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Whitaker Center Programs

Are you ready to discover the wonder of Whitaker? Search our programs by age below:

Mini Explorers

Grades Pre-K to K

Tiny Tots

Ages 2 and Under

This “Grown-up and Me” toddler program is a launchpad for first-time science exploration! We sing, read, and explore our way through themed activities designed for interaction between the tots and their grown-ups in our KidsPlace exhibit.

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Little Learners

Grades K to 2

This interactive program features lots of fun, hands-on activities for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds alongside their grown-ups. Families experiment, explore, sing, and create around rotating STEAM themes in our KidsPlace exhibit.

Little Learners is now also available one weekend every month!

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Junior Labsters

Grades K to 2

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.

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Scout Sundays

Grades K to 12

We offer Scout Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, AND CUBS! There are a variety of workshops, from robotics to painting. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals.

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Jr. Scientists

Grades 3 to 8

Girls in STEAM

Grades 3 to 8

Join us for workshops designed for girls in 3rd – 8th grade who will participate in activities that connect with real-world applications of STEAM through design, programming, coding, engineering, and more. Participants explore all aspects of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – to uncover their curiosities.

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Lab Explorers

Grades 3 to 8

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.

COMING SOON! SUBSCRIBE TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN IT LAUNCHES!

Lego Spike Robotics

Grades 3 to 8

Unlock the world of robotics in our exciting 4-session program designed for kids aged 9-13. Join us for one session or all four! Each session introduces a new topic centered around robotics. Dive into hands-on learning by building and programming with LEGO Spike, where creativity meets technology.

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Tech Explorers

Grades 3 to 8

Technology is everywhere—and it’s changing the way we learn, create, and connect. 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.

COMING SOON! SUBSCRIBE TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN IT LAUNCHES!

Girls Who Code

Grades 6 to 12

Join a sisterhood of STEM with Girls Who Code, a place to make new friends and learn about computer science. Computer science is an expansive field that includes a way of thinking, planning, and problem-solving in addition to programming. This approach, called computational thinking, is the foundation of the Girls Who Code curriculum. Club students don’t just learn how to code, but also cultivate strengths that help them succeed in whatever they pursue, including bravery, activism, curiosity, resilience, passion, and resourcefulness.

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Scout Sundays

Grades K to 12

We offer Scout Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, AND CUBS! There are a variety of workshops, from robotics to painting. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals.

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NextGen Innovators

Grades 6 to 12

Girls Who Code

Grades 6 to 12

Join a sisterhood of STEM with Girls Who Code, a place to make new friends and learn about computer science. Computer science is an expansive field that includes a way of thinking, planning, and problem-solving in addition to programming. This approach, called computational thinking, is the foundation of the Girls Who Code curriculum. Club students don’t just learn how to code, but also cultivate strengths that help them succeed in whatever they pursue, including bravery, activism, curiosity, resilience, passion, and resourcefulness.

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Scout Sundays

Grades K to 12

We offer Scout Workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, AND CUBS! There are a variety of workshops, from robotics to painting. Scouts can register with their troop or as individuals.

Learn More

But Wait, There's More...

Other Ways to Enjoy Whitaker!

Sensory Saturdays

All Ages

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. Quiet spaces are available during Sensory Saturday events for visitors needing a break. Additionally, sensory borrow backpacks will be available at our Market Street Box Office on a first come, first served basis.

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Birthday Parties

Ages 4 to 12 | Innovation Zone- 8+

Make your child’s birthday one to remember with Whitaker Center’s exciting STEAM-focused birthday packages! Our packages range from fun activities themed around science, technology, engineering, art, and math for kids 4 to 12 years old. From robotics and coding to arts and crafts, these interactive activities are designed to teach, inspire, and put a smile on your child’s face. Plus, our packages include all the supplies, instructions, and equipment you need, so all you have to do is invite the guests and enjoy the show. With Whitaker Center, every party is guaranteed to be a success!

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Field Trips

Grades K to 6

Whether your group plans to explore interactive STEAM-based exhibits housed within our multi-level UPMC Science Center, experience an awe-inspiring documentary in our four-story Select Medical Digital Cinema, or participate in a coding lesson in our PNC Innovation Zone, Whitaker Center guarantees a hands-on day of learning!

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Whitaker on Wheels

Grades K to 5

Can’t make it to Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts? Allow Whitaker on Wheels to bring the science experience to you! We have a variety of options to choose from to fit your needs. From Educator-Led learning programs to Drop-In STEAM activities and even Make and Takes, Whitaker on Wheels offers a wide range of science topics accessible to all ages! Bring STEAM Programming directly to you with the Whitaker on Wheels van, powered by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation!

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WOW! That’s Science!

All Ages

At Whitaker Center, we think fun and learning go hand-in-hand! When school is out, it is crucial to keep children engaged to prevent children from losing some of the academic skills they’ve learned during the school year. Check out this page for engaging activities, like at-home science experiments, that can foster curiosity and reinforce scientific principles in a fun and hands-on way.

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Summer Camps

Grades Pre K to 12

Calling all young explorers, budding scientists, and creative minds! Are you ready for an epic summer adventure filled with discovery, hands-on learning, and endless fun? Then prepare to blast off with Whitaker Center’s out-of-this-world Summer Camps!

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Want a sneak peek? Take a look at all the fun we have!

More To Do

Theater
Aug 2, 2025

Michael Carbonaro: “Lies On Stage”

See Michael Carbonaro's magic come to life on stage at Sunoco Performance Theater on Saturday, August 2! Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

INFO & TICKETS

Theater
Nov 29, 2025

Solar Federation

Solar Federation, an American RUSH tribute band, brings its award-winning interpretation of the iconic progressive rock band’s music to Whitaker Center on Saturday, November 29.

INFO & TICKETS

Cinema
Showing Through: Dec 31, 2025

Journey to Space 3D

In the past half century, humans have punched through the stratosphere, walked on the moon, and lived continuously in orbit. In the coming decades, our unquenchable curiosity will take our species beyond the cradle of Earth to touch the face of another world.

INFO & TICKETS

Cinema
Showing Through: Dec 31, 2025

Great Bear Rainforest

Journey to a land of grizzlies, coastal wolves, sea otters and the all-white spirit bear — the rarest bear on earth — in the film Great Bear Rainforest 3D, narrated by Ryan Reynolds.

INFO & TICKETS

Cinema
Showing Through: Dec 31, 2025

Ireland

Journey to a magical land of stunning natural wonders, ancient clifftop marvels, and a rich, cultural heritage in the new film Ireland for IMAX® and giant screen theatres.

INFO & TICKETS

All Science Exhibititions All Theater Shows All Movies Special Events