Finding a destination for a family trip where both children and adults will be entertained can be challenging, but not in Pittsburgh, PA. With a great history and wonderful attractions for families, Pittsburgh offers some of the best things to do that will make your trip memorable, allowing you to explore your curiosity and create lasting memories. With plenty of hands-on museums and great outdoor activities, Pittsburgh provides something fun and engaging for everyone.
Brief Overview
Pittsburgh is not only a fun destination for families, but it’s also a good place to live for those who value education, entertainment, and outdoor experiences. The city offers plenty of activities for all ages, including interactive museums, amusement parks, and attractions with scenic views. Families can enjoy outdoor adventures, explore cultural sites, or spend time at places where kids can see and learn about animals. Many attractions are designed with children in mind, making visits both enjoyable and educational. Plus, Pittsburgh is stroller-friendly, allowing parents to easily navigate museums, parks, and family-focused attractions. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or considering making it your home, Pittsburgh provides a welcoming environment for family living.
Key Highlights
- Interactive museums that make learning fun for kids of all ages
- Family-friendly amusement parks and historic attractions
- Outdoor spaces are perfect for picnics, play, and relaxation
- Unique experiences like river cruises and incline rides
- Attractions that blend entertainment with education
Explore the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
This location is one of Pittsburgh’s most favorite places for families and young children. In the Children’s Museum, visitors can find stimulating experiences designed for children of every age. Educational experiences of all kinds are carefully integrated with play activities to enrich the kids’ visit.
Art, science, technology, and problem-solving are all themes children can interact with inside the Museum. There are different types of activities they can choose from, including structure building, art making, and material experimenting. Each activity promotes curiosity and critical thinking. Because of the varying themes, rotating exhibits, and new activities, frequent visits to the Museum will never get boring.
There are spaces for toddlers and even areas for infants, so visitors of all ages are able to participate. There are developmentally appropriate activities so children of all ages can play safely. Thoughtful exhibits, family-friendly amenities, and activities designed for children of all ages make the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh a wonderful place for parents and children to enjoy.
Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is the perfect place to entertain and educate the whole family. On its 70+ acres, the zoo has animals from all over the world and gives the kids the opportunity to see the wildlife they might only see in books and on cartoons. The paved and shaded paths allow families to discover the zoo at their own pace.
Kids Kingdom is the area especially for the little ones and is specifically designed for children to safely get a little closer to and interact with the animals. They can watch the seals, and they can even ride on the carousel and watch some animals! These features help kids get more excited and engaged about learning about animals.
The PPG Aquarium is the exciting finishing touch to the zoo. The kids can watch the sharks and penguins, and the other Zoo goers will love the colorful and many tropical fish in the big tanks. Above all, the educational displays about the ocean and the life inside of it and the educational displays about the conservation of the different ecosystems will make the visit exciting and meaningful for the entire family.
Ride the Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is one of the historical monuments that Pittsburgh is known for. Since the 1800s, the cable cars have given rides to all types of families to give them an understanding of the history of Pittsburgh. Not only is the Duquesne Incline a great way for families to learn about the history of the city, but the ride itself is an adventure.
While the ride is only a few minutes long, it provides families with many opportunities for breathtaking views that overlook the city of Pittsburgh and all the surrounding mountains and rivers. Their views change with the seasons, making every ride a new experience.
At the top of the incline, there is an observation deck for parents to take pictures and enjoy the view while the kids enjoy the experience of watching the city shrink below them. These rides are short enough to make the experience perfect for families with young kids and limited time. Along the way to the top, there are many educational posters that share Pittsburgh’s history.
| Feature | Details | Family Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mount Washington, Pittsburgh | Easy access via car or public transit |
| Historic Significance | Operating since the late 1800s | Learn about Pittsburgh’s industrial past through station displays |
| Ride Duration | ~5 minutes | Short enough for younger kids with limited patience |
| View Highlights | Downtown Pittsburgh, Ohio, Allegheny & Monongahela Rivers, city bridges | Best for photos from the top observation deck |
| Best Time to Visit | Year-round | Seasonal scenery makes each visit unique |
| Accessibility | Stroller-friendly, easy boarding | Great for families with toddlers or small children |
Spend Time at Kennywood Park
Pittsburgh is home to its very own settler amusement park, Kennywood Park, where for over a century, generations have provided nostalgic experiences for old park-goers and thrill-seeking rides for new kids. Kennywood Park is a perfect mixture of old-time charm and new-age excitement. The cleanliness and layout of the park make it easy to navigate for kids of all ages.
Once you have gotten the kids to the park, you will find Kennywood to have the most variety of rides and attractions, suitable for their age and excitement levels. The park features an array of attractions, be they water rides, roller coasters, or the gentler rides for the little ones. Families can make use of the oldest traditions of the amusement park, food fests, to add to their experience at the park.
Kennywood is a great year-round park for its seasonal festivities and rides. Their light festival is a great activity for the family, and their haunt is a great experience for the older kids, rounding out their excellent features and giving you a new reason to visit time and time again
Discover Science at the Carnegie Science Center
Families who want to explore the world of science through hands-on activities will enjoy the Carnegie Science Center. The center invites children of all ages to explore new ways of thinking and to gain knowledge through fun and engaging activities. Whether the interest is in physics, robotics, space, or technology, children are provided opportunities to learn by doing.
The center offers numerous interactive activities and exciting exhibits to stimulate family learning. Children are actively involved in live science demonstrations, and they are able to wander through diverse STEM-based activity zones. Families can relish engaging shows at the planetarium that will stimulate interest in science and innovation by inspiring critical thinking.
The Carnegie Science Center has an exclusive feature that no other science center has. The USS Requin submarine is docked outside the center. Children can board the submarine and explore the narrow hallways of the real military ship. It provides children with the opportunity to learn what life is like underwater. The hands-on history lesson is an exciting addition to the blend of education and entertainment that the science center provides.
Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Point State Park and Phipps Conservatory
Outdoor Fun is always in season for families in Pittsburgh at Point State Park and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Parents can relax watching the kids run and play on the open fields at Point State Park while the kids enjoy splashing at the large fountain. The kids can run and play various games while parents enjoy the relaxing benches with scenic views of the river. There is also the Fort Pitt Museum nearby for any families interested in history.
Just a short drive and you will arrive at Schenley Park Phipps Conservatory, a peaceful and captivating escape from the ordinary. Indoors, kids can explore themed rooms of the vibrant exotic indoor and the seasonally rotating, ranging from desert landscapes to tropical rainforests. Phipps features what seems to be endless opportunities to learn, explore, and engage with children of all ages through their seasonal flower shows and many rotating interactive exhibits! Pittsburgh is home to an assortment of outdoor locations perfect for adventurous families.
Point State Park and Phipps Conservatory offer families the opportunity to experience Pittsburgh’s nature and outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and learning opportunities. Both places offer families active outings, including running, watching waterfalls, and exploring vibrant gardens.
Visit the National Aviary
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is a unique and engaging destination for families, offering an opportunity to encounter birds from around the world in an up-close and immersive way. Unlike a traditional zoo, many of the birds fly freely in large, naturalistic habitats, allowing kids to see them behave as they would in the wild. The aviary’s colorful and diverse collection captures the attention of children while fostering curiosity about the natural world.
Families can enjoy a variety of interactive programs, including:
- Daily bird feedings where kids can watch and learn about different species
- Flight demonstrations showcasing birds in action
- Up-close encounters with certain birds under the guidance of trained staff
The aviary also includes hands-on exhibits and educational displays designed to engage young minds. Children can:
- Explore themed habitats from around the world
- Learn about different ecosystems and bird behaviors
- Discover how humans can help protect birds and their habitats
Combining excitement, education, and conservation awareness makes the National Aviary a memorable stop for families visiting Pittsburgh.
Take a River Cruise
Viewing Pittsburgh from the water is a great way for families to see the city while spending time together. There are panoramic views available from the water to see the bridges, the skyline, and the confluence of the 3 Rivers: the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. The motion of the river makes it a pleasant and relaxing time for the entire family and will be enjoyable for children of all ages.
Cruise companies on the river provide short tours that are appropriate for families. The providers of these tours tell stories from Pittsburgh’s history and discuss the bridges and buildings while children look for famous and notable structures and try and guess the history of the structures from the stories being told.
Cruise companies provide services throughout the year on a seasonal basis and are themed as Christmas-time light tours or evening sunset excursions during the summer months. In the summer months. River tours provide a great way to see the city of Pittsburgh and are a great addition to family time.
Explore Local Playgrounds and Parks
There are many playgrounds and parks in Pittsburgh with lots of activities and places to bond with family outside. These places allow kids to stretch their legs, climb, and explore, while adults take a seat and breathe in the outdoor air. The parks across the city are catered to families, with safe areas for kids to play, paths to take a stroll, and views to take a seat and enjoy a picnic.
One of the most loved parks in Pittsburgh is Schenley Park, with loads of playing fields and a variety of playgrounds for kids of all ages. The park is a great place for families to spend their weekends and take nature walks, with many viewing areas to explore the wooded areas. Another popular venue is Frick Park. It offers more open venues, and kids can ride their bikes and explore the nature trails.
As summer comes, many parks add to their activities with mini festivals. These parks are great places for weekend play and family picnics. The parks in Pittsburgh make it easy to create family memories while keeping the kids active and busy.
Pittsburgh, PA, is one of the most family-friendly destinations. The combination of family-friendly museums, engaging activities, outdoor areas, and learning experiences provides plenty of options for families. Your kids will have plenty of things to do while you relax, and you’ll have a great time discovering the city together. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re visiting again, there is a lot of family fun to be had in Pittsburgh.
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FAQs
Is Pittsburgh a good city to visit with kids?
Pittsburgh is great for family tourism, as there is a variety of family attractions, including interactive shows/exhibits, kid-friendly activities, family zoos/petting zoos, and children’s museums.
What are the best indoor activities for kids in Pittsburgh?
The best indoor activities for kids include the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Science Center, the Phipps Conservatory, and the National Aviary.
Are there free things to do in Pittsburgh with kids?
Yes, family tourism can be inexpensive, as there are Pittsburgh touring activities such as outdoor parks, free entry to Point State Park, playgrounds, riverfront trails, and cheap city views.
What age group is Pittsburgh best for?
Pittsburgh is best for family tourism for kids ages toddler to school-aged teenager because of its variety of attractions.
How many days should families spend in Pittsburgh?
Families should spend 2-4 days in Pittsburgh to visit the city’s best attractions, kid-friendly areas, and parks. This gives them the best balance of time and coverage.
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