Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a city well known for its sports teams and their accompanying stadiums. It’s also marked by beautiful, old architecture, museums, art galleries, quaint restaurants, and an eclectic theater district. If you know where to look Pittsburgh is also a great destination for kids! I’m sharing some fun things to do in Pittsburgh with kids. There’s something for everyone!
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Non-Stop Educational Play at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center
Every parent wants their child to learn. I know kids enjoy learning more while having fun. The Carnegie Science Center is a perfect place for educational play. Every corner is filled with exhibits that can be touched, climbed on, tasted, and explored as kids discover their inner scientist.
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It takes hours to absorb all the activities and experiences tucked away in the circular Science Center building. Long-time favorites like a miniature railroad, a weather discovery area, ocean fish aquariums, a real submarine, and water tables mingle together with ever-changing new exhibits to make each visit an adventure. A variety of special activities, classes, and movies are offered each day. Just sign up upon admittance. And if you think this is all just for the kids, parents may find that even they are a bit excited by the IMAX theatre.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Slightly less educational in the traditional sense, but just as fun-packed, is the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Here your kids can explore their artistic sensibilities and engage in experiential playtime. Opportunities for personal creativity abound, as well as chances to enjoy the designs of artists who gear their pieces toward the mind of a child.
The Children’s Museum is home to a replica of the set for Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, where children can maneuver Trolley, play in Make-Believe, or try out Mr. Rogers’s couch. In the garage, kids are invited to “fix” a real car or build with actual tools in safety. There are places to climb, things to spin, videos to make, and even a chance to play ghost. Plus, you never know what surprise exhibit may be visiting the museum to liven up the day. Parents will enjoy the grand architecture and creative use of space in the historic buildings that house the museum.
Endless Fun and Dining at Station Square and the Duquesne Incline
If you want to really dig into the city of Pittsburgh with your kids, don’t miss out on Station Square and the Incline. This venue brings together fun for everyone in the family, with dinings like The Melting Pot, Hard Rock Cafe, and Buca di Beppo.
If your visit brings you to Station Square in the summer, remember the kids’ swimsuits, or at least a change of clothes. They are sure to love the fountain in the middle of the Square, which shoots off artistic bursts of water in time to the music. Little kids and kids at heart can dance in the spray to their heart’s content, and benches are available for those who prefer to stay dry.
Once everyone’s belly is full, and the fountain fun is exhausted, walk over to the Duquesne Incline for a historic ride. The cable-powered cars will carry you to the top of Mount Washington, where there is a perfect vantage point for gazing at Pittsburgh spread out before you. You won’t want to miss the chance to take some pictures with the beautiful city skyline as a backdrop. Mount Washington is also home to some coffee shops and ice cream parlors to make sure you’re little one’s get their fill of treats.
Pittsburgh has Waterparks, and a Zoo too!
I told you there were fun things to do in Pittsburgh with kids! In addition to these enjoyable attractions, the greater Pittsburgh area is also home to kid-friendly attractions like Kennywood Park, Sandcastle Waterpark, and the Pittsburgh Zoo. So when you’re planning your next family outing, consider introducing Pittsburgh to your kids. They will be thankful you did.
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Plan Your Visit to Pittsburgh
There remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and any place where people are present. The state of Pennsylvania requires face masks to be worn at all times. Please check with each venue prior to traveling to inquire about hours of operation and ticketing.