17 Things to Do in Pittsburgh With Kids

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Pittsburgh has to be one of my favorite places in the world to visit.

The second largest city in Pennsylvania is a unique mixture of big-city entertainment and events, mixed with the feeling of safety and friendliness of a small town.

No other place offers you the chance to navigate sidewalks that are actual staircases, a wooden street, and brick streets intermingled with concrete ones, and the chance to see high-tech glass and steel buildings sitting beside each other.

That’s not even mentioning the bridges and tunnels.

While a walking tour of the city is worth a visit, kids won’t be entertained long by this.

The following is a small sample of the many activities available for kids of all ages in this great vacation destination.

17 Things To Do With Kids in Pittsburgh

1. Carnegie Science Center

This is more than a museum.

With four floors of exhibits surrounding science and technology and a multitude of hands-on experiences, kids of all ages will have hours of fun exploring.

Kids can interact with robots, visit a submarine from the Cold War, or enjoy one of the laser shows.

There is also a planetarium and a four-story screen with theater productions!

2. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

This century-old zoo and aquarium can easily take two days to fully explore.

There are 475 species of animals and sea life spread out over eight sections and there are always special events going on.

Kids can watch the underworld life of polar bears and otters, feed penguins, and interact with a variety of animals in the petting zoo.

They can even enjoy watching an elephant pain, and maybe even take home one of its masterpieces from the gift shop.

3. Sandcastle Water Park

Everyone enjoys a water park, especially during the hot summer months.

This park boasts 16 water slides, a tsunami ride, and a relaxing lazy river adventure that are all surrounded by a boardwalk that is reminiscent of Oceanside vacations.

Teens will love the Boardwalk Blaster, as they ride one of two slides in a freefall of seven feet and are plunged into a twelve-foot-deep pool.

4. Sen. John Heinz History Center

This attraction includes a history center, sports museum, rock shelter, and historical village among other offerings.

Kids will love exploring on their own in the Kidsburgh zone, while tired parents can sit and enjoy some quiet refreshment in the coffee shop and watch their kids on closed-circuit television.

Older kids will enjoy discovering the historical trolley and vintage fire truck, among other vintage vehicles.

Don’t forget to make a stop on the fourth floor, where there is the largest display in the world from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

5. Children’s Museum and Museum Lab

Kids love exploring with their hands and that is exactly what they are allowed to do at the children’s museum.

With plenty of exhibits, your kids will find something that captures their interest and teaches them important lessons at the same time.

They won’t even realize they are learning.

Special programs are planned daily for the younger kids, but those over ten might find the Museum Lab, located in an attached building more to their liking as the exhibits are designed more with older kids in mind.

6. Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens

The Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens is located on 452 acres and includes sixty acres of gardens and nature trails to enjoy.

There are art displays, many with sculptures to interest the smaller members of the family.

This stop is a breath of fresh air if you are looking for some relief after days of activity.

7. Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve

This is an activity for kids who have kids over the age of seven or eight, as younger ones may be slightly bored.

This 134-acre sanctuary boasts five miles of trails to explore and catch glimpses of wild animals going about their daily activities.

There is even a pond that attracts wild ducks, geese, and other water birds.

Take time to visit the Treetop Lookout and visit the education center and the onsite center that features plants native to Pennsylvania.

8. Frick House

Did you ever dream of visiting a life-sized dollhouse?

That is what it is like when you visit this Victorian mansion.

Wandering through the various rooms will have any child feeling like they have traveled back to the Victorian area.

There are plenty of other activities at this site like a vintage car and carriage collection, an art museum, and a playhouse for the little ones.

Best of all, this is a free activity.

9. Phipp’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

If the kids are nature lovers, this conservatory, built in 1893, will impress them.

Wander through the 14-room glass house, packed with plants of many types, or take a look at the art collections.

There are often special events that inform and entertain visitors of all ages.

You will also notice that butterflies are everywhere, bringing a sense of whimsy and wonder to everyone.

10. The Andy Warhol Museum

This is the largest collection of memorabilia related to Andy Warhol in existence and is collected in seven stories, as well as an underground floor.

Children will be able to explore the art of this great artist, view films, and even star in their videos.

If that wasn’t enough, there are several interactive displays and a studio where children can create their pop art.

11. National Aviary

In this unique non-profit dedicated to birds, and for some reason a sloth, you can view 150 different species of birds

Not only is this great for the budding birdwatcher among your kids, but those who love animals will enjoy interacting with penguins, sloths, and other birds and can feed many other birds.

This may be your only chance to see an eagle or other birds of prey up close.

12. Kennywood

Opened in 1898, Kennywood is home to one of the world’s oldest roller coasters, as well as six others.

Older kids will love the coasters and other wild rides while younger kids can enjoy the 12 rides in kiddie land.

All ages will enjoy the water rides.

This park also boasts a 4-D theater, an area devoted to Thomas the Tank and Friends, and a Steeler’s Country that gives you the complete experience of being at the park, complete with a tailgate experience.

13. Milk Shake Factory

Kids of every age enjoy a great milkshake and they don’t come any better than those at the Milk Shake Factory, which has been serving up deliciousness since 1913.

Stop in for a relaxing break in the day’s activities and enjoy a milkshake made with their special ice cream or indulge in a sweet chocolate treat made at the same factory that this family has used for four generations.

14. Gateway Clipper

A great way to experience the three rivers of Pius is to take a ride on the Gateway Clipper.

Guests can choose which cruises meet their needs the most and there are several directed at children, such as the Pirate Adventure.

15. Festivals

Pittsburgh loves a good street festival and there is almost always one going on.

Whether you are looking to enjoy some music or experience the cultural variety of the city, you and the kids will find a festival that meets your needs.

There is even a Picklesburg Festival and a Taco Festival.

16. Super Playground

The Super Playground is part of the 377-acre Highland Park, an experience in itself.

The playground was created for children of all ages and abilities, so all the kids can enjoy it.

This is a great place for tired adults to rest while the little ones get rid of some of the excess energy they are bound to have.

17. Randyland

What kid doesn’t love bright colors?

Randyland is a free outdoor art gallery that is great to get some of those vacation photos.

There are art displays everywhere you look, including colorful murals, sculptures, and a mirror wall.

What started as a small art display has grown and keeps growing every day.

This is an experience, unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Pittsburgh Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Pittsburgh Safety Review

Safety Index:

63

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW