Fun Activity for 1St Birthday

Hey, I'm quickly learning that they're going to be my babies when they have babies! Does she walk at all? If she does, she may enjoy the Children's Museum because there's a lot of hands on things to do that are a little more difficult when you're in a stroller. My kids' favorite part is the Water Room, where they put on slickers and boots and play with water pipes, boats, different pools set up for hand splashing. I still would try for the zoo only because I love going there with my kids (and it's a bit of a workout). Congratulations on a successful first year as a mother!

The Children's Museum has a floor for really little kids. It is pretty small but there are some activities. They also have a big water room (take a change of clothing) on the top floor that my kids loved when they were one but they were already standing.
The Science Center also has a water room on the top floor. There are a lot of noisy activities and the train that your daughter may like to see from her stroller. I was surprised by how interested my one year old was in everything at the Science Center.
I think the Center for Creative Play closed down two weeks ago.
You can also sign up for the "free class" at Gymboree. They let everyone take one free class before they force you to join. They are online. That being said right now it looks like it is going to warm enough for the zoo next week. My kids have loved the zoo. We just went yesterday. I have an 18 month old and a 3 year old.
Have fun and Happy Birthday to your daughter!
A.

We actually went to the Children's Museum today. It is a great place for kids! There is so much to do for all ages. I have a five year old, a three old and an 8 mo. old and we all had fun. I am not sure if this is true or not but I heard that Center for Creative Play might be closing. Have fun...that first year goes so fast!

The Center for Creative Play closed at the beginning of the month. Try the toy lending library. Google Pittsburgh toy lending library. It is inexpensive and has many toys for young children. Enjoy her birthday.

C.,
I'm sure that WHATEVER you two do together...she will have an awesome time! I've never been to the Children's Museum, but I would think that's a safe bet! The zoo would be a great time too. The children's zoo is pretty nice. The Science Center has an awesome area for kids under 6 or 7 I believe--water tables, ball factory, etc. It's a little pricey but a great time and you could probably spend a lot of time there. She's only O., so don't set too high of expectations for the trip. She will cherish spending the time together whatever you do! Hope you have a BLAST!

CFCP is closed, don't go there. The Children's Muesuem is great for a one year old, if it is a weekday, very good. (Weekends are a bit scary and chaotic for the wee set, and me, I think.) The zoo actually might be a bit not interesting for her, at least everything except the petting zoo. My boy was not interested, he just wanted to run around. Your little girl could be different. Science Center might be too old, as well.

Really anything that is focused on spending some time together would be fun for both of you I'm sure. You have some good ideas - children's museum does have a great middle floor for younger kids - great for early walkers/young toddlers. I have a 4.5,3 and almost 1 year old and we don't do the science center much yet as there isn't too much for the little ones. We have memberships at the children's museum, zoo and had one at center for creative play. It is closed now - as a member, I got a letter (no explanation though). If it's rainy, the local library is a fun trip too. Check out stroytimes and maybe you could catch one of those. Some of the bookstores have them too. Toy Lending Library is very nice though not so convenient for me so I haven't gone very much.

I think the Center for Creative Play is closed but an alternative to that is the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library.

I think the zoo is a great choice -- we have found that the Science Center is a little too grown-up for a one-year-old (ours had fun but they didn't get anything more out of it than they would any fun play place), and probably the same can be said of the Children's Museum.

Phipps and the Aviary are also good choices that I always forget about!

The Center for Creative Play is closed. It was a wonderful place. Keep it simple, a one year old just wants to play and have fun. Do a craft, take her to a park(if weather permits) or an indoor playground, and take her to a fun place she's never been to have a special meal. For a birthday party idea, maybe next year, the Sweets from Heaven candy store in the Monroeville Mall is fun and cheap to have a party at. Good Luck!

If not the zoo, I think the Children's Museum would be your best bet for a 1 year old. We did that with our oldest on her first birthday.

As for the Center for Creative Play, there were articles in the Post Gazette saying that it closed for good last week without explanation. I will sorely miss it. It was an awesome place for all ages.

Another place to consider might be the Toy Lending Library. I have never been there but they do have a website that you could check out. Maybe some other moms can tell you more about it and if it would be appropriate.

My daughter is 2 1/2 and enjoys both the Childrens museum and the science center. For a 1 year old the childrens museum would be a better choice. They have an arts and crafts room for painting, and clay. You can take your pictures home that you paint. My daughter also loved the Mr. Rogers exhibit which shows you all the components of the neighborhood. You can sit in the trolley which is supersized. The 4th floor offers a water room where your kid can play with boats and balls while wearing a raincoat. You need a change of clothes for after. Enjoy her 1st birthday with what ever event you choose!
B.

Hi C.,

The Children's museum is great for pre-walkers! The whole second floor is dedicated to the smaller children. And if she likes water, take her up to the third floor where there's a Huge water table! Just remember to bring a change of clothes because the smallest 'raincoat' I've seen there is a 3t. I have a zoo membership too, but my 18-month old only recently started enjoying it now that he can walk well. He loves to look at the fish in the aquarium. There's really no place for babies to crawl around there unless she's walking well. If you decide either of those places show your Giant Eagle advantage card to get $1.00 off admission. They don't advertise it but I found on the Giant Eagle website under local perks.

Here's also some ideas on FREE places to try anytime:
The Toy Lending Library http://www.pghtoys.com/ your first visit is free. I liked it because there was so much for them to do, and I got an idea of what toys to buy next. They also have a little kitchen area with a microwave and refrigerator where you can bring your own snacks or lunch, and little tables and chairs.
Gymboree: http://www.gymboreeclasses.com/b2c/customer/home.jsp
you can take a free play class. We became member here too.
Kindermusik http://www.kathysmusic.com/ has a free first class. I've tried this but my little one wasn't ready--too interested in running around!
The Seesaw center http://seesawcenter.org/ I've never been here yet, I think it closes at the end of April for the summer.
The Carnegie libraries also have free storytimes and song classes http://www.clpgh.org/events/
None of these you have to join, it's just something different to try. Hope you have a great day whatever you do!!!

Giggles and Smiles is a great place for a first birthday. I heard a rumor that the Center for Creatie Play is closing.

I recommend the Children's Museum and possibly taking a side trip to the National Aviary. My kids loved to watch the birds there. The Children's Museum has a floor just for toddlers and little ones plus they have the art area and the water tables on the fourth floor. My kids love the Carnegie Science Center but I think this is much more geared to 2 and above. (My kids are 8, 3, and 7 months). Just remember when you go to the Children's Museum to wear old clothes she can get messy and to bring a change of clothes. I would start at the art area and let her paint. Let her get dirty with it if she wants to. Then go to the water area and let her get wet. When you are done there (she should be pretty clean from her painting and artwork), then change her clothes and go to the floor where the toddler area is (I don't remember if it is the second or third. I think it is the third floor.).

Anyhow, have fun on her birthday. Hope this helps.

Hi Happy b'day to the little one. My 11mth old did not really enjoy the zoo as she was kind of stuck in her stroller. The water table is fun at the childrens museum. Unfortunately the center for creative play shut down apparently due to financial problems otherwise that was a real fun place to hang out together. Enjoy.