There are plenty of summer staycation opportunities to add to the calendar this year.

The gargoyles are taking over Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, with fanciful gargoyle sculptures throughout the flower displays.

The Zeiss projector enchanted generations of kids on field trips to the original Buhl Planetarium. The Zeiss is moving to its new home at the Carnegie Science Center, where visitors can learn about the history of this planetarium projection technology.

Baseball fans can relive the glory days of the Pittsburgh Pirates' 1960 World Series victory 50 years ago with "Beat 'Em Bucs," an exhibit at the Senator John Heinz History Center's Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.

The star of the PBS kids series "Curious George" spends the summer at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh with a traveling exhibit designed to spark kids' interest and curiosity.

CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, 412-622-3131.

EXHIBITS: Lord of the Crane Flies -- Photographs, illustrations, specimens and videos highlight research on crane flies by CMNH associate curator of Invertebrate Zoology Chen Young (through Oct. 10); Pittsburgh Adorned: Classic to Contemporary -- More than 60 pieces of jewelry from museum and private collections (June 12-Oct. 17); Life: A Journey Through Time -- Nature photographer Frans Lanting's images trace the earth's development and celebrate its biodiversity (June 19-Jan. 9); Population Impact -- Permanent exhibit explores the interconnections between humans, plants and animals (ongoing).

EVENTS: Teen Docent and Biodiversity Exploration Stations (Saturdays and Sundays through June 5); Discovery Room -- "Who Makes the Earth" and Monarch butterfly life cycle activities. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by adult. (Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursdays from 1 to 7 p.m. through June 5); Earth Theater Tic-Tac-Toe (Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through June 5); Rachel Carson Celebration of Biodiversity with E. O. Wilson -- Panel discussion and lecture explores relationships between humans and habitat. Advance registration required: Register at www.rachelcarsonhomestead.org (May 27 from 1 to 8 p.m.).

Events at Powdermill Nature Reserve, Carnegie Museum of Natural History's biological research station in Rector: Nature Hikes -- Seasonal hour-long nature hikes led by senior environmental educator Joe Stavish (Saturdays at 1 p.m. except July 3); Sunday Speaker Series -- Upcoming topics for May: Unseen World: Small Mammals at Powdermill (May 16); Golden Eagle Project (May 23). (Sundays at 1 p.m., except May 30 and July 4.) 724-593-6105.

CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER

One Allegheny Ave., North Side. 412-237-3400.

EXHIBITS: Zeiss Exhibit -- The Zeiss II Star Projector from the original Buhl Planetarium moves to its new home in the Science Center Atrium, along with interactive exhibits that highlight the technology used at the time (opens in July); Highmark SportsWorks -- Hands-on exhibits explore the science of sports; If a Starfish Can Grow a New Arm, Why Can't I? -- Exhibit explores basic cell biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine; Roboworld -- Interactive exhibits explore many facets of robots and robotics: Miniature Railroad & Village.

EVENTS: Smart! Sweet! SportsWorks! -- SportsWorks activities for girls aged 10 and older. Sponsored by the Girls, Math & Science Partnership (May 21). Registration: 412-237-1637; Submarine Memorial -- Veterans of the U.S.S. Requin will hold a memorial service on the deck of Requin. (May 30 at 10 a.m.); World Environment Day -- Adventure stations, environmentally themed movies, composting, ecology, solar power and more. Free tours of River Quest (June 5); World Environment Day Film Festival -- Screenings of "Grand Canyon: River at Risk," "Hurricane on the Bayou" and "Mysteries of the Great Lakes" (June 5-6); Café Scientifique -- Program for adults. Dr. William Federspiel, professor of chemical engineering, surgery and bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh and director of research in the Medical Devices Laboratory at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine will speak about the progress of developing an artificial lung (June 7 at 7 p.m.); Snowball Day -- People with snowballs saved from last winter can name their admission price (June 21); Fireworks Blowout! Tour Science Center, Omnimax film, laser show and more, and great view of the fireworks show (July 4). Reservations start May 17; Summer Science Camps -- Week-long summer camps for ages 4 through 14 focus on robotics, chemistry, medicine, forensics, science of sports and more; 412-237-1637. Robo-Challenge Sleepover -- Geared to kids, families and youth groups. Call for information and registration: 412-237-1637; Observatory SkyWatch -- See the planets and stars through the observatory's 16-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. Information: 412-237-3327; Grown-Up Days -- Discounted admissions for ages 65 and older (Tuesdays).

RANGOS OMNIMAX THEATER: Shackleton's Antarctic Adventure (through Sept. 6) ; Volcanoes of the Deep Sea (through June 17); Animalopolis -- For ages 8 and under (Through 2010); The Ultimate Wave Tahiti -- Explore the science of waves with world surfing champion Kelly Slater in the South Pacific (opens June 18).

BUHL DIGITAL PLANETARIUM: Planetarium Shows: IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System; One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure; Two Small Pieces of Glass; A Traveler's Guide to Mars; The Sky Above Mister Rogers' Neighborhood; Stars Over Pittsburgh; Our Cells, Our Selves.

Laser Shows: Laser Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd: Best of Echoes, Classic Rock, Led Zeppelin, Midnight Floyd, Laser Magic, Laser Family Fun, 80s at 8. (Friday and Saturday nights: See website for show times: www.carnegiesciencecenter.org).

Classes and Workshops: Boy Scout Workshops/Girl Scout Workshops. Registration: 412-237-1637; Tour Your Future -- Girls, Math & Science Partnership's Tour Your Future program takes girls aged 13 to 16 behind the scenes at BurghBees to learn about beekeeping (June 19).

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH

Allegheny Center, North Side, 412-322-5058.

EXHIBITS: Pittsburgh: Yinz Play! -- Create a fireworks display, build a scale model of the city, create wacky sandwiches and more in this interactive exhibit with a local flavor (through June 6); Curious George: Let's Get Curious! -- Interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure (June 19-Oct. 3).

EVENTS: Pittsburgh: Yinz Play! Events -- Lee Robinson Jazz: Pittsburgh Hits! (June 6 at 1 p.m.); Enviro-Friend -- Part of Pittsburgh's World Environment Day celebration. Workshops led by local green organizations. Free event, museum admission not included (May 16 from noon to 4 p.m.); Clay Workshops -- With F.I.N.E. Artist in Residence Junji Miyazawa. (May 16 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.) Space is limited: Pre-registration: 412-322-5058, ext. 201; International Children's Painting Competition Exhibition -- This year's theme is "Biodiversity: Connecting With Nature." Paintings by children express their personal view of the environment (June 4 - Aug. 1); World Environment Day: Make a Splash! -- Terrarium building, performances and water-themed activities (June 5 from noon to 2:30 p.m.); Get Curious: The Mother of Invention -- Meet the Mother of Invention and storyteller Morgan Hunt (June 25, July 9, July 23, Aug. 6, 20. 1:30 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3 p.m. Story at 2 p.m. in the Theater); Get Curious: Power Flower with Robot Friends -- Artist/inventor David Edwards demonstrates Pittsburgh's first wind and solar energy harnessing sculpture (June 27 from noon to 4 p.m.); Solar Concert Series -- Return of green concert series featuring performances by acoustic musicians (Wednesdays from July 7-Aug. 25 at 12:15 p.m.); Studio Music -- Make silkscreens, monoprints and paintings to live music in the Studio (Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 at 11 a.m.); Kindergarten! ... Here I Come! -- Kindergarten-bound children can prepare for their first year of school with a series of activities. Free for children entering kindergarten and one parent. (Aug. 14 at 9 a.m.).

GATEWAY CLIPPER FLEET

Station Square, 412-355-7980.

DINNER CRUISES: Captain's Dinner Dance Cruise (Saturdays through Nov.); Chick & Ribs Dinner Cruise (Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 1-Aug. 31, Thursdays in Sept. and Oct.); Thank Goodness It's Friday Dinner Cruise (June 4, 25, July 9, 23, Aug. 6, 27); Dinner Theater Cruises: A Dinner with the Godfather (May 21, July 16); Lordy Lordy! Marty's Forty (June 25, Aug. 13); Hawaiian Dinner Cruise (June 18, July 23, Aug. 20); Oldies Dinner Dance Cruise: Johnny Angel & the Halos (June 4); The Marcels (June 11); Pure Gold (July 9); The Vogues (July 30); The Rat Pack (Aug. 6); Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners (Aug. 27) ; Sunday Dinner Cruise (June 13, 17, July 11, 25, Aug. 8, 22); Blues & Barbecue Cruise -- With Jill West and Blues Attack (July 3).

LUNCHEON CRUISES: Rivers Casino Lunch Cruise (Mondays); Golden Triangle Lunch Cruise -- Neil Diamond Tribute by Chris Denem (June 4, July 9, Aug. 6); Bo Wagner's Frank & Dean Show (June 11, July 23, Aug. 20); Randy Galioto Presents Elvis Lives (June 18, July 16, Aug. 13); A Portrait of Patsy by Cathi Rhodes (June 25, July 30, Aug. 27).

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES: One Hour Sightseeing Cruise (Weekdays June-Sept., Weekends, May, Sept. Oct.); Lock and Dam Cruise (June 17, July 1, 15, 29, Aug. 12, 26).

FAMILY FUN CRUISES: Good Ship Lollipop Excursion Cruise (Weekends June through Aug.); Saturday Family Picnic Cruise (June 12, 26, July 10, 24, Aug. 7, 21); Sunday Ice Cream Social Cruise (Sundays from June 13-Sept. 5); Kids Showtime Cruise: Adventures of the Monongahela Mermaid (June 16, July 21, Aug. 4, 18); Pirates of the Mon (June 5, July 3, 31, Aug. 28); Jungle Jane's Three Rivers Safari (June 19, July 17. Aug. 14); Macaroni and Magic Cruise (June 23, July 21, Aug. 18).

HOLIDAY CRUISES: Father's Day Brunch Cruise (June 20); Firecracker Dance Cruise -- Music by Corbin Hanner (July 2); Firecracker Dinner Dance Cruise (July 4); Labor Day Sloven Polka Cruise -- With Del Sinchak, The Casuals, Dick and Jack Tady (Sept. 6).

MOONLIGHT DANCE CRUISE: Friday Night Jamz -- Hip-hop, rap and R&B (Fridays from June 4 through Sept. 3).

SHUTTLE CRUISES: Baseball Tailboatin' -- Half-hour cruise and buffet, plus drop-off and pickup at PNC park for the game (June 6, 17, July 22, 25, Aug. 5, 8, 19, 22); Miller Light Game Day Shuttle Service -- Shuttle service to games at PNC Park and Heinz Field.

IDLEWILD PARK AND SOAK ZONE

Ligonier, 724-238-3666.

Open May 27-31, June 4-6, June 10-Aug. 29, Sept. 4-6.

KENNYWOOD PARK

West Mifflin, 412-461-0500.

Open May 15, 16, May 20-Aug. 24, 28-29, Sept. 4-6, 11-12, 18-19.

MEADOWCROFT ROCKSHELTER & HISTORIC VILLAGE

Meadowcroft Road, Avella, 724-587-3412.

EVENTS: World Atlatl Competition -- Spear-throwing competition (June 19-20 from noon to 5 p.m.); 19th Century Independence Day -- Games, open hearth cooking demonstrations and pie-eating contest (July 4 from noon to 5 p.m.); Day Camp at Meadowcroft -- Participants will explore Meadowcroft's recreated prehistoric Indian village and learn about 18th-century rural life in Pennsylvania (June 21-25 from noon to 4 p.m.). Registration required: 724-587-3412. Insider Tours of the Rockshelter -- See the oldest and deepest parts of the Rockshelter and learn about the inhabitants who lived there more than 16,000 years ago. Tours led by archaeologist James Adovasio (July 10, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13.) Advance registration required: 724-587-3412. Native Heritage Weekend -- Native artisans demonstrate everyday skills used by people in the Upper Ohio Valley before and after the arrival of the European settlers (Sept. 25-26).

NATIONAL AVIARY

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

EVENTS: FliteZone Free-flight Bird Show -- Outdoor free-flight show features macaws, vultures, owls, eagles and more (May 29-Sept. 6, Wed.-Sat. at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sun. at 2:30 p.m.); Summer Solstice Party (June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.); Father's Day at the National Aviary -- Dads and grandads admitted free with paid child admission (June 20); Lories Birthday Party -- Free nectar feedings and other activities (July 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.); Night in the Tropics -- Aviary fundraiser with live music and food. Tickets: 412-323-7230, ext. 240, or www.aviary.org (July 17 at 7 p.m. ); Animal Rescue Day -- Meet dogs and cats from local rescue shelters (Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.); Safety Day -- Public safety personnel, emergency vehicles, police cars and fire trucks (Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.); National Aviary Summer Camps: Feathers and Fun Camp -- For ages 4-5. Kids will learn about birds through games, crafts, stories and visits with Aviary birds (June 21-25 from 9 a.m. to noon); Survivor Camp -- Participants will learn how animals survive in nature, along with off-site activities and field trips (Ages 6 to 8 -- July 12-16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Ages 9-12 -- July 19-23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.); National Aviary Career Camp -- For kids aged 13 to 15 who want to learn about working in a zoo. Participants will spend the day working behind the scenes with Aviary staff. Penguins (July 9); Raptors (July 30); Parrots (Aug. 13). Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration: 412-323-7235, ext. 209; Flamingo Connection: Up-close encounter with the aviary's flamingoes in the Wetlands of the Americas exhibit. Trainers will talk about flamingo behavior. Wednesdays through Sundays at 2:30 p.m.). Ages 10 and older. Fee: $30. Reservations recommended: 412-323-7235; Junior Veterinarians: Aviary veterinarians lead this program designed to teach young children about what veterinarians do (Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.).

PHIPPS CONSERVATORY & BOTANICAL GARDENS

Schenley Park, 412-622-6914.

EXHIBITS: Summer Flower Show: Gargoyles in the Garden -- Gargoyle sculptures are incorporated throughout the Conservatory gardens (through Sept. 12); Up, Up and Agave -- Phipps' Agave Americana is growing about a foot a day, and will reach 30 feet as it blooms with yellow flowers (ongoing); Butterfly Forest -- Several species of butterflies return to the gardens for the summer (through Sept. 6).

EVENTS: Agave Nights -- Over-21 event featuring tequila drinks made from the blue agave (Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.); Discovery Garden Day -- Children can learn about gardening and garden critters and take part in activities including scavenger hunt, maze and more (July 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Red, Ripe and Roasted: Tomato & Garlic Festival -- Tastings, demonstrations and farmer's market (Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.); Dr. Phipps Greenline On-Site Plant Clinics -- Phipps master gardeners will answer questions about gardening, identify plant samples and diagnose plant pathogens (Through Oct. Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon).

PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM

Highland Park, 412-665-3639.

EVENTS: UPMC Health National Senior Health and Fitness Day -- Health and fitness information and screenings for seniors. Free admission for ages 65 and older. (May 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.); Dr. Seuss World Oceans Day -- Visitors can learn more about the conditions of the oceans, and how to make a difference (June 5 and 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Gala -- Evening fundraiser event (June 11); Dragon Renaissance Festival (June 19 and 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.); SuperMedia Father's Day -- Dads who bring their kids get free admission, (June 20); Eat'n Park Family Week (July 10 to 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) -- Activities and presentations highlight different the Zoo's different sections: Kids Kingdom Day (July 10); Shark Day (July 11); Bear Day (July 12); Monkey Around Day (July 13); Gorilla Day (July 14); Wild About Cats and Dogs (July 15 and 16); PPG Aquarium Day (July 17); Polar Bear Day (July 18); PPG Festival of Water -- DEMA Scuba Tour leads scuba diving in 25,000 gallon pool (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ); Summer Safari -- Entertainment, food and refreshments (July 30 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.); Baby Day -- Visit the Zoo's baby animals and learn more about children's health and summer safety (Aug. 7); UPMC for Kids' Zoofari (Aug. 14-27).

SANDCASTLE

1000 Sandcastle Drive, West Homestead, 412-462-6666.

Open May 29-31, June 5-6, June 12-Aug. 22, Aug. 28-29, Sept. 4-6.

SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTER

1212 Smallman St., Strip District, 412-454-6000.

EXHIBITS: Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon -- Touring exhibit features highlights from the Mount Vernon collection (through July 18); Beat 'Em Bucs -- The Story of the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates -- Exhibit commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1960 World Series, with World Series artifacts, photos, audio and film (June 18-Jan. 2011).

EVENTS: Civili-Teas -- Program and tea highlighting Washington's book "Rules of Civility." Registration required: 412-454-6373 (May 18, June 10, 27 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. ); Washington Whiskey Tasting -- Evening discussion and tasting of drinks from Washington's era. Over-21 event. Register by May 15: 412-454-6373 (June 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.); Washington in Western Pennsylvania -- Program explores George Washington's role in this region as surveyor, land owner and soldier, with discussion of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion (June 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Information: 412-454-6373; Live & Learn Weekend: Washington and Slavery -- Presentation on slavery in Washington's world (June 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., June 19 from 10 a.m. to noon). Registration required: 412-454-6373; Marching Through History -- Live bands perform period music, program on the history of the American flag and other hands-on activities (July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Information: 412-454-6373; Pittsburgh's Hidden Treasures: An Antiques Appraisal Show -- Visitor can bring their collectibles, heirlooms and meet with appraisers and conservators. KDKA-TV will produce a series of specials highlighting some of the items (Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

SCHENLEY PLAZA

Next to Carnegie Library, Oakland.

EVENTS: International Children's Festival (Through May 16); Carnegie Library Read Aloud -- Readings for adults by Carnegie Library staff (May 21, June 18, July 23 at noon); New Tourists String Band (May 23 at 2 p.m.); WYEP Final Friday Concert (May 28, July 30, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.); Carnegie Library Reading Extravaganza -- For children, teens and adults (June 6 at noon); Kids Day! -- Free carousel rides, face-painting and more (June 6, July 11, Aug. 8 at 2 p.m.); WYEP Summer Music Festival (June 25 at 6 p.m.); Guest DJs and Lunch Time Music (Through Oct. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m.); Yoga (June through Aug. Mondays at noon, Saturdays at 10 a.m.); Cardio Bootcamp (June through Aug. Sundays at 11 a.m.); Jazz Festival (Sept. 10-11).

Doug Oster writes a blog, "Growing With Doug," exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.