National Aviary Park
Large bird zoo and conservation center in Pittsburgh
Located in Pittsburgh's North Side, the National Aviary houses hundreds of bird species in recreated habitats, offers flight demonstrations and runs conservation education.
National Aviary at a Glance#
Address: 700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, United States
Website: https://www.aviary.org/
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm (seasonal variations possible)
Admission: Adults $12-$16, children and seniors discounted; membership options available
About National Aviary#
The National Aviary is an independent nonprofit bird zoo located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the city’s North Side. It is one of the larger U.S. aviaries and is known for live bird presentations and species-focused exhibits.
The facility cares for roughly 500 individual birds representing more than 150 species, with habitats that range from indoor tropical aviaries to outdoor enclosures. Exhibits highlight conservation, breeding programs, and interactive educational experiences.
The institution traces its history to mid-20th-century aviary activities in Pittsburgh and was chartered as the National Aviary in the early 1990s. Since then it has expanded its collection and public programs.
The aviary sits adjacent to Allegheny Commons Park in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood, within easy distance of downtown Pittsburgh and other riverfront attractions.
- Setting: Housed in a converted urban park facility on Pittsburgh’s North Side, with both indoor aviaries and outdoor exhibits.
- Mission: Operates as an independent nonprofit and emphasizes conservation, education, and species propagation programs.
How to Get to National Aviary#
The National Aviary is located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, near the Allegheny River. It’s a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh and accessible by local bus routes and rideshare; limited on-site parking is available and nearby municipal lots provide additional spaces.
Tips for Visiting National Aviary#
- Arrive early morning for feeding times and keeper talks-birds are most active and exhibit areas are quieter.
- Don't skip the flight demonstrations in the outdoor aviary-these give a sense of the birds' scale and behavior that exhibits alone can't convey.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens for the best wildlife shots; many species have protected enclosures that keep distance.
Best Time to Visit National Aviary#
Spring and summer for active birds and demonstrations; indoor exhibits keep the aviary visit worthwhile year-round.
Weather & Climate near National Aviary#
National Aviary's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (956 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 3° | -6° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 6° | -4° | 57 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 11° | 2° | 82 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 18° | 11° | 81 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 24° | 17° | 99 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 28° | 21° | 98 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 30° | 24° | 99 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 29° | 23° | 89 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 80 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 19° | 12° | 63 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -4° - 6° | -3° | 71 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
