Children's Museum of Pittsburgh plans safe, outdoor Valentine's activities
Kids and their families can celebrate Valentine’s Day early with free, socially distanced, outdoor fun at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in the North Side.
Hearts in the Park, planned for 4-8 p.m. Feb. 13, will offer interactive outdoor exhibits and activities, along with drive-through elements.
“While, sadly, our doors are closed, in the throes of winter and with Valentine’s Day looking us in the eye, we wanted to offer an event celebrating joy, creativity and kindness,” said Bill Schlageter, the museum’s director of marketing.
Children can prepare for the event in advance by submitting their Valentine’s Day artwork and/or love letters via email or social media to be included in a video projection on the exterior of the museum building.
“That’s why we’re doing it from 3 to 8 p.m.,” Schlageter said. “We have to do it near dusk, so you’ll be able to see the projections better.”
Families who are not comfortable participating in person can drive by to see the display, he added.
Kids can play on interactive outdoor exhibits, including the Los Trompos spinning tops, ROPE sculpture, Spinny Chairs and Merry-Go-Cycle.
Family friendly, outdoor interactive activities:
• Ice blocks that can be excavated to reveal treasure
• Shrinky Dinks
• A collaborative balloon-splatter work of art
• A Pop-Up Store offering Valentine’s items, Care Packages and exclusive museum products available for purchase
• Giveaways, including books donated by Reading is Fundamental Pittsburgh, while supplies last
• Music and more fun and games.
Masks will be required. Outdoor restrooms and hand sanitizer will be available.
Activities will provide for socially distanced participation by attendees and staff. Attendees who choose the drive-through option to see the video projections will receive a small take-away bag with supplies for making a friendship bracelet and writing cards to first responders.
Parking is free.
Activities will be covered or provide take-home options in the event of inclement weather.
Valentine’s Day art and letters can be submitted in these ways to be part of the projection:
• Email to hi@pittsburghkids.org
• On Facebook or @pghkids on Instagram and Twitter, tag with #heartsinthepark
• Deliver to the drop box on the Children’s Museum’s front porch at 10 Children’s Way. Messages left in the drop box cannot be returned.
Details: pittsburghkids.org
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
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