National Aviary
America's only indoor National Aviary, home to 500+ birds from 150+ species offering immersive habitats and interactive encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
National Aviary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's only indoor National Aviary, home to 500+ birds from 150+ species offering immersive habitats and interactive encounters.
"It felt magical to be surrounded by them. "
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive early for the $7 parking lot; street parking can be tough.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your national aviary tickets in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Parade
Penguin Exhibit
Witness the charming waddle of penguins as they return to their spot. A truly magical and unique sight!
Lorikeet Feeding
Lorikeet Habitat
Get up close with vibrant, lively lorikeets as they feed from your hand. An unforgettable, colorful encounter.
Sloth Spotting
Sloth Habitat
Search for the resident sloth nestled in its treetop home. A patient search might reward you with a great view.
Birds of Prey Show
Outdoor Show Area
Experience the thrill of majestic birds of prey in an engaging outdoor show. Be prepared for the weather!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Immersion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive early for the $7 parking lot; street parking can be tough.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your national aviary tickets in advance.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Some shows are outdoors, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.
🦥 Sloth Search
Be patient when looking for the sloth; it might be high up in its habitat!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive early for the $7 parking lot; street parking can be tough.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your national aviary tickets in advance.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Some shows are outdoors, so check the forecast and dress accordingly.
🦥 Sloth Search
Be patient when looking for the sloth; it might be high up in its habitat!
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for incredible national aviary photos, especially during interactive encounters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Aviary for its immersive exhibits, engaging interactive experiences like lorikeet feeding, and the charming Penguin Parade. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the educational value, making it a fantastic outing for families and bird enthusiasts alike. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly recommended.
"What a wonderful place! The staff and volunteers were so informative and helpful. Get there early for parking close by which is $7. Make sure to find the sloth and get up close with Penquins. And the condors are well worth the price of admission! Great for people of all ages."
Barb Franck
"Awesome place to learn about birds of all kinds and sizes. Totally worth it to visit for families with young kids who want to see and learn about different birds. Their cafeteria is good and their gift shop is nice. It’s street parking for the most part but easy to find. Very close to other downtown attractions"
Gautham Viswanathan
"The National Aviary is an incredible place for the whole family! There are so many activities to enjoy, and all the exhibits are fantastic, showcasing a wide variety of beautiful birds. We loved that some of the exhibits are open, allowing for up-close encounters — it felt magical to be surrounded by them. The staff were wonderful, taking the time to explain interesting facts about the birds while feeding them, which made the experience even more engaging. The lorikeet feeding was an absolute highlight — colorful, lively, and unforgettable! Parking was easy and convenient, with plenty of onsite spaces for just $7. A must-visit for anyone in Pittsburgh!"
Deepnath Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Aviary is located at 700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot at the National Aviary for $7.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, Pittsburgh has a robust public transit system. Checking local transit schedules for bus routes that service the downtown area near the aviary is recommended.
Yes, the National Aviary is conveniently located near other downtown Pittsburgh attractions, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
Specific driving directions would depend on your starting point. It's best to use a GPS navigation system and input the address: 700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is $20.95, children (2-12) are $17.95, and seniors (60+) are $18.95. Children 2 and under are free.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to purchase national aviary tickets online in advance to ensure entry and potentially avoid queues.
Discounts mentioned include those for seniors, children, and CMU students.
The National Aviary is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
The provided information does not specify a timed entry system. However, booking tickets online in advance is a good practice.
🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the immersive exhibits where you can walk among the birds. Highlights include the Penguin Parade, The Birds of Prey show is also a popular attraction.
Absolutely! The National Aviary offers interactive experiences like hand-feeding the Rainbow Lorikeets
Yes, it's considered a top family-friendly destination in Pittsburgh.
A typical visit can last 2-3 hours, but many visitors feel they could spend even longer exploring the exhibits and enjoying the experiences.
Yes, the National Aviary is a fantastic place for photography, with opportunities for stunning national aviary photos, especially during interactive sessions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the National Aviary has a cafeteria that serves food, and visitors have found it to be good.
The provided reviews mention the cafeteria is 'good,' suggesting a range of typical cafe fare suitable for a family outing. Specific menu details are not available.
The National Aviary is located in downtown Pittsburgh, which offers a wide variety of restaurants and dining options nearby.
Information regarding outside food is not provided. It's best to check the official National Aviary policy or contact them directly.
Yes, the National Aviary has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open exhibits allow kids to feel like they're truly in the birds' environment, and interactive activities like the lorikeet feeding are a huge hit. The Penguin Parade is also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore, and consider the outdoor Birds of Prey show, but be sure to check the weather.
💑 Couples on a Date
Wandering through the immersive habitats offers a relaxed and engaging way to connect. Consider arriving early to avoid crowds and ensure a more intimate experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look out for the vibrant colors of the lorikeets and the unique personalities of the penguins. Be prepared for varying light conditions within the indoor habitats.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Immersive Bird Encounters
This design creates a magical feeling of being surrounded by nature, a stark contrast to traditional zoo enclosures. It’s an opportunity to experience wildlife up close, making it a memorable outing for all ages. These open environments are carefully curated to provide a naturalistic setting for the birds while offering safe and engaging viewing for guests. The staff and volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing this experience, sharing fascinating facts and facilitating interactions.
Interactive Experiences and Shows
Another popular activity is the Penguin Parade, a delightful spectacle where the penguins waddle back to their home. For those seeking a more dynamic experience, the Birds of Prey show provides an exciting display of aerial prowess.
Conservation and Education Focus
Through its exhibits and educational programs, it aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for avian life. Visitors often praise the informative staff and volunteers who are eager to share insights about the birds' behaviors, habitats, and conservation status.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit