# National Aviary Thanksgiving Break Family Encounters & Penguin Feeding > Place to go for families in the Pittsburgh area (PA). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Open on its own schedule - Where: National Aviary, 700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 - Ages: All ages (Walk-through free-flight tropical habitats, penguin point, and sensory touch zones) - Price: $15 (Children 2–12) / $18 (Adults); Children under 2 free - Organizer: National Aviary - Official page: https://www.aviary.org/ - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/national-aviary-thanksgiving-break-family-encounters-and-penguin-feedi--listing-41e22f120df7589d4976fe60 ## About As America's premier independent indoor bird zoo, the National Aviary in Pittsburgh's historic North Side is home to more than 500 birds representing species from around the globe. During Thanksgiving break, families escape the autumn chill into lush, tropical walk-through habitats where vibrant birds fly freely overhead. Daily highlights include the lively African Penguin feeding talks, interactive flamingo meet-and-greets, and free-flight bird theater presentations. Children can marvel at gentle sloths, touch bird feathers in the discovery center, and learn about wildlife conservation through engaging keeper chats. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with paved indoor pathways and smooth ramped entries throughout all major habitat rooms. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Clean family restrooms equipped with infant changing facilities are available off the main atrium, with comfortable seating in the garden room. • Age Suitability: Designed for animal lovers of all ages. Toddlers are fascinated by penguins swimming at eye level, while school-age kids enjoy keeper questions. • Sensory Tips: Habitats simulate rainforest environments with natural birdsong, humidity, and waterfall sounds. Families sensitive to sudden flight movements can view birds comfortably from perimeter benches. ## Similar picks in Pittsburgh - [Sensory Friendly Time at the National Aviary](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/sensory-friendly-time-at-the-national-aviary--listing-250be4c302c7867ad06d0c14) — Wed, Nov 11 (+1 more date) · National Aviary · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 14. Monthly sensory-friendly visit time for guests with sensory processing needs: see and touch biofacts such as eggs and feathers and attend a sensory-friendly version of the… - [Senator John Heinz History Center Thanksgiving Break & Kidsburgh Discovery](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/senator-john-heinz-history-center-thanksgiving-break-and-kidsburgh-dis--listing-b776e053f1f13abd0dd81d0d) — Open on its own schedule · Senator John Heinz History Center · All ages · From $11 · checked Nov 5. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution located in the vibrant Strip District, the Senator John Heinz History Center brings western Pennsylvania's rich heritage vividly to… - [Carnegie Science Center Thanksgiving Break STEAM Labs & Miniature Railroad](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/carnegie-science-center-thanksgiving-break-steam-labs-and-miniature-ra--listing-e02cf8b9b47172523541e9a3) — Open on its own schedule · Carnegie Science Center · All ages · From $20 · checked Nov 5. Positioned right on the North Shore of the Ohio River, the Carnegie Science Center is a wonderland of interactive discovery for families on Thanksgiving break. A crown jewel of… - [Brushes & Birds: Great Argus! Painting Class at the National Aviary](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/brushes-and-birds-great-argus-painting-class-at-the-national-aviary--listing-baf3b1cc583279a441badd58) — Sun, Nov 15 · 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · National Aviary · All ages · From $45 · sold out when last checked · checked Oct 16. Local artist Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria's Ideas leads a two-hour painting class at the National Aviary in which participants paint a portrait of Gus the Great Argus, one of… - [Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Fall Family Stroll & Animal Encounters](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/pittsburgh-zoo-and-aquarium-fall-family-stroll-and-animal-encounters--listing-5bc6edb34da1880d69b7c15f) — Open on its own schedule · Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium · All ages · From $19 · checked Nov 5. Perched on 77 wooded acres overlooking the Allegheny River in Highland Park, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium offers crisp autumn walking paths and engaging wildlife encounters… - [The Frick Pittsburgh Thanksgiving Break Family Art & Vintage Car Discovery](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/activities/the-frick-pittsburgh-thanksgiving-break-family-art-and-vintage-car-dis--listing-c1e096d9a033aff940819c01) — Open on its own schedule · The Frick Pittsburgh & Car and Carriage Museum · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. Spanning 5.5 tranquil landscaped acres in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze neighborhood, The Frick Pittsburgh offers an inviting cultural destination for families during Thanksgiving… ## More for families - [Things to do with kids at National Aviary](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/venues/national-aviary) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/venues/national-aviary.md) - [Things to do with kids in Allegheny County, PA](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/counties/allegheny-county-pa) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/counties/allegheny-county-pa.md) - [Things to do with kids in Pittsburgh — November 2026](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/events/2026-11) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/events/2026-11.md) - [This weekend in Pittsburgh](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh/this-weekend.md) - [Things to do with kids in Pittsburgh](https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/pittsburgh.md)