Classes and Programs
There’s no better way to learn more about your favorite National Aviary birds or the birds in your backyard than from a National Aviary expert. The National Aviary offers a variety of engaging classes for people of all skill levels!
Birding for Beginners
Sun., July 13 | 10 am – 12 pm | National Aviary
Sun., July 20 | 8 – 10 am | Frick Park
Members: $30; Non-Members: $35
Registration includes both sessions, General Admission to the Aviary on July 13, and binoculars to borrow | Register Here
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Birding for Beginners Details
To paraphrase Elle Woods, “What? Like birdwatching’s hard?”
Are you fascinated by the birds you see fluttering through the skies? Are you interested in flying into the birding world? We’re here to help!
It might surprise you to learn that dozens of bird species can commonly be seen in our local neighborhoods, backyards, and even urban environments. In this two-part series, you will learn birding basics from an Aviary expert, including practicing using binoculars in the Aviary’s expansive, free-flight habitats. You’ll also meet a National Aviary Animal Ambassador and learn about the important role birds play within our shared ecosystem. After your program, explore our immersive, free-flight habitats to see vibrant birds from all over the world soar and strut right past you!
Next, you’ll put your newfound skills and knowledge to the test! Venture to Frick Park to explore a beautifully-wooded environment. An Aviary expert will share more about the species that you see fluttering about from tree to tree and teach you about their local habitats and tips for identifying them!
Open to participants 6 years and older; those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
**Participants must drive themselves to Frick Park – a meet up location will be emailed to you shortly before the program. You may bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from us!
Falconry: The Sport of Kings
Sat., August 2 | 10 am – Noon | Members: $20; Non-Members: $25 | National Aviary General Admission Included | Register Here
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Falconry: The Sport of Kings Details
Falconry, the Sport of Kings, has been around for thousands of years. Join the National Aviary’s licensed falconer and Director of Animal Programs and Experiences, Cathy Schlott, to discover the rich history and modern-day practices behind this unique sport. Learn about the variety of birds falconers hunt with and the individual consideration in selecting a species while enjoying a visit from one of the National Aviary’s Ambassador Animals. Explore the variety of falconry equipment and get an overview of the regulations governing falconry in the United States.
Cathy Schlott extending her gloved-hand as a Lanner Falcon lands on it
To ensure the best experience for guests and our birds, this program is for guests ages 10 and older. Guests under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a registered adult over 18 years of age.
Summer Camp…for Adults
9 am – 3 pm | $150 per person, per session | National Aviary General Admission and Packed Lunch from Atria’s Included | 18+
- Sat., August 9 | Register Here
- Sat., August 16 | Register Here
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Summer Camp…for Adults Details
Feel like a kid again at the National Aviary! Spend a day with Aviary experts and go behind-the-scenes to see what it takes to care for the more than 500 birds and other animals that call the National Aviary home! Help prepare fun toys for our flock, get up close with Animal Ambassadors, and learn all about our conservation efforts that span the globe.
Registration includes all camp activities AND a packed lunch from Atria’s Specialty Catering. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Brushes & Birds: Sloth Edition
Sat., August 23 | 11 am – 1 pm | Members: $40; Non-Members: $45
National Aviary General Admission and All Materials Included | Register Here
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Brushes & Birds: Sloth Edition
August portrait: Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth!
Join Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (MariasIdeas.com) in person for a creative and colorful class in painting your own fine and furry masterpiece. Designed for painters of all painting abilities, follow Maria’s step-by-step instructions to create your very own canvas of a well-loved National Aviary slo-o-o-w moving mammal: a Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth!
Stroll through the Aviary’s immersive habitats after class and see if you can spot a Linnaeus’s Two-toed Sloth high up in the tree canopies of Tropical Rainforest!
Open to participants 8 years and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.
No prior drawing skills required, a tracer for easy design transfer will be provided.
This painting class is the “cherry on top” of our Sloth Birthday Celebration on Thurs., August 21!
Click here for details and “RSVP” to our party by securing your General Admission tickets in advance!
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.