Zoo visitors can ‘beat the heat’ during water festival
PITTSBURGH – Visitors to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium can beat the heat during the “PPG Festival of Water” from today through Monday. Local organizations will be present to provide information about aquatic wildlife and water sports during “Sportin’ It Outdoors” on Saturday and Sunday. “Sportin’ It Outdoors” is presented by local sport, environmental and educational groups, including Wilderness Voyageurs, Just Ducky Tours, Laurel Highlands River Tours, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Mountain Dreams International, the Allegheny County Department of Public Works Parks Division, the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute, Curves for Women, Riversport, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Wind and Water Boaters, Pennswoods West Trout Unlimited, the National Aviary and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.
Visitors can win prizes including white water rafting trips, pool passes and more. There are also lots of competitions, like the water cycle challenge, team building activities and the backpack packing competition, all for zoo visitors and the public for free.
Back by popular demand, Scuba Tours returns to Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for a limited time, sponsored by Splash Water Sports.
Visitors age 6 and over can have free scuba experiences in a special pool at the aquarium plaza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day during the “PPG Festival of Water.”
After watching a short instructional video and slipping into full scuba gear, complete with a wetsuit and tanks, participants will be ready to dive into a special, 4-foot-deep pool with a professional scuba instructor on hand.
Bathing suits are suggested but not required, and towels will be provided. Advance reservations will not be taken.
In addition to the “PPG Festival of Water,” zoo guests can meet their favorite KDKA Radio personalities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during KDKA Radio Family Fun Days today through Sunday. KDKA will broadcast live from the zoo all three days, and visitors can spin and win great prizes from the KDKA prize wheel.
Along with many other activities, children will have the chance to be radio newscasters at special recording tables.