8 Things to Do in Pittsburgh with Young Kids
We spent a week in Pittsburgh with our two kids under 3. Here are 8 of our favourite activities, in no particular order. Except the first one. It was our hands-down favourite.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
This museum is so innovative and FUN. Everything is hands-on in the most creative ways and for my active boys, it was a dreamland of activity and exploration.
We operated a giant robot using levers. We made vehicles out of rollerblade wheels and tried them out on a test course. We built a fort in the Makeshop using nuts and bolts and big panels. We made magnetic marble tracks. We played musical instruments along with a local singer outside in the garden.
We played until we could play no longer and had giant meltdowns in the stroller. And even with the meltdowns, I’d do it again and again.
If I were a local, I would absolutely buy a membership.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
This is a waterfront trail along the Allegheny River. There were lots of walkers and cyclers using the trail. We felt safe walking it during the day, but probably wouldn’t at night. It comes to a point with a large fountain at Point State Park.
Schenley Park
Stroller friendly trails, playgrounds, lots of parking.
Click here for more information.
Strip District
Not what it sounds like, this district is full of markets and trendy cafes and restaurants. We would have enjoyed this more without kids, but it was an interesting walk near our hotel. Next time, I would pack a lunch for the kids and pick up some take out for the grown-ups.
https://www.discovertheburgh.com/strip-district-guide/
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
This would be a treat for the senses on a cold winter day. We happened to go on a sweltering hot day, and it was quite hot and humid in parts of the greenhouses. We managed to get free entry for a few of us. Keep an eye out for discounted admission days. They also have Discovery Programs for kids with hands-on activities and storytimes so check their website before you go.
Andy Warhol Museum
Again, we managed to go at a time that we got in with free admission. They had activities for children on the bottom floor. We painted and printed and looked at some art. If you go with young kids, be sure to check for children’s activities before you go.
Public Library
This is one of my favourite travel hacks with young children. Are you tired? Are the kids tired? Visit a public library! They almost always have a kids section with books, puzzles, toys, and comfy chairs for grown-ups, not to mention clean washrooms and water fountains. They’re the perfect place to let kids have some independent play time, or check their schedule for storytimes or special activities for kids. I can’t remember which branch we visited in Pittsburgh, but it was a sweaty, tired mom-saver. Here’s a map of their locations in Pittsburgh.
Bridges
Our boys would probably rate these highly. Pittsburgh has 446 bridges, and lots of them are big. They can be driven across, walked across, and viewed from all angles. For our bridge loving boys, it was the best. For other bridge lovers, here’s some info about 25 of Pittsburgh’s bridges.
What are your favourite things to do in Pittsburgh?
Thinking about a road trip to Pittsburgh? Here’s how we did it with a baby and a toddler.
