7 Things to do in Pittsburgh with the Family

It can be hard trying to include everyone in the clan in your next family outing. Little bro loves dinosaurs, big sis loves art, dad loves baking and mom just wants the night to end without an argument. It can be stressful trying to please so many varying interests while still having that good old family time everyone needs.

We wanted to make things easy for parents trying to find that perfect activity with this breakdown of kid friendly places in Pittsburgh that are sure to please the whole family.

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Carnegie Science Center

An educational experience the whole family can enjoy

North Shore
‍1 Allegheny Ave

Mon-Sun 10AM - 5PM
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The perfect place for kids of all ages, the Carnegie Science Center offers 4 floors of interactive, hands on exhibits that are sure to impress with their shock and awe.

“This place is a classic; it is great for kids and adults of all ages, and don't forget the submarine!!!!” - Yelp Review

This educational experience is perfect for the whole family with over a dozen exhibits and live shows. From astrology to robotics and legos to Da Vinci, you and your family are sure to have the time of your lives at the Science Center.

Check out their website for events too! Don’t miss their summer camp or their sleep overs either!

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

For a family trip that will go down in history!

Oakland
‍4400 Forbes Ave

Sun-Wed, Fri 10AM - 5PM
‍Thu, Sat 10AM - 8PM
‍Sun 10PM - 5PM

Another Carnegie Museum, the Museum of Natural History is just as exciting and educational as the Science Center with a bigger focus on history and a more traditional museum experience.

“Check out this museum. You will not be disappointed. Be prepared to spend several hours.” - Yelp Review

With an impressive collection of skeletal remains, historical artifacts and scientific specimens, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is rated among the top in the country.

Big sister loves creepy crawlies? Check out the amphibians and reptiles exhibit.

Little brother obsessed with shiny stones and minerals? The Carnegie has an awe inspiring collection in the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems.

And don’t worry, they also have classics. We all know you go to Natural History Museums to look at some dinosaur bones, and they’ve got those like you wouldn’t believe. Plan a trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History today to experience it all!

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

For a magical day with the family

Oakland
‍1 Schenley Park

Sat-Thu 9:30AM - 5PM
‍Fri 9:30AM - 10PM

We can see it now: your next family outing will be at Phipps Conservatory.

“what a great place to go to start off the new year … I love Pittsburgh and and Phipps is just another beautiful reason why” - Yelp Review

The kids will love the interactive sections because, well...dirt. You’ll love the stunning displays and beautifully arranged fauna. You’ll take your Christmas card picture. It’ll be a dream come true.

With different rooms devoted to different biologically diverse eco domes, it’s like walking through the gardens of the world. Check out the jungle room, the desert room, the bonsai garden, the orchard, they’ve really got it all.

And, if you’re lucky enough to be around during the holidays, the entire thing is lit up as if it wasn’t stunning enough. It’s the perfect family outing, so what are you waiting for.

The Western PA Sports Museum

Have a sports-filled day in one of the premiere sports cities in the U.S.

Strip District
‍1212 Smallman St

Mon-Sun 10AM - 5PM

Actually located within the History Center in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum takes a look at the story of Pittsburgh’s sports.

“While I loved pretty much every experience in Pittsburgh, the Heinz History Center went well beyond expectations.” - Yelp Review

From football to hockey, the Sports Museum gives your family a view of the teams that have made Pittsburgh one of the most sports crazed cities in America.

The perfect destinations for the local Pens or Steelers fan, the Sports Museum is going to take your next family night to the next level and win you some serious cool-parent points.

The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

Everyone has a favorite animal, right?

Highland Park
‍7370 Baker St

Mon-Sun 9:30AM - 6PM

Lions! And tigers! And dinosaurs? Oh my, are you going to have a good time.

One of the best zoos in the country, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium are going to make your headspin with all they offer. We weren’t kidding about the dinosaurs. Recently installed, the Zoo has added a walk through section of the park that includes animatronic dinosaurs that move and rawr and hiss — it’s like Jurassic Park without the high speed Jeep chases.

Beyond that, they have the classics everyone comes to the zoo to see. You got your elephants, you got your lions, you got your penguins. Everyone’s favorite is sure to be found at the zoo.

Buy a GiftYa To The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium >

Kennywood

A classic Pittsburgh attraction

West Mifflin
‍4800 Kennywood Blvd

Mon-Sun 10:30AM - 10PM

It’s a Pittsburgh staple. It’s probably the funnest place in Western Pennsylvania.

“I love this place” - Yelp Review

The word is almost synonymous with a good time. Kennywood is the go to family fun activity in all of Pittsburgh.

There’s something for everyone at Kennywood. There’s Thomas Town for the younger ones in the group. There’s roller coasters, both classic wooden and bone shaking steel. Waterslides, swing ride, and loads and loads of fried food. The classic theme park experience your kids actually want.

The Duquesne Incline

Overlook Pittsburgh's iconic skyline

South Side
‍1197 W Carson St

Mon-Sat 5:30AM - 12:30AM
‍Sun 7AM - 12:30AM

The Duquesne Incline is an iconic experience for visitors and locals alike. A

scenic trip up the slope of Mount Washington, the incline has existed since the mid-19th century back when it was just a coal hoist during the city’s coal and steel industry boom. Now, it’s a relaxing ride with sweeping views of the whole City of Pittsburgh, with a beautiful view of Pittsburgh’s Downtown and North Shore, overlooking it’s iconic skyline.

Take in the 3 rivers, Point Park Fountain, and the iconic Heinz Stadium on your trip up! And the fun doesn’t have to stop with the ride. At the top of the incline, the second station is located on Grand View Ave. (appropriately named), which is host to a number of restaurants and even a sweet little ice cream parlor.

A perfect afternoon plan when you’re looking for a way to spend time with the family that’s going to take you out of the house and seeing Pittsburgh the way it was meant to be seen.

There you have it! Our guide to your next family outing in the city of Pittsburgh. Check out each of these 7 kid friendly activities the next time you’re in the area or spread them out over the year if you’re a local. Didn’t see something you know every family will love? Let us know so we can spread the word! And check out GiftYa personalized gift cards, so you can give the gift of a happy family outing.