Top Places to Take Kids in Pittsburgh, PA
Everyone tells you that children grow up way too fast. In a blink of an eye, they’ll be going off to college and having children of their own. Therefore, it’s important that you spend as much time with them as possible so that you can cherish every single moment. Although you can’t stop your children from growing up, you can be present and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Visiting Pittsburgh can help you along this journey. From adorable animals to electrifying thrill rides, the city has everything you need to turn Pittsburgh into Kidsburgh. So, if you’re looking for an exciting adventure for you and your children, be sure to stop at one of these family-fun attractions.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
10 Children’s Way Allegheny Sq. Pittsburgh, PA
Constantly voted by travel magazines as one of the best spots in the country for sprouts, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a museum entirely devoted to being a kid. Take on illusions and perceptions in the Attic, roll around in dirt at the Garden, and enjoy live performances at the Theater. Your child will have fun for hours.
4800 Kennywood Blvd. West Mifflin, PA
Choo choo! All aboard with Thomas the tank engine and all his friends at Thomas Town in Kennywood (one of the coolest theme parks in the region). Thomas Town just recently opened and brings everyone’s favorite No.1 tank engine to life. There are five new family rides based on the characters along with live shows and meet and greets to be enjoyed here. After, you can chug along to Kiddieland and explore some thrills on one of their 14 family-friendly rides as well.
7370 Baker St. Pittsburgh, PA
Featuring 77 acres of animals and fun, your child will have a blast exploring the zoo’s 55 different species of mammals and birds. Head to the water’s edge to enjoy some wet and wild fun with fish and sharks, or adventure to the African Savannah to live like the giraffes and elephants. Be sure to also check the venue’s calendar as it also holds many special events throughout the year. For example: You can have breakfast with Santa for Christmas, trick-or-treat with tigers during Halloween, or become a party animal as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
700 Arch St. Pittsburgh, PA
Home to over 500 feathered friends, the National Aviary offers your child a once-in-a-lifetime experience soaring with the birds. These winged animals will fly over your heads and even eat right from your hands here. You’ll even come across Pittsburgh’s mascot, the penguin, and watch them swim, jump, and wobble in the water. Your child can also get up close and personal with sloths, armadillos, flamingos, and many more adorable animals.
1 Allegheny Ave. Pittsburgh, PA
Become a scientist for a day and discover everything from the rocks of the Earth to the stars in space. Your child will learn what it’s like to be an astronaut and test their fitness skills at Highmark SportsWorks. Be sure to plan more than a day at the Carnegie Science Center because there’s so much to see and do here. If you want to see it all though, you and your child can also sleep over at the museum. Overnight, you’ll discover your inner lab rat with cool experiments, delicious food, and a star-studded movie in the Rangos Giant Cinema on offer.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA
Is your child a fan of dinosaurs? Then the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is the perfect place for your family to visit. You’ll feel small against the towering dinosaur fossils and become one with nature as you explore the magnificent wildlife of North America. You can even channel your inner Indiana Jones as you discover an extraordinary collection of artifacts, bones, and preserved remains. At the end of your visit with the animals, you can also take a spin on the Victorian-style carousel or grab some hotdogs and fries from the Original Hot Dog Shop.
1000 Sandcastle Dr. Pittsburgh, PA
Sandcastle Water Park offers tons of wet and wild fun for kids of all ages. The park features 15 water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and two children’s-only areas designed for tiny swimmers. If you and your friends also need to relax, there’s even a kid-free Sand Bar that offers drinks and treats for those over the age of 21. And when your family needs a break from swimming, check out the Waterfront District right outside the park where you’ll find the always-kid-friendly Dave and Buster’s.
8 Progress Ave. Cranberry Township, PA
Have a child that’s a gamer and one that loves to play ball? You can satisfy the entire gang at Fun Fore All Family Fun Park. Here, you’ll find over 70 arcade games, 36 holes of miniature golf, go karts, batting cages, kiddie rides, a four-story play area, rock climbing wall, and an XD Dark Ride to keep you entertained.
2574 U.S. 30 Ligonier, PA
Crowned the best children’s park by Amusement Today and the best park for families by the National Amusement Park, Idlewild & SoakZone offers everything you need to plan a family outing to remember. At the venue’s Storybook Forest, your favorite bedtime stories and nursey rhymes come to life and bring you right into the pages of the book. Act like Goldilocks and visit the three little bears while you take an adventure on one of the park’s thrilling rides.
CHEAT SHEET
For more on the best places to take kids and things to do and see in Pittsburgh, PA, also check out the following sites:
· Vacation Idea – 23 Fun Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Pittsburgh
· Family Destinations Guide – 27 Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh with Kids