BRING THE FAMILY

The Carnegie Science Center is still jamming the “GUITAR,” the Heinz History Center has a season full of Steelers, and Carnegie Museum of Natural History has fun with “Bugs.”

CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, 412-6223131 EXHIBITS: “Bug Works” — Photographs, specimens and live bugs (Sept. 15-July 2013); “Charlie and Kiwi’s Evolutionary Adventure” — Explains the science behind evolution through activities, story theater and discovery area (Oct. 6-May 12); “Empowering Women: Artisan Cooperatives That Transform Communities” — A look at the work of female artisan cooperatives in 10 countries (Oct. 6-May 12); Exploration Basecamp — Explore the museum’s educational collection of real specimens, historic dioramas, scientific illustration and more (ongoing).

EVENTS:

tours, hands-on projects, games and more: “Creepy, Crawly Carnegie” — Behind-the-scenes look at collections that are not normally on display (Oct. 26); “Prehistoric Encounters” — Explore the past through fossils (Nov. 9). Ages 6 and older. Information/registration: 412-622-3289 (7 p.m. Friday-9:30 a.m. Saturday). Friends. Ages 2-8 can experience an overnight adventure without staying the full night. One adult chaperone per child. Registration: 412-622-3289 (Nov. 10 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.).

EVENTS: sound stage from 2-3 p.m.: Abby Krizner and Jason Sichi of Fist Fight in the Parking Chris Higbee, formerly of the Povertyneck Hillbillies (Sept. 22); Uzell Finney of The Flow Band (Sept. 29).

advice sessions from 11 a.m.-2 Awareness (Nov. 3); Cold Weather Survival take in an Omnimax movie, a laser show and science workshops while parents spend a night out. Registration required: 412-237-1637 (Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 — drop-off at 5 p.m.). program for adults features speakers on scientific topics, including astronomy, nutrition, robotics (Sept. 10 from 7-9 p.m.).

for ages 2-6: Bubbles (Sept. 10); Science Safari (Sept. 17); Guitars (Sept. 24); Autumn Harvest (Oct. 1); Science Over The Rainbow (Oct. 8); Healthy Me

When I Grow Up (Oct. 29).

music and guests (Oct. 5-Nov. 1). Meet zookeepers who work with polar bears, plus games, treats and more (Oct. 6). activities for ages 3-5 from 11 a.m.-noon: Slimy Science (Oct. 9); Pumpkin Adventure (Oct. 23); Science Sleuths (Nov. 13). movie, planetarium show and science workshops. Registration required: 412237-1637. Superhero Science Sleepover (Oct. 12-13); Spooky Science Sleepover screening of “The Polar Express,” Miniature Railroad and Village and more. Registration: 8, 15, 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.). for an Omnimax film, laser show and regular Parents’ Night Out activities and

16 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.).

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH

Allegheny Center, North Side, 412322-5058 EXHIBITS: “Tough Art” — Original interactive works by artists John Pena, Scott Andrew, Jonathan Armistead, Jeremy Boyle, Kevin Clancy and Will Schlough are “tough” enough to withstand kid handling (The Rainbow Jumpy)” — 30-foot inflatable loan from The New Children’s Museum EVENTS: The Spark Truck Visits the Children’s Museum — Traveling van equipped with 21st-century tools is designed to foster creativity and problem-solving through building activities. The Spark Truck will be parked in front of the museum and admission is free. Kids can take part in a workshop at 2 p.m. to create a logo and turn it into a laser-cut stamp. Registration required for the workshop: Email to makeshop@pittsburghkids.org (Sept. 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Pittsburgh Mini Maker Faire — More than 50 makers will technology, crafts, music, workshops and installations at Buhl Community Park, Allegheny Square (Sept. 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). “Aurora Over the Silk Road” — Music and dance performances and handson activity stations focus on the history and art of the Silk Road (Oct. 13).

CONSOL ENERGY CENTER

1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown, 412-6421800

Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus (Nov. 1-4); Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions (Nov. 16).

GATEWAY CLIPPER FLEET

Station Square, 412-355-7980 DINNER CRUISES: (Sept. 16); Saturday Family Picnic Cruise (Sept. 15, 29). EXCURSION CRUISES: Fall Foliage Cruise (Oct. 13, 16, 17, 19, 20); One-day cruise to Steubenville (Oct. 8); Steubenville to Pittsburgh (Oct. 9). SIGHTSEEING CRUISES: History Cruise (Sept. 14, 21); OneHour Sightseeing Cruise (Weekdays through Oct., weekends in Sept. and Oct.). ENTERTAINMENT CRUISES: Blues and Barbecue Cruise — Jill West and Blues Attack (Sept. 28, Nov. 24).

HOLIDAY CRUISES:

Halloween Fun Cruise (Oct. 27); Halloween the upper Ohio Valley (Sept. 22-23); 2012 Insider Tours of Meadowcroft Rockshelter — led by James M. Adovasio, the archaeologist who excavated the Rockshelter in 1973 (Nov. 3 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.).

NATIONAL AVIARY

Ridge Avenue and Arch Street, North Side, 412-323-7235.

EVENTS:

1). Aviary’s owls, hawks and falcons, learn about raptors, falconry and lure flying. Registration: 412-258-9439 (Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.). and chance to photograph birds before the Aviary opens. Sessions start at 9 a.m. Registration: 412-258-9439. Skydeck (Sept. 8); Penguins (Oct. 6); presents Johnny Angel and the Halos — Over-21 anniversary celebration with ’50s-style fare and entertainment. Tickets: 1-888-71-Tickets (Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.).