7 things to do with kids in Pittsburgh this week (when everything is canceled)
Photo: Screenshot of an episode of “The MakeShop Show,” streaming from The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh website.
This story first appeared in NEXTpittsburgh, which publishes Kidsburgh.
As we hunker down in our homes to help stop the spread of COVID-19, cabin fever is sure to set in. While there’s no definitive cure for boredom, we found some local hands-on activities and online events to keep your kids’ minds occupied, so you don’t lose yours.
Good luck, parents!
1. The MakeShop Show
From 2011 to 2014, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh released a series of DIY posts and videos from its on-site makerspace, Makeshop. Now is the perfect time to revisit the online resource hub! The projects are aimed at kids ages 6 to 10, and feature tips on how to build furniture out of rolled newspapers, transform old books into works of art and turn a T-shirt into a tote bag. The Children’s Museum and MuseumLab plan to add more content soon. Stay tuned! Stay active!
2. Penguin webcam at the Pittsburgh Zoo
Although a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium isn’t an option (it closed March 16), you can still go wild watching the resident penguins play. The live webcam captures Macaroni penguins (the ones with the yellow feathers on their heads) and Gentoo penguins frolicking on land and in the water. The flightless birds will be dressed up for the occasion, but you don’t have to.
3. To-go pottery projects
Some local paint-your-own-pottery studios are finding a way to stay in business while keeping your little artists inspired. Fired Up Pottery Studio at 4151 Washington Road in McMurray is selling kits filled with pottery, pre-drawn canvas designs, paints and brushes. Customers can peruse the available products online and place their orders by calling 724-941-0302. Once the personalized kit is assembled, they can pick it up curbside. Katie’s Clay Studio at 3812 William Flynn Hwy. in Allison Park is also offering the service. FaceTime them at 412-486-2184 and they’ll take you on a virtual tour of their inventory.
4. Revisit Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
It’s quite possible your kids are unfamiliar with Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor. Filmed at WQED in Pittsburgh, his beloved children’s show aired from 1968 to 2001. You can watch full episodes for free on the program’s official website. It’s one way to turn a horrible situation into a beautiful day.
5. The Write Stuff
In addition to being Mister Rogers’ home base, WQED is an educational resource for parents, teachers and students. The station is sponsoring a Writers Contest until March 31. Authors in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to submit their original stories, prose or poetry complete with drawings, collages and photos. Channel all of that pent-up energy into creativity.
6. Virtual Frick
Staying at home can still be an educational experience. Take a virtual tour of the Frick, complete with art-based activities for the kiddies!
7. Leave the entertainment to a pro
Pittsburgh-based theater artist Cassidy Adkins is happy to entertain your family during lockdown. Each weekday, she’ll post a 30-minute Facebook Live video covering a range of interests. Her schedule is: Monday, 3 p.m. – Dance Class; Tuesday, 11 a.m. – Story Time; Wednesday, 3 p.m. – No-bake Baking Project; Thursday, 11 a.m. – Yoga Story Adventure; Friday, noon – Music Party. Adkins has taught for Bricolage Production Company, Pittsburgh Musical Theater and the Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater, as well as other local institutions.
