The Pittsburgh tourism office doesn’t call it “KidsBURGH” for nothing. Whether they’re exploring local museums or crossing one of the area’s 446 bridges – the most of any town in the world – your kids will love this unique Western Pennsylvania city.
From cruising down where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers famously meet to screaming for dear life on a zipline 40ft in the air to cheering on the black and gold all year round, your Steel City to-do list will be overloaded with options. These are the best things to do in Pittsburgh with kids.
Go birdwatching at the National Aviary
At the country’s largest aviary, your kids can see African penguins, Andean condors, bald eagles, and more. Whet their appetites by watching the chicks on the peregrine falcon livestream while you travel to the aviary. For an extra-special experience, consider an animal encounter at the National Aviary to get one-on-one time with a sloth, hawk, owl, and more.
Go on a scavenger hunt at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
See animals from around the world and teach your kids about conservation at the zoo and aquarium. Check the zoo’s social channels before you head over – you can often find a fun activity advertised, such as an animal-themed scavenger hunt. Remember to buy tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
Splash in the fountain in Highland Park
After the zoo, mosey into Highland Park, which surrounds the zoo. It has a playground where kids can unwind and spots for hiking and cycling. Kids will appreciate the fountain near Highland Avenue, where they can cause a little mischief as they splash about while you enjoy a well-deserved rest.
See the laser show at the Carnegie Science Center’s planetarium
Your kids will think they’ve entered a real-life Star Wars with the Buhl Planetarium Laser Show at Carnegie Science Center. Set to music, the lasers create an exciting three-dimensional effect. The shows are themed, so you can choose bands like Queen and Pink Floyd or even the TV show Stranger Things. Reserve your spots beforehand.
If your children dislike loud music, you can skip the planetarium and try one of the other experiences at the center, such as exploring a Cold War submarine or walking through the Robot Hall of Fame, which features replicas of the world’s most famous robots.
Play games at Pinball Perfection
Whether your kids are pinball wizards or novices, they’ll adore Pinball Perfection, a museum and arcade with over 300 pinball machines from various eras. If your kids love Star Wars, then head to the “Star Wars” sections to play Force-themed games. Visit on Friday nights for discounted prices on museum entry and game play.
Watch the sunset at North Shore Riverfront Park
Visiting the water steps at North Shore Riverfront Park at dusk is a must. Pack a picnic dinner or grab some takeout and witness the sun set along the river while your kids explore. They will likely take off their shoes to splash around – it’s a common sight!
Get hands-on at the Senator John Heinz History Center
An affiliate of the Smithsonian, the Heinz History Center is a great place for parents to take a much-needed timeout. Relax with a coffee in the cafe while observing your kids play on the closed-circuit TV that streams from Kidsburgh.
This interactive station allows kids to “milk” a replica cow, design a downtown using models, and serve lunch from a play deli. Older kids will appreciate the Heinz history exhibit which features the 11ft-tall ketchup bottle and loops of vintage Heinz TV ads.
Learn about a pop-culture icon at the Andy Warhol Museum
With its bright colors and pop-culture references, Andy Warhol’s art resonates with kids. They can experience interactive exhibits at the Andy Warhol Museum, which includes opportunities to make a screen test to star in a film.
Soar above the trees at Go Ape North Park
For families who enjoy outdoor adventure, the Treetop Adventure at Go Ape North Park features ziplines up to 440ft long and platforms up to 40ft high. The park is open to kids aged 10 and older who are at least 4ft-7in, and kids ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Ensure you allocate at least two to three hours for the park.
Take a funicular up Mt Washington to see the skyline
No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without riding the Monongahela or Duquesne Incline, which travel up the steep hill to Mt Washington. Originating in the late 1800s, these inclines assist visitors in enjoying breathtaking skyline views of the city.
The inclines run every 15 minutes, allowing flexibility in your schedule. Both offers stunning views, with the Duquesne Incline being more suitable for younger kids who may get restless.
Get out on the water with a Gateway Clipper River Cruise
Discover the meeting point of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers by taking a Gateway Clipper cruise. The hour-long tour is perfect for children, offering scenic views of the city, including notable sports stadiums.
Check out the Pittsburgh sports scene
Regardless of the season, Pittsburgh boasts a vibrant sports culture. Attending a Steelers game at Heinz Field, watching the Pirates at PNC Park, or cheering on the Penguins during a hockey match at PPG Paints Arena is always an option.
All teams have enthusiastic fanbases and lively cheering sections. If you’re not in the mood for a game, enjoy the food and atmosphere near the venues, featuring restaurants like Federal Galley, known for its Pop Rocks floats and Threadbare Cider, an adults-only cidery with great pizza and a fun Lite-Brite wall for kids.
Get a dose of adrenaline at the amusement parks
Whether it’s Kennywood Amusement Park, Sandcastle, or Idlewild Park & SoakZone, your kids will enjoy the thrill of the rides. For younger kids, Kennywood features a dedicated area for Thomas the Train fans, while Idlewild has attractions inspired by Daniel Tiger.
Sandcastle is the prime spot for cooling off on hot summer days, with water slides and a perfect wave pool. Don’t miss the Cliffhangers, which lead to pools suspended in mid-air.
See cheerful art at Randyland
Free admission makes Randyland a unique “museum of happiness” that captivates all ages. Randy Gilson, the artist behind Randyland, invites visitors to explore his vibrant artwork, primarily created with found objects using bright colors.
There’s space for tired kids to relax and enjoy a snack (remember to bring your own!). During summer, the courtyard features a giant sandpit for kids to dig in.
What else should I know about visiting Pittsburgh with kids?
Bathroom access is crucial for parents of younger children, as public facilities can be hard to find in certain areas, like the South Side and Strip District. Plan ahead to avoid long waits between restroom breaks. (The riverfront trail near the Highline on the South Side offers clean public restrooms, for example.) The North Shore and Morningside neighborhoods provide more restroom options.
While some hotels offer babysitting services, availability varies significantly, so confirm with the venue before making your arrangements.
If you plan on heading to a baseball game, the zoo, or the aquarium, check for discounted tickets through the local grocery chain Giant Eagle.
This article was first published May 26, 2021, and updated Jul 16, 2022.
