Best Places To Take Toddlers/Preschoolers On A Rainy Day
Gymsport
98 Vanadium Road
Bridgeville, Pa. 15017
412-220-1195
www.gymsportgems.com
Jump, climb, hang, slide, balance, tumble… if you have a little acrobat at home, then Gymsport's "toddler-themed" Jungle Gym is the dreary-day escape for you! During Preschool Playtime, children can play in a safe "gymnastic environment with beams, bars, climbing walls, trampolines, slides, tunnels and a zip line!" Sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Toys2Try
2101 Greentree Road (Scott Towne Center)
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15220
412-276-8697
www.toys2try.com
Get your preschooler's imagination running and creativity flowing at this whimsical, indoor playground in Mount Lebanon! This "eco-friendly" and "lead-free" environment has a tree to climb, a kitchen to cook in, a car to pedal, a ship to sail and much more! Toys2Try also offers a variety of classes, some just for the kids and others where parents can join the fun.
Children's Museum Of Pittsburgh
10 Children's Way
Allegheny Square
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
412-322-5058
www.pittsburghkids.org
Winner of Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks 2010 Awards for Best Museum, The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh "fosters both learning and play." With both permanent and changing exhibits, children have the chance to learn about everything from art to biology in a variety of settings. According to the museum's website, their permanent exhibits are based on a "Play with Real Stuff" philosophy, where real things help children understand the world. Each exhibit also has an area specially designed to foster development in toddlers.
Lilliput Play Homes Town Center
20804 Route 19
Cranberry Township, Pa. 16066
724-778-3322
4125 Washington Road
McMurray, Pa. 15317
724-942-3022
What could be better than playing "make believe" in a fun-filled, child-sized village? Start by visiting the Neighborhood Market and filling your shopping cart with delicious groceries! Or maybe you need to don your doctor's jacket and help diagnose why your patients aren't feeling well today. Clang! Clang! What's that? The fire bell is ringing! Quick! Time to change coats and save the day! Lilliput Town Center is the ideal place to play for children and parents alike.
Giggles & Smiles
The Mall at Robinson
2050 Robinson Centre Drive
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15205
412-787-PLAY (7529)
Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills
516 Pittsburgh Mills Circle
Tarentum, Pa. 15084
724-275-PLAY (7529)
With an emphasis on movement, the activities at Giggles & Smiles fitness and fun center help to build strength, flexibility, balance, endurance and confidence in children. The center "creates a stimulating environment that makes fitness fun" and safety is a top priority with instructors trained in First Aid & CPR. In 2009, it was voted No. 1 by Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks for Best Indoor Playspace in Pittsburgh.
Bounce U
65 Warrendale-Bayne Road
Warrendale, Pa. 15086
724-935-8555
www.bounceu.com
Bounce U is the perfect place for little jumping beans! With "Open Bounce" events such as Preschool Playdate, Family Bounce Night and the All-Ages Open Bounce, kids will be in constant motion. In addition to the bouncing, these inflatable parties "come complete with music, games and snacks. Parents will love the "clean, climate-controlled environment," and the kids will be excited to play on the "cool bounce stadiums."
