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 2
Little Learners
Little Learners ages 3-5 meet Wednesdays, September through May. Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create!
Scout Sundays
Scout Sundays offers exciting, hands-on workshops designed 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 earned badge(s) for their vest or sash.
Programs for Jr. Scientists
Grades 3 to 8
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!
LEGO SPIKE Robotics
Junior engineers dive into the world of robotics by building and programming robots using LEGO® Education SPIKE™. Whether they’re new to robotics or simply ready to level up, each workshop offers a fresh opportunity to build, code, and innovate.
Scout Sundays
Scout Sundays offers exciting, hands-on workshops designed 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 earned badge(s) for their vest or sash.
Programs for NextGen Innovators
Grades 6 to 12
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!
Scout Sundays
Scout Sundays offers exciting, hands-on workshops designed 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 earned badge(s) for their vest or sash.
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!
Day 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!
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.
