Summer fun in Pittsburgh

This post in partnership with Kidsburgh and The Motherhood. All opinions remain my own and I don't promote venues that my family doesn't love!

Alright friends, summer is almost here! My kids are dragging through their final days of school (anyone else unmotivated to give any more spelling words? 💁😆)

We are starting to put together our summer bucket list! One of our favorite activities to do at the beginning of the summer is to sit down together and talk about specific places that my kids want to visit over their summer break. 

Some of our favorites that we plan to do this summer:

• Hikes at Fall Run Park + Creek
• Beach time at Raccoon Creek State Park 
• Boyce Mayview Park + Ball Field: Accessible & Sensory-friendly playground
• Round Hill Farm + Spray Park
• Free indoor gym at The Landing
• Troy Hill Spray Park
• Free movies in the park
• $1 Summer Movie Clubhouse or $4 Summer Movie Camp (includes snacks!)
• Kennywood

As a parent, I am always looking for new and fun experiences for my kids. And with 4 kids, things that are either free or don't cost a small fortune. 😳 This summer, I am partnering with Kidsburgh to help you find the best local fun in the Pittsburgh region! Kidsburgh is an awesome go-to resource focusing on the people and and ideas making Pittsburgh a great place to raise kids. And I think we have a pretty fantastic city in which to raise kids!

Kidsburgh has put together some great family guides in helping you find the best sources for local fun with kids summer activities!

• Hiking Trails Guide 
• Spring Events Guide (Summer Events Guide coming soon!)
• 9 indoor thrill rides

Also stay turned to their website for more guides coming soon as well!

• Three River Arts Festival
• Summer Movies – where to watch and the deals
• Water Fun - the best places around the city to cool off (will include free options as well!)

Check out Kidsburgh's Maker Mondays!

• Every Monday, Kidsburgh editors share a fun, educational project for kids to create (some with adult supervision, of course!)
• For more Maker Monday projects and other fun stuff for kids, visit the Kidsburgh Activities page. 

Kidsburgh.org also features a robust calendar for Pittsburgh family fun that lists kid-friendly events throughout the region and a directory of child-serving organizations.

Follow Kidsburgh on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and checkout Kidsburgh.org for all the
happenings in and around Pittsburgh!

Whatever your kids ages and whatever your kids interests, you are sure to find lots of summer fun in the 'Burgh! 

SO......LET'S BRING ON SUMMER! 

 #Kidsburgh, #SummerFun, #SummerInPittsburgh

Children's Theater Festival + Ticket Giveaway

It's almost May (yay!) which also means one our of very FAVORITE festivals of the year is almost here! The EQT Children's Theater Festival is one of the most unique family events around and you don't want to miss it! We've seen some really cool and interesting shows since our family started attending 5 years ago. 

EQT Children’s Theater Festival 

May 16-19 

Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District

There are featured performances for kids and teens of all ages in Cultural District theaters and tickets start at only $12. In addition to featured performances, the Festival grounds are filled with FREE activities, performances, and experiences for families.

The awesome shows coming this year:

• FLY: A poetic journey into a circus universe with strange characters, big emotions and captivating puppet imagery.
• Emily Brown & The Thing: Emily Brown and Stanley set off on incredible adventures to the Dark and Scary Wood, the Whirling Wastes and beyond, to find the Thing’s cuddly, his bedtime milk and his medicine.
• Murikamification: The magical, surrealistic stories of Haruki Murakami come to life with the intensely physical and absurd performance throughout Pittsburgh’s own Cultural District.
• Sky & Stone:  A stone falls from the sky and sparks curiosity, exploration, and play for babies and toddlers.
• Air Play: Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience, and the biggest snow glove you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts.
• Sons of Mystro: Use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations accompanied by beats, and sometimes a DJ & guitarist.
• Circle, Circle, Circle: Immerse yourself in a larger-than-life cube of colors. A 3D rainbow of circles create a 15-foot high maze that’s as fun to gaze at as it is to adventure inside.

Go here to get tickets, starting at just $12!

There are friendly, helpful Festival Guides stationed throughout the Cultural District to help families find their Festival destinations, get show and activity recommendations, and more! Be sure to visit this link to help plan your visit with parking, restrooms, food options & event information. 

GIVEAWAY

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We're going to make it extra fun for two families by giving away {two} family 4-packs of tickets to the show of your choice! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for sponsoring this great family festival and this post. All opinions remain my own. I don't endorse venues that my family doesn't love!

Let My People Go: A Spiritual Journey Along The Underground Railroad

February is Black History Month and it's a historic time to delve deeper into the past of our country. We've had some ugly racist incidents in Pittsburgh over the past few years and it is important for us to acknowledge that racism is not behind us. The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh will be presenting this deeply moving story at Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 15th. An incredible opportunity to learn more about our history and be a part of combating racism in our region. Tickets are expected to sell out. Check below for our discount link!

Let My People Go: A Spiritual Journey Along The Underground Railroad

February 15, 2019 - 7:30pm
Matthew Mehaffey, conducting the MCP
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2001 Wylie Ave Pittsburgh PA 15219

This dramatic work, composed by award-winning, American composer Donald McCullough, interweaves 14 Negro Spirituals with a dramatic, historically-based script. The result is an experience audiences have called “visceral”, “spine-tingling,” and “deeply moving,” in premieres across the United States. We are honored to present this program at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

This project, the first collaboration between these two venerable Pittsburgh institutions, seeks to be a compelling example of unity amidst the current climate of emboldened racism, and to invite the community to experience the powerful story of African Americans’ journey towards freedom that is an indelible part of our national and regional history. MCP and Ebenezer Baptist Church intend the spirituals through which this story is told to uplift and galvanize, just as they inspired and guided the enslaved on their courageous journey.

After its premiere at the Kennedy Center, Let My People Go! was featured at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the museum’s inaugural activities. Audiences have described their experience as “moving,” “haunting,” “magnificent,” and “spine-tingling.”

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Located in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, the 143-year-old Ebenezer Baptist Church serves a diverse congregation near the actual location of an Underground Railroad stop. The church itself was a primary meeting place for local civil rights activists in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination.

Go here to purchase tickets (this link automatically applies a 10% discount!)  You can also access the discount by using promo code MOMS at their main webpage or calling the box office at 866-811-4111.

I am looking forward to seeing this powerful show!

PJ Masks: Ticket Giveaway

When I told my kids about PJ MASKS Live coming to Pittsburgh, they immediately ran and put their pajamas on – and it was only noon! If your kids are as excited as mine about PJ Masks, keep reading because I have some great news!

PJ MASKS Live! Time to Be a Hero!

Monday, November 13^th, 2017 at 6pm

Tuesday, November 14^th, 2017 at 6pm

Byham Theatre

Come see your favorite pint-sized super heroes in action in their brand new live show: PJ MASKS Live! Watch Catboy, Owlette and Gekko as they try to save the day from their sneaky villains — Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl! Fluttering Feathers! Leaping Lizards! What a CAT-­tastrophe!

You’ve NEVER seen the PJ Masks like this before — leaping, flipping and climbing — live on stage! Expect to hear some of your favorite PJ Masks songs along with some brand new ones! There are two opportunities to see this amazing show – Monday and Tuesday evening, November 13^th and 14^th.

You don’t want to sleep through this, so hurry up and get your tickets here before they sell out!

Time to be a Hero Pajama Program

Any PJ Masks fan knows that pajamas are a powerful, magical tool for children. That’s why ‘PJ Masks Live! Time to Be a Hero,’ will collect pajamas for Pajama Program at the Byham Theater before the PJ Masks Live! performances.

Bring a pair of new pajamas for children (infant through age 18) to the show. Pajama Program will gladly share these gifts with the children they serve.

Giveaway:

We have 4 tickets for the Monday evening performance to give to one lucky family!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Written by Momtourage mama, Kayt Bech. 

This post is in collaboration with Pittsburgh Cultural Trust as I know you'll enjoy this great family-friendly show!

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures

Last week we were invited to the first guest lecture in the author and illustrator series for Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures. We're big readers in our house and are always happy to learn about authors and new books as well as hang out at the Carnegie Library! The first guest happened to be Dav Pilky who is the author of the popular Captain Underpants & Dog Man series. My two sidekicks for the day were ready for an adventure and they weren't disappointed! Super capes, new books and larger-than-life inflatable characters started off the fun. 

Here in Pittsburgh, we are so blessed with an amazing library system! It's incredible that we have 19 branches of CLP and our family has enjoyed every branch that we have visited. With 4 kids, I admit that library books brings me a lot of angst. No matter what system we put in place, we manage to pay our share in library fines. 😂 But  I totally think it's worth it for the joy they have in discovering libraries full of new books! 

Although I had heard of Captain Underpants, we hadn't read the books yet and Dog Man was a new introduction for us. Since simply the word underpants sends my kids into gales of laughter, I was pretty sure my kids would be big fans (I was right). 

But the real treat of the day was hearing the story of author Dav Pilky. Dav was diagnosed with ADHD as a young boy and school was a challenge for him. We immediately perked our ears with having our own little one with ADHD. In 2nd grade, Dav began to create the character of Captain Underpants. His classmates? Big fans! His teacher? Not so much. She even told him it wasn't like he could just write silly stories his whole life. 😄 We were able to identify so much with his story about the challenges of school and how he was able to triumph through those challenges. It was so inspiring and my little one was beaming with encouragement. 

It was fun to see him draw his Captain Underpants character in under 45 seconds! This guy has some serious talent! My kids are now reading through his Dog Man series and loving it. 

The Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Series will host a variety of acclaimed children's authors and illustrators over the next few months. 

Nancy Isenberg / Katherine Applegate / Sherman Alexie / Roddy Doyle / Ron Chernow / 

Isabel Allende / Richard Russo / Katherine Paterson / Jennifer Egan / Nicola Yoon / Paul Beatty / Bryan Collier / Sandra Neil Wallace / Mo Willems / Susan Faludi / Melissa Sweet / Mohsin Hamid / Viet Thanh Nguyen

Go here to see the full schedule. Also, check out the subscription package where you can save 20% off a single ticket price. 

We're looking forward to discovering more authors and books such as this one during this series! 

#WordsandPictures

This post sponsored by Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures in conjunction with The Motherhood. All opinions remain my own. 

$250 Sears Gift Card Giveaway

Shopping has changed pretty drastically for me since my pre-children days. I'm guessing it has for you as well! No more lingering and casually browsing while sipping an iced coffee. Now it boils down to a good bit of shushing and chasing with the occasional bribe thrown in when necessity drags me to the store with kids in tow!  😂 It's all good, we adapt. But that's not to say my kids haven't been known to sport some highwater pants a time or two. 😉

As a busy mom with 4 kids, there are a few ways my shopping habits have changed.

 #1 - it has to be on sale
 #2 - the store has to have quality brands that I trust
 #3 - a one-stop shop is the best

This week I had the chance to tour the Sears store at Ross Park Mall. The first thing I noticed was the SALE signs. It was a good start! In celebration of July 4^th, Sears is making the holiday last even longer by extending its July 4^th event for the next four days (7/5-7/8). Sears has store-wide savings in every department going on right now – in-store, online, mobile, via the Sears app, no matter how you want to shop. Plus, every day Sears is featuring one perfect summer item with an amazing deal from 7/5-7/8.

Sears is a premier shopping location since it includes - one of my top 3 musts - a one-stop shop! It carries a huge variety of items including clothing, baby gear, appliances, home goods, tools, electronics + much more. You can even get your car serviced while you're shopping! 

Sears is among the leading appliance retailers and America’s #1 fitness equipment retailer. Sears is America’s #1 provider of appliance and product repair services, with nearly seven million service calls made annually.

The Shop Your Way rewards program is definitely worth the free sign up! You earn points for every dollar you spend which means more free stuff. 👍 Download the Shop Your Way app for the best deals!

Swim wear can be one of those things that we moms do not love to shop for, right? Sears has a great swim wear section with a variety of styles for every body type. Shop here where you can get a lot of these pieces for under $16! When you're in the store, keep in mind that there are two separate swim sections. One section is the Lands End brand and one section is the other brands they carry. 

From swim wear to tools & tractors - that's definitely a first in my posts, haha! Because another aspect our family loves about Sears is that my husband and I BOTH love to shop there! Can we say Craftsman tool section? My hubby could spend hours there. 😊 

Today, Sears’s perfect summer item is the Craftsman 4-piece Lithium Combo Kit – it comes with a 1/2" drill, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw and a handy work light and two lithium batteries, a charger and a heavy-duty bag to store it all in. And it’s 20% off!

Yesterday's big sale was the Poulan Pro Riding Tractor. Over $500 off! Since my hubby currently does our lawn mowing, these specs don't mean much to me, but he was impressed! 

• 15.5 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine that helps get the job done in less time. 

• 42-inch mowing deck that allows you cut wide sections of grass at a time. 

• 6 cutting heights let you customize your mow to the condition of your lawn.

• 16" turning radius makes handling tight corners and hilly terrains no problem. 

• The seat is nicely padded and includes a cup holder to keep your drink close while you're out in the yard. 

• It mows in reverse mode, so you never lose any cutting time.

So whether you're looking for some deals on clothing, baby gear, outdoor furniture (currently 50% off!), lawn mowers, appliances or anything else, Sears has got you covered! 

Now that you've seen lots of fun summer stuff your family could definitely use to chill, eat and DIY everything. Want to try and win it? Head to Sears’ Facebook page where you’ll find links to the daily Sears Great Giveaway sweepstakes they’re running. Many bonus chances to win.

GIVEAWAY

And what's better? We have a $250 gift card to giveaway, thanks to the generosity of Sears! I'm sure that could go a long way in helping with upcoming school shopping, finishing a house project or splurging on something extra fun. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Sears #WithAmerica #Ad

This post is sponsored by Sears and I have received compensation for my services. All opinions remain my own. 

Remake Learning Days: 350 Innovative Events

We have many great opportunities here in Pittsburgh for our kids to excel and learn in a variety of ways. One of those great opportunities is the second annual Remake Learning Days. Last year, more than 30,000 people attended the events noted as The world's largest open house of hands-on learning. This year, Remake Learning Days will host more than 350 fun and mostly free events from May 15-26, 2017.  Parents, families, and kids are invited to experience hands-on, technology infused, engaging learning experiences in neighborhoods across southwest Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The 5 Main Themes include:

• Arts
• Maker
• Science
• Technology
• Outdoor Learning
• Youth Voice

These 350 events will be hosted by local schools, museums, libraries, companies, recreation centers, and community-based organizations. Each day will feature a specific theme. From coding and gaming to inventing and making, every young person will find events connected to their own passions and interest.

The Kickoff is a free family-friendly, drop-in event featuring dozens of fun and creative hands-on activities along with light refreshments. It will be a one-of-a-kind showcase of the future of learning for kids of all ages in the Pittsburgh region! Please register here for the Remake Learning Days Kickoff. 

Honorary co-chairs are Grammy-award winning singer Daya and hip-hop artist Jasiri X!

Other Remake Learning Days highlights:

• Across the key themes, there are 89 maker events, 83 arts events, 77 technology events, 40 science events, 30 outdoor learning events, and 27 youth voice events

• The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host 25 events across its branch system, featuring a robot raceway, virtual reality, Labs workshops for teens, the Labsy Awards Art Show and more

• Innovative corporations such as Duolingo, Schell Games, Inventionland and TechShop Pittsburgh will host open houses for the public to gain insights into the latest technology and their work

• Many museums and arts organizations will host hands-on learning sessions for youth of all ages, including the Heinz History Center, Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Manchester Craftsmen Guild, and more

• Across the Pittsburgh region, 29 school districts are hosting showcases and events for Remake Learning Days

• A partner committed to reducing the Digital Divide, Comcast encourages all families who qualify for the National School Lunch program to explore its Internet Essentials program, which offers low-cost internet

• There will be 45 professional development opportunities across the region for educators to explore “remake learning” on a deeper level.

It's going to be an exciting week of events in our city! Head to their website for all the details and to view the full schedule.

Follow Remake Learning Days on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @remakelearning or #RemakeDays

This post sponsored in collaboration with Remake Learning Days.

Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh’s Hero Night

Mother's Day is right around the corner and we are celebrating MOMS, our every day heroes. I was asked to share about a special mom who is an every day hero to me. But when I think of the many amazing moms I know, it's hard to narrow down to just one. If you're a mom, I know you give of yourself sacrificially every day and that's why we love to celebrate Mother's Day! Here are a few special friends that came to my mind who continually amaze me in their strength and resilience.

❤ My own mom. She battles chronic pain daily and lives far away from us, but pushes through the pain to enjoy whatever activities she can when she's with us. She shares her love for her family in many ways including regular visits and special sewing projects.

❤ The mom with grown children who offers to watch my kids when I have appointments to alleviate the stress of bringing all my children.

❤ Two moms who have both adopted more than 15 children, many with special needs.

❤ The mom with grown children who pours herself into giving encouragement (and help when she can) to moms with young children.

❤ The adoptive moms who are continually learning how to help their children triumph through trauma and loss.

❤ The mom whose disabled 8yo is currently 100% dependent on her for care. She forgoes date nights, vacations, and time for herself. She also advocates tirelessly for better programs and help for not only her son, but other families in the same situation.

❤ The mom whose nonverbal, autistic son is graduating and she is actively fighting for what happens to adults who cannot care for themselves.

❤ The mamas who are raising kids from foster care and constantly advocating that they don't get lost in the system.

❤ The single moms who juggle all the duties of parenting without a partner to step in and help carry the load.

❤ The mom who left her grown children and grandchildren to serve the people of Africa. Then had to make the difficult choice to come back and care for her grandson facing a life-threatening illness.

❤ The mom who took in 3 children when their mom went to rehab in order to keep the kids out of foster care and pays all their expenses out of their own finances.

❤ YOU. Every mom gives of herself tirelessly every day. She gets less sleep than she needs, lets her kids eat her food, deals with a lot of poop 😉, cleans the same space a million times a day, plans activities, comforts boo-boos, rocks away tears, gives lots of hugs, receives sticky kisses and listens to stories that can go on.....and on.....and on.....😃

Chick-fil-A recognizes the challenges of motherhood and is throwing an incredible party for MOMS. ROCKSTAR MOMS, come out and join this awesome event!

Hero Night, Celebrating Moms

The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Saturday, May 13, 2017

6:30 - 9:30pm

Tickets are just $10 a person and includes museum admission, food and additional family fun activities. You can walk the red carpet fit for every hero as well as have fun & dance with your family on the dance floor! Get your tickets here before they sell out!

All ticket proceeds benefit A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based breast cancer foundation that was started by Diana Napper in 1994 to honor the wishes of her best friend, Carol Jo Weiss Friedman, who lost her battle with the disease in 1990. There will be additional opportunities to give back to A Glimmer of Hope Foundation at the event as well. Visit the art studio, where you can design action her kid capes, decorate your action hero mask or purchase a customized mini-plush Chick-fil-A cow. Follow A Glimmer of Hope on facebook for more updates. 

You'll have the opportunity to leave your mark on the "Thank you Mom Tree" as well as participate in commemorative photos, balloon art designs, face painting, and hair braiding/chalk design. You can also enjoy Chick-fil-A food and snacks from The Children’s Museum’s Red Room Catering.

Thank you, Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh for this special event to celebrate MOMS! We know it's going to be a fantastic evening! 

This post sponsored by Chick-fil-A and The Motherhood. 

Camp Giveaway: British Soccer Camp

We are blessed in Pittsburgh to have a wide range of summer camps to choose from for our kids. The past few years, my kids have participated in British Soccer Camp of Challenger Sports and it is definitely one of the highlights of their summer!

One of my desires as a parent is to help give my kids a wide worldview and help them learn about cultures that may look differently than ours. One of the cool things about British Soccer Camp is that all the coaches come from cities in/around England. So, not only do they have those fun accents, but they give our kids another perspective from another county. Another great aspect is that you can host the coaches in your home for the week as well. We have done this and my kids have loved getting to know their coaches in this way! (You can also receive a rebate towards the cost of your camp if you host a coach!)

Another aspect I love about British Soccer Camp is that they learn a lot of interesting facts about other countries throughout the week. Each team is assigned a different country for the week and they spend the week learning about the flag and facts about the country which is an awesome learning experience!

One of their assignments was making the flag of their team, so my son to chose to make the largest one. 😃

The coaches are all very personable and extremely good with the kids! They are very encouraging while teaching them great soccer skills.

Each camp program includes a free ball, camp t-shirt, action poster, and a camp report, plus if you register 45 days or more before camp they will ship you this free British Soccer jersey (s&h applies). 

They have programs for all ages! Each day includes individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a daily World Cup tournament.

FIRST KICKS
3 – 4 year olds • 1 hour per day
A fun introduction to the very basic elements of the game.

MINISOCCER
4 – 5 year olds • 1.5 hours per day
Fundamental practices, fun activities and small sided games.

HALF DAY CAMPS
5 – 16 year olds • 3 hours per day
Emphasis is placed upon individual skill development and technique.

FULL DAY CAMPS
10 – 18 year olds • 6 hours per day
For serious players focusing on techniques & tactical development.

There will be close to 20 British Soccer Camps in the Pittsburgh region this summer so there's a good chance you'll be able to find a summer camp that works for your schedule and location! Go here to see their full schedule. 

GIVEAWAY: 
I am thrilled that we have a free week of camp to giveaway to one lucky winner! Whether your child is a first time player or has played before in a league, this will be a great option for summer fun.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We're looking forward to a great week of soccer fun this summer! 

This post is sponsored so I received compensation or products in exchange for my promotion. All opinions remain my own as I don't endorse companies that I don't value.