The Steel City serves up a lot of options for fun and adventure close to home.
I grew up in Pittsburgh but have spent most of my adult life elsewhere. For years and years (and years) my husband and I had been talking about coming back to the ’Burgh, and we finally did!
Many of the reasons that made us decide to move back are also the reasons you should try a staycation here this year. Pittsburgh has so much to offer — art, culture, adventure — and is so affordable. It’s easy to take for granted what you have right in your own backyard, but let me tell you from a very biased, former-outsider’s perspective — Pittsburgh is a great city! We’re so glad to be back so that we can explore everything that my hometown has to offer. Below is just a sampling of the choices — and if any of you parents, nannies, or babysitters have any other places you’d like to add, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Address: 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fees: Adults, $16 | Children/Seniors, $14 | Children under 2 are free
If you want a full-on, interactive kid adventure, look no further. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will activate every part of your kiddo, from body to brain to heart! There are places to climb, observe, view and create. Rotating exhibits change regularly, so make sure you check the museum’s website before you go. As for the permanent collection, our vehicle-loving 3-year-old loves everything offered in the Garage, and our science-minded 6-year-old is all about Waterplay. But make sure you bring a change of clothes and shoes — or, at the very least, a bathing suit — so your kids can get the full experience. If you’re brave enough for two adventures in one day, the National Aviary is right next door.
National Aviary
Address: 700 Arch St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fees: Adults, $14 | Children/Seniors, $13 | Children under 2 are free | Shows and feedings available for additional charges
The National Aviary is located in Pittsburgh’s historic Northside, right next to the Children’s Museum. This amazing bird zoo features over 150 species of birds. You can also become part of their environment, as many of them are free-flying. Although my family loves all the birds, the African penguins at Penguin Point are our favorite. This indoor/outdoor exhibit allows guests to check out the penguins from every angle. Our boys love to crawl into the rocky tunnels for an underwater view. If all the bird-watching makes you hungry, be sure to visit Atria’s Kookaburra Kitchen for lunch or a snack. And, of course, stop by the gift shop for nature-themed souvenirs, toys, collectibles and books.
Gateway Clipper Fleet
Address: 350 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Fees: Rates vary, see website for details
Serving the Pittsburgh area for over 50 years, the Gateway Clipper Fleet has a river cruise for everyone and is the best way to sail the ’Burgh’s three rivers. In addition to dining, sightseeing, music and dance and holiday cruises, the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers shuttle services and space for private events and weddings. Kid-themed cruise options include the Princess Cruise, Superhero Cruise, Galactic Battle Cruise, Wizards on the Water Cruise and Under the Sea Cruise. So fun!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Address: 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Saturday – Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fees: Adults, $17.95 | Students/Seniors, $16.95 | Children (ages 2-18), $11.95 | Children under 2 are free
I’m not going to lie: An all-glass exterior and promises of peaceful gardens do not make me immediately think kid-friendly. Don’t make the same mistake. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located in Schenley Park, is a treasure for multiple generations. We’re not just talking flowers, folks! The place is loaded with amazing plants, artwork and wildlife. Even the most energetic kids will be fascinated by all there is to see and do. Be sure to stop by the Gallery Room, where the kiddos can play in a pretend farmers market, and the Children’s Discovery Garden, a hands-on experience complete with water features. So cool! All of this playing will make for hungry bellies, so set aside time for a stop at Café Phipps, an award-winning restaurant serving organic, local and sustainable foods.
Pirates Cove Water Park at Conley Resort
Address: 740 Pittsburgh Road (Route 8), Butler, PA 16002
Hours: Monday, Thursday & Friday, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fees: Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays, $18 | Monday & Thursday, $15
Just 45 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh lies a great spot for anyone looking for a fun and/or relaxing escape. Located at Conley Resort, Pirates Cove is a heated indoor swimming pool with two slides, a sauna, a hot tub and, of course, a pirate ship with a water cannon! The resort also features an 18-hole golf course. Having such a great time that you want to make a night of it? Conley offers very reasonable room rates, which include a full complimentary breakfast, 15 percent off admission at Pirates Cove and golf discounts. A two-night stay is required during weekends from May to September.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Address: 7340 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Hours: Vary throughout the year; Check the website for current times
Fees: Adults, $16 | Seniors, $15 | Children (ages 2-13), $14 | Children under 2 are free
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of my happy places. Open year-round, it offers indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family. The zoo is set up so that you can take a meandering stroll while exploring animals from each region of the world. Along the way are playgrounds, education centers, gift shops, food, drinks and, of course, the PPG Aquarium! Tired of walking? There’s a tram. The best part: it is completely manageable to experience everything in one day. On a tight budget? No problem. The zoo welcomes you to bring your own picnic lunch. (Please, no glass.) And there are a number of admission discounts available, which can be found on the zoo’s website.
Sky Trail at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills
Address: 590 Pittsburgh Mills Boulevard, Tarentum, PA 15084
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fees: Sky Trail, $14 | Sky Tykes, $7
Twenty-five minutes northeast of Pittsburgh at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills is a super fun, slightly terrifying, indoor ropes course adventure for the entire family. For family members 48 inches and taller (42 inches with an adult) there is a two-level course with over 30 different elements, including a zip line. Kids under 48 inches tall can participate on Sky Tykes, a ground-level course designed for children ages 2-7. In addition to shopping, the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills also offers movies at Cinemark Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills and Imax; a food court; Monster Spider Jump, a large trampoline attraction; and Escape Room, an interactive team-building game.
