Top Places in Pittsburgh to Take Your Favorite Science Geek

No matter what science is your passion-- biology, chemistry, astronomy, or physics-- you’re sure to meet some fellow science geeks in Pittsburgh. There are so many museums to explore-- and many hands on exhibits to try-- you almost won’t know where to start first! That’s why we put together this list of some of the best places in the ‘Burgh to take your favorite science person-- you might even learn something along the way!

Treat the science geek in your life to a GiftYa electronic gift card to any of the places on this list-- they’re accepted there as well as many other places in Pittsburgh. They’ll love the fact that they can never lose or forget this gift card-- it’s sent directly to their phone and links with the their debit card. It’s a great way to get out and explore Pittsburgh!

Carnegie Science Center

One of the best places in Pittsburgh to take your favorite science geek!

‍

North Shore

1 Allegheny Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Mon-Sun 10am-5pm

Carnegie Science Center is a must-see for anyone who is interested in all things science-- and even for those who aren’t! There’s so many exhibits to explore at this museum-- including those related to robots, ecology, and sports movement and medicine.

Pittsburghers also love catching a movie on the Omnimax Screen-- there you can learn about volcanoes, undersea life, and even take a trip to the stars. This is a great way to introduce your kids to science as well-- and there are many exhibits that are catered especially to them.

“There's a lot of places to go on multiple floors and buildings with everything from lots of hands on exhibits for the kids to visual program dealing with the stars.” -Yelp Review

The Citizen Science Lab

A great place to geek out about science!

‍

Downtown

1435 Bedford Ave. Suite 132A

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-482-3340

Mon-Fri 9am-7pm

Sat 1pm-3pm

The Citizen Science Lab is Pittsburghers first community science lab-- and is dedicated to introducing all kinds of people to the joys of discovery and science. If you know someone who is interested in getting a more hands on approach to any of the STEM subjects-- this place is sure to have a class for them.

Workshops, classes, and summer camps are available for kids of all ages-- and taught by some amazingly qualified teachers in their downtown Pittsburgh location. This is such a great resource to have in the Pittsburgh community-- and it is making science relatable for more kids each day.

“The broad array of stem classes they have taught has helped develop her mind. She doesn't fear trying to accomplish what may be challenging for many because they have mentored her and made learning science fun.” -Google Review

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

A perfect museum for anyone interested in science

‍

Oakland

4400 Forbes Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Mon 10am-5pm

Tues 10am-8pm

Wed, Fri-Sun 10am-5pm

Carnegie Museum of Natural History has a stunning array of specimens that any scientist would be excited to view. From their amazing collection of birds from around the world, to the dinosaur bones, to the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems-- if you’re into archaeology, ornithology, or geology-- you’ll be sure to have a good time exploring this museum.

Consider picking up a membership the next time you visit-- you’ll also gain access to the Carnegie Science Center as well!

“The rocks & minerals collection is especially stunning. There are thousands of specimens spread across 6 or 7 rooms, with extremely detailed descriptions.” -Yelp Review

Museum Lab at the Children’s Museum

A great place for your little science enthusiasts!

‍

North Side

10 Children’s Way

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

412-322-5058

Mon-Sun 10am-5pm

Museum Lab is new in Pittsburgh, and is designed for older kids to get a head start on their budding interest in science and computer technology. It is a part of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh-- which already caters to young children’s interest in exploring.

Kids age 10 and older can come to this new lab space to explore how to create furniture or how to make an app from scratch. There are experienced science and creative professionals on hand to help the kids with their endeavours-- and everything they make is theirs to keep!

“For the amount of children that run through here every day the place is clean and has plenty of interactive things for everyone to do.” -Yelp Review

Bayernhof Museum

An eclectic museum full of fun science stuff

‍

O’Hara Twp.

225 Charles Pl.

Pittsburgh, PA 15215

412-782-4231

Bayernhof Museum is located in O’Hara Twp. and holds one of the largest collections of music boxes and antique musical instruments. This is a great place to take your favorite scientific friend on a tour where they can explore the variety of rooms-- and marvel at how the musical instruments still play over 100 years later.

At the end of your tour, make sure to go through the secret door and into the hidden cave! At the end of the tunnel there is a pool room that just needs to be seen to believed.

“For me, Bayernhof Museum was a random google find that intrigued me. Calling the museum a "music museum" is really unfortunate though. It is so much more than a collection of music boxes!” -Yelp Review

Trundle Manor

Your favorite science geek will love all the oddities at this place

‍

Swissvale

7724 Juniata St.

Pittsburgh, PA 15218

412-916-5544

Trundle Manor is definitely a one-of-a-kind place to visit in the Swissvale area of Pittsburgh. It is full of all kinds of odd specimens-- including those preserved in formaldehyde as well as taxidermied.  There are medical specimens that are sure to interest any budding doctor or nurse-- as well as many more interesting odds and ends.

The owner sometimes offers an impromptu taxidermy class-- if you know anyone interested in biology or anatomy-- make sure you take them to this place for a visit!

“Everything is so odd and our lovely tour guide explained everything to us and answered all of our questions. We were able to purchase some art before we left...Awesome experience.” -Yelp Review

Allegheny Observatory

Check out the stars with your favorite astronomer

‍

Brighton Heights

159 Riverview Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Thurs-Fri 8pm-10pm

If you know someone who just can’t get enough of looking at the planets and stars of our galaxy-- be sure to have them check out the Allegheny Observatory. This is a functioning observatory that is located in the Brighton Heights neighborhood and is a part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Physics and Astronomy Department.

There are classes here that are taught for both credit and non-credit-- and the telescopes are available for the public to view during any tour. Make sure you reserve a spot at their monthly lectures as well!

“We took a Thursday night tour.  It was very informative on the history of the observatory and several prominent people in its past.  Being a clear night, we also got to see through one of the telescopes (Jupiter and Saturn). -Google Review

Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh

Geek out and look at the stars with these astronomers

‍

Tarentum

225 Kurn Rd.

Tarentum, PA 15084

724-224-2510

If you’ve never been to a star party before-- you’re definitely in for a treat. This is when the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh picks a day each month for a get together at either their Allegheny Co. or Washington Co. observatories. There, you can mingle with other people who take an interest in viewing our galaxy and learn a thing or two about the stars.

You can bring your own telescope or binoculars-- but definitely make sure to try out the large ones available at the observatories!

“It's quite an evening of education and fun. Everyone is welcoming and friendly. And it's a great way to learn about the Observatory.” -Yelp Review

If you know someone who is into all things science, be sure to take them to some of the places on this list. They’re sure to be interested in exploring all that these spots have to offer for fellow science enthusiasts! Where in Pittsburgh would you take your favorite science geek? Let us know in the comments!