Best Kids' Valentine's Day Activities In Pittsburgh
Valentine's Day is an awe-inspiring time to engage in activities that include special moments for kids and to experience the seasonal opportunities of the winter season. The Pittsburgh region is rich in historical, cultural and educational activities for the children to experience activities inherent to Valentine's Day. Children may be involved in recreational and arts and crafts activities to celebrate and share with all family members. There is more than candy, cards and cookies to be shared on Valentine's Day because being together with the family is a wonderful sharing experience.
Pittsburgh Glass Center
5472 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 365-2145
www.pittsburghglasscenter.org
Date: Feb 14, 2014 from 4 p.m to 9 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Glass Center is the perfect place to incorporate interest in glass working techniques and demonstrations of ways to make special projects for Valentine's Day. The Make-It-Now classes offer the opportunity to make a mind-blowing gift, and there are many activities and skills that are taught to make a memento to remember. Children may choose to make flowers, fused Valentines or a heart-shaped pendant within all of the properties of the glass process. The Pittsburgh Glass Center has a plethora of classes available that ensures interest well beyond Valentine's Day and an activity for kids to enjoy without any previous experience.
Valentine's Day Race, 5K, 10K & 15K
North Park
Pearce Mill Road
Allison Park, PA 15101
www.active.com/allison-park-pa
Date: Feb 15, 2014 at 7:30 a.m.
The North Park Boathouse is the starting area for the annual Valentine's Day race that supports area charities, and at the same time, keeps families in shape for the ensuing winter season and beyond. What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than being together as a family to give a gift of a healthy heart. There is a special event just for children in a 5K run or walk that isn't scored with a timing chip. Older family members may be more competitive and engage in other races with the chip. There are prizes and awards in each division and for the best Cupid, but the real winners are the charities.
Venture Outdoors Snowshoeing
Schenley Park
500 Panther Hollow Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 255-0564
www.ventureoutdoors.org
Date: Feb 15, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Children and family members looking for an exhilarating journey on Valentine's Day weekend should venture over to Schenley Park and glide along the snow for a snowshoeing experience. Waiting at the finish line will be a warm cup of cocoa. The Venture Outdoors organization will be prepared to adjust to climate conditions and teach the basics of snowshoeing and move onto a healthy hike in lieu of no snow. The activity is geared for children ages eight to 15, and family members are encouraged to join in the fun to ensure a healthy heart experience for Valentine's Day.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
1 Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 665-3640
www.pittsburghzoo.org
Throughout the winter season, the Parade of Penguins are making a grand entrance on the weekends for kids of all ages to share an educational experience with the cuddly creatures. The Valentine's Day weekend is the perfect time to view the march along the Zoo's pathway. Kids can mingle with the penguins and even take photos of the action. It is a fun time to discover and watch how the penguins react to the outside conditions, and this enhances a great learning experience. The lovable birds will win the heart of the kids and make it a memorable event for all family members.
The Cal U Ice Rink at PPG Place
4 PPG Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15272
(412) 394-3641
www.ppgplace.com/the-rink
Date: Through Feb. 17, 2014
The winter season and Valentine's Day at the PPG skating rink make for a cozy and healthy time to share the ice with all family members. It doesn't matter if there are falls and spills, as there are lessons available to make that transition much easier. After a tantalizing skating adventure, the kids may stop for refreshments at the convenient stores within Market Square and PPG Place for some hot cocoa. Valentine's Day is a special event and engaging in heart-healthy activities will surely bring out a new way to view the heart as a precious gift.
Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
