Attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo, Carnegie Science Center and National Aviary will offer free admission days this summer. Here's how it works
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Some of Pittsburgh's favorite attractions like the zoo, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, National Aviary and Phipps Conservatory will offer more than 100,000 free tickets this summer.
From May to August, more than a dozen regional assets will have dates for free admission, the Allegheny Regional Asset District, or RAD, announced on Thursday. All people need are an Allegheny County library card and a reservation.
"It's nice because kids are expensive. It's nice to have that little break every once in a while," said Allegheny County resident Melissa Meyers.
"Especially with little kids, it costs money every time you step out of the house, so anything free, I'll take it," said resident Jennifer Rompala.
It's a great opportunity to get away with the family, without actually getting away or costing a fortune.
"We know things are getting expensive for families out there, from gas to groceries, so this is a way for everyone in Allegheny County to enjoy the amazing things that our community has to offer without paying for a ticket," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
The free admission is part of an expanded Summer Staycation program from RAD. Attractions participating won't have a traditional RAD Day this year, but Innamorato said a calendar of free days throughout the summer will spread out the crowds and make it easier for people to find a time that works for them.
"RAD Days will still be offered in the fall and are not going away. This group of regional assets will be offering free admission in the summer, giving other organizations a chance to have their spotlight with their free events and experiences later this year," said RAD board chair Dan Griffin.
After the Andy Warhol Museum, Children's Museum and Heinz History Center were open free of charge every operating day last August, RAD said it heard from so many people who said they wouldn't have been able to afford to go otherwise.
"RAD always wants to make sure our regional assets give something back to taxpayers who fund these projects. After all – it's your money," said Griffin. "We want Allegheny County residents to grab their library card – or apply for one – in order to be ready when the ticket offers begin in May."
The free admission dates will begin appearing on RADPass.org on May 1. Free admission offers will continue to be added throughout the summer. RAD is asking people to be good neighbors -- if you reserve a ticket for a date and can't go, make sure you cancel so someone else gets the chance.
"Our assets will be restocking tickets throughout the summer so there will be several chances to make sure you get a RAD Pass to your favorite regional assets or more than one," Griffin said.
RAD Summer Staycation will also highlight free concerts, movies and festivals throughout the summer.