Classes and Programs

Classes and Programs

Whether you’re a budding artist or photographer, or interested in what it takes to care for our feathered friends, the National Aviary offers exciting classes and programs to encourage, teach, and inspire!

Summer Camp…for Adults!

9 am – 3 pm | 18+ | $150 per person; includes a choice of lunch from Atria’s Specialty Catering

  • SOLD OUT!!! Sat., August 15
  • SOLD OUT!!! Sat., August 22
  • Summer Camp…for Adults! Details

    Feel like a kid again at the National Aviary! Spend a day with Aviary staff and go behind the scenes to see what it takes to care for the more than 500 birds and animals that call the National Aviary home! Help prepare enrichment for the flock, get up close with Animal Ambassadors, and learn about National Aviary conservation projects across the globe. Registration includes all camp activities, up-close animal encounters, and a packed lunch. 

    A close up of a Peregrine Falcon on a glove of an expert.

    Registration includes all camp activities, including crafts, up-close Animal Encounters, and a boxed lunch; open to participants 18 years of age or older. 

Falconry: The Sport of Kings

SOLD OUT!!! Sat., September 5 | 10 am – 12 pm | Members: $20; Non-Members: $25 | National Aviary General Admission Included

  • Falconry: The Sport of Kings Details
    Travel back in time to learn about a sport that has been around for thousands of years: Falconry!
     
    Discover firsthand the mystique of this ancient practice from National Aviary Licensed Falconer, Cathy Schlott. Learn how humans and birds of prey work together to achieve a common goal and uncover its primitive history – from an overview of regulations to the considerations when selecting a species. PLUS meet an Aviary Animal Ambassador.
     
     

    A Lanner Falcon landing on licensed falconer, Cathy Schlott's outstretched gloved hand.

    Open to participants 10 years or older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Species Spotlight: Southwestern Pennsylvania Birds

Thurs., September 17 | 8 – 10 am | Members: $25; Non-Members: $30 | 18+ | Register Today

  • Species Spotlight: Southwestern Pennsylvania Birds Details

    What’s that melodious tune? Learn the answer to that question in our NEW in-depth class for adults: Southwestern Pennsylvania Birds

    Learn from Aviary experts about the birds that commonly migrate through Pennsylvania in the fall, as well as the conservation work the Aviary does as part of the North American Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction® (SAFE) Program. Meet a feathered Animal Ambassador native to the Pittsburgh region, then finish up by taking a walk outside in Allegheny Commons Park to experience the great diversity of birds found even in urban habitats. This is class subject matter that you can easily put to use in your own backyard! 

    Eastern Bluebird

    This program is designed specifically for an adult learner audience. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Species Spotlight: Penguins

Thurs., December 3 | 2 – 4 pm  | Members: $25; Non-Members: $30 | 18+ | Register Today

  • Species Spotlight: Penguins Details

    What tuxedoed bird is known for waddling and swimming…NOT flight? 

    The National Aviary’s African Penguin colony is a favorite of visitors and staff alike. But did you know that this charming bird is a fierce aquatic predator…one who the Aviary works with in the wild as the species is at serious risk of extinction by the year 2035? During this in-depth class for adults, learn more about African Penguins and the conservation challenges they face. Learn from an Aviary expert who leads the Saving Animals from Extinction African Penguin program. They will share the threats to African Penguins and how we are part of a team, including people from North America, South Africa, and Namibia who are working together tirelessly to save them…while we still can.

    African Penguin swimming through the water

    This program is designed specifically for an adult learner audience. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.

“I did the camp a few years ago. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about attending. I had a wonderful experience.” – Lisa, former Summer Camp…for Adults Participant

Virtual Fun: Meet and Tweets!

Brighten your team’s day by having a special guest attend your next video meeting or virtual happy hour! You can schedule a surprise video drop-in with a penguin, parrot, or owl!

Learn More!

Visit our FAQ section of our website for our cancellation policy. In cases of insufficient registration, the National Aviary reserves the right to cancel any program. Under these circumstances, you will receive a full refund. 

Find information about our fun and engaging camps for all ages here!

In The News

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Forget the plane. Your tropical vacation can be found in Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Today Live

The National Aviary is bringing the island vibes to Pittsburgh, with music, cocktails, and plenty of birds.

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Nearly extinct species coming back in wild thanks to Pittsburgh aviary | Yahoo News

The National Aviary has two baby Guam Kingfishers, known as sihek in the indigenous CHamoru language. The male Guam kingfisher hatched on April 19, while the female hatched on May 12. On May 27, the male chick took his first flight.

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Nearly extinct species coming back in wild thanks to Pittsburgh aviary | USA Today

With the help of two recently hatched chicks, Pittsburgh's National Aviary has plans to help a bird species that no longer exists in the wild to once again find its way home.

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National Aviary welcomes new chick to Wetlands habitat | WPXI

Aviary officials just announced the hatching of a Roseate Spoonbill chick as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

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The Bird That Builds Its Own Incubator and Raises Itself (ft. insights from Senior Aviculturist, Brianna Crane) | A-Z Animals

Rather than sitting on their eggs themselves, they rely on external heat sources for incubation.

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