Top Kid-Friendly Attractions In Pittsburgh
If your children are bored, there are plenty of places to take your kids around town. But here are some tried-and-true hits for the little ones, according to PopCity. Here's a link to their original article.
Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122
412.461.0500, then dial "0" for the operator
http://www.kennywood.com/#
Whether it's great rides, Potato Patch fries or a fun family atmosphere you're after, Kennywood is a great family amusement park. There are rides and attractions for all ages, including toddlers and teenagers.
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
7340 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(For TomTom GPS users, use 15201 as zipcode)
(412) 665-3640
http://www.pittsburghzoo.org/
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Kids young and old will love a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. This exciting park showcases some of the world's most unique animals. In fact, it's one of the nation's top three children's zoos. Plus, there is an entire section just for the little ones: Kids Kingdom.
PNC Park
115 Federal Street; North Shore
(412)-321-BUCS
http://mlb.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/index.jsp
Located on the North Shore, PNC Park is one of the nation's most family-friendly ball fields. With its many restaurants, cheap tickets and great view, taking in a Pirates game can easily be made into family night.
The Children's Museum
10 Children's Way; Allegheny Square
(412)-322-5058
http://www.pittsburghkids.org/
If your kids are the type that love to press all the elevator buttons, play with "daddy's" computer or look at bugs with a magnifying glass, then a trip to the Children's Museum is in order. Known for their hands-on exhibits, The Children's Museum encourages kids to learn by doing. There is even a Mr. Rogers exhibit, a tribute to a hometown hero. The Children's Museum offers a joint membership with the National Aviary.
The National Aviary
Allegheny Commons West
700 Arch Street
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
(412)-323-7235
http://www.aviary.org/main.php
Bird watchers of all ages will love a trip to the National Aviary. This attraction promotes conservation and education about some of the world's most spectacular birds. The National Aviary features over 600 types of birds, giving kids a chance to learn about birds from around the world. The National Aviary offers a joint membership with the Children's Museum.
The Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
412-237-3400
http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/
Hands-on learners will love the Carnegie Science Center, where science and the world around us is broken down into interesting, easily digestible bits that kids can understand. They can experience what it's like to be in an earthquake, watch an IMAX movie or visit the Exploration Station to learn by doing. Preschoolers love the Water Table, where they can splash around and learn at the same time.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213
412-622-3131
http://www.carnegiemnh.org/
Do your kids love dinosaurs? Bugs? Amazing, sparkly rocks? Ancient cultures? Then this is the place for them. The dinosaur hall alone can "wow" any child, with huge T-Rex skeletons on display. Kids can pretend to be a paleontologist and dig for fossils in the Bonehunters Quarry. The museum even offers overnight stays for kids who want to learn even more.
Schenley Plaza and PNC Carousel
Oakland, between the Carnegie and Hillman Libraries
http://www.pittsburghparks.org/
If you are looking for a great spot to have a picnic or hold a game of flag football, head to Schenley Plaza. Kids will love the PNC Carousel. Plus, there is plenty of good food around -- everything from Asian food to coffee and bagels. You'll see all types of people here, including bicyclists, runners and families, but everyone has one thing in common: a love for the great outdoors.
The Water Steps at Riverfront Park
Located on the south bank of the Allegheny River downtown, Riverfront Park is a draw for all ages. One hit with the kids, though, are the Water Steps. The steps are a public fountain that is especially refreshing during the summer months. Anyone can jump right in, including dogs and adults.
The Blue Slide Playground at Frick Park
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217
(412) 422-6538
http://www.pittsburghparks.org/frick
This large park has castle-themed playground equipment, complete with a large blue slide that's carved into the hillside. Locals who have been there before know to bring an old piece of cardboard to use on the slide. It's a great place for kids to run around all day and burn off some energy.
The Water Feature at PPG Place
4 PPG Place; Downtown
(412)-394-3641
http://www.ppgplace.com/
One of Pittsburgh's most recognizable buildings in the skyline, PPG Place's mirrored, castle-like buildings reflect the afternoon sun just so. In the summer months, kids will love to run through the fountain. In the winter, you can take them ice skating at the seasonal skating rink. There are other holiday displays -- including a large gingerbread house and train display -- as well.
