UPMC offers numerous opportunities for kids to play, interact with others, and learn along the way!
Playgroups
If you are looking for a small group to connect with, a playgroup is for you. Most playgroups meet weekly, and each has a Playgroup Representative that communicates the upcoming day and time of the next meeting. We try to place people in groups with children of the same age (within 6 months) and to keep the groups small (<10). Each group has a Playgroup Representative and the group decides a convenient meeting time and place for playdates. For more information on playgroups, please click on contact our Playgroup Coordinator at playgroups@uparkmoms.org.
Park Play
We have regularly scheduled playdates at Observatory Park during the summer months or simply when it’s a beautiful day. Please see our Events Calendar to find out when the next Park Playdate is planned. These are informal get-togethers and it’s a great way to catch up with old friends and make some new friends, as well. All ages and older siblings are welcomed to these events.
Holiday Events
Our holiday events are the big parties our members and their kids look forward to every year!
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is usually held at McWilliams (Dinosaur) Park and coincides with our annual membership renewal. With two age-grouped hunts, everyone is sure to get an egg or two, and the Easter Bunny always visits! Our group provides coffee, water and snacks for all our members.
The 4th of July Parade, hosted by the University Park Community Council, encourages kiddos to decorate their bikes and wagons to show their American pride! UPMC passes our free popsicles to every kid in the neighborhood, and runs a hot dog stand to raise money for a charity in need. The 4th of July celebration features a patriotic band and the fire department always shows up to spray water to cool off the crowd!
Our Halloween Party & Potluck is the perfect non-scary introduction to Halloween for little ones. With activities like craft stations, a costume parade, and pumpkin bowling, older kids have plenty of fun, too!
Each December, UPMC participates in Sing & Sleighbells the University Park Observatory hosted by the University Park Community Council. Horse-drawn carriages take families on rides around the park, carolers sing on the observatory steps, and Santa is available for pictures. The observatory is open into the evening for everyone to look through its impressive antique telescope. UPMC and other community members bring cookies and cider to share.