Pittsburgh's Kidapalooza is for young and young at heart
The David L. Lawrence Convention Center will be transformed into a playground, sports zone, a mini zoo, a maker area, a bicycle track, a snack table and a bus stop during the annual Kidapalooza Feb. 1.
The goal is to entertain not only the children but mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, aunts and uncles, everyone, says Amy Mauk, event planner, who is director of promotions, events and marketing, Entercom Pittsburgh.
“We try to bring them together all in one place,” Mauk says. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be snakes and other animals, entertainment on the stage, including a magician and storytellers and rides. See magic tricks by Al Mazing and snakes from Iceman Reptiles.
The little ones will feel like royalty and meet princesses and super heroes in “Cartoon Camp” and have their hair styled by Bella Capelli Academy in the “Princess Pavilion,” Mauk says.
There will be a creative corner with a Home Depot builder’s workshop and biking with the Wheel Mill. Kids can read a script for KDKA Radio, which is celebrating 100 years in 2020.
Most attractions are included in the admission price of $13, $10 in advance for adults and $8 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 are free.
Coach Dave Gray of McCandless, owner of Dave Gray Sports, will create a fantasy camp for kids. They can see how fast they can throw a baseball and test their football tossing accuracy.
“Sports can be confidence builders for kids,” Gray says. “Being active is also an important health benefit. Kids have great energy and sports can help them use that energy.”
Leading the way is longtime sponsor Giant Eagle.
“For many years and we’ve partnered with many of our vendors for this wonderful event for the kiddos,” says Jannah Jablonowski, spokeswoman for Giant Eagle. “We try to get the youngsters to try healthy snacks. There will be plenty to sample.”
The children can create their own balanced trail mix — one that doesn’t only contain candy. Giant Eagle pharmacists will be on hand to discuss their careers. Kids can learn what a pharmacist does and about the safety of prescription medications, including teaching about Mr. Yuk and his warnings of danger.
“Pittsburgh winters can be tough on kids and parents, especially after the holidays when they are looking for things to do,” says Jablonowski. “Kidapalooza gives kids a chance to be active for the entire day because there are so many things there. It’s fun for the whole family.”
The event is for all kids. That’s why W.L. Roenigk of Sarver will bring a wheelchair-accessible school bus. Kids can experience what it’s like to get in and out of the vehicle via a lift.
“We show the children the bus is for everyone,” John Risch, a supervisor of the North Allegheny region of W.L. Roenigk, says. “Riding a school bus is a big part of a child’s life.”
He says the first year they had the bus at Kidapalooza it was near closing time and dad and his daughter who was in a wheelchair came by to see it. “She was getting ready to start school and was nervous so I put her on the lift and explained everything to her,” Risch says. “She was grinning from ear to ear. That is why we bring this bus.”
Details: starpittsburgh.radio.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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