Kids
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 By Age/Grade
Little Kids
Tiny Tots
Ages 2 and younger
Tiny Tots: Adventures in STEAM is a “Grown up and Me” Toddler program (Ages 2 yrs and younger) that encourages a child’s first science exploration. We will sing, read and explore our way through themed activities designed for interaction between the tots and their grown ups. There will be time at the beginning and end of the program to explore our KidsPlace exhibit as well.
Little Learners
Ages 3–6
Little Learners: Adventures in STEAM is an interactive preschool-aged (Ages 3 yrs to 6 yrs) program with lots of fun and hands-on activities! We will sharpen our science process skills as we experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly themed activities as well as time to explore our KidsPlace exhibit.
Sidekick Scientists
Grades K-2
Sidekick Scientists: Adventures in STEAM is an early school aged program where kids and their grown ups will work together to complete STEAM challenges, games and art activities alongside other families. During this program we’ll be learning more about nature and the environment in the Central PA region.
School-Aged Kids
Code Bytes
Grades 3–8
“Code Bytes” is a series of hands-ons workshops where we use the fun and creativity of video games to teach about coding, computer science, and other STEAM topics. Participants will explore programming concepts, game mechanics, and problem-solving skills through interactive sessions, turning gaming into an educational experience. Perfect for aspiring coders and gaming enthusiasts alike!
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 will be able to explore all aspects of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – to see what interests them.
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.
Sustainable Solutions
Grades 4-8
Modern problems require modern solutions, and modern solutions require passionate youth! Explore issues facing our changing world, from climate change impacts to biodiversity loss. Participants will learn about developing issues, collaborate with peers and brainstorm innovative solutions that can make a real difference. Let’s turn concerns into action and engineer a bright future together!
Game On @ The Zone
Ages 10+
Level Up Your Gaming Experience @ The Innovation Zone! Join us one Friday each month for an exclusive after-hours event at the Innovation Zone, where gaming enthusiasts and families unite! Game On @ The Zone offers an exciting opportunity for individual players to meet fellow gamers and for families to learn and dive into the gaming world together. Each session features expert instruction on a popular game followed by plenty of free play time to put your new skills into practice
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.
Ranging Programs
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!
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!
Scout Sundays at Whitaker
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.
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!
STEAM Sampler
All Ages
Join us in the STEM Design Studios for a hands-on, guided STEAM lesson! Learn about chemistry, plan an experiment, and engineer solutions! Lab activities vary by week. Information about each week’s activities is available at the Box Office on Sundays.
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.
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.