sept. 18 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.). ZooZilla 5k Run/Walk -- Registration 7 a.m.; race starts 8 a.m. (Oct. 2). Cheetah Conservation -- Zoo educator Mandy Revak talks about conservation work under way to help save the endangered cheetah; pre-registration required (Oct. 8 from 10-11:30 a.m.). RADical Day -- Free admission (Oct. 9). KDKA ZOOBOO -- Docent Haunted House, Gymkhana's Haunted Hideaway, not-so-spooky Train Ride, costume contest, parade and treats (Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Registration for Breakfast or Lunch with Santa (begins Nov. 2). Polar Bears on the Brink -- Polar bear keeper Jennifer Funk talks about the plight of the polar bear in the wild and how people can help to save their natural habitat; pre-registration required (Nov. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.). Yellowbook Polar Bear Birthday -- Birthday celebration for zoo polar bears Koda and Nuka, with treats and crafts (Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Town Planner Animal Thanksgiving -- See animals get Thanksgiving treats such as pumpkins, gourds and sweet potatoes (Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Winter Mini Camp -- Education programs for ages 5-9 about animals in the backyard, how animals adapt to environments and track identification; registration: 412-365-2528 (Dec. 27-29). Noon Year's Eve -- Family celebration (Dec. 31 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.).
SCHENLEY PLAZA
Next to Carnegie Library, Oakland
EVENTS: Kids Day (Sept. 18 from 2-5 p.m.); Pittsburgh Jazz Society Festival (Sept. 24, 25); WYEP Final Fridays: The Damnwells with Harper Blynn (Sept. 30).
SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER
1212 Smallman St., Strip District, 412-454-6000
EXHIBITS: "Stars & Stripes: An American Story" -- Major exhibition about the American flag, its history and symbolism, with items from the collections of the History Center, The Smithsonian Institution and private collectors (Sept. 10-June 17).
EVENTS: Opening Day Commemoration: "Stars & Stripes: An American Story" -- Outdoor event featuring patriotic music and unfurling of a 60-foot flag on the museum facade (Sept. 10 from 9 to 10 a.m.). National Constitution and Good Citizenship Day: Freedom of the Press -- Program on freedom of the press as it's outlined in the U.S. Constitution (Sept. 16). "RADical Days" -- Free admission (Oct. 1). Heritage Holidays Weekend -- Celebration of community diversity with ethnic music and dancing, live entertainment and food samplings (Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 13 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Hallowed Ground: Civil War Soldier Commemoration -- The History Center marks the anniversary of the Civil War and honors soldiers laid to rest at Allegheny Cemetery, with re-enactors, Civil War era musicians and military veterans; free event at Allegheny Cemetery (Nov. 20 at 1 p.m.). Tenth Annual History Center Book Fair -- With more than 70 local authors (Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
First Published: September 8, 2011, 4:00 a.m.