What’s Open, What’s Not – A Family+FunPittsburgh Guide to Being in the Green
by Janet Jonus
As the Pittsburgh Region opens up after months of SARS-CoV-2 lockdown, Family+FunPIttsburgh will keep you up-to-date with what is open and what is still closed. Check back as this article is updated daily when new information becomes available.
Remember if you are heading out, you still need to practice social distancing, clean your hands, avoid touching your face. Many locations also require masks. Check out these face masks options:
What’s Open
The Pittsburgh Zoo
The Pittsburgh Zoo is still listed as “open” on their website. Timed tickets are available. It is recommended you call first to check for status changes.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is open for guests. Every guest must have a timed entry ticket in addition to a paid entry ticket or a Zoo membership. Timed tickets are available on the Zoo’s website, you cannot purchase a timed ticket at the gate. No walk-ups are allowed. Timed tickets are specific to a date and time. You must enter at the date and time on your ticket. The Zoo is open rain or shine, so if it is raining you are still expected to use your timed ticket. There are no refunds or rescheduling for rain. Everyone aged 2 and over must have their own timed ticket.
Timed tickets are available in two week increments, with entry times from 930AM through 400PM. The Zoo hours are 930AM-500PM.
Masks are not required but highly recommended. Zoo staff are required to wear masks. You must maintain six feet of social distancing between your party and other parties at all times.
The playgrounds, trams, zip line, and log ride are closed.
For more information: https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/timed-tickets/
Parks
Pittsburgh City Parks are open for select activities. All participants must maintain social distancing of six feet with non-related parties. You can walk at the Parks. Tennis Courts and Pickle Ball Courts are open (singles matches encouraged). Skate Parks are open. Frisbee Golf, Lawn Bowling, and Bocce are open. Fields are open but not for organized group sports. The City is looking at expanding activity availability moving forward. (Note: Pools are closed a this time. There is a possibility some of these facilities may open this summer. Keep checking back for updates.) For more information: https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/3956
Allegheny County Parks are open for many recreational activities. Outdoor recreation areas, trails, and pavilions are open. All guests must follow social distancing guidelines. The Golf Courses in North and South park are open, with social distancing guidelines in place. OUtdoor facility, indoor facility, and field rentals are available starting June 12th with restrictions in place. (Note: The County Park Swimming Pools will not be open this summer. They were unable to find enough lifeguards to staff the pools.) For more information: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/index.aspx
Pittsburgh City Parks Spray Parks
Pittsburgh City Parks Spray Parks are open. The Spray Parks at Arlington, Burgwin, East HIlls, Paulson, Shadyside, Troy Hill, and Warrington are open daily from 1000AM through 800PM. Spray Parks can be closed for inclement weather. The Spray features are also open at the Armstrong, Beechview, Chartiers, Eileen McCoy, and Frazier Playgrounds. https://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/spray-park
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The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
The Carnegie Museums websites are still allowing for the purchase of timed tickets for this week. There is no indication on their website that the open status has changed., but it is recommended you call before heading to the Museums to confirm the status.
The four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh – The Carnegie Science Center, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Andy Warhol Museum reopened on June 29th to the general public. Timed tickets will be required for every person in order to enter the Museums. Timed tickets will have a specific date and time for entry.
The Museums will be kept at 25% capacity. There are foot traffic flow patterns in place. Interactive exhibits are limited. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed. Social distancing will be required.
Masks MUST be worn by all guests (over the age of two) and staff.
For more information: https://mailchi.mp/carnegiesciencecenter.org/re-opening?e=%5bUNIQID%5d
Heinz History Center, Fort Pitt Museum, and the Meadowcroft Rockshelter
The Heinz History Center website is still selling timed tickets for the week. It is recommended you call to confirm they are still open.
The Heinz History Center, Fort Pitt Museum, and the Meadowcroft Rockshelter reopened to the public on July 1, 2020. Advanced, timed is required. Capacity will be limited.
Masks will be required of all guests and staff. Social distancing will be in place. Cashless pay, plexiglass shields, and extra cleaning will be in place as well. Hand sanitizers will be available.
The Cafe at the History Center is closed. https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/health-and-safety-covid-19
The National Aviary
The National Aviary is opened this week in following the guidelines issued by Allegheny County.
The National Aviary reopened to the public on July 1, 2020. The Aviary will have timed ticketing, extended hours, and cashless pay.
All guests over two will be required to wear a face mask. The Aviary is increasing their cleaning. Hand sanitizers will be available. https://www.aviary.org/plan-your-visit#reopening
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Kennywood Park
Kennywood Park is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Kennywood is closed Mondays and Tuesdays except Labor Day.
Kennywood Park reopened to the public. Kennywood has a registration system to reserve a day to get in. In order to reserve a date, you will need either a season pass or a Fun Day ticket for the park. You will need both a date pass and a ticket or season pass to get into the Park on your reserved day. Kennywood is limiting capacity to 30%. If a date is not available, the Park has reached capacity for that day. Kennywood is accepting sp,e wa;l-up admissions.
Everyone will have their temperatures checked prior to entrance. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees will not be allowed to enter. EVERYONE over the age of two will be required to wear a face mask while they are in the Park.
Numerous rides are closed for the season including the 4D Theater, Noahs Ark, Gran Prix, Skycoaster, Steelers Experience, and Thomas Town Big adventures Play Zone.Rides that are often closed include Steel Curtain, Raging Rapids, Swing Shot, Black Widow, and Bayern Curve. Other rides may closed daily. The End Zone Cafe, The Parkside Cafe, and Pedros are also closed.
Social Distancing, additional sanitation, hand sanitizer, and limited capacity will be in effect. For more information: https://www.kennywood.com/summer2020
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Idlewild Park
Idlewild Park is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Date specific advance reservations are not required.
Face masks are required of all guests over the age of 2. Temperature checks will be made at the gate. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 or with COVID-19 symptoms will not be admitted.
Rides, refreshments, and games may not be available on specific days. Jumpin’ Jungle and all Playgrounds are closed. All character experiences are also closed. The Park closes at 600PM.
Social distracting will be enforced. Additional measure include increased cleaning, hand sanitizer, and limited capacity. Fore more information: https://www.idlewild.com/summer2020
Sandcastle
Sandcastle is open.
Advanced, date specific reservations are required for every guest. Once the Park has reached capacity, reservations will be closed.
All guests are required to wear face masks except in pools and on attractions. ding in line for attractions.
Some attractions and food stands may be closed daily.
Social distancing will be enforced. Teams will be cleaning and sanitizing attractions throughout the day. For more information: https://www.sandcastlewaterpark.com/summer2020
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Phipps Conservatory website is still offering timed tickets for entry. It is recommended you call to confirm Phipps is open.
Phipps Conservatory is open to the public. Advance reservations with Date specific Timed Tickets are required. Capacity will be limited.
Face Masks are required for everyone over age 2.
Signs directing everyone on a one-way path through the Conservatory and Gardens are in place. Social distancing is required. All hands-on displays and play areas are closed. Please do not touch anything. Hand sanitizer stations are available.
For more information: https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/tickets
Disposable Face Masks
What’s Not Open
City and County Pools and Spray Parks
The County Pools and Spray Parks are not scheduled to open this summer. The County was not able to hire enough Life Guards to staff their pools.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab are working on a reopening plan. Both of these facilitates are very hands-on. This complicates their ability to reopen safely.
Trust Arts in the Theater District
The Theater District is still largely closed, with Trust Arts shows postponed until further notice.
Fourth of July Fireworks, Parades, and Events
Pittsburgh has cancelled their Fourth of July Fireworks. Many other places have cancelled their fireworks. parades, and events as well.
Fourth of July Face Masks
