Sunday, August 31, 2014

Top 5 / September 1-6

September? Well, hello!
This time of year, many people seem to be crying "pumpkin spice lattes, jeans, boots, & scarves (and I love all those things). But my mind also tends to drift to "no more flip flops, the jacket battles are coming, we'll be stuck in the house, help!" :) So we will squeeze in all the outdoor fun we can while we still have these warm days.
 
Here is my Top 5 list for the week - most of these family-friendly venues are open every day which make it flexible for scheduling day, evening or weekend visits!


Park of the Week: North Park's Black & Yellow Playground. Located next to the North Park Community Pool, it has 3 playgrounds, with the Black & Yellow one being the largest one.  It has new updated equipment which includes an assortment of swings, slides, ladders and tunnels that are also suited for children with disabilities. Located at S. Ridge Drive / Hemlock Dr., McCandless Township, PA 15101.
 
Library FunFor the month of September, the West End & East Liberty Carnegie Libraries are starting (free) Family Playshops. It combines play, early childhood education, parent support, and innovative library services in an exciting program for children 6 months - 4 years old. Space is limited and you must register ahead of time. More info on dates & times here.
*
Playdate: Join the Pgh Momtourage at E2 Toys to Try this Thursday!  There is an indoor & outdoor playspace and lots of fun for kids of all ages! Bring your lunch and we'll eat at the outdoor picnic area.  More details and RSVP here. 
 
Beat the Heat: The Carnegie Science Center has a new fantastic indoor exhibit called BLUE! and it is one of my favorites! It's an immersive, hands-on exhibit featuring molded foam blocks of all shapes and sizes. It encourages lots of imagination in kids and kept my kiddos occupied for a long time. Now is also the perfect time to hit the museums between kids going back to school and not as many field trips at the beginning of school. :)

Family Fun: If you've never been to Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, this is a great time of year to go! There are 2 locations - Moraine & Laurel Highlands. LT is an amazing interactive zoo where you can get closer to animals than you can at most other zoos.You can purchase food on-site to feed to the animals where it is allowed.  Feed the giraffes from the palm of your hand, ride a pony or camel, hold a baby kangaroo, and reach out and touch wildlife! My only downer about these parks is that the paths are gravel, so they aren't great with strollers that don't have the jogging stroller-type wheels. But definitely worth the trip!

 Enjoy fun in Pittsburgh this week!

No comments: