Penguin Painting Encounter

Penguin Painting Encounter

Daily at 10:30 am
Members: $66.60 per person
Non-Members: $74 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 6+
*Available between July 1 – 30

ONE MONTH ONLY: Raise your flippers if you’ve ever wanted to meet a waddleful penguin up close?! Now is YOUR chance to watch a charming Penguin Point colony member create a work of art JUST FOR YOU!

A penguin waddling across a canvas, leaving footprints in its wake using animal-safe paint during a Penguin Painting Encounter.
Close up of a penguin during a Penguin Painting Encounter
  • Join us for one of the FEW opportunities to see an African Penguin in an Igloo (aka our Animal Encounter classroom)…because they’re warm-weather birds who don’t live in Antarctica!
  • Watch as one of our adorable Animal Ambassadors waddles across a canvas to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece FOR YOU TO TAKE HOME! Listen closely for the pitter-patter of their webbed feet, leaving adorable footprints in their path using animal-safe paint.
  • Hear cool stories about the Aviary’s colony and learn amazing facts about this black-and-white species…like where their iconic waddle comes from!
  • Enjoy a UNIQUE opportunity to take your photo close to a penguin!
  • Learn about African Penguins and how you can help this Critically Endangered species at home, like choosing sustainable seafood for your dinner.
  • Guests are encouraged to take photos or videos and to ask questions.
Book a Penguin Painting Encounter

Reserve your spot today, this popular Encounter is sure to sell out!

Mark your calendars for more unique Pop-Up Encounters through the summer, including a Flamingo Feeding Encounter in July and an Armadillo and Friend Encounter in August. More details and registration coming soon!

Additional Information

  • This unique experience is designed for those ages 6 and up. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult over 18 years of age.
  • Book before you visit to guarantee your experience. Same-day registration is based on limited program availability and cannot be guaranteed.  
  • Touching Policy: Please note, touching the penguin during Penguin Painting Encounters is strictly prohibited.
  • At the National Aviary, we give our animals the choice to participate in interactive experiences with caring guests like you! If our Animal Ambassador needs a day of rest, we will contact you to reschedule your Encounter, as the comfort and safety of our animals and our guests is always our top priority. Thank you for understanding!

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 412-258-9445.

Proceeds from Animal Encounters support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.

In The News

See All News

National Aviary reveals genders of its newest African penguins | WTAE

The National Aviary revealed the genders of its newest African penguins on social media Tuesday. The penguins hatched in early February, and they are the offspring of penguin parents Bette and Sidney.

Read More »

National Aviary reveals genders of its newest African Penguin chicks | WPXI

Another aviary resident, Red the Scarlet Macaw, helped with the reveal, opening bird safe “candies.”

Read More »

National Aviary reveals genders of 2 new African penguin chicks | CBS News

With the help of a scarlet macaw, the National Aviary revealed the genders of its newest African penguins on Tuesday.

Read More »

3 young peregrine falcons on Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning fledge the nest | KDKA News

The three young peregrine falcons that hatched on top of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning this spring have fledged the nest.

Read More »

Sky Deck at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Today Live

Katie joined us from the National Aviary in Pittsburgh to show us a global odyssey that has turned Pittsburgh into a first-class ticket to the wildest corners of the world.

Read More »