Top 11 Things to Do with a Family in Pittsburgh

Get double the fun at the CMOA and CMNH! Located in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood, these two world-class museums share a building and offer tons of interactive and hands-on experiences for kids. Drop in any day for all-ages art-making the whole family can enjoy. Explore the galleries and learn something new at the CMOA and then head over to the CMNH for colossal dinosaurs, gems millions of years in the making, and much more.

Pittsburgh's Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center takes interactive learning to a new level! Explore a hands-on robot exhibit, test your fitness at Highmark SportsWorks, catch an IMAX show, venture to extraterrestrial fun at the Buhl Planetarium, and so much more! Kids will learn about their environment while interacting with amazing science exhibitions.

Summer = Fun @ Children's Museum of Pittsburgh including Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit and the Curious GeorgeÔ: Let’s Get Curious! through September 8. And, at Museum Lab™, cutting edge experiences in art, tech and learning abound daily for kids ages 10+, at this new museum for older kids.

Ascend Mt. Washington to a place USA Today calls one of the 10 Most Beautiful Views in America. You get 140 years of history when you ride the Duquesne Incline. Families with kids of all ages love riding the picturesque, historic cable cars while peering over the emerging panoramic view of Pittsburgh. There's a viewing platform and a welcome center at the top, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the hoisting equipment.

A trip to Pittsburgh isn't complete without an adventure on the famous three rivers! Book an excursion on the majestic Gateway Clipper and select a kid-friendly themed boat ride like the Ice Cream Sundae Tour, Good Ship Lollipop Cruise, Princess Cruise, Superhero Cruise, or a Pirate themed adventure with an exhilarating musical performance, the Pirate Dinner feast.

Visit Pennsylvania's largest history museum! Complete with its own extensive Sports Museum, the Senator John Heinz History Center engages and amazes kids of all ages. You'll find original set pieces from Mister Roger's Neighborhood, a play area spanning two levels with a spiral slide, and learn all about Pittsburgh's extensive history, sports legacy and cultural heritage.

It's no wonder Idlewild & Soakzone is recognized as the Best Children's Amusement Park! At Idlewild, you can step inside a fairytale with Storybook Forest. You'll be transported right inside fairytale favorites with a larger-than-life forest of whimsy. Don't miss Daniel Tiger's trolley! Plus, with adult rides, kids' rides, and a waterpark, Idlewild is a full day of family fun!

Pittsburgh's historic Kennywood Amusement Park is a 110-year-old, beloved family tradition. This summer is particularly special for Kennywood with the reopening of a family favorite attraction, Noah's Ark, the nation's only operational attraction of its kind. From thrilling new rides to historic coasters, it isn't summer without a family trip to Kennywood!

Visit the official National Aviary and meet more than 500 birds! A trip to The Aviary is an immersive experience with walk-through exhibitions that put you inside bird environments, giving you opportunities to hand-feed bird species rarely seen in North America. Kids adore Penguin Point, where they can crawl through a tunnel to find themselves amidst the adorable penguins!

Wild fun awaits at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium! With 77 acres and approximately 4,000 creatures to meet, the Pittsburgh & Aquarium epitomizes family fun. Don't miss the Zoo's newest space, The Islands, where you'll find a tropical beach atmosphere and lovable island animals.