(BPT) – Seeking a great vacation spot? Look no further than Pittsburgh, an ideal destination for an unforgettable family getaway. Pittsburgh has plenty of entertainment options for kids of all ages – and their parents. Pull up a chair (and maybe a highchair or two) and book your perfect Pittsburgh adventure.
Check out the wide range of attractions and interactive, kid-friendly fun you can have in Pittsburgh.
1. Enjoy creative, hands-on adventures
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offers plenty of fun hands-on experiences for the whole family. For kids 10 and older, discover all kinds of interactive activities at the Museum Lab. Or, you and the kids can enjoy the galleries of the Carnegie Museum of Art, which are filled with paintings, photography, sculptures and decorative arts. Kids of all ages can join ARTventures on a drop-in basis for artmaking programs right in the galleries.
2. Explore a world of science
Discover one of the world’s best original dinosaur displays at Dinosaur Hall in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Experience the dazzling Hall of Minerals and Gems and meet exotic (and adorable) animals at 1:30 p.m. every day for a Live Animal Encounter. Register ahead to enjoy a quieter experience on a Sensory Friendly Saturday, when the museum opens early for families with members on the autism spectrum. Next, stop at the Carnegie Science Center, where you can explore more than 200 interactive exhibits, including roboworld, SpacePlace and a Miniature Railroad and Village. You can even defy gravity on a Ropes Challenge at Highmark SportsWorks.
3. Walk through the past
Slide down the Liberty Tubes, explore the history of ketchup and learn about the Pittsburgh area through hands-on exhibits at the Senator John Heinz History Center. In Discovery Place, kids can build bridges across Pittsburgh’s rivers or use foam building blocks to design city buildings. Young children will love visiting the original set and puppets from the iconic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood TV show. Sports enthusiasts can learn about local sports history at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, right inside the Heinz History Center.
4. Amuse yourselves
Kennywood Amusement Park combines modern thrills and classic rides for tons of fun. While many rides close when the temps cool down, Kennywood is home to several seasonal festivals and celebrations. Check the park’s website for a calendar of events. Named Best Kids’ Park by Amusement Today and Best Park for Families by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, Idlewild & Soakzone offers classic amusement park rides and a complete water park. Younger kids will love taking a trip through Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Story Book Forest. Both amusement parks offer special events as the summer season winds down, including Halloween-themed events throughout October.
5. Talk to the animals
For the animal lovers in your family, there are plenty of opportunities to see your favorite critters up close and personal. Check out the clouded leopard cubs at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, or experience the thrill of feeding majestic Masai giraffes. Featuring more than 4,000 animals representing 475 species, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is a must-visit for all families. Explore immersive habitats with birds flying freely around you at the National Aviary, where you can encounter penguins, parrots, owls and even a sloth or an armadillo. Check their calendar for daily activities like craft-making, designed just for your little ones.
6. Thrills by air and by sea
Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Incline historic cable car will take you and your family on a thrilling ride 400 feet above the city’s three rivers. At the top, you can enjoy an unforgettable city view – and take amazing selfies – from the Observation Deck on Mt. Washington. Or for a fun kid-themed cruise on Pittsburgh’s scenic rivers, climb aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet, where you can choose from themes like superheroes, princesses, pirates, science and more for a memorable voyage for the whole family.
When you need a family-friendly vacation destination, Pittsburgh is KidsBURGH™! To find even more reasons to visit, discounted attraction tickets and hotel deals, go to VisitPITTSBURGH.com/KidsBURGH.
