10 Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Pittsburgh
Don’t let the weather keep you stuck at home with energetic little ones
When you have an energetic kiddo needing to expel some energy on a cold or rainy day, indoor play spaces are a great solution!
If you're seeking the perfect gift for a parent or kid that’s more of an experience than just another toy, try a GiftYa personalized egift card to one of the featured venues below! GiftYa allows you to purchase an egift card from almost any company or brand and electronically send it to anyone — all from your phone. Just pick your venue or shop, add the value of your choosing to the gift card, and GiftYa will text the recipient their present. Once they receive the message, they'll follow a few simple instructions to link the egift card to their debit card. It's quick, simple and eliminates the hassles that come with physical gift cards!
Here are our top picks for indoor play spaces in Pittsburgh:
Scene75
A virtual Disney Land of Indoor Play activities for kids young and old
Scene75.com | 412.336.2330
Edgewood | 1775 S. Braddock Avenue
Wed-Thu 11AM-10PM
Fri 11AM-12AM
Sat 10AM-12AM
Sun 11AM-10PM
Rain or shine, this 90,000 sq foot entertainment center offers fun-filled activities for kids of all ages. The space houses over 12 indoor attractions from Go Karts, Laser Tag, Glow Mini Golf, bumper cars, mini bowling, and 120 + arcade games.
They have food and drinks on site and host unforgettable birthday parties!
Scene 75 is truly a cure to the boredom blues for your kiddos!
“Overall a very fun place full of activities.The central space is a giant arcade. There are a ton of games. Most ranged $1-3 each. In the back were other awesome activities. There are 2 separate cosmic mini golf courses, bumper cars, laser tag, mini bowling, virtual reality experience, 7D attraction (dark ride), indoor go carts, a child's bouncy house / inflatable room as well as food options (food truck themed). Most attraction are $4-8 each. Can get pricey quick especially with a family. There is an option for $40 a person for unlimited attractions for 1 hour. Not a bad option. We played arcade games, went bowling & did the 7D attraction (dark ride). We initially came for indoor go carts but they weren't very fast so we decided not to do it. Kids would have fun though It's nice to have a variety of fun things to do. This place is great for a kid or a random date night” - Chelsea M. Yelp Review
Kidzville
One of a kind village for kids: Where imagination comes to life!
Kidzvillepa.com | 412.366.3173
North Hills | 262 Mt. Nebo Pointe Drive
Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM
Sat-Sun 9AM-12PM
Educational and fun — this simple yet lovely concept offers young children a chance at imaginary play in a village of playhouses. At Kidzville, kids pretend to be bankers, vets and a number of other professions. Unlimited play is only $12!
While the kids learn and play, parents can lounge on benches in the center of the village and enjoy the coffee and snacks available.
If you’re seeking a unique play experience that fosters your child’s imagination, Kidzville is the place to be!
“Kidzville is the best place ever! It's a great place for your kids and what it is is a city for your child it looks like a mint Pittsburgh kid sized and there are so many things that they could do like salon, animal clinic and many more you can also get a membership which is so much better because you can earn a discount if you come at least a month it is such a cute place!” - Aiden F. Yelp Review
The Landing
Community Center hosting indoor “park” with soccer field, gymnasium, and auditorium
Impactthelanding.com | 412.264.9392
Moon | 330 Hookstown Grade Road
Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
Sat 9AM-2PM
The Landing is a membership-free community center, a perfect spot to burn off energy on a cold or rainy day. Inside this modern facility hosts a top notch indoor park with soccer pitch and Foamnasium play area for kids 6 and under. There’s also a gymnasium with basketball court, and state of the art auditorium.
The Café @ The Landing is a comfy lounge for parents to relax while the kids play, featuring delicious fare and free wifi.
There are frequently great community events, exercise classes, and pick up basketball games. There are also various meeting rooms available for rent.
“Great, FREE, clean space to let kids run around and play. A bonus that they have a cafe to eat so you don’t have to leave when everyone gets hungry. We have enjoyed the kids foam play area and the turf field, my older son loves being able to run around since it’s been too cold to be outside with our baby. Definitely worth a visit!” - Kimberley D. Facebook Review
Fun Slides Park
A novel spin on skating, carpet skating is a safer yet still fun alternative to skate boarding, inline and ice skating
Funslidespark.com | 412.364.9400
North Hills | 1130 Perry Highway
Mon-Wed 11AM-8PM
Thu-Fri 12:30-9:30PM
Sat 12:30-8:30PM
Sun 12:30-6:30pm
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activities like none other, head to Fun Slides and have the kids try out carpet skating. With a modified “carpet skate” that attaches to their shoes, kids of any level can explore the park's ramps, slides and features for non-stop fun!
The park also includes a glowing bounce and slide area, super ninja challenge course, blacklight dodgeball and carpet hockey games — there’s plenty of non-stop fun to be had.
Admission is $12.99 for 2 hours of skating, you can also gain unlimited access to the extra activities for only $4. Skate rentals are only $2.99 and helmets are also available to rent. Parent can pay a nominal $1.49 for a spectators pass.
“This is one of my and my five year old son's favorite spots. We've been here several times already and he always has a blast. The staff seem to be all teenagers but very well trained. They offer to teach and assist your child as well as offered me to go in the bounce houses with my son. I liked that because my son enjoys when I play with him. I like that most about this skatepark that my son and I can skate together and not worry about getting hurt. The prices are reasonable as well. We will always be back and always recommend!!” - Tabitha C. Yelp Review
Zone 28
Not your average bowling alley, this indoor fun complex features everything from laser tag to an Escape Room
Zone28.com | 412.828.1100
Harmar | 2525 Freeport Road
Sun-Wed 9AM-11PM
Thu 9AM-12AM
Fri-Sat 9AM-2AM
Zone 28 isn’t just a fun destination for kids — there’s plenty of fun for people of all ages! The main bowling alley features 33 lanes, and the Game Zone Arcade has over 45 games to play.
The fun doesn’t stop there, there’s also a laser tag arena and escape room. When you work up an appetite, there are two restaurants onsite for a quality meal.
“I went here for maybe the second time tonight and, I gotta say, I loved it. There are a decent amount of bowling lanes all lit up, a restaurant, two bars, laser tag and an escape room coming Feb 2018. The kids I went with loved all the arcade game varieties and the laser tag was reasonably priced. I've come here before to do bowling at night with my friends and loved it as well. If I had the choice of coming here again, I'd do it in a heartbeat.” - Rachael Q. Yelp Review
The Lightning Bug
Family fun for everyone in Mars
Thelightningbug.com | 724.900.2808
Mars | 170 Scharberry Lane
Mon-Thu 10AM-9PM
Fri-Sat 10AM-10PM
Sun 10AM-9PM
The Lightning Bug offers indoor AND outdoor fun for all ages. Take a spin on their unique Spin Bumper Cars, play a round of laser tag or indoor golf, or play on the climbing wall or indoor playground. The playground is always free!
The space also features a full arcade and outdoor miniature golf course. They are proud of the quality concessions and treats, beyond what you expect from a typical arcade, including gluten free options.
“The Lightning Bug was AWESOME! Drove past many times, I finally had to go in... I am so glad I did. Way cooler than I had pictured. Staff were helpful and really nice. Arcade was fun. Seems like it would be a nice place to do birthdays. Large dining area and a few private rooms as well. They have an outdoor mini-golf with a waterfall that was pretty impressive. Laser-tag, rock climbing wall, bumper cars... We will be back very soon!” - AyJay W. Yelp Review
Fun Fore All
Featuring the ultimate four story indoor playground as one of many attractions
Funforeall.com | 724.779.1800
Cranberry | 8 Progress Avenue
Hours 10AM-10P Daily
Summer Hours 10AM-11PM Daily
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park is the perfect place for you and your family with countless activities to suit any interest, both indoor and out.
The amenities include the Dark Ride 3D game, an arcade featuring 25 games, and the ultimate four story Ballocity play space with over 30 activities. Ballocity only costs $5 for unlimited play, but adults can join in for free. There’s also a separate space for smaller tots.
Outdoors, you can also explore kiddie rides like roller coasters and a balloon ride, Go Kart racing, climbing wall, batting cages, miniature golf, and bumper boats.
“FUN FUN FUN! The kids love this place and truly, I love it too. So much neat stuff to do and more fun everyday as they expand. It's clean and welcoming and they have lots of things to entertain the whole family, inside and out. Lots of batting cages for the guys, go carts and mini-golf for the gals. Video games and ticket games with prizes the kids can choose from too. Perfect place for a party or just a family outing.” - M S. Yelp Review
Highmark Sportsworks
Inspires learning and curiosity by uniting the experience of sports with the laws of science
Carnegiesciencecenter.org | 412.237.3400
Northside | 1 Allegheny Avenue
Daily 10AM-5PM
This special exhibit next door to the Carnegie Science Center combines the fun experience of sports with learning the laws of science that impact sports. The highlight is the multi-level ropes course featuring a tethered walk across various obstacles. There’s also a mini version below for toddlers to enjoy.
Kids can become a human yo-yo with a special cable ethered pulley ride, test our their batting in the batting cage, scale the 25 foot climbing wall, and more.
While the main Science Center next door offers plenty of fun learning play activities, Sportworks is a great place for kids of all ages to burn some extra energy.
“...The SportsWorks building adjacent to the main Science Center is also filled with really cool things. Little kids seem to enjoy the bungee trampoline and human yo-yo activities, while I personally love the rollercoaster simulator and rock climbing wall. The baseball cage that tests your pitching speed is a lot of fun too, as is the track that lets you foot race your friends…” -Tricia B. Yelp Review
Wildwood Highlands
A Family Fun Center and Indoor Sports complex
Wildwoodsportscomplex.com | 412-487-5517
North Hills | 2330 Wildwood Rd
Sun-Thu 11AM-9PM
Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM
Wildwood is home to an arcade, laser tag run, spin bumper cars, and Kiddie City 4 level indoor playground. Outside is a mini golf course, bumper boats, and next door is a covered Sports Complex hosting youth sports leagues.
Of all the “fun center” options, Wildwood gives you the most bang for your buck!
“There are SO many options at Wildwood, there's something for all ages of kids. In addition to the outdoor activities -- go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, etc. -- there's an indoor play structure, arcade games, and more. We've visited Wildwood both for a weekday play date and on the weekend for a birthday party. The cost of a regular visit provides much value for choosing one attraction and buying some tokens. The birthday parties are well organized and easy for the parents to just sit back and observe and have fun with the kiddos. We also got a TON of coupons and free stuff as part of our birthday party. The only drawbacks to Wildwood is that it can be easy to spend more than you anticipated if you don't have a plan; and, it can get crazy inside if it's packed. Otherwise, we will definitely plan to go back!” - Chelsea C. Yelp Review
Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library
A unique indoor playspace and library to borrow toys from
Pghtoys.org | 412.682.4430
Shadyside | 5401 Centre Ave
Mon, Wed-Sat 9:30AM-12:30PM,
Tue 9:30AM-2PM
Mon, Thu 9AM-12:30PM, also 4-7PM on Thursday
This unique club allows members to borrow from their library of toys, but the space itself offers so much more. Don’t worry — you don’t have to be a member to get in on the fun. Their mission is to promote early childhood development through creative play.
The featured toys are wholesome and enriching, from ride ons, a bounce tube, play kitchen and dress up space, toy cars and trains, blocks and large playhouse structures to explore. There’s also a separate space for smaller tots to play safely.
“What a wonderful resource for families in Pittsburgh! There are lots of toys and play structures for babies, toddlers, and older kids -there's even an arts and crafts room! A great place to socialize your baby. They even have coffee for grown ups. First visit is free so there's absolutely no reason why every family shouldn't try it at least once.” - Emily T. Yelp Review
E2 Toys2Try
Come explore this toy store and indoor play space!
Toys2try.com | 412-564-5033
Bridgeville | 426 James Street
Mon-Fri 9:30AM-2PM
Sat Call for Hours
This unique, fun-filled toys store allows kids to play indoors and out, for a fun rainy day activity or a birthday party. Kids can play and party in a clean, safe environment with a variety of toys and play structures, from sandboxes to rides, to play kitchens and imaginary play.
“My Family and I enjoyed our visit at E2Toys to Try. My daughter is 10 months old and there aren't many places I am able to take her to play. Understandably, Many venues just aren't set up for an infant. E2 had a number of things she could do. There were also activities for older children. It's a homey atmosphere and we felt very comfortable. The Gentleman on staff was friendly and he let us play on our own without hovering. Although some of the toys are older, they were well taken care of and clean. I also liked that most of the toys were wooden and many of them from sustainable manufacturers. I wish there were more places like this as opposed to large commercialized venues. We will be returning.” - Christine H. Yelp Review
Giggles & Smiles
This indoor playspace is focused on movement based play
Monroeville | 200 Mall Circle Drive
412.243.4800
Tarentum | 590 Pittsburgh Mills Circle
724.275.7529
Tues-Sat 10AM-9PM
Sun 12PM-5:45PM
Mon closed
Driven to provide a children’s recreational center focused on movement based activities, rather than stationary electronic entertainment. Their indoor play structures feature ball pits, tunnels and slides. They offer a variety of other movement based play as well!
“Great place to play. Fun even as a family activity. Always clean!” - Facebook Review
What makes them unique is their drop off services; you can leave your kids aged 3-10 for up to 3 hours with the interactive staff. It’s a fun, affordable way to get your kids moving!
When Pittsburgh’s weather gets you down, and your kiddos need to burn off some extra energy, get out of the house to one of these indoor play spaces. There are options for every age range and neighborhood around town.
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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