Best Places To Take Elementary School Kids On A Rainy Day
GymSport
98 Vanadium Road
Bridgeville, Pa. 15017
412-220-1195
www.gymsportgems.com
Jump, dance, balance, tumble… if you have an acrobat at home, then Gymsport is the dreary day escape for you! With coaching in both cheerleading and gymnastics, their classes get kids moving and teach teamwork, perseverance, poise, confidence, attention to detail and concentration.
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 classes, programs and 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.
Highmark SportsWorks at The Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
412-237-3400
www.carnegiesciencecenter.org
What does it feel like to be a Yo-Yo? Are you as quick as Penguins' goalie Marc-André Fleury? Highmark SportsWorks, located next door to the Carnegie Science Center, contains nearly 30 fun and educational exhibits spread out over 12,000 square feet of exhibition space. Kids can "explore and discover the physics of sports, nutrition and health" and try their hand at exciting sports challenges.
Dave & Busters
180 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, Pa. 15120
412-462-1500
www.daveandbusters.com
If you're looking for a little family fun at a decent price then Dave & Busters is the place to be on a rainy day! With a kid-friendly menu and plenty of games parents and kids can enjoy together, there's lots of fun to be had! There are often specials on food and game combos, and if you save up your tickets there is a potential for some awesome prizes.
Color Me Mine
5887 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217
412-421-2909
http://pittsburgh.colormemine.com
With more than 300 ceramic pieces and 30 colors to choose from, Color Me Mine is a fun and affordable place to spend time a rainy day! Kids will have plenty of fun dreaming up and creating their own artwork. Then, proud parents can take it home as a keepsake and display their little artist's work for all their friends! It's all safe too as all pieces are non-toxic and water soluble.
The Clay Cottage
10913 Perry Highway
Wexford, Pa. 15090
724-935-2530
www.claycottagewexford.com
If your little one loves to create masterpieces then The Clay Cottage is a place where their artistic juices can flow! This paint your own pottery studio provides "everyone an opportunity to be creative regardless of age or artistic skills." They provide the pottery, paint, stamps, stencils, sponges and more to help kids create their own unique piece of pottery. Plus, all of the glazes are food safe, non-toxic and water-based.
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 and 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
With "Open Bounce" events such as Family Bounce Night and the All-Ages Open Bounce, kids will be in constant motion. In addition to all 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."