6 Things To Do In Pittsburgh With Kids (That The Whole Family Will Enjoy)

1. Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is conveniently located on the North Side, accessible for free by the “T” from downtown. The center offers a planetarium, live shows, exhibits, educational programs, cinema and more. The Carnegie Science Center is geared towards families with activities that entertain children and parents alike.

If you want to see the laser show, the Lego art exhibition, or watch a movie in their “Giant Cinema,” the tickets can start to get pricey at $40+ for an adult ticket, but it’s well worth it.

Address: 1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Hours: Sun-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Often closed Sundays of Steelers home games)
Website: http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/

2. Children’s Museum

A place young children are sure to enjoy is the Children’s Museum, also in the Northside. One of the most popular things to do with kids in Pittsburgh boasts 80,000 square feet of space and allows kids to play and learn with hands on, interactive exhibits. Some of the best known features of the museum are the Nursery, Backyard, Waterplay, MakeShop, Theater and Studio.

Parents Magazine listed it as one of the top ten children’s museums in the U.S., so if you’re looking for something indoors to do that your kids will love, put this on your list.

Address: 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Hours: 10 am–5 pm Daily
Website: http://www.pittsburghkids.org

3. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

A classic, but a must while you’re in Pittsburgh. The zoo and aquarium feature exotic animals such as tigers, giraffes, cheetahs, polar bears, elephants and many more. They also have a zipline and a special program where you can feed animals such as a red panda, giant anteater, sea lion and shark.

Opened in 1898, the Pittsburgh Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the nation. And it’s one of only six zoo/aquarium combinations. You can’t go wrong with our zoo, so make sure you and your family makes time to visit.  

Address: 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (depends on the season)
Website: https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/

4. Free Pittsburgh Walking Tours

You’ll learn from our fun, entertaining guides about how Pittsburgh became what it is today, fun facts about the city, and discover secrets hidden in plain sight. We offer pay-what-you-like walking tours of downtown Pittsburgh, making it perfect for any budget.

Tours last only 90 minutes, ensuring children don’t get overtired or lose interest. You may be surprised how fascinating the history of the Steel City really is!

Hours: check website for availability.
Website: http://freetourspittsburgh.com/

5. Go to a Pirates game at PNC Park

Voted the best ballpark in the U.S., PNC Park offers stunning views of downtown Pittsburgh. The highest seat is only 88 feet from the field, ensuring an intimate experience for all attendees. Pirates tickets are also some of the cheapest in the MLB, making it an affordable outing for even large families.

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, a relaxing day at the park is a fun thing to do with kids in Pittsburgh. If you’re feeling like a local, be sure to grab a sandwich at the Primanti Bros. at PNC Park. The legendary Pittsburgh establishment is famous for putting french fries and coleslaw in their sandwiches. Yum!

Address: 115 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Hours: based on season, refer to website
Website: https://www.mlb.com/pirates/ballpark

6. Kennywood Park

This amusement park opened the same year as the zoo (1898), but don’t let that scare you away. Kennywood offers modern amusements with a classic feel.

There are six major roller coasters, a kiddie park, shows, water rides, and classic rides. Amusement parks aren’t typically known for the quality of their food, but Kennywood’s fries are to die for. Kennywood holds seasonal events such as Fright Night in the fall and Holiday Lights in the winter, so be sure to check out their website for upcoming special events.

Address: 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122
Hours: based on season, refer to website
Website: https://www.kennywood.com

Looking for more fun things to do in Pittsburgh with kids?

Check out Pittsburgh City Paper’s event calendar to see what’s going on this week.