Pittsburgh is my hometown, so I’ve been a visitor many times at the National Aviary. The Aviary is very warm and humid in most parts, and I loved coming here in the cold winters to warm up. It is a great place to take children and walk amongst the many exotic species of birds. A special event for children is the Rainbow Lorikeet Feeding where kids are given a cup of sweet nectar and the inquisitive lorikeets will fly down to gently land on your outstretched arm to drink nectar.
The National Aviary, which opened in 1952, is unusual among aviaries: It is the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States, it’s the country’s largest aviary, and it’s the only one designated for honorary “National” status by the United States Congress. In my day it was known as the Pittsburgh Aviary, but in 1993, Congress approved its honorary national status and it became the National Aviary.
The Aviary is home to more than 500 birds of more than 150 species, many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild. It has one of the most diverse collections in North America.
One of my favorite exhibits is Penguin Point. The Penguins are attached with name tags such as Owen, Sidney and Bette. Stuffed Penguin plushies can be purchased as souvenirs in the vast gift shop for kids to remember their visit. For $99, children over 12 can gear up in boots and waders to feed fish to the penguins at their twice daily meal times. No surprise that the Pittsburgh hockey team is known as the Penguins!
Parrots, flamingos and a black bat are amongst the flying creatures to see here. You will stroll along various catwalks and large glass rooms to view the birds. There are very few in cages while most will fly just above or below you. Easy to photograph and for children to see up close. There are also beautiful exotic flowers and vegetation throughout.
The National Aviary is located at 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 in the Northside Neighborhood of the Allegheny Commons Park West. It is an easy walking distance to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh which offers hands-on learning, play areas, educational exhibits and puppet shows. Also a block from the Children’s Museum is the Museum Lab Building containing art exhibits, and workshops for youth and teens. There are both free and have paid parking locations adjacent to the aviary.
A short drive or long walk away is the beautiful PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a view of the city’s Golden Triangle. Also near PNC Park is the famous Andy Warhol Museum, Lighthouse Artspace, Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Carnegie Science Center, and the Deutschstown Historic District with the famous Max Tavern German Restaurant. I strongly recommend the Warhol Museum and Carnegie Science Center.
General admission for the Aviary goes for $14.95 (children) $17.95 adults, with a dollar discount for seniors. Under 2 are free. Tickets are ordered for particular date and time, but you can arrive up to 1-1/2 hours before your timed visit ticket and stay as long as you desire. More details on the website. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
General admission for the Aviary goes for $14.95 (children) $17.95 adults, with a dollar discount for seniors. Under 2 are free. Tickets are ordered for particular date and time, but you can arrive up to 1-1/2 hours before your timed visit ticket and stay as long as you desire. More details on the website. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
