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mlabPASS: youth

An annual pass for youth in grades 6-8 for afterschool and weekend visits and special events. No parents required!

about the program

Black Friday Sale!

Friday, November 28 – Sunday, December 2

SAVE 20% OFF the mlabPASS membership

No code necessary, the discount is reflected in all online purchases.  All mlabPASS memberships purchased during this period will be active through December 31, 2026.

For renewals, your renewal is applied when your current membership expires.

purchase here

What is mlabPASS?

MlabPASS provides students in grades 6 – 8 in Pittsburgh a year of out-of-school visits and special events  – with no parents required!

For one flat rate, mlabPASS offers unlimited access to hands-on programs at MuseumLab, our an award-winning space featuring a full metalworking shop, wood shop, fiber arts studio and digital technology lab.  It opens up a world of exploration and creative skill building for your middle schooler.

MuseumLab educators and mentors, many who are working artists and performers, offer an enriching, creative and safe place for middle schoolers to learn, create and hang out after school. With no parents required! 

Experiences include:

  • Exploring new arts and making skills
  • Working with artists, makers and educators to explore hands-on creative projects
  • Learning design thinking, independent project planning and entrepreneurship
  • Fostering interpersonal skills
  • Building confidence, making friends and having fun! 

Cost:

$95 per year
 Includes most supplies, materials and access to tools

*To inquire about needs-based scholarships, please contact Sarah La Rue at slarue@pittsburghkids.org.  

benefits

See the upcoming events for mlabPASS holders

All mlabPASS holders get these benefits:

Free Entry to Public Programs

101 Sessions:  Workshops that cover the basics and beyond of a specific tool or process, e.g. Laser Cutter 101, Sewing Machines 101, Soldering 101 

Creative Connections:  Special sessions with local artists and creatives to learn artistic skills, receive mentoring on entrepreneurship or experience an art critique 

Game Nights:  Relaxed, fun hang-out sessions featuring games and light snacks

Free Entry to Exclusive Programs

Intensive Courses:  Courses that dive deep into a specific art or making process such as Rug Tufting, Digital Design and Metalworking. We offer 6-8 sessions in each course and each one builds on the skills learned at the previous session. Participants are expected to attend all sessions of the course in order to complete their projects.  

Open Studio:  Time set aside for mlabPASS holders to have access to certain tools and materials for independent projects.

Free Entry to Public Events

Pizza+ Events:  The perfect combo – a pizza dinner + a fun workshop such as Mini Mosaics, Phone Photography or Wire Wearables 

Youth Nights:  Quarterly youth-only gatherings featuring snacks, games, art and making activities, and good vibes

Discounts on MuseumLab Public Workshops

Pass holders receive discounted spots in Weekend Workshops for Ages 9+ at MuseumLab, featuring topics such as pewter casting, UV resin accessories and drypoint etching. You’ll receive a code to use in online registration when you become an mlabPASS member. 

mlabPASS holders: Free
Museum members: $5
All other guests: $10

Free Entry to Gymlacium

Pass holders who visit MuseumLab during public weekend hours receive FREE access to Gymlacium, our three-story interactive sculpture for climbing and exploring. Just reserve your spot in person at the MuseumLab Admissions desk.  Space is limited. A parent or guardian must be in attendance.

schedule

School Year Schedule

Starts September 9, 2025

101 Sessions or Intensive Courses
Select Tuesdays and Thursdays
3:30 – 5:30 pm 

Game Nights and Creative Connections
Select Wednesdays
4:00 – 6:00 pm 

Youth Nights, 4:00 – 7:00 pm on these dates:
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, May 21

Youth Nights take the place of regular Thursday 101 sessions on these dates.  

Pizza+ Events
Select dates throughout the year
4:00 – 7:00 pm

Register for all programs and events here

 

sign up

It’s simple for your middle schooler to start using mlabPASS!

You may sign up for as many sessions as you like at one time. Drop-ins are allowable but signing up allows us to prepare supplies and programs in advance.

If you need assistance, please contact members@pittsburghkids.org.

questions?

For more information about mlabPASS, please contact slarue@pittsburghkids.org.