The National Aviary is an independent indoor bird zoo located in Allegheny Commons Park on the Northside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in April 2026 and notes that the Grasslands habitat is temporarily closed for renovations, alongside the current summer operating schedule.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (seasonal variations and event closures apply) |
| Ticket prices | Adult: $20.95, Senior (60+): $18.95, Child (2-12): $17.95, Under 2: Free |
| Address | 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | On-site parking lot or Port Authority bus stops on North Avenue |
| Typical time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
National Aviary opening hours
The National Aviary is open daily, with current summer hours running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Opening hours shift depending on the season and local city events. The facility occasionally closes or adjusts its opening times to accommodate major public gatherings, such as opening at 12:00 pm during the Pittsburgh Marathon or closing during major nearby football festivities.
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National Aviary ticket prices
General admission tickets cost $20.95 for adults and $18.95 for seniors aged 60 and over. Tickets for children aged two to 12 are priced at $17.95, and children under two enter for free. Students from specific local colleges receive free admission with a valid student ID through April 2026.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. The attraction is not included in any city pass scheme (such as Go City or CityPass), meaning it cannot be bundled with other local attractions like the Carnegie Science Center, PNC Park, or the Andy Warhol Museum for a single discounted price.
How to get to the National Aviary
The site is located on Pittsburgh’s historic Northside, within Allegheny Commons Park. It is accessible by public transport, with several Port Authority bus lines stopping nearby along North Avenue, Brighton Road, Ridge Avenue, and Arch Street.
Visitors walking from downtown Pittsburgh or the North Shore can reach the main entrance on foot in under 20 minutes.
Parking at the National Aviary
Visitors driving to the site can use the dedicated National Aviary parking lot, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis for a $7 flat rate. The on-site parking lot closes nightly at 5:00 pm.
If the primary lot is full, garage parking is available at the Nova Place Garage or Federal North Garage, both an eight-to-nine-minute walk away. Free and metered street parking is also available on the surrounding streets.
How long to spend at the National Aviary
A standard visit to the National Aviary requires two to three hours. This provides sufficient time to walk through the free-flight habitats and view the static enclosures.
Visitors planning to participate in scheduled add-on activities, such as an animal encounter or the Birdly flight simulator, should allocate extra time.
Accessibility at the National Aviary
The facility is accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. Electronic doors separate the different free-flight habitats to allow barrier-free movement between the indoor zones.
The site also accommodates guests with sensory processing needs by offering designated sensory-friendly times and providing a sensory guide on its website.
Inside / what to see at the National Aviary
The facility houses over 500 birds representing more than 150 species from around the world. Visitors walk through indoor, free-flight habitats where birds fly freely above the pathways without physical barriers.
Key habitats include the Tropical Rainforest, the Wetlands, and Condor Court, where guests observe large Andean Condors in an open-air environment.
Penguin Point allows visitors to watch African Penguins swim and interact. Another dedicated zone is Canary’s Call, which focuses on environmental conservation and features smaller bird species.
In addition to birds, the facility houses a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth and offers scheduled animal encounters, feedings, and educational talks throughout the day.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive in the morning when the birds are typically awake, active, and vocal. |
| Crowds | Visit on a weekday to avoid the higher volume of families and groups that attend on weekends. |
| Layout | Review the online sensory guide before arriving, as certain free-flight rooms can be loud and warm. |
| Entry process | Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your entry slot and bypass the ticketing desk. |
| On-site logistics | Dress in layers, as the indoor tropical habitats are kept at high temperatures and humidity levels to suit the birds. |
Frequently asked questions about the National Aviary
| Question | Answer |
| Is the National Aviary suitable for children? | Yes, the facility provides interactive encounters and educational feeding sessions designed for families. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the National Aviary? | Advance booking is recommended, though tickets can be purchased at the Guest Services Desk upon arrival. |
| Is the National Aviary open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open on Sundays, operating under its standard daily hours. |
| Are bags allowed at the National Aviary? | Day bags and rucksacks are permitted, provided guests ensure they do not disturb the free-flying birds. |
Things to do near the National Aviary
- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: A hands-on educational facility located a short walk away on the Northside.
- The Andy Warhol Museum: A multi-floor art gallery dedicated to the life and work of the Pittsburgh-born artist.
- PNC Park: The home baseball stadium of the Pittsburgh Pirates, situated along the Allegheny River.
- Carnegie Science Center: A science facility featuring interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a moored historical submarine.
- Allegheny Commons Park: A public park offering paved walking paths and mature trees immediately surrounding the aviary.
More Pittsburgh travel
Other Pittsburgh travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 4 great reasons to visit Pittsburgh.
- How to visit the Nationality Rooms in Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning.
- Planning a visit to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.
- Riding the Duquesne Incline – Pittsburgh’s beloved funicular.
- Why it’s worth visiting Point State Park in Pittsburgh – including the Fort Pitt Museum.
