Did you know you can explore the entire Frick Museum online right now?

PITTSBURGH — It’s official: many of us in the western PA region can get back out and do things in public places, albeit with new restrictions and guidance. But if you’re not sure you’re ready to get out there and dive back into the socially-distanced mix, we’ve still got some ideas for you to do without leaving your own house and neighborhood.

Whether you are looking to entertain your children or blow of some steam and relax, we’ve got 11 things you can do this week without leaving your home!

Three Rivers Arts Festival: Digital Edition

The 61st Annual Three Rivers Arts Festival is underway, and all online this year. There will be live performances on “Digital Stages” each day at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday, as well as the 24/7 Stage that will feature many artists and performances throughout the week. there are also a number of exclusive art exhibitions, films, and an Artist Market. You can find out more about all of the digital events here.

Inside The Scene: Digital Happy Hour

Enjoy happy hour courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural trust with Inside The Scene, a 4-part digital happy hour and insider look at the growing musical scene in Pittsburgh. Each episode will feature live performances and interviews with the city’s leading musicians. The guest for this week’s episode is David Beck of Swing Machine. Sign up now to get a free mocktail recipe! The show is on Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

Frick Virtual Book Club: The Transcendentalists

Through the seminal works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman,participants will delve into the philosophy and literature of the Transcendentalist movement. The Transcendentalists were non-conformists who critiqued contemporary 19th-century society, lived by the values of individualism and idealism, and asserted the divinity of nature. Discussion will be led by Frick staff members Lisa Viscusi and Kelly McMasters. Register here for a link to participate! This online session is on Tuesday from 10:30 -11 a.m.

Grow Pittsburgh Webinar: Composting

The Covid-19 pandemic has led a lot of people to grow their own gardens. Most food crops require fertile, well-drained soil, and the best way to reach both of these goals is to add compost! Interested in creating your own backyard compost but not sure where to begin? Join Grow Pittsburgh on Tuesday from 10 - 11 a.m. for a webinar to cover the basics you need to get started.

Dance The Story At Home!

Join the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. all summer-long on Facebook Live for an up-on-your-feet story time for the kids! This Tuesday will be Peter and the Wolf!

Aviary Education

The National Aviary knows it isn’t easy to keep your children entertained and educated at the same time, so they are providing a number of educational programs on their website. CyBIRD Learning is an online platform to help your family learn all about birds from the experts at the Aviary. Learn about topics ranging from birds and their habitats, the rain forest, and penguins. The 30-40 minute programs are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find more information on how to sign up here.

Lunch And Learn: Linguini with Ricotta and Spring Peas

Whip up a taste of Phipps every Tuesday with the head chefs of Café Phipps. Chef Amy and Chef Chris will demonstrate and share their very own recipes with us. You can expect fresh, flavorful meals using a variety of ingredients. This week is linguini with ricotta and spring peas. This live Zoom webinar is on Tuesday from 12:30-1 p.m. and costs $11 for non-members and $9 for members. Make sure to register here to participate.

Carnegie Science Center’s Daily Activities

Even though the Carnegie Science Center is closed right now, they are providing great resources to keep your family educated and entertained! Each day they list a daily roundup of science-y things to read, watch, and do on their Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also find simple science experiments you can do from home on their Instagram page every day!

Phipps Virtual Story Time

If you are looking for a fun story time experience for your children, look no further than Phipps! Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. the Conservatory hosts a 15 minute story book reading. This week the kids will be learning about the letter "B" and the word “bug”. There will be a special reading of “Lincoln School” by guest Ismael Bramonth. That will be followed by a reading of Reading of “Who Pulled the Plug in My Ant Farm?” and “I’m Off to Catch a Bumblebee” from the book Something Been Has Been Here by Jack Prelutsky. After the reading there will be a group singing of “Old MacDonald.” Make sure to register for either reading before hand.

The Frick Museum Virtual Experience

Did you know you can explore the entire Frick Museum online right now? Now you do! The museum has posted a number of kids’ activities for children from early childhood through high school, including at home art projects. There are also some virtual events you can attend, such as Maker & Muse Curator’s Lecture on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7 p.m. The events are free, but make sure to register in advance if you plan to attend.

Shubrew Virtual Trivia

Up in Butler County, fan-favorite brewery Shubrew in Zelienople hosts a virtual trivia night for those who are looking for a more traditional bar trivia night. Enjoy trivia, laughs, and beer talk every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the brewery’s twitch page. The top two teams win gift cards.

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