Sensory Friendly Time

Sensory Friendly Time

Sensory Friendly Time Logo

Call 412-258-9439 to register

  • Wed., January 14, February 11, and March 11 | 10 am – 12 pm
  • Wed., April 8, May 13 | 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Explore the National Aviary during Sensory Friendly Time, designed for those with sensory processing needs to make the most of their Aviary experience!

Sensory Friendly Time includes:

  • See and touch biofacts, including eggs and feathers
  • A sensory-friendly version of our immersive bird show: Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel.
    • During this show, the lighting is consistent and the volume is low, making for a great viewing experience
  • Sensory Friendly Bags from KultureCity available at our Visitors Services Desk*
    • Bags feature headphones, fidget toys, and emotion cards
  • A helpful Sensory Guide to the sights, sounds, and climate of the Aviary’s habitats can be viewed in advance AND during your trip
  • Interactive Play Spaces throughout the Aviary*
  • Designated headphone zones*

Call 412-258-9439 to register.

*These sensory-inclusive features are available ANY time you visit, not just during Sensory Friendly Time!

A Shaft-tailed Finch holding a small piece of natural material to create a nest.
A vibrant male Red Siskin perched on a tree in the Grasslands

Download and print our Sensory Guide here.

Click here to see our full list of Accessibility guidelines.

In The News

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The Invisible Clues Animals Leave Behind Are Helping Save Entire Ecosystems (featuring an interview with Dr. Steve Latta) | A-Z Animals

In this article, we speak with Dr. Steven Latta, Director of Conservation and Field Research at The National Aviary. In his own work, he collects eDNA samples from water, leaf litter, feathers, egg shells, and other substrates to identify species presence.

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Why Animals in Cold Climates Are Bigger: The Science Behind Bergmann’s Rule (featuring an interview with Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

“Large animals can conserve heat more efficiently than smaller animals in cold climates,” explains Bob Mulvihill, Lead Ornithologist for the National Aviary.

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Penguins To Hold ‘Penguins Pledge Night’ Presented by U. S. Steel | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins Pledge will also raise funds and call attention to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and their conservation leadership with African Penguins.

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Record Number of Peregrine Falcons Counted in Allegheny County | National Today

Conservation efforts have helped the raptor species rebound in the region.

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Why Are There No Birds in My Birdhouse? I Asked Expert Bob Mulvihill Who Told Me How to Attract Birds to Any Birdhouse | Gardening Know How

To help ensure your birdhouses are as appealing to birds as possible, [we] asked a National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for the most common reasons why houses remain vacant and how to make houses more attractive to garden birds.

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