Programs at Whitaker Center
Whitaker Center offers an exciting and educational experience for kids and schools, making it an ideal destination for field trips and group outings.
With its dynamic and immersive approach to education, Whitaker Center helps cultivate a love of learning and exploration in students of all ages.
Programs for Mini Explorers
Grades Pre-K to K
Tiny Tots
Grades Pre-K to K
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.
Little Learners
Grades K-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!
Junior Labsters
Grades K-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.
Scout Sundays
Grades K-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.
Programs for Jr. Innovators
Grades 3 to 8
Girls in STEAM
Grades 3–8
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.
Girls Who Code
Grades 6–12
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.
Lab Explorers
Grades 3–8
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 3-8
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.
Scout Sundays
Grades K-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.
Tech Explorers
Grades 3–8
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 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!
Programs for NextGen Innovators
Grades 6-12
Girls Who Code
Grades 6–12
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.
Scout Sundays
Grades K-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.
More Fun…
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.
Birthday Parties
Ages 4-12 (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!
Field Trips
Grades K-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!
Whitaker on Wheels
Grades K-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!
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.
Day/Summer Camps
Grades PreK–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!
