Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids

Looking to travel somewhere new for your next family vacation? Check out the 15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids, & why our family can’t wait to go back. This post is sponsored by Visit Pittsburgh. All travel-loving opinions are my own. #KidsBurgh

Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids

So where are you going on your family vacation this year? “I’m going to Pittsburgh!”

Wait, what?

When I told everyone that we were taking our summer vacation in Pittsburgh, I had a lot of folks giving me the side eye. But the city of 446 bridges (yes, that’s a true fact) surprised me. REALLY surprised me. I absolutely love this city and I think your family will too. See why Pittsburgh was one of the best family vacations we’ve ever had and discover the 15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids.

Is Pittsburgh really kid-friendly? What can families really explore together in this city? Let me count the ways.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Who knew that when we visited Pittsburgh that we would stumble on one of the best children’s museums in the U.S.? Ranked in the top 10, this hands-on Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh features an amazing maze wall, a huge Waterplay area and lots of things that kids can actually touch!

National Aviary

Walkthrough exhibits of over 500 birds at the National Aviary. Kids will love feeding the birds and seeing penguins up close and personal! Bonus, everything is indoors, great for a rainy day!

Duquesne Incline

Take the scenic ride up Mount Washington and experience of the most breathtaking views I have ever experienced! This cable car ride up the Duquesne Incline will give your family the perfect birds eye view of this historic city.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Explore the outdoors amidst lush greenery and beautiful flowers at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! The Butterfly Forest is a great place for kids to see this wonderful insects up close.

Carnegie Science Center

There’s nothing like hands-on learning! The Carnegie Science Center has over 200 hands-on experiences for kids including a USS Requin Submarine, huge H2Oh water play area,

and currently houses the world famous The Art of the Brick exhibit, a huge LEGO sculpture collection made of over 1 million bricks! Make sure to see the huge T-Rex and sculptures of famous paintings all converted into LEGO masterpieces. My kids LOVED this museum.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Over 8,000 animals over 77 acres of land, your family will love exploring all of nature’s creatures on land and in the sea at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. We definitely will be making a trip back for this place!

Kennywood Amusement Park

It’s a special place where 40 acres of attractions and a 120-year old National Historic Landmark combine! From modern day roller coasters to the oldest funhouse in the U.S. to kiddie rides and carnival games, Kennywood Amusement Park is a great place for families to have fun!

River Cruises

Surrounded by not one but 3 rivers, Pittsburgh is an ideal place for your family to take in a river cruise! Take a kid-friendly boat ride on one of the Gateway Clipper ships and enjoy discovering Pittsburgh in a whole new way.

Pirates Game at PNC Park

Take me out to the ballgame at one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in America! PNC Park has amazing views of the city and great seats to take in America’s favorite pastime. If you have time to take a tour, definitely do it!

Just Ducky Tours

Take your Pittsburgh exploration by land and by sea in these fun amphibious vehicles aboard the Just Ducky Tours! Explore all 3 rivers by water and a full tour of Downtown Pittsburgh by land.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

DINOSAURS! Do I have your attention now? See amazing dinosaur bones, collections of gems, animals and more in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This museum is also connected to the Carnegie Museum of Art – giving you 2 museums for the price of one!

Allegheny Observatory

Take a FREE tour of this astronomical research institution, located at the University of Pittsburgh. A perfect place to star gaze, the Allegheny Observatory is a great nighttime activity for kids too. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time for your tour.

Penguins Game at the PPG Paints Arena

I loved that our hotel (Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh) was just steps away from this legend arena! See a fun NHL game with one of the best hockey teams at the PPG Paints Arena, go to a concert or many other fun family-friendly shows in town.

Steelers Game at Heinz Field

You didn’t think I forgot about football, right? Pittsburgh loves their sports, and Heinz Field is the perfect place to take in a Steelers game. The views of the city can’t be beat!

Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids Video

Ready to visit Pittsburgh with your kids? Check out this short Best Pittsburgh Things to Do video for all of the amazing things we did on our family vacation!

So maybe Pittsburgh isn’t at the top of your family destination list. Well, it should be. I was honestly shocked at how much there was to do for families in this city. And we didn’t even touch the surface.

Visiting Pittsburgh was one of the best family vacations we’ve had in a long time. We’re already making plans to come back. Discover a new city to love in Pennsylvania and these 15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids. I can’t wait to visit the City of Bridges again soon. Looking for more Pittsburgh Things to Do? Head to the Visit Pittsburgh website for more top places to visit with your family.