Field Trips and School Programs
Education Programs at the National Aviary meet the needs of learners of all levels and abilities. We connect your students to concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability (STEELS) as well as math, geography, wildlife conservation, and more! Our team is ready to engage your students in the discovery of the natural world with the importance of protecting wildlife in mind.
We offer a variety of educational opportunities through easy scheduling:
- Age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned classroom and assembly educational programming
- Options to schedule your program at your facility or at the National Aviary
- Self-guided experiences, including curriculum-based activity guides
- Engaging experiences, including immersive habitats, live shows, and meeting Animal Ambassadors
- Easy scheduling
- Flexibility in supporting the needs of groups requiring accommodation.
Reserve your program and date using our easy 4-step method!
Step 1: Choose Your Package
Visit the National Aviary
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Education Program
Our Aviary educators guide your students through an interactive standards-based classroom or assembly program focusing on the topic of your choice*. These programs are private for your group and feature age-appropriate activities, discussions, and explorations, as well as a visit from a live Animal Ambassador.
*See Part 2: Choose Your Program for program topics and descriptions.
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Teacher and Chaperone Guide (Coming Spring 2027!)
Transform your next field trip into a robust, standards-aligned learning expedition with our targeted Aviary guide, expertly tailored for classrooms from Pre-K through Middle School. This helpful resource provides teachers and chaperones with standards-based, grade-appropriate discussion points, inquiry prompts, and more. Empower the adult leaders of your field trip to confidently guide students through easy to implement, curriculum-linked science exploration during their Aviary visit!
*Available for Pre-K through Middle School grades.
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Student Activity Guide (Coming Spring 2027!)
Turn a fun and engaging field trip to the Aviary into a powerful, curriculum-aligned learning adventure. Our complete Student Activity Guide supports teacher planning with a seamless toolkit of activities to use before, during, and after your field trip. Keep your students deeply engaged with hands-on exploration while meeting curriculum goals.
*Available for Elementary through Middle School Grades.
Have the National Aviary Come to You
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Classroom and Assembly Outreach Programs
Let our educators bring all of the fun and learning of a National Aviary program to you. Our friendly and professional educators engage your students during curriculum-aligned programs featuring interactive activities, and a visit from a National Aviary Animal Ambassador!
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CyBIRD Virtual Distance Learning
This program offers exciting and fun lessons on a variety of topics and is perfect for those groups not able to visit in person. Enjoy the same rich curriculum and a virtual visit from an Animal Ambassador as our expert team engages with you via an online platform!
Do Both!
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Wings Around the World Experience
This multi-touch point experience includes:
- Two engaging visits to your classroom featuring a live
Animal Ambassador - One schoolyard bird feeder and customized bird
identification guide - An exciting Aviary field trip which includes an
education program and our thrilling live, immersive
bird show.
Contact the Education Team for more details.
- Two engaging visits to your classroom featuring a live
Pricing
| Package | Location | Price |
| Group Admission + Education Program + Live, Immersive Bird Show | National Aviary | $16 per person |
| Group Admission + Education Program | National Aviary | $14 per person |
| Group Admission + Live, Immersive Bird Show | National Aviary | $14 per person |
| Group Admission + Student Activity Guide | National Aviary | $14 per person |
| Group Admission + Teacher and Chaperone Guide | National Aviary | $13 per person |
| Group Admission Only | National Aviary | $13 per person |
| Classroom Outreach* up to 35 students | Your School | First program $300 Second program $240** |
| Assembly Outreach* more than 35 students | Your School | First program $475 Second program $375** |
| CyBIRD Virtual Program | Virtual Classroom | $150 |
| Wings Around the World* up to 30 students | Your School + National Aviary | $1,100 per classroom |
*Available at facilities within 30 miles of the National Aviary
**Discounted rate available for programs scheduled for two different groups of students within one hour of each other at the same location
Step 2: Choose Your Program
These interactive programs can be held at the National Aviary or at your school, unless noted.
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For Preschool and Kindergarten
Nature’s Diner (30 minutes)
Through puppets, props, and a visit from an Animal Ambassador, a National Aviary educator introduces children to different birds, their foods, and how different types of birds use their beaks to eat.
Rainbows in Flight (30 minutes)
Discover how important colors are to the animal world by exploring the huge variety in feathers—from the bright colors of a parrot to the muted camouflage of an owl. Meet a live Animal Ambassador and learn how its coloration helps it to survive and thrive in its own special way.
Penguin Pals (30 minutes)
Attention all penguin protectors! Penguin Ranger Penelope needs your help to find and protect the penguins! Through
an exploration of penguins, children will learn the features that set them apart from other birds, and what makes them unique! This program includes a visit from an African Penguin Animal Ambassador. -
For Elementary School (Grades 1-5)
Amazing Adaptations: Elementary Format (45 minutes)
Birds are equipped with traits that help them survive in their natural habitats. Students discover what these unique characteristics are and explore amazing feet, feathers, and beaks!
Habitats (45 minutes)
From the frigid arctic to arid deserts, birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive in different habitats and how birds can thrive in even the most extreme environments.
Owls (45 minutes)
Owls are some of the most recognizable birds on Earth, yet they remain elusive to many because of their habits and behaviors.
Learn about the diversity of this remarkable group across the globe and close to home and discover the amazing adaptations
that make them successful hunters, day and night!Rainforests (45 minutes)
Discover rainforest habitats through the eyes of the birds who live there. Students examine how rainforests, home to nearly half the world’s plant and animal species, support ecological balance and why they are so important to protect.
Penguin Protectors (45 minutes)
Penguin Rangers in South Africa need your help to become Special Agents of Penguin protection! During this program, students will investigate penguin adaptations while learning how rangers use their expertise to protect penguins. This program includes a visit from an African Penguin Animal Ambassador.
Remarkable Raptors (45 minutes)
Across the world, both far and wide, fly powerful raptors who rule the skies. Eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons are equipped with adaptations which make them some of the strongest hunters on the planet, no matter their environment. Discover what raptors are living in the forests of Pennsylvania, and what skills make these raptors truly remarkable. This class includes a visit from a bird-of-prey Animal Ambassador!
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For Middle Schools (Grades 6-8)
Habitats: Middle School Format (45 minutes)
From the frigid arctic to arid deserts birds can be found in nearly every habitat on Earth! Learn what an animal needs to survive in different habitats, and how birds can thrive in even the most extreme environments.
Birds and Conservation: Middle School Format (45 minutes)
Explore the impacts humans and environmental factors have on the decline of various species, and discover how the conservation efforts of zoos, scientists, and everyday community members have led once-endangered species to make a comeback.
Brilliant Birds: The Science of Feathers, Color & Survival (45 minutes)
Unlock the hidden world of avian color and adaptation! In this interactive program, students dive into the vibrant lives of birds from ultraviolet vision to feather pigments and discover how these fascinating features help birds thrive. Through hands-on exploration and real-world connections, students learn how color plays a powerful role in survival, communication, and the search for food and mates.
Remarkable Raptors (45 minutes)
Across the world far and wide, raptors rule the skies. Eagles, Owls, Hawks, and Falcons are equipped with adaptations that make them some of the most powerful hunters on the planet, no matter the environment. Discover what raptors are living in the forests of Pennsylvania and what makes these raptors truly remarkable.
Saving the African Penguin: Middle School Format (45 minutes)
Working together through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals from Extinction® (SAFE) Program, the National Aviary and zoos across North America are uniting to stop the decline of the critically endangered African Penguin. Explore how African Penguins function in their ecosystem and how we can work together to rescue this species. Students will be challenged to think like conservation scientists, explore real conservation data, and discover careers in STEM.
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For High Schools (Grades 9-12)
Zoo Careers (45 minutes)
Do your students wonder what it’s like to be a zoo veterinarian? What about a zookeeper? What other career opportunities are there at zoos? In this program, we’ll explore some of the tools of the trade and learn all about zoo careers and what it takes to work in a zoo environment.
Science and Animal Behavior (45 minutes)
How do scientists study birds? Students will implement the same methods and data collection techniques that ornithologist use.Your group will watch the birds and animals who live in the National Aviary’s immersive, free-flight habitats and complete ethograms on what they see. A combination of classroom activities and independent observation work encourages students to think that scientist. Available only at the Aviary for groups of 35 or under.
Birds and Conservation: High School Format (45 minutes)
Explore the impacts humans and environmental factors have on the decline of various species, and discover how the conservation efforts of zoos, scientists, and everyday community members have led once-endangered species to make a comeback.
Remarkable Raptors (45 minutes)
Across the world far and wide, raptors rule the skies. Eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons are equipped with adaptations that make them some of the most powerful hunters on the planet, no matter the environment. Discover what raptors are living in the forests of Pennsylvania and what makes these raptors truly remarkable.
Saving the African Penguin:
High School Format (45 minutes)Working together through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals from Extinction® (SAFE) Program, the National Aviary and zoos across North America are uniting to stop the decline of the Critically Endangered African Penguin. Explore how African Penguins function in their ecosystem and how we can work together to rescue this species. Students will be challenged to think like conservation scientists, explore real conservation data, and discover careers in STEM.
Step 3: Enhance Your Visit
Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel
This live, immersive bird show is an educational experience that allows students to learn about world wonders alongside the bird species who call them home…all without leaving Pittsburgh! Students will delight in the sights and sounds of national parks: from the Gray Crowned-Crane of Zimbabwe, to the Curl-crested Aracari in Peru. Through thrilling up-close flights, scientific concepts like adaptations will come to life for your students. Plus, students will learn how all of us can help protect these extraordinary species. Offered at the National Aviary only.
Flash Warning: Standard showings of Passport to Parks contain flashing lights that may affect those with photo sensitivities. Learn more about sensory-friendly show times featuring consistent lighting and volume here.
Planning a Visit for Spring 2027?
Be among the first to see our exciting new show that will spark curiosity of and learning about amazing birds! With all of the dynamic excitement of our previous shows, students will be mesmerized as birds fly overhead and showcase their incredible abilities. Get ready for an inspiring and educational experience!
Step 4: Reserve Your Date
Book Your Visit
The National Aviary Education Programs schedule fills up fast! To ensure the greatest availability, we recommend contacting us to register at least 6 weeks in advance of your program or visit. To allow time to process your request, we require a minimum of 2 weeks’ advance notice to schedule your outreach program or your visit to the Aviary.
- We have three convenient ways to begin your reservation process:
- Use our online Inquiry Form
- Email [email protected]
- Call our Education Sales Team at 412-258-9439
- Please be ready with the following information:
- Organization name
- Program package and preferred topic; if applicable
- Number of students and adults
- Grade level of students
- Top three choices for the date of your onsite program or our visit to you
- Arrival and departure time for field trips or program time for outreach at your facility
- A member of our Education Programs team will contact you after receipt of your completed inquiry form to confirm the details of your reservation and answer any questions you may have.
- A field trip or outreach agreement will be emailed for you to review and sign.
- Return the signed agreement to finalize your reservation.
- Payment and your final count (if applicalbe0 are due at least two weeks prior to your scheduled program or visit. Cancellations made fewer than two weeks in advance of your program or visit are non-refundable.
- Please contact us by phone or email if you have questions at any point in the registration process. We are happy to help you!
Guidelines and Requirements
To qualify for the discounted group rate, the minimum group size for field trips and other groups is 15 paying participants. All members of your group must arrive at the same time.
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Group Visit Chaperone Requirements
Preschool and Kindergarten groups: 1 adult chaperone for every 5 children.
1st-12th grade: 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students.
These chaperones, along with the bus driver, receive complimentary admission. If your organization requires a higher chaperone to student ratio, please plan your visit in accordance with that policy. Chaperones must remain with their groups at all times during your National Aviary visit.
To ensure a safe and fun visit for all National Aviary guests, all members of your party must follow National Aviary Guest Policies as outlined on our website.
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Group Visit Payment and Cancellation
To qualify for the discounted group rate, a final count and full payment must be received at least 2 weeks in advance of your program or visit date. Your organization will be charged for the number of people indicated on the invoice by this deadline. If payment is not received, your reservation is subject to cancellation or rescheduling. A member of our team will verify the number of people in your group upon arrival. Any members of your group in excess of the final count are welcome to purchase regular price individual tickets at our Guest Services Desk. Refunds are not provided if actual attendance is lower than indicated in your final count. Thank you for your support of the National Aviary!
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Outreach Guidelines
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals and of your participants, please plan to provide the following for the Outreach team.
- A legal parking space close to the entrance of your facility
- A safe holding area for birds before and during the program,
sufficiently sheltered from direct sunlight and weather - A presentation space with no moving ceiling fans, balloons, objects
hanging from the ceiling, or other animals, a 6’-8’ table, and a secure stage area that prevents people from walking behind the birds and our educators - Chaperones in accordance with your organization’s policies, and at minimum of one adult for every 25 children
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Outreach Payment and Cancellation
Full payment must be received at least 2 weeks in advance of your program or visit date. If payment is not received, your reservation is subject to cancellation or rescheduling. Cancellations received fewer than 2 weeks in advance of your program are not eligible for a refund.
Questions? Call us at 412-258-9439, email [email protected], or fill out our Inquiry Form!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
ALLERGY NOTICE: The National Aviary is NOT an allergen-free facility, as many of our birds’ diets include nuts, seeds, and other potential human allergens.
