As a kid, growing up in Pittsburgh is great, but being an adult and getting to take your kids to all your old haunts is even better. Once known only as a steel mining industry, Pittsburgh has carved out a modernized reputation for renowned healthcare, education, technology, and athletics!

Photo by Catherine Boley

It’s also been voted one of the best places to live, and believe me, as a visitor you’ll see how they got such a reputation. Pittsburgh has an endless supply of fun things to do with children, admits a backdrop of historic architecture and timeless tradition.

I have to admit, I’m a bit biased since I spent the majority of my adolescence and college years in this city, but my kids look forward to visiting here year after year. They squeal with delight upon experiencing many of the same museums and play-spots I did as a child. And, as a parent, nothing warms the heart quite like seeing your child repeat warm fuzzy memories you yourself still cherish. Here’s a list of must visit places in and around the Pittsburgh Area.

North Side:

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – This museum is for kids of all ages (0-12) and known for being full of “real stuff” that kids can play with. There’s a large-scale water table, art studios, a garage where kids can take apart a car, and much more. The building once housed the post office and is a sight to be seen unto itself.

Heinz Field or PNC Stadium or Melon Arena – Any time during the year one of three great sports teams are in season! Take the kids to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins for some live action sports in any of the wonderful complexes.  Since many of the players live in the area there’s a good bet you might just run into one of them during your exploration of the city as well.

Photo by Catherine Boley

Carnegie Science Center – My kids love to go here year after year. The Science Center houses some exhibits that have been around since I was a little kid, and they also have revolving exhibits as well. There’s also an Omnimax with a bevy of movies, planetarium, submarine, and for any budding train engineer, a giant miniature railroad display. Located across the street is the UPMC SportsWorks center that houses a plethora of cool and interesting exhibits for slightly older kids. Check out the rock wall, bungee jump over a trampoline, and try out some virtual sports while you’re at it, too!

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium – This zoo and aquarium is perfect for kids! The zoo has been set up to make navigation easy, lots of space for strollers, and plenty of viewable animals! The state of the art aquarium is full of mesmerizing sea creatures, walkthrough shark tanks, and touchable ray pools. Head to the Kid’s Kingdom and let off some energy by climbing robe ladders, and slip down giant slides!

Photo by Catherine Boley

The Mattress Factory – Want something a little edgier? Check out this modern art and large scale installation museum. My favorite is the mylar balloon room full of mirrors. You feel like you’re in the clouds!

Andy Warhol Museum – Famous for the tomato soup cans, yes, but there was much more to Mr Warhol than his iconic visage. Check out this collaborative museum that is chock full of modern and contemporary collections and interactive programs. Might be better suited for slightly older kids.

Strip District:

Primanti Brothers – Hungry? Check out this historically famous Pittsburgh sandwich shop, but be sure you’re up to the task because the portions are huge!

Oakland:

Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Art – This museum while being one of the top natural hisotry museums in the country also houses some of the most fantastic things for kids to do! A gigantic dinosaur exhibit complete with excavation site would enrapture any child. The gemological department houses fantastic specimens of any geologic formation you could imagine. My son could spend hours looking at the different mummies, archeological finds, and taxidermic dioramas. The art museum that is attached the natural history museum is also impressive in it’s scale and vast collection of classic and contemporary art. Make sure to check out the kid’s discovery center located in the basement. It’s full of hands on workshops and classes with more in-depth information on the various exhibits located within the confines of the museum.

Photo by Catherine Boley

Phipps Conservatory And Botanical Gardens – Located across from Schenley Park and Carnegie Mellon University is the arboretum where my husband and I got married. Stroll amongst the beautiful French gardens, indoor and outdoor botanical wonders, and the fun family friendly activities put on by the facility’s Discovery Garden.

South Side:

Duquesne Incline – Mt. Washington offers platforms with breathtaking views of Pittsburgh bridges and downtown triangle. The sight to be seen is more fun with a ride up the incline  and check out the Incline’s history before you head up, too!

Gateway Clipper Fleet – What’s more fun than a ride up and down the Monogahela River? Take a sigh-seeing cruise and check out an unusual view of Pittsburgh from the water!

Other Nearby Pittsburgh Destinations:

PA Trolley Museum – Outside Pittsburgh in Washington, PA there is a museum that houses a collection of old school trollies on display (and some still functioning). Any train loving child would love to check out the various restored trollies, and maybe even take a ride, too!

Photo by Catherine Boley

Fallingwater Tour – Take the “family tour” of one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous architectural masterpieces. There are hands-on activities and play things for the younger crowd, while parents explore the house. There’s also an area where kids can walk along the stream, too!

Kennywood – This place hold so much nostalgia for me!  One of only two historic landmark amusement parks to date, Kennywood has gone from being a small town picnic spot to a high thrills attraction spot. While it still retains much of it’s original charm (and some wonderful wooden roller coasters), there’s quite a few surprises for any thrill seeker.  Kiddieland has a pretty nice array of entertainment for the younger thrill seekers, too. For babies parents with infants there are lots of areas to stroll and sit, the food is great (make sure to check out The Potato Patch!), and there are live entertainers to enjoy as well.

Sancastle – The waterpark and amusement park have been recently updated, but still houses many of the same fun attractions from when I was a kid. The lazy river, wave pool, and mushroom waterfall are still a big hit with the little kids, and there’s a ton of fun things for the older crowd as well. Often on the weekends and summer evenings there are concert events, too!

For more activities for Kids in the Pittsburgh area, click here.