Indoor Maker Activities in Pittsburgh

Get hands-on with these indoor activities to exercise your mind!

Many of the best sites to see and adventures to embark on require the great outdoors. Our beautiful ball parks, bike trails and paths, amusement parks, outdoor fairs and festivals are just a few attractions that make Pittsburgh so popular.

However, Pittsburgh has just as much to offer indoors as it does outdoors - activities that exercise your body and your mind. This two-part post will cover both, but let’s begin with activities to grow and relax the mind.

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

A non-profit community arts campus that offers arts education programs and contemporary art exhibitions in Pittsburgh. This is a one stop shop to learn anything from creative writing and media arts, to painting, printmaking and more. Classes for all levels and age groups are available as well as summer camp classes for those who prefer the great indoors!

Assemble

Assemble was designed to create a space for the arts and technology for kids who want to learn and grow in a hands-on environment. With programs like Saturday Crafternoons, Learning Parties, and Girls Maker Nights, Assemble has a space for everyone ready to roll up their sleeves and create something new!

Pittsburgh Glass Center

With an overarching goal to “teach others about the incredible beauty, versatility, and science of glass to foster appreciation of its many creative possibilities” the Pittsburgh Glass Center offers classes for beginners and experts ranging from “15-minute Make-It-Now workshops—if you just want a taste of the glassmaking experience—to full 8-week courses and summer intensives— in-depth experience and specialized skills required.” There’s a class for anyone interested in glass!

Mix Candle Co.

What better way to cozy up in your favorite space than to light a homemade candle? Grab a group of friends, a bottle of wine and head to Mix Candle Co. to create your own! Pour your own custom candle using any of their 120+ fragrances and enjoy your favorite glass of wine while your candle cools. Mix Candle Co. is BYOB, so be sure to hit up one the many great restaurants on Butler Street to complete your outing!

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Not only is it one of a kind in our city, it's nationally respected,known for its innovative exhibits and often used as a model for other museums around the country. Though designed for children to learn through play, the Children’s Museum is truly a family destination. With exhibits and hands on activities created for children of all ages, the museum promotes a full family experience.

MuseumLab

“A place where kids 10+ can have cutting-edge experiences in art, tech and making” the MuseumLab provides workshops and events for those with a variety of interests. Explore the studio lab, make lab, tech lab or exhibits gallery to get your imagination and mind moving! It's conveniently located right next door to the Children’s Museum, making it the ultimate day long trip!

Studebaker Metals

Every piece made at Studebaker Metals begins the same way it always has, by hand. The brand was born in 2013, founded by Michael Studebaker (traditionally trained Metalsmith) and Alyssa Catalano (fashion marketing and design professional), forging metal cuff bracelets in his dad’s basement using tools that have already seen a lifetime of work. There was no physical storefront or real strategy, but the knowledge that hand- made means something. A few big orders came in, and things started to change. The basement became a Wilkinsburg warehouse, the warehouse became a workshop in Braddock. Now, Studebaker calls Pittsburgh's Strip District home.

The Studio by PGH Candle

At The Studio, you’ll dive into a hands-on candle making adventure that’s as fun as it is sensory. Choose a unique vessel to fill. Pick a premium PGH Candle scent, find a new favorite, or mix & match something brand new. Even customize your vessel with some unique vinyl decor.

Carissa J.

Author

Carissa J.

Guest Blogger

Carissa enjoys a good run and an even better margarita. You can find her volunteering on weekends or brunching and blogging. Connect with her on Instagram @carissamariejanczewski.