Polar Express PJ Parties at the Carnegie Science Center

by Janet Jonus Image by Christine Engelhardt from Pixabay

The Carnegie Science Center brings Holiday Magic to The Polar Express with Polar PJ Parties and special Sensory-Friendly Polar PJ Parties.

Put on your PJ’s and head to the Science Center for a fun-filled event topped off with a showing of The Polar Express in 3D!

The Party starts with access to all four levels of the Carnegie Science Center Main Building. Families can explore robotics, space, water, the human body, and more. Everyone will be heading to the Miniature Railroad & Village with the new Grand Depot Building and Clock. The Grand Depot is a recreation of the original Kaufman’s store from the early 1900’s. The Depot features ten miniature windows with detailed window displays that many of us remember from the Kaufman’s store of our youth. The Railroad just reopened after a lengthy refurbishment, and it is a favorite for the holidays.

Warm up at the Hot Chocolate Bar with mini marshmallows frozen in liquid nitrogen. A light snack is also provided.

There are Polar Express Make and Take crafts and activities too.

The Buhl Planetarium has a special Stars over the North Pole show. If you normally skip the Buhl Planetarium, you shouldn’t. It is an amazing experience for kids and adults alike. Watch as the magic of the night sky is comes alive in an immersive show.

Santa will be at the Polar PJ Parties for pictures and greetings. Make sure you have your list of science toys with you.

After all of the festive fun, head to the Rangos Giant Cinema for a 3D showing of the Polar Express.

Polar PJ Parties are very popular, so make sure you get your tickets early.

Polar PJ Parties are held November 29th 830AM-1200PM, December 7th 830AM-1200PM, December 20th 530-900PM, December 21st 830AM-1200PM, and December 22nd 830AM-1200PM. Tickets are $19.00 for ages 3+ and $5.00 for children 2 and under. For Reservations: http://carnegiesciencecenter.org/programs/polar-express-events/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=homepage-programs-box&utm_term=polar-express-events

Sensory Friendly Polar PJ Parties

Guests on the autism spectrum or with Sensory Processing Disorder have their own Polar PJ Parties.

Sensory Polar PJ Parties have all of the same fun as a Polar PJ Party. The Main Building of the Science Center is open. Catch the Stars over the North Pole at the Buhl Planetarium. Enjoy the Hot Chocolate Bar with nitrogen-frozen mini marshmallows. Create with a Make and Take activity. Take a picture with Santa, and then head into the Rangos Giant Cinema for a special 2D showing of The Polar Express.

The Science Center makes the experience special for everyone. The lights and sounds are adjusted throughout the building and during the movie. The Science Center has noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses available. The staff is specially trained for the event.

Sensory Friendly Polar PJ Parties are held on November 30th 830AM-1200PM and December 14th 830AM-1200PM. Tickets are $19.00 for ages 3+ and $5.00 for children 2 and under. For reservations: http://carnegiesciencecenter.org/programs/polar-express-events/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=homepage-programs-box&utm_term=polar-express-events

The Basics

If you can’t make it to a Polar PJ Party, you can still see the Polar Express in 3D at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Shows are on December 29th at 700PM, December 8th at 130PM, December 13th at 700PM, and December 19th at 400PM. Tickets are $9.95 (Member tickets are $7.95).

The Science Center is open daily from 1000AM – 500PM. The Science Center is usually closed during Steelers home games and at some special events at Heinz Field. (The Science Center is across the street from Heinz Field.)

General Admission tickets to the Science Center are $19.95 for adults 13+, $11.95 for children 3-12, and $14.95 for seniors 65+, children under two are free. This grants you admission to all four levels of the Science Center, Highmark SportsWorks, Buhl Planetarium, and the USS Requin. Mummies of the World Admission is $19.95 for adults 13+, $15.95 for children 3-12, and $17.95 for seniors 65+. Admission for Mummies of the World does not include admission to the Science Center. Admission to the Rangos Giant Cinema for any one educational movie (Hollywood movies are priced separately) is $9.95 for guests 3 and up. These tickets are available for sale online and at the Science Center.

The Science Center offers combination discounts at the ticket counter (not available online). General admission to the Science Center and admission to Mummies of the World is $32.90 for adults 13+, $22.90 for children 3-12, and $26.90 for seniors 65+. General admission to the Science Center and a Rangos Educational Movie is $27.90 for adults 13+. $19.90 for children 3-12, and $22.90 for seniors 65+. Admission to Mummies of the World and a Rangos Educational Movie (but no admission to the Science Center) is $27.90 for adults 13+, $23.90 for children 3-12, and $25.90 for seniors 65+. Finally the multi-pack which includes general admission to the Science Center, Mummies of the World, and a Rangos Educational Movie is $40.85 for adults 13+, $30.85 for children 3-12, and $34.85 for seniors 65+. Children two and under are free.

You can also buy tickets to Laser shows at the Science Center. The cost is $8.00 for guests 3 and up and $7.00 for admission to the USS Requin for all guests 3 and up.

Check out prices here: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/visit/pricing/

There are several discounts to the Science Center. Discounts are available here: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/visit/special-offers-and-discounts/

Parking is available in the Science Center lot for $5.00. Parking exit tickets can be purchased inside the Science Center at pay kiosks. They can be purchased at any time during your visit and used when you leave. The Allegheny Center T station is right next to the Science Center and the Port Authority 14 and 18 buses stop nearby.

The Science Center is wheelchair accessible (except for the USS Requin). Arrangements can be made in advance for those with special needs. A limited number of motorized wheelchairs are available. The Science Center also has sunglasses and noise cancelling headphones for those on the autism spectrum and those with sensory disorders. Check here for more information: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/visit/accessibility/

The Carnegie Science Center is at One Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15212 / 412-237-3400 / http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/