Children's Museum of Pittsburgh's 40th Anniversary Celebration
You're cordially invited to one of the best birthday celebrations ever at this family-focused institution
Pittsburgh-filmed Flashdance had just hit movie theatres. The giant merger that created PNC Bank went through. The Penguins top draft pick was Bob Errey. And, in the old Allegheny Post Office building, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh opened its doors for the first time (admission was $1.50).
So much has changed in the intervening years as Pittsburgh has reinvented itself into a tech, arts and cultural destination. The Children's Museum has since expanded into multiple buildings in the Northside and has cemented its reputation as the go-to place for innovative and inclusive museum experiences. To cap off 40 years in the city, you are cordially invited to their birthday celebration happening all summer long.
Children's Museum Free Day | June 24
Mark your calendars and reserve your spot now, because this event is going to be big! The Children's Museum will be completely free on Saturday, June 24 for their blow-out summer free day in honor of their 40th birthday.
Festivities will be taking place all across the Children’s Museum, MuseumLab and outside spaces including live music, outdoor games and activities, circus artists, performances, dancing – and much more.
More 40th Birthday Special Events
If you can't make it to the free day, don't worry! The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh will have other special events going on throughout the summer such as:
- Meet the Makers Series
- 21+ Night
- Commissioning 4 new artworks
- Oral history collection
Keep an eye on their website for more details and other birthday special events celebrating creativity, kindness, curiosity and joy as they're announced.
Share Your Story with the Children's Museum
Do you have special memories of the Children's Museum you'd like to share? Take a stroll down memory lane and let them know!
The organization is gathering stories from people like you via email and their Facebook Page. Share your favorite memory from the Museum, a special visit a loved one had, your favorite exhibits or anything you want to share and it may be included in their 40th birthday celebration!
Can't Miss Moments at the Children's Museum
If you've never been to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, consider this your primer! The Children's Museum is for hands-on discovery, play and learning for kids under 10. There's three floors to explore including a waterplay area, art studio, makeshop® and even nursery area for the smallest learners, among other permanent exhibits.
Temporary exhibits also bring excitement to the museum each visit! Currently, you can explore Wild Kratts®: Creature Power®! an interactive exhibit based on the popular PBS Kids series as well as Opposites Attract based on children's book author/illustrator Mo Willems.
Those 10+ can still enjoy the Children's Museum with programming just for them at the MuseumLab. Here, older learners can explore a three-story climbable exhibit as well as a MakeLab, TechLab and art gallery spaces to activate any child's interests.
Children's Museum Tips
I've now been taking my son to the Children's Museum for the past five years, and am happy to share some tips I've learned over time to maximize your visit:
- Make your art first - if you're going to be doing screenprinting and other art activities, head there first so your child's masterpiece can be dry on your way out.
- Put your child's swimsuit on under their clothes - changing rooms can get busy during peak hours, so have your child's swim stuff already on so they can get right to playing in the waterplay area, then change once they're done getting wet.
- Enjoy healthy, nutritious eats - my child was an incredibly picky eater, and the Children's Museum's Bean Sprouts cafe was one of few places he would eat when we were out. The whimsical yet healthy menu helps, and them serving coffee for adults is a godsend.
- Reserve your tickets in advance - no one wants to wait (especially excited kiddos) when you get in. Have your prepaid tickets up and ready on your phone and get right to playing.
- Get in on the fun - there's a bunch of activities that are likely to be as fun for you as your kid. Don't be afraid to dance as a virtual puppet, build your own race track and create stop motion animation! You're there to have fun, too.
Related Content:
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab10 Children's Way
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212