Fly over to the National Aviary for Holiday Happenings
A visit to the National Aviary, home to more than 500 birds, is a great idea any time of year, but during the holiday season, it’s an extra-special treat.
This year’s Holiday Happenings, presented by Baird Private Wealth Management Fleming Rodgers Group, brings the magic of the holidays to life through daily activities and a host of seasonal festivities.
Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, enjoy Season’s Greetings Saturdays, included with general admission. Kids can get the chance to meet Santa and his penguin helper. Be sure to snap lots of photos!
“Even though African Penguins are from South Africa and Namibia, where it’s hot, windy, and dry, Santa loves all penguins, so he has one help him to spread holiday cheer at the National Aviary,” said Megan Hinds, director of marketing and communications for the Aviary, located in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
Also, while African Penguins are adorable, they were recently up-listed to Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. That means there are fewer than 10,000 pairs of these lovely flightless birds left in the wild. “It’s important that we’re keeping this species front and center because their population is at such great risk,” Hinds said.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Saturdays of Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, get those Instagrammable photos with Santa and a penguin while learning how you can help African Penguins in the wild!
For those searching for a fun activity for friends to decompress together before the holiday rush, the Aviary will be holding two Sunday brunches in their beautifully decorated Garden Room. Featuring a variety of dishes and delicious add-on cocktails, courtesy of Atria’s Specialty Catering, these brunches are a low-pressure get-together opportunity. After filling up on holiday-inspired favorites like French toast, firecracker chicken and waffles, black bean enchiladas and more, you can stroll around the Aviary for an afternoon full of vibrant bird-watching.
Brunches will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 (with seating at 11 a.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 15 (with seating at 12:45 p.m.). These seatings fill up fast, so make sure to make reservations right away.
The fun doesn’t stop after Christmas, either. On Dec. 28 and 30, the Aviary offers day-long winter camps for kids. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a magical time, but can also be stressful for kids and parents alike. Keep the kids engaged — and give adults some down time — with these day camps. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids get to explore the Aviary with a fun and educational camp.
The Saturday camp is for ages 6 to 8, and the Monday camp is for ages 9 to 12. Campers stay nice and warm in habitats while learning about how adaptive bird species keep away from the chill during the year’s coldest months. Camp sessions feature expert teachers, immersive experiences and interactive fun.
To make things easier before the holidays even start, the Aviary has a one-stop shop for even the most challenging gift recipient on your list. Whether you’re struggling to buy for a picky kid or a quirky aunt, the Aviary’s carefully curated gift shop has something for everyone. The shop features bird and animal plushes and toys, as well as many games and interactive toys, eclectic jewelry, unique art pieces and much more.
“Plus, of course, a membership or animal encounter,” Hinds said. “A lot of times you have a small child and they don’t need another book or toy, but wouldn’t they love a junior penguin encounter?”
Memberships and animal encounters offer experiential gifts full of memories that will last a lifetime. Encounters with penguins, falcons, owls, sloths and more are available at various price points. Know a teen animal enthusiast or budding photographer you want to gift big to this year? Check out the educational programming opportunities offered in January. Members have free general admission to the Aviary, along with discounts and other benefits. And, of course, supporting the Aviary means supporting the animals that call it home, as well as the organization’s conservation efforts around the world.
While it’s always a good time to visit the National Aviary, this holiday season will be a particularly cheery and celebratory one, with beautiful decorations and festive programming throughout December. Don’t miss this chance to make the holidays less stressful and even more memorable.
National Aviary: 700 Arch St., North Side, 412-323-7235, aviary.org
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