Best Day Trips For Families Around Pittsburgh
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
One Washington Parkway
Farmington, PA 15437
(724) 329-5512
www.nps.gov/fone
Step back into history with a day trip to Fort Necessity National Battlefield, where the French and Indian War - and the control of North America - began in 1754. This marked the only time George Washington ever surrendered to an enemy. Fort Necessity includes an education center, exhibits and tours. Those visiting Fort Necessity can also include stops at The Mount Washington Tavern, the grave of British General Edward Braddock and Jumonville Glen. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Martin Luther King Day. Admission: Individual $5 for seven days. Children 15 and under free. Directions: The main unit of the park is located 11 miles east of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on U.S. Highway 40. The visitor center, reconstructed Fort Necessity, Mount Washington Tavern and picnic area are located in the main unit of the park - approximately one hour and 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
One Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 665-3640
www.pittsburghzoo.com
Lions and tigers and penguins...oh my! The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium are home to more than 400 species, including 22 threatened or endangered. Special features include a children's zoo and train rides. Hours: Fall (September 7th through December 31st), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Winter (January 2nd through March 31st), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Spring (April 1st through May 27th), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Summer (May 28th through September 6th), 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: Adult, $13; Senior (60 and older), $12; Children 2-13 years, $11; and Children under 24 months, free. December 1st through March 31st: Adult, $10; Senior, $9; Children 2-13 years, $9; and Children under 24 months, free. Free parking is provided.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Allegheny Square
10 Children's Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 322-5058
www.pittsburghkids.org
Visit a special place where kids rule. The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh embraces a "play with real stuff" philosophy, which means kids can do everything from taking things apart in the Curiosity Lab to building their own boat for Waterplay. A replica of Mister Rodger's Neighborhood is one of the museum's highlights. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Admission: Adult, $11; Senior (over 65) and Children 2-18, $10; Member guests, $9; and Children under age two, free. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
National Aviary
Allegheny Commons West
700 Arch Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 323-7235
www.aviary.org
The National Aviary is definitely for the birds. This, the nation's largest aviary, has more than 800 birds, some of which fly around freely. Birds of all feathers are welcome! Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adult, $13; Senior, $12; Children 2-12, $10.50; and Children under age two, free.
