2 weeks ago I asked folks to send me information about activites for mothers and children, in response to a query someone asked through the Highland Park web site. Well, I've finally collected that information and have presented it below, anonymized somewhat since I don't think the original senders meant to have their phone numbers and email addresses made available to everyone on the Internet...! Would someone please volunteer to coordinate this kind of information? I do not have the time to do it myself, but I could create a separate email list for this puropose if there is demand for it. In the meantime, I will try to forward messages of interest to the original sender if you write back and ask to contact someone from the list below. It may sometimes take me a couple of days to process my email--which is why it would be much better for someone else to coordinate this list! Barb wrote:
I am a mother whose daughter attends the Waldorf school of Pittsburgh on 201 S. Winebiddle. The school has a beautiful program for parent/toddlers as well as N-6th grade. That obviously doesn't help you now, but there are parents who meet at various places throughout the summer. Blue Slide park on Wednesdays. Even on our school grounds during work days. (gardening, painting, etc.) If you have an interest, please contact Lydia Roberson at the school. 412.441.5792. She can maybe direct you to some of the parents. She is the admissions coordinator. I Am a very active parent and will be leaving for vacation on Friday for 2 weeks, so I can't be of any other help to you. You may also want to check out the local libraries, they often have programs for children. Many little programs run all summer long. There is also a toy lending library at the church on the corner of Baum and Negley area. It is listed as the Toy Lending Library in the phone book. Good Luck,
Jen wrote:
Center for Creative Play is a wonderful place. <http://www.center4creativeplay.org/> Also, I understand that there is a toy-lending library
The Carnegie Science Center has great fun for kids, as does their UPMC SportsWorks, which is right next to it. Both are on the North Side. It is a little pricey, but nice to go to once in a while. They have a HUGE model train set that replicates the region, here, as well. <http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/>
The Andy Warhol Museum - my kids love it, there, because there is the Cloud Room, an art studio, and it is colorful and bright. <http://www.warhol.org/>
Carnegie Library - main branch in Oakland. This is an outstanding library and they have story time for kids, etc. The Carnegie Library has branches throughout the city, as well, and events. <http://www.clpgh.org/>
Playgrounds - three good ones: corner of Forbes and Braddock in the East End; Beechwood Blvd. in Sq. Hill; Anderson Play area in Schenley Park. Also, Highland Park has plenty of play areas.
Highland Park Pool - FREE city pools, and they have a great kiddie area.
Riverfront parks - I live on the North Side, and there is a great bike trail along the river, near PNC Park. We ride their often, and we have gotten so much enjoyment out of looking at the geese, seeing the fans in the ballpark, riding along the river and looking at boats, etc.
Beechwood Farms - this is across the Highland Park bridge from you, and into Fox Chapel. <http://www.aswp.org/beechwood.html> I take my sons there and we walk along the trails. Apple Jam is a nice event, in the fall, and they have nature events and walks throughout the year. There is a calendar on their website.
Barnes and Noble in Waterworks - again, across the Highland Park bridge in Aspinwall is the Waterworks Mall, and at that Barnes and Noble is a nice children's section with storytime one night a week, plus a Thomas the Train set that children play on for hours. My husband and I sometimes go grocery shopping at that Giant Eagle, and take the children to play there, afterwards. That Giant Eagle also has an Eagle's Nest, which is free daycare with certified "instructors" in the grocery store.
Hartwood Acres, which is in the North Hills, has a bunch of free concerts throughout the summer. The Frick Art and Historical Society has free classical concerts, picnic-style, the first Friday of June, July, and August. Three Rivers Arts Festival has free concerts the first three weeks in June, at Point State Park. T he Festival also has children's activities, booths, food, art, etc. <http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/events/a/festivals_s.htm> is a list of summer festivals and fairs.
Venture Outdoors - <http://www.ventureoutdoors.org/activities.shtml> has family-style hikes, walks, bike rides, kayaking, etc.
Kimberly also suggested Venture Outdoors. Valerie wrote:
I have spoken to a few other moms, and know that an additional piece that maybe could be worked on would be to build some sort of network for stay-at-home moms, something less formal than an official playgroup (which might just happen organically if there is a playgroup). When you're home with your kids, it can be frustrating and tiring and boring (hard to believe, huh? : )), and it'd be nice to have resources like other moms to draw upon, to have playdates with, to have someone to call and talk to, to have emergency back-up babysitters, etc. Once I read your summary, I'll give some thought to any additions, and maybe we could set up even some sort of sub-mailing-list so the moms (or any SAH dads) can arrange whatever they need fairly easily amongst themselves. Thanks for taking an interest in this need.
Valerie also wrote:
I'm home three days a week with my two boys, a three and a half year old and a fifteen month old, and would be happy to try to get any kind of playgroup/moms' group together. I've noticed a couple posts within the past week about activities or playgroups. If any one wants to email me or call , we could try to work something up if a group doesn't already exist.
Someone wrote:
LITTLE DIGGERS DAYCAMP At Mildreds' Daughters Urban Farm Stanton Heights August 16th-20th Morning session 9am-noon or Afternoon session 2pm-5pm ages 3-5 earth wind water and sun play harvest and prepare foods plant seeds make compost make music make art $75 acontact mildredsdaughters@earthlink.net 412 799 0833
Samantha wrote:
[I] also have 2 boys ages 2 and 4, desperate for things to do with them over the LONG summer - particularly on a day like today with the threat of rain all day and stuck in the house!! Talk about ready to go crazy!! If you get a group together please call me - or maybe we could start one of our own?
Mia wrote:
I am also interested in any mom/kid type stuff. I would love to start a mom's group if there isn't one already. I have two boys; ages 5 and 1 1/2.
Karen wrote:
The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts has wonderful programs for children starting age 3, including painting, working with clay etc. It is located at the corner of Shady and Fifth. Their web sit is: <http://www.pittsburgharts.org/main.asp>.
As well, the Zoo has a volunteer program for older children, as well as different activities for Children aged 3 and up.
There is a very good gymnastics organization called Gymkhana which offers a variety of programs for infants on up. Their web site is: <http://www.gymkhanafun.com/>
The Pittsburgh Museum and Science Center are two wonderful place for children of all ages to explore. My 19 month old son loves to wander through both. The Museum has a discovery room for younger children. The Science Center has a good variety of activities and interesting exhibits for children of all ages, including a cooperative ballroom and water table on the forth floor for ages 2 through 6.
Frick Park offers wonderful trails to walk as does Fox Chapel. Both offer a great nature experience. Frick Park also offers the Museum and other attractions that might be of interest.
Juanita wrote:
I have a 3 yr. old son who needs a playmate. I would love to get together. Perhaps, our children can take a Saturday art class together, play in the park etc...
Val wrote:
I have two boys - a three year old and an 15 month old, and also live in Highland Park. If you want to forward the woman my phone number or email, maybe we can get in touch - it'd be nice to have other moms to hang out with, with kids of similar ages, and maybe we could get a mother's group started. I figure I can't be the only stay-at-home mom in the neighborhood! Thanks,
Denise wrote:
I have two boys 8 and 6 and a girl age 2. Have the mom give me a call and I would be happy to give her some suggestions. Also, great places to start are The Toy Lending Library on Baum Blvd (they are closed in Aug),and The Center for Creative Play in Regent Square- both great places to meet other moms plus fun too. Picking up Pittsburgh Parent at the supermarket ia a good start too because they list area events. They also list mom organizations. I know that the East End group of M.O.P.S. (mothers of preschoolers) is a nice group.
Mitch wrote:
There is a camp called St Mary's Lawrenceville camp (not actually held in Lawrenceville anymore) My girls go there and really like it...it is very affordable and the focus is on cultures with a lot of art and performances tied into it. Each week they study about a different country/culture and prepare work related to it
Heidi wrote:
If your inquirer is Christian, she might look into East Liberty Presbyterian Church, <http://www.cathedralofhope.org/>. The Christian Ed director is Connie Dunn.
ELPC has a great children's program, including a very well run Sunday School and several family and intergenerational activities throughout the year. Many of the kids who attend ELPC live in Highland Park.
Bruce wrote:
there's a play group for young kids and their parents that meets at St. Andrew's I think on Mondays. You might check with Liz Buchanan. She may know more about it.