Plan the perfect weekend getaway with kids this summer in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is Kidsburgh with plenty of family fun attractions, it’s the ultimate destination for family adventure! From watching a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, to the National Aviary, the Children’s Museum, and riding the Incline and taking in beautiful views of Pittsburgh at the top of Mount Washington, there will be non-stop adventure all day long. Plus, if you have a Thomas the Train fan, you don’t want to miss Thomas Town at Kennywood.
7 Things to do with Kids in Pittsburgh
Check out our top things to do with kids in Pittsburgh to help make the most of your Pittsburgh experience.
Get up close with Penguins at the National Aviary
Located in Pittsburgh’s historic North Side the National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds, and is the nations only bird zoo. Explore indoor and outdoor habitats with birds flying freely around you. Visitors can get up close to rare and endangered birds as well as penguins, flamingos, and even a sloth.
Watch a Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game
Catch a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game in Pirates Cove at PNC park, the perfect spot for families with children. Tickets are just $30 and include unlimited popcorn, peanuts, and soda. Pirates Cove is located in the right field corner and offers a great view of the game at a discounted cost.
Enjoy a tasty treat at the Milk Shake Factory
Enjoy an afternoon treat at the Milkshake Factory, Pittsburgh’s ultimate milkshake and chocolate destination. From classic vanilla to Cookie Dough Fudge and Chocolate Dipped Strawberry and a chocolate bar, it’s so hard to choose just one!
Play your way through the Children’s Museum
At the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum find hundreds of hands on interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. Creative and educational exhibits include Very Eric Carle, Curious George™: Let’s Get Curious!, waterplay, and the new MuseumLab. MuseumLab, is perfect for older kids 10+, with three areas to experiment and create including the Studio Lab, Tech Lab, and Make Lab.
Meet Thomas the Train at Kennywood
Located just outside of Pittsburgh, there is something fun for everyone at Kennywood Amusement Park. Founded in 1898, the Pittsburgh amusement park has been a favorite for over 120 years. Surrounded by classic rides, roller coasters & thrill rides, children’s rides, shows, games and arcades, there is something for preschoolers, teens, and those young at heart. With a mix of old and new, visitors will find 3 classic wooden roller coasters, and antique carousel, as well as modern touches, like the addition on Thomas Land and Steelers Country with the newest roller coaster Steel Curtain opening July 13th..
Ride a Wooden Cable Car on the Duquesne Incline
Take a short ride on the 140-year-old wooden cable car to the observation deck at the top of Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington. The Duquesne Incline was opened on May 20, 1877 and was restored by a group of local residents in 1963. It is one of the few remaining inclines in the country. At the top, you’ll experience a panoramic view of the city skyline including the three rivers.
Take the Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise on the Gateway Clipper
One of best way to see Pittsburgh, its by taking one of the Gateway Clippers sightseeing cruises. During the riverboat tour you’ll learn all about Pittsburgh’s past & present while sailing the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio River. Special children’s theme cruises are offered throughout the month including the Trolls & Pup Patrol Cruise, PJ Masks, Superhero Cruise and Princess Cruise.
Places to eat:
Breakfast
- Try a signature waffle or build your own at Waffles, INCaffeinated, located in Downtown Pittsburgh.
- Located in the historic Strip District, Pamela’s Diner is a classic American diner with fantastic crepe-like pancakes and many other delicious options for brunch.
Lunch or Dinner:
- Grab lunch at Double Wide Grill, a Pittsburgh favorite for American food in the South Side neighborhood that is full of colorful murals. Hang out on the patio on a nice afternoon and choose from a variety of barbeque, vegan and vegetarian foods.
- Stop by the original location of the ‘Burgh’s famous Primanti’s Bros. in the Strip District for sandwich topped with fries and house made coleslaw! They say you haven’t truly visited Pittsburgh until you’ve tried Primanti’s. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week! Enjoy a tasty sandwich no matter what time it is.
- Build your own burger, or choose from one the special creations at Burgatory. Make sure to save little room for dessert with one of their signature milkshakes, like the campfire s’mores, cookie monster or vegan shake.
Looking for a place to stay?
Homewood Suites Downtown Pittsburgh offers kid-friendly amenities, including an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and spacious rooms with kitchens to help make traveling with children stress free and help you feel more at home. Spacious studio, one and two bedroom suites offer separate living and sleeping areas with plenty of room for the entire family to spread out and relax. Each suite also offered a fully equipped kitchen with full size refrigerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher as well as utensils, pots and pans for those looking to extend their trip, or cook their own meals. A hot daily buffet breakfast is included with each stay as well as complimentary evening social Monday through Thursday (meatball sliders & salad were served one night during out stay, chicken and burgers with pasta salad a 2nd night).
Start planning for your next road trip or weekend getaway to Kidsburgh!
*Thank-you Visit Pittsburgh for sponsoring out trip. All meals, accommodations, attractions provided.
