Family programs sponsored by Highmark

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is teaming up with Venture Outdoors to support this year’s Family and Community Programs. Now thanks to a grant from Highmark BCBS several upcoming Family Programs will be offered completely free! Highmark has also donated money towards each of the 3 Family Outdoor Festivals this summer.

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Camp Stove Cook-off: CHEFS NEEDED!

It’s an annual tradition, the Camp Stove Cook-off! Featuring anything from roasted pears to an entire rotisserie fired chicken, this custom is one that is sure to make your mouth water and get your taste buds excited!

This year’s event will be Saturday, February 6 at Winter Members Day and we’re looking for more culinary expertise. Make us your favorite entree, appetizer, dessert or most creative smore cooked over an open fire and we’ll pick a winner for each category!

To participate in the Camp Stove Cook-off call the Venture Outdoors office (412.255.0564 ext.21) by Wednesday, February 3 to reserve your spot as a chef. Please specify the category you wish to compete in when you call.

Click here to register for Members Day. It’s free for all Venture Outdoors Members and their guests!

Check out some photos from last year’s cook-off below:

AutumnFest 2009: The dogs had their day!

On October 17, Venture Outdoors celebrated its 2nd annual AutumnFest Members Day at South Park. Despite the unseasonably cool and rainy weather, Venture Outdoors staff and members had a great day outside celebrating our members and the season. The fall foliage at South Park was a breathtaking patchwork of reds and yellows as we hit the trail for a variety of hikes including a Doggie Day Trek and a Tyke Hike, and we enjoyed the friendly company of our canine friends, who were in full force to celebrate this special day.
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100 Years of Grand Views!

Grandview Park is celebrating its 100th birthday and everyone is invited to join in the fun! Friends of Grandview Park will host a birthday celebration in the park on Saturday, October 3 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be something for everyone including a marketplace of arts and crafts, plus music and children’s entertainment. Kids will be able to climb to the top of a life-size fort to see the panoramic view of the city.

The festivities will take place at, 499 Bailey Ave, Mt. Washington, 15211.

RADical Day Canceled at Kayak Pittsburgh

Due to river closures for Head of the Ohio, the RADical Day at Kayak Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 3 has been canceled and Kayak Pittsburgh will be closed.

Kayak Pittsburgh will be open on Sunday, October 4 at 10:00 AM.

It’s that time of year again, RAD days are popping up across the city. RADical days mean free admission at cultural assets such as museums, zoos and yes Kayak Pittsburgh! This Saturday, October 3 is the annual RADical Day at Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown. It’s your chance to kayak for free from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown is located under the 6th Street Bridge next to PNC Park (North Shore). No experience is necessary; you’ll receive a PFD and basic safety and paddling instruction.

RADicals Days are made possible by Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD)
The mission of RAD is to support and finance regional assets in the areas of libraries, parks and recreation, cultural, sports and civic facilities and programs. The District receives one-half of the proceeds from the 1% Allegheny County Sales and Use Tax and the other half is paid directly to the County and municipal governments by the State Treasurer.

Since 1995, the 1% County Sales tax paid by residents of and visitors to Allegheny County has resulted in a cumulative $1.97 billion investment in the region (through 2008).

Find out more about RAD

AutumnFest Moves South for 2009!

Join us for our second ever AutumnFest Members Day on Saturday, October 17 from 12:00–4:00 PM! We are changing it up this year and moving our celebration to South Park. But as always there will be great outdoors activities to enjoy in good company as well as the beautiful fall foliage for your viewing pleasure.

We’ll bring our climbing wall for you to scale, and we’ve got a variety of hikes planned including a doggie day trek and tyke hike. Plus we’ll feature creative learning for all ages with our friends from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts!

As in the past, we encourage you to bring a covered dish (entree, side, or dessert) to share with your fellow members. This event is FREE for all Venture Outdoors Members and their guests, but please sign up on our Activities Calendar.

Date: Saturday, October 17
Location: South Park
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: Free

Final Family Outdoor Festival features Bug Petting Zoo and more!

Our last Family Outdoor Festival of the season will take place on Saturday, August 29 from 12:00-4:00 PM in the Allegheny Commons across from the National Aviary. Back by popular demand, this event will feature hissing cockroach races and a bug petting zoo. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try chocolate covered crickets! Other fun things to do and see at the festival include:
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Free Family Outdoor Festival- this Saturday!

Our next Free Family Outdoor Festival is THIS Saturday, July 25 at Mellon Park from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. These festivals are full of outdoor fun for the whole family. Come sample a little of everything we do, bike bowling included! Kids and parents can scale the Climb Pittsburgh rock wall, treasure hunt with a GPS unit and even take a guided bike ride.
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Summer Members Day Photos

Venture Outdoors celebrated its 8th birthday on Saturday, June 27 at our annual Summer Members Day at the North Park Boat House. It was a picturesque summer day filled with blue skies, bright sun, and outdoor fun. 345 of our Members participated in an afternoon of kayaking, climbing, biking, and fishing. Also, our friends from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts were on hand to share art activities with our Members. VO provided the burgers and hot dogs on the grill and our generous Members brought a wide array of side dishes and enough desserts to give everyone a cavity.
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Family Festival Photos

Saturday, June 20 was the first of our 3 Family Outdoor Festivals this summer. The playground at Frick Park was a great setting for this unique event featuring geocaching, climbing and several exhibitors. Around 200 people enjoyed the festival highlights such as an owl from the National Aviary, face painting and bike bowling.
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