Summer Times II Return to index page

PITTSBURGH PLACES

CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. 412-622-3131

EXHIBITS: "Carnaval!," a look at Carnival celebrations around the world (through Jan. 6); "Dolly Sods: West Virginia's Sub-Artic Tundra," photo exhibit by Joseph Henry documents the unusual flora and land forms found in this area (through Nov. 7).

CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER
One Allegheny Ave., North Side. 412-237-3400

RANGOS OMNIMAX THEATER: "Deep Sea" an underwater world of unique creatures (through Aug. 31); "Roving Mars," explore the surface of Mars through images from the Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity (through Oct. 31); "Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France," Ride with the Tour de France cyclists through the countryside and streets of Paris.

BUHL DIGITAL DOME: "A Travelers Guide to Mars," guided tour of Mars (ongoing); Henry Buhl, Jr. Observatory SkyWatch Sessions (ongoing, Saturday evenings; call 412-237-3327 for information and times); Laser Light Shows (ongoing Friday and Saturday evenings).

EXHIBITS: "Zap! Surgery Beyond the Cutting Edge," interactive exhibit demonstrates the basic science principles behind today's surgical technologies (through Jan.); Living History aboard USS Requin (open daily).

EVENTS: Wizard School Sleepovers Wizard School teaches the science behind charms and spells, with classes in transfiguration, astronomy and potions, includes IMAX movie, laser show, snack and breakfast, plus optional dinner. Reservations: 412-237-1637 (July 20, Aug. 10). Baseball Blast Sleepovers, baseball-themed sleepover, plus IMAX show, reservations: 412-237-1637 (Aug. 18, Sept. 29); Senior September, senior citizens get discount admission and lunches (Sept. 1-30).

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH
Allegheny Center, North Side. 412-322-5058

EXHIBITS: "Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog," based on PBS children's TV series (through Sept. 23); "How People Make Things," exhibit that shows how familiar objects are made, along with showing of Mister Rogers' factory tour videos (through Sept. 9).

EVENTS: "Kindergarten ? Here I Come!," activities for children who are entering kindergarten this year and their families (Aug. 11).

GATEWAY CLIPPER FLEET
Cruises depart from Station Square. 412-355-7980

SPECIAL CRUISES: Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise (Fridays and Saturdays through Dec.); International Dinner Cruises: Hawaiian Luau (Aug. 10); Festa Italiana (July 20, Aug. 17): Sunday Dinner Cruise (July 22, Aug. 5, 19, Sept. 2); Captain Jack's Fish Fry Cruise: (July 27, Aug. 24); Gospel Lunch Cruise (July 29, Aug. 26); Chicken and Ribs Dinner Cruise (Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 30, Thursdays in Sept. and Oct.); Golden Triangle Luncheon Cruise: Ken Walker -- "The Legend Ray Charles" (July 19, 20); Don Obusek -- "A Tribute to the Magic of Elvis" (July 26, 27); Chris Denem -- Neil Diamond Tribute (Aug. 16, 17); Bo Wagner -- "Let's Be Frank'' (Aug. 23,24); Picnic Luncheon Cruise (July 21, 28, Aug. 11,25, Sept. 8, 22); Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort Cruise (Aug. 17); Moonlight Dance Cruises: Friday Night Jamz, over-21 cruise (Fridays through Aug. 31); Oldies Dinner Dance Cruise with The Vogues (Aug. 25); Labor Day Slovene Polka with Del Sinchak, The Casuals and The Polka Quads (Sept. 3).

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES: One-Hour Sightseeing Cruise (daily through Aug. 26, and Sept. 1-3; Saturdays and Sundays in Sept. and Oct.); Good Ship Lollipop Cruises (daily through Aug. 26, and Sept. 1-3; Saturdays and Sundays in Sept. and Oct.): Sunday Ice Cream Social Cruises (Sundays through Sept. 2): Sunset Sightseeing Cruise (Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 30, Thursdays in Sept. and Oct.); Lock 'n Dam Cruise (Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 1).

NATIONAL AVIARY
Ridge Avenue and Arch Street, North Side, 412-323-7235

EXHIBITS: "Wings of the World," outdoor free-flight bird shows with parrots, owls, vultures, crows and more (through Sept. 3).

EVENTS: Breakfast With the Birds, breakfast and aviary tour (Aug. 4). Reservations required: 412-323-7235, ext. 249.

PHIPPS CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Schenley Park, 412-622-6914

EXHIBITS: Butterfly Forest (through Oct. 14); "Chihuly at Phipps: Gardens and Glass" (through Nov. 9); "Tropical Forest: Thailand" (through 2008).

EVENTS: Candle Festival (July 21-22); The Queen Birthday (Aug. 11-12).

EVENTS AT PHIPPS GARDEN CENTER, MELLON PARK: Fall Round-Up (Sept. 7-9).

PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM
One Hill Road, Highland Park, 412-665-3639

EVENTS: Festival of Water, scuba diving with the DEMA Scuba Tour, scuba lessons and other water activity demonstrations (July 20-22); Baby Day, meet some of the new additions at the zoo (July 27); Summer Kids Zoofari, free Train or carousel rides during Summer Kids Zoofari (Aug. 18-31); Animal Activity Days, learn how zoo staff enriches the lives of animals by adding variety to their daily routines (Aug. 18, 25); Zoofari Activity Days, Meet the Keeper sessions, bio-fact tables, chalk art demonstrations and other activities (Aug. 19, 26).

SENATOR JOHN HEINZ PITTSBURGH REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
1212 Smallman St., Strip District, 412-454-6000

EXHIBITS: "Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs," exhibit featuring every Pulitzer Prize-winning photo since the awards started in 1942 (through Aug. 5).

EVENTS: Glass Iced Teas, guided group tours of glass exhibitions, behind-the-scenes tour and selection of teas and treats (daily through Sept. 1). Reservations: 412-454-6373.

KENNYWOOD PARK

Open daily through Aug. 26, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 8-9, 15-16). West Mifflin. 412-461-0500.

EVENTS: Slovak Day (July 19); Greek Day (July 24); Byzantine Day (July 26); Slovene Day (July 30); Drum Line Day (July 31); Hungarian Day (Aug. 1); Polish Day (Aug. 7); Cheerleader Day (Aug. 13); Fall Fantasy Parade (Aug. 14-26, 31); Girl Scout Day (Aug. 14); Scottish Day (Aug. 24); Jewish Community Day (Aug. 26); Croatian Day (Sept. 1).

IDLEWILD PARK AND SOAK ZONE

Open May 24-28, June 2-Aug. 26, Sept. 1-3. Ligonier. 724-238-3666.

SANDCASTLE

Open June 9-Aug. 26, Sept. 1-3. 1000 Sandcastle Drive, West Homestead. 412-462-6666.

DIVE-IN MOVIES SERIES: Sundays at the Wave Pool. The movies start at dusk and are free with Sandcastle admission or membership: "Barnyard" (July 22); "RV" (July 29); "Flushed Away" (Aug. 5); "Charlotte's Web" (Aug. 12).