Pittsburgh Offers Black History Month Activities for Children

While activities for adults to celebrate Black History Month can include everything from commemorative to cultural events, there are also a wide variety of activities for children that incorporate play, arts, and learning.

Events

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will offer its second annual Black History Month Art Crawl from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 1. Contemporary artists will be stationed throughout the museum’s first floor who will create live portraits and artworks honoring Pittsburgh’s Black heroes. This year’s featured subjects will include Pittsburgh’s Freedom Corner, Kuntu Repertory Theater Founder Dr. Vernell Lillie, baseball player Josh Gibson (of the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords), civil rights activist and performer Lena Horne, and many others.

The Carnegie Science Center will host several Black History Month-themed events, including a Story Time Under the Stars during which children can learn about Black STEM professionals while listening to science-themed stories under a starry sky.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures will host “Words & Pictures” featuring author Kelly Starling Lyons. Her latest book celebrates the 120th anniversary of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, and how it inspired five generations of a family. The talk will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Main branch in Oakland.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Knoxville branch will host Kids Club: Taking Flight - African Americans in Aviation for children in kindergarten through fifth grade on Wednesday, February 5. The event will focus on three history makers: Bessie Coleman, David E. Harris, and Guion Bluford, all three of whom played a significant role in aviation and aerospace history.

The Carnegie Library has also put together a list of Teen Books for Black History Month 2025. The list includes everything from nonfiction to novels that fit in with the Black History Month theme.

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, located on Main Street in Greensburg, will host a Black History Month Celebration on Sunday, February 9. The event will include art-making activities and performances honoring the month’s theme.

Crayola to Host ‘Imagination in Action’ in Late January

Crayola will host “Imagination in Action,” one of its biggest celebrations of the year, from late January through early February.

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The weeklong virtual event is designed to inspire and engage through:

• Celebrity appearances

• Hands-on activity videos

• Downloadable creative resources

• Daily giveaways

• An online gallery to showcase student artwork

Sessions

The event will hold one session per day for all seven days. The sessions include:

• Life Lessons (with actor Matthew McConaughey and illustrator Renee Kurilla): Monday, January 27

• Change & Collaboration (with actor Henry Winkler, author Lin Oliver, and illustrator Dan Santat): Tuesday, January 28

• Abstract Thinking (with children’s author, illustrator, and artist Mo Willems): Wednesday, January 29

• Confidence Soars (with author and actor Phillipa Soo, author Maris Pasquale Doran, and illustrator Qin Leng): Thursday, January 30

• Flows Like Water (with author and U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon, illustrator Peter Sis and NASA scientists): Friday, January 31

• Bee-Lieve in Your Future (with author and entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer): Saturday, February 1

• Conquer Fears (with author and actor Max Greenfield and illustrator James Serafino)

Registration for the event is now open.

Power Kids Website Offers Videos, Books on Various Topics

Children and their caregivers can do everything from watching videos and reading books to learning about a variety of topics through Power Kids, Pennsylvania’s electronic library.

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Power Kids is broken down into 12 e-resources that cover a variety of topics and formats. The electronic library enables children to access videos, books, information on how to be a safe and responsible citizen with eBooks, chat with a librarian, and resources that helps them to learn about everything from history to science.

The e-resources available on the Power Kids site include:

• BookFlix: children can watch videos and read books about animals, celebrations, nature, music, and other topics, some of which are also available in Spanish

• Britannica School for PreK-5: inspires learners to create, play, and explore, this tool offers nonfiction articles across various subjects

• Cricket Media Collection: includes hundreds of e-books that can help to build literacy skills in students from grades pre-K through eighth by offering digital access to short-form fiction and nonfiction

• Discover PA for Kids: provides state symbols, facts, and figures

• Elementary: provides information such topics as animals, arts, geography, health, literature, people, social studies, and technology

• True Flix: visitors can learn about people, places, nature, history, and science through e-books on topics such as American Indians, ancient civilizations, the Civil War, the U.S. government, and more

• KidSpeak - Chinese/Mandarin, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish/Castilian: learn words and phrases suitable for learners’ age, needs, and interests; includes more than 40 activities, puzzles, and songs

For more information on the various resources, visit the Power Kids website.

6x6 Assemble Show Seeks Art Submissions with ‘Play’ Theme

The 6x6 Assemble is seeking submissions from artists for its third annual show. This year’s theme is PLAY.

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Artists is called upon to think of how they play and create something. Creating a piece itself could be an act of play. Or, it could be a sport, video game reference, board game, pictorial hide and seek, or something you play with and touch. 

Play is how humans learn about their environments as children and is a critical element for confidence building, problem solving, imagination, stress management, and socialization.

Those interested in participating should fill out a form that should be dropped off to Assemble - located at 4824 Penn Avenue - by Friday, January 24.

Each piece in the show will be sold for $25. All ages are welcome to participate. All funds raised will go to support Assemble’s free STEAM programs, although pieces that don’t sell will be returned to the artists.

Pieces in the show should be no larger than 6”x”6x1’. Artists will be invited to a VIP reception on Thursday, February 6. Those interested should RSVP now. The public Unblurred Gallery Opening is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, February 7.

City Launches Basketball Initiative as Part of Violence Prevention Commitment

Mayor Ed Gainey and My Brother’s Keeper Pittsburgh has launched a late-night basketball initiative for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26.

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The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department’s CitiSports program, as part of the city's commitment to violence prevention.

The initiative aims to provide safe places where at-risk young adults can take part in constructive activities. The program will also discuss with youths how to find a path to improve their personal and professional growth.

During the nine-week program, participants will have access to resources and information about supportive services that are available. The kickoff will consist of participants gathering to meet REACH workers and Stop the Violence organizations.

Participants will play basketball and attend weekly skills and training development workshops before each game. Workshop focus areas will be workforce development, financial education, violence prevention, health and wellness resources, and educational attainment.

Regular season games will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks at the South Side Market House. The first will be held on Tuesday, January 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This will be followed by playoff games for three weeks towards the championship game and graduation from the initiative. 

“In this day and age, we recognize the importance of providing our young people with constructive outlets and activities, many of which graduate out of violence prevention programs due to age, and are left without many trusted safe spaces,” Gainey said.

Those interested in participating as a player, mentor, or coach can sign up online. Additional information on the program can be found on MBK Pittsburgh’s EngagePGH page.

Indoor Play and Why It's Fun for Everyone

What is indoor play?

Indoor play refers to recreational and leisure activities that take place within the confines of indoor spaces, such as homes, community centers, gyms, or dedicated indoor play areas. Indoor play activities vary from video games to arts and crafts, as well as activities such as board games, puzzles and going to an indoor playground. widely. Indoor play caters to all age groups, cultural backgrounds, and interests.

Research shows one of the benefits of indoor play for everyone is that it encourages creativity and critical thinking. Activities like crafts, reading stories, and art projects support being inventive, where board games encourage problem-solving. Even video games such as Wii Fit and Just Dance promote physical activity.

Other benefits of indoor play include a lower risk of injury and a convenient alternative for days of inclement outdoor weather. Indoor playgrounds, for instance, greatly reduce the risk of danger and injury through soft matting or foam in case of any falls. Some companies even sell indoor gyms for your home at a range of sizes for all ages.

Indoor play for children

Playing indoors can offer a variety of benefits for children. While outdoor play is important for physical activity and exposure to nature, indoor play has its own advantages. Some benefits of children playing indoors include:

• Safety: Indoor play environments provide a controlled, safe space for children to play, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

• Educational Opportunities: Many indoor activities, such as board games, puzzles, and educational toys, offer learning opportunities that stimulate cognitive development and creativity.

• Consistency: Indoor play spaces, such as playrooms or family child care centers like The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, offer consistent play opportunities throughout the year, providing a playful routine for children.

• Creativity and Imagination: Indoor environments often encourage imaginative play. Children can create their own games, stories, and scenarios using toys, art supplies, or household items.

• Quiet Time: Indoor play can include quieter activities such as reading, drawing, or playing with building blocks, which provides a sensory and physical break from more active and noisy outdoor play.

• Accessibility: Indoor play spaces are often more accessible, especially for families who may not have easy access to outdoor recreational areas.

A balanced approach to play, incorporating both indoor and outdoor activities, is ideal for a child's overall development. A mix of various environments and play options can provide a well-rounded and enriching, playful experience for children.

Indoor play for teens

Teenagers can derive various benefits from engaging in indoor activities. Indoor play and pursuits offer advantages for teens (ages 13 through 18), particularly in terms of cognitive, social, and skill development. Even video games and mobile games can provide developmental and cognitive benefits for teenagers. Here are some benefits of teens playing indoors:

• Education: Indoor activities, such as reading, learning games, or creative projects, provide opportunities for continued education and skill development outside of typical learning spaces for teens.

• Skill Development and Enhancement: Teens can develop specific skills indoors, such as playing musical instruments, coding, writing, or engaging in artistic pursuits, which can contribute to their personal growth and future opportunities.

• Creativity and Innovation: Teens can explore their artistic talents, experiment with technology, or engage in problem-solving activities during indoor play sessions.

• Development of Productive Hobbies: Pursuing indoor hobbies like painting, writing, cooking, or crafting can be both enjoyable and productive. These hobbies can serve as a healthy outlet for self-expression, stress relief, and overall mental wellness.

• Social Interaction: Indoor activities, including video games, board games, or collaborative projects, can facilitate social interaction for teens, and assist with developing and maintaining friendships.

It's important for teens to balance their time with outdoor activities, physical exercise, and face-to-face social interactions. Striking a balance between indoor and outdoor play contributes to an overall healthy lifestyle for teenagers.

Indoor play for adults and seniors

While the concept of "play" may be more commonly associated with children, adults and seniors can also benefit significantly from engaging in indoor activities that promote relaxation, creativity, and overall well-being. Benefits of indoor play for adults and seniors can look like the following:

• Stress Reduction: Indoor play can serve as a powerful stress reliever. Engaging in enjoyable activities such as games, crafts, and reading can help adults unwind and reduce tension.

• Mental Stimulation: Indoor activities such as puzzles or strategy games can provide mental stimulation, keeping adult and senior minds sharp and potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

• Social Interaction: Whether it's through board games, movie nights, or other shared experiences, these type of indoor activities contribute to social well-being for adults and seniors and develop stronger social bonds and camraderie amongst adult groups.

• Personal Growth and Improved Mood: Learning new skills or taking up a hobby can contribute to personal growth and development for adults, which helps enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Engaging in enjoyable indoor activities also releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters. This can lead to an improved overall mood and emotional well-being.

• Adaptability: Indoor play can be easily adapted to various adult schedules and lifestyles. As adults, the common reason to not participate in plat is “there is not enough time in the day”. So incorporating a quick game, a creative project, or a longer hobby, adults can fit these activities into their daily routines.

It's important for adults to find a balance between work, responsibilities, and play. Incorporating indoor play into a routine can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Indoor play is a valuable aspect of adult well-being.

Here are some resources and references on indoor play and activities, and the benefits that this play type provides:

• Indoor vs. Outdoor Play - is one Better Than the Other?, Playground Centre

• 7 Benefits of Indoor Play for Children, LiggettVille

• Why Playing Indoors Is Just as Important as Playing Outdoors, Indoor Playgrounds International

• 16 Indoor Group Games & Activities for Adults, TeamBuilding.com

• Benefits of Indoor Activities for Older Adults, Samvedna Care

• A Parent's Guide to Indoor Play Places in Pittsburgh, Macaroni KID