UPMC Science Center
Hands-on exhibits. STEAM-based learning. Endless entertainment.
Admission includes KidsPlace — a space just for children ages 6 and under — to Forces of Nature — a mind-blowing examination of how weather and geology affect planet earth — there is something for curious minds of all ages. Learn about your body in the Carnival of Health, create your own animations at Backstage Studio — plus there’s always something new to explore in the STEM Design Studios.
Programs and fascinating exhibits about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math all combine to make a visit to the science center an extraordinary educational experience cleverly disguised as a whole lot of fun.
Programs & Exhibitions
ROAR AND EXPLORE: COMMUNITY DAY
We’re opening our doors for a ROARING good time! Join us for Roar and Explore Community Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25! This is a special day of FREE family-friendly fun for you to roam and enjoy all we have to offer, including our newest traveling exhibit EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: RISE OF THE MAMMALS. Admission is free, but guests MUST register in advance.
EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: Rise of the Mammals
Adventure back in time with us — 66 MILLION YEARS INTO THE PAST — to experience the moments before, during and after the extinction event that ended the age of dinosaurs! EXPEDITION DINOSAUR: RISE OF THE MAMMALS opens to the public September 27, and will be at Whitaker Center through January 4!
Lego Spike Robotics
Each session introduces a new robotics concept through hands-on exploration and creative problem-solving. Students will dive into the world of robotics by building and programming robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™, where imagination meets engineering. Unless otherwise noted, LEGO SPIKE will be the primary platform used. Whether students are new to robotics or ready to level up, each workshop offers a fresh opportunity to build, code, and innovate.
Junior Labsters
In Junior Labsters, young learners and their grown-ups team up to tackle exciting STEAM challenges and unleash their creativity through hands-on art and science activities. Together, they’ll explore the wonders of the world around us — building, experimenting, and imagining side by side.
Sensory Saturdays
During Sensory Saturdays, exhibit lights and sound effects are adjusted, and additional hands-on activities are included to foster a safe, welcoming, and most importantly — FUN — environment for all visitors.
Lab Explorers
Curiosity meets creativity in this immersive STEAM experience! These two-hour workshops invite students in grades 3–8 to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on challenges rooted in the real world. Whether they’re constructing prototypes, analyzing data, or solving problems, students will leave inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the next challenge.
Scout Sundays at Whitaker
Whitaker Center offers exciting, hands-on Scout Workshops designed to help participants earn badges while exploring science, technology, engineering, and more. From robotics and coding to engineering challenges and design thinking, each workshop is tailored to meet badge requirements in a fun and interactive way. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals, and every participant will leave with their earned badge(s) to proudly add to their vest or sash.
Tech Explorers
In these 2-hour workshops, students will explore a new aspect of technology in each session. Every topic will build problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and creative confidence. Each workshop is hands-on and designed to spark curiosity in young tech learners.
Tiny Tots
Tiny Tots is a weekly program for toddlers (ages 2 and under) to encourage children’s early science exploration. Tots and grown-ups will use song, movement, art and sensory explorations of different topics in a developmentally appropriate environment.
Little Learners
Little Learners meet September through May, and is designed for children aged 3-6. Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly themed activities.
Girls in STEAM
Join Whitaker Center for workshops designed for girls in 3rd – 8th grade, with activities that connect with real-world applications of STEAM through design, programming, coding, engineering, and more!
Kids Place
A destination for the youngest explorers! Designed with a cityscape theme this gallery includes a life-sized Operation Game, X-Ray Table, Pin Ball Falls, and much more.
STEM Design Studios
Get hands-on with different STEM topics. These engaging activities will allow parents and kids to explore STEM topics together, learning as a team. Enjoy activities and design challenges with Ozobots™ , Spheros™, 3Doodler™ 3D printing pens, tangrams, K’NEX® and much more!
Forces of Nature Exhibit
Through compelling stories of natural forces and environmental change, Forces of Nature is both an exciting thematic area and a relevant science topic that affects everyone’s daily life. The permanent gallery provides guests with the opportunity to experience a variety of extraordinary weather wonders featuring physical “phenomenon-based” exhibits.
Carnival of Health
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls — step right up and experience the one and only Carnival of Health. More than 2,200 square feet of fun-filled themed entertainment opens your eyes to the wonders of healthy living and the human body.
Backstage Studio
Funded by The Alexander Grass Foundation, Backstage Studio features fascinating exhibits that reveal the science and technology behind movies, TV, music, and theatre. Create your own stop-action film, put yourself into the movies in the Foley Studio, and explore the creation of different sound effects in this interactive gallery.