Things To Do In Pittsburgh Kid Friendly

The 15 Best Things To Do In Pittsburgh With Kids

Top Events In Pittsburgh and Things To Do In Pittsburgh and Family Friendly

If you are looking for a fun, kid-friendly American city for your next vacation, there are so many things to do in Pittsburgh with kids! Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, this wonderful, historical city is as unique as it is interesting.

My husband and I grew up not far from Pittsburgh, and we return each year to visit family. There are so many exciting things to do with kids, it makes a great, affordable family vacation.

In fact, it has often been rated one of the most livable cities in the United States, and one of the most affordable.

Pittsburgh is a great place to visit for a vacation or as a launching point to even go North to explore Lake Erie and Niagara Falls.

If you are wondering if Pittsburgh is good for families, I can tell you that it is fantastic for families! In this guide, you will find the best things to do in Pittsburgh with kids, where to eat, where to stay, and even how to talk like a Pittsburgher!

This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase using this link. See my disclaimer.

Senator John Heinz History Center

You wouldnt think a history center would seem appealing to kids, but the Senator John Heinz History Center is excellent for the whole family! Many hands-on exhibits depict the history of Pittsburgh and its famous residents. The museum is enormous, encompassing five floors with a large childrens area. Attached to the History Center is the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, giving visitors even more, to look at! Hold on to your ticket receipt. Your admission to the History Center gets your FREE admission to the Fort Pitt Museum the same or the next day.

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 youre planning your next family outing, consider introducing Pittsburgh to your kids. They will be thankful you did.

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Adventure At The Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center gives kids and families a hands-on science experience through interactive exhibits. There are many exhibits with different science themes, live shows, special activities, and cinema showings. This museum is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the other museums are worth a visit, too.

Monongahela Or Duquesne Inclines

You cant visit Pittsburgh without riding one of the inclines to the top of Mount Washington. The views make the ride even more special! While they look similar, there are some differences between the inclines.

  • The Duquesne Incline is a bit longer and offers better views of Point State Park and downtown Pittsburgh.
  • Round trip fare is $5 versus $3.50 for the Monongahela Incline.
  • Its easier for pedestrians from downtown to access the lower station of the Monongahela Incline as its across from the Smithfield Bridge.

Whichever incline you choose to ride, you wont go wrong! Both upper stations have plenty of restaurants and other eating options nearby, so you can enjoy a tasty treat before you descend back down the mountain.

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Trianglers Fishing On The North Shore: Oct 7 14 21 28

October is the final month for Venture Outdoors free lunchtime fishing sessions. Every Wednesday, kids can borrow a rod and reel to cast a line into the Allegheny River. Instructors are on hand to guide them on how to bait a hook and reel in their catches. TriAnglers is free for all ages, but participants who are 16 and older require a PA Fishing License. Registration is not required.

Childrens Museum Of Pittsburgh North Side

10 Childrens WayAllegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 322-5058

Founded in 1983 in the old Allegheny Post Office, the Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh grew from a traveling mobile museum to the largest Silver LEED certified museum in America in 2006. Until today, the museum continues to expand its offerings by opening more exhibits.

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Get Artsy At Randyland

Randyland is an experience that is unlike anything else. Located on the North Side of Pittsburgh, this is an outdoor art museum of sorts. Artist Randy Gibson has transformed the space into a whimsical art display and has expanded it over the years. Bright colors, funky artifacts, and unique art pieces can be found all over the property. This place will instantly put a smile on your face. Randyland is free but accepts donations so thats why its under our list of favorite cheap activities to do.

Childrens Museum Of Pittsburgh & Museumlab

Things To Do In Pittsburgh With Kids

The Childrens Museum in Pittsburgh is a great place for kids to learn and explore through play. In the Garage and Tough Art exhibits, kids can learn how things work through movement, sights and sounds. The Studio and Makeshop offer different STEM and art activities for kids to learn through creating. The Nursery floor is another favorite when Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh with toddlers or babies. During the summer months, the Garden and Backyard are great places to explore as well. And dont forget the Waterplay area on the top floor! Kids will love dumping, splashing and playing with water in this fun exhibit.

For older kids, the Museumlab is a great option for kids ages 10+. Its included with Childrens Museum admission and offers a variety of hands on activities for older kids and teens.

The Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh is located at 10 Childrens Way, Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, PA.

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Carnegie Science Center North Side

1 Allegheny AvePittsburgh, PA 15212 237-3400

Andrew Carnegie was one of the famous founders of steel manufacturing companies in Pittsburghs industrial past. He envisioned a cultural complex where locals of any age could enjoy art, science, music, and literature.

When he died in 1919, he gave away his wealth, which was then used to establish museums and a library.

Never Stop Learning At The Carnegie Museums Of Pittsburgh

There are four different Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh that are waiting to be explored. This includes The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Science Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum. Each of these museums has a lot to offer, and you can easily spend hours at each one.

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Awesome Fall Activities In Pittsburgh: Fall 2021

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One of my favorite things about living in Pennsylvania- and especially Pittsburgh- is that we get to experience all four seasons. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, and Pittsburgh is an awesome place for it. Between the fall foliage, apple picking, pumpkin patches in Pittsburgh and more, theres no shortage of fall activities in Pittsburgh, PA.

Below is a rundown of our favorite fall things to do in Pittsburghin 2021. This list also includes a few fall events and activities on our Pittsburgh bucket list for the future.

Note: Be sure to check back for updates periodicallyas details for more fall festivals in Pittsburgh are released!

Renshaw Farms Pumpkin Fest

Renshaw Farms is located in Freeport, PA, northeast of Pittsburgh. Its a great festival for families, and the 2021 Renshaw Farms Fall Festival will likely include many of the same activities as in the past. Some of the highlights of this fall festival near Pittsburgh include:

  • Corn maze themed with Spookily the Square Pumpkin story.
  • Large petting zoo area with horses, goats, sheep and more.
  • Hay bale mountain and stacked tires for climbing.
  • Hay rides to the pumpkin patch to pick and purchase your own pumpkins.)
  • Games including mini golf, spiderweb rope climb, bouncing horses and more.
  • Fun photo ops throughout the property.

Theres also a country store and food available for purchase at Renshaw Farms.

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Dinner Hot Spot In Pittsburgh

For dinner, try the family-friendly Burgatory Bar, which has 5 locations around Pittsburgh . This burger hot spot has some inspired creations, including Piggy Butter & Jelly with candied bacon, peanut butter and habanero jelly! Guests can also build their own with meats that include elk or bison, then add creative toppings like carmelized onion marmalade or beer cheese.

Burgers are the highlight here, but you can also find salad, chili and short ribs on the menu. For a break on the beef, I chose the Impossible Burger, a veggie-based patty, and it was perfectly delicious.

Definitely save room at the end of your meal for dessert. Choose a deep-dish cookie topped with ice cream scoops for the family to share or a thick and creamy signature milk shake to go. Grown ups can chill a little longer with a hard milk shake like the Burnt Almond Torte shake with amaretto or Blueberry French Toast shake with vanilla vodka. I went booze-free with a Salted Nutella Crunch to-go and wow, what a finish to a great night!

TravelingMom Tip: The kids menu offers a challenge clean your plate and get a complimentary cherry Coke float!

Best Family Resorts Near Pittsburgh Pa That All Ages Love

If you are looking for holiday ideas near Pittsburgh, PA there are any incredible places.

You will find breathtaking nature and amazing vibrant cities nearby. Including gorgeous Appalachian mountains, and the Great Lakes.

Here is the list of best family resorts near Pittsburgh, PA to help you decide on your next trip.

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Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum

Located in the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is a museum-within-a-museum that captures and documents the importance of sport to Pittsburgh, particularly American football. Home to the Super Steelers, the museum explores the Steelers dynasty and celebrates the history of the home team and the 40th anniversary of their first world championship in Super Bowl IX. Visitors can experience the regions proud football legacy by discovering how the region produced nearly 50 professional quarterbacks dozens of All-Americans make a perfect pass, try on a Super Bowl ring view uniforms and equipment from past Super Bowl championships, and a wave a Terrible Towel in the special Steelers Nation fan section.

1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-454-6000

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Check Out The Many Local Breweries

Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh craft beer scene continues to grow and is quite popular. If you both enjoy trying local brews when you travel, then youre going to want to take some time to tour some of the breweries here. We recommend the following breweries: Hitchhiker Brewing Company, Eleventh Hour Brewing, Dancing Gnome, Brew Gentlemen, Voodoo Brewery, Strange Roots Experimental Ales, and East End Brewing Company. Consider going on the Sip of Pittsburgh Brew Tour.

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Visiting Pittsburgh With Kids

If youre traveling to the Burgh, we have a few recommendations for kid-friendly hotels in Pittsburgh. Although we live here, were all about a staycation in Pittsburgh!

If you live in Pittsburgh with a toddler or have visited before, please share in the comments below if you have anything to add to this list! You can also find us on or for more ideas for Pittsburgh with kids!

Visit Kennywood Amusement Park

Kennywood is one of the oldest amusement parks in America. It still has some of its original attractions. Noahs Ark is an old school walk through attraction that recently celebrated its 80th anniversary and received a refurbishment. It has been a few years since we have visited the park but it is on our list for our next visit.

Phantoms Revenge is one of the best roller coasters I have ever ridden and is a must do for anyone who loves coasters. The Exterminator is a fun indoor coaster that still offers great thrills without the height of some of the bigger coasters. You can bring your own food into the park but be sure to try The Potato Patch that serves fresh cut fries with an assortment of toppings.bacon, cheese, gravy!!

New this year is the opening of the themed land Steelers Country. Themed to the love of the NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the new area will have new food options and a brand new roller coaster: The Steel Curtain.

Read More About Our Visit to Kennywood: Family Fun at Kennywood Amusement Park

Freedom Farms Fall Festival

The Fall Festival at Freedom Farms is another one of our favorite fall things to do near Pittsburgh. Located in Butler County, the farm is spacious and includes one of our favorite pumpkin patches near Pittsburgh.

The highlights of the Fall Festival at Freedom Farms include:

  • Corn filled play area with hay bales to climb on.
  • Petting Zoo with goats, cows and more.
  • Hay rides to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin.
  • Fun corn maze for kids of all ages.
  • Beer, wine and food available for purchase.
  • Live music from local bands.

Forbes Field Outfield Wall

If you have a baseball lover in your family, dont miss this fun photo op! Although Forbes Field was demolished in 1970, a portion of its left-field wall remains. It was over this wall that Bill Mazeroski hit the World Series-winning run in 1960! The wall is around the corner from the Schenley Plaza carousel and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History on Roberto Clemente Drive.

Best Restaurants In Pittsburgh For Families

Like the rest of the city, Pittsburgh restaurants are undergoing something of a resurgence. The city is full of traditional diners and other causal, low-priced eateries that work well for families on a budget, as well as foodie options for those seeking local color. Also, don’t be surprised when you order a salad and it comes with fries on top!You can check outPrimantis, the often recommended sandwich spot that is iconic to Pittsburgh, or one of these local favorites:

37. Noodlehead 39. DeLucas

40. PamelasThe pancakes here are award-winning, and it is rumored to be Michelle Obama’s favorite place to dine when she is in town. There is a full menu of comfort foods at breakfast and lunch. Expect crowds at all three locations and bring cash because credit cards are not accepted.

Fun Things To Do In Pittsburgh With Kids Family Friendly Activities

Known as the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh is fronted by three rivers: the Allegheny River, the Monongahela River, and the Ohio River.

Despite its heavily industrial history, the city managed to rise up and now boasts cruises, lovely urban destinations, and repeated rankings as one of the most liveable cities in the entire world.

This bustling city is home to lots of family things to do all year, as well as breathtaking sights you shouldnt miss.

If you think your next family vacation is headed for this clean and lovely city, here are fun things to do in Pittsburgh with kids.

Learn Something New On The North Shore

Pittsburgh has transformed from the Steel City, where steel mills and industrialism were at the forefront, to a city of education and technology. The North Shore is a mecca of educational opportunities, and kids will have such a blast that they wont even realize theyre learning!

Carnegie Science Center and and Highmark Sportsworks has four floors of fun with a robotics exhibit, saltwater aquariums, a planetarium, and a chance to outrun an Olympic athlete.

The Childrens Museum ofPittsburgh is all about combining creativity and educational play. Kids can dress up and put on a show in the theater, make paper or silk screen masterpieces in the studio, and even test drive a smart car or play hide-and-go-seek inside 7 foot-tall tires.

The Andy Warhol Museum is geared toward older kids and adults who want a glimpse of 1960s pop culture and the famous man behind the Campbells soup can art.

The Best 10 Kids Activities In Pittsburgh Pa

Kidsburgh: Family-Friendly February Events

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