Warm Up This Winter with Fun, Socially-Distanced Events at the National Aviary
The holidays are behind us, grey skies are above us, and spring isn’t coming anytime soon. Isn’t it time you treat yourself to a tropical getaway?
But, if a tropical getaway isn’t in the cards this year, you can go on a Tropical Retreat right here in Pittsburgh. Tucked away in the heart of the North Side, the National Aviary will make you forget all about those winter weather woes with their fun and immersive experiences and safety at top of mind — no packing or passports necessary!
Explore the warmth of lush, tropical habitats where colorful birds fly freely around you. Follow Victoria Crowned Pigeons on a stroll toward a cascading waterfall in the Tropical Rainforest. Visit the Wetlands to see American Flamingos flock on a sandy beach. Watch African Penguins swim and play on the rocky shores of Penguin Point, and learn what makes all of these beloved birds so special during the National Aviary’s daily programming, included with admission.
All daily programs are designed with enhanced safety protocols in place. Show seating is spaced for physical distancing, masks are required for all guests, and hand sanitization stations are available throughout the facility, so you can enjoy experiencing interactions with birds around you.
Enjoy these activities, included with the price of general admission:
Recognizable for their bright pink feathers and long, curved necks, American Flamingos are native to the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Watch the flock strut their stuff during the National Aviary’s Flamingo Island Adventure. Experts will venture into the Wetlands to feed and talk about these iconic birds and other wetlands birds like Brown Pelicans and Snowy Egrets.
Amazing Amazon, presented by AAA Travel
Colorful macaws and a toucan fly over the audience as this live immersive bird show transports you to the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Along the way, learn how you can help the National Aviary with conservation efforts at home and in rainforests around the world.
You might not think of the tropics when you think of penguins, but most penguin species are better suited to warmer waters. Travel to the National Aviary and meet a colony of African Penguins on the rocky shores of Penguin Point. The heated rocks, heated pool and cozy caves of the habitat mimic the rugged coasts of their native environment in South Africa and Namibia. Watch the adorable colony of penguins as they hop, waddle, and swim at mealtime, and enjoy an engaging talk from experts. Learn about the diet of these tuxedo-clad birds, and find out how your seafood choices can help the National Aviary save this endangered species.
Plan your visit to see the National Aviary’s African Penguin colony, where a new chick has just hatched to first-time parents Buddy and Holly!
Looking to make your next trip to the National Aviary even more memorable? Add on an Interactive Animal Encounter to your admission with your favorite species, starting at just $16 more. Get nose-to-beak with your favorite bird, like a penguin, flamingo, or owl, or spend some quality time with a sloth. Encounters are limited in size, so you’ll have a personal experience as National Aviary experts share fascinating facts and details about the animal ambassador in your presence.
Visit aviary.org for additional daily activities, included with admission!
Upcoming Events:
Feb. 27-28, 2021; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Flamingo fans of all ages look forward to Flamingo Fest, featuring enhanced safety protocols. The National Aviary’s annual celebration of all things flamingo returns. Enjoy a fun and engaging story time, create colorful crafts, and take in the lively sights and sounds of the Wetlands habitat. Included with admission. Reserve your general admission timed-entry tickets today!
March 27-28, 2021 and April 2-3, 2021, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Visit the National Aviary for some start-of-springtime fun at Eggstravaganza, featuring enhanced safety protocols. You’ll be a busy bird during an egg-themed scavenger hunt throughout the various habitats. Meet and greet a beautiful bird, enjoy special story time and much more. You’ll be able to reserve your general admission timed-entry tickets soon!
April 24, 2021; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Connect with nature in the National Aviary’s enchanting habitats and learn how you can be a good steward for the environment. Watch a fun story time with a special bird visitor, and complete a “green”-themed scavenger hunt. All Earth Day events will feature enhanced safety protocols. You’ll be able to reserve your general admission timed-entry tickets soon!
Timed ticketing, physical distancing, hand sanitization stations, and mask requirements are all part of the National Aviary’s enhanced safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit our COVID Information page.
Sponsored by the National Aviary
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