Top 11 Things to Do with a Family in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, summer is the perfect time to explore all the family fun the city has to offer!
While you're here, be sure to check out these can't-miss family friendly things to do in Pittsburgh, a city that welcomes all our neighbors!
Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
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.
Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center
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.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
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.
Duquesne Incline
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.
Gateway Clipper
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.
Heinz History Center
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.
Idlewild & Soakzone
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!
Kennywood
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!
National Aviary
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!
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
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.
More Family Fun
![A panoramic shot of the Mister Rogers statue in the North Shore area.](https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Panorama-of-the-Mister-Rogers-North-Shore-DiCello.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=c1bb4b6c02ca9f765cd2cfe98c2474e0 320w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Panorama-of-the-Mister-Rogers-North-Shore-DiCello.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=fff54f1f26130710360f02b7ef02cb7a 540w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Panorama-of-the-Mister-Rogers-North-Shore-DiCello.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=c42f3a7954cdafa89288d822b80edcbc 768w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Panorama-of-the-Mister-Rogers-North-Shore-DiCello.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=d8b46f89797d07329b997d74f9c81bbf 1024w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Panorama-of-the-Mister-Rogers-North-Shore-DiCello.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=9e16d20ce6621f57494fe72992159288 1080w)
Top Free Things to Do in Pittsburgh
Who said you have to spend money to have a good time?
![](https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Kidsburgh-Kennywood.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=6d61defa973c386e79d922f67635abaa 320w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Kidsburgh-Kennywood.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=b4c1bec09356c9db7227b07ad75f63db 540w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Kidsburgh-Kennywood.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=6c6867832ebae5e95e9fdcc54c72a083 768w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Kidsburgh-Kennywood.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=5842d0d356e2cd8d9b444ba1f066b254 1024w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/Kidsburgh-Kennywood.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=22c07fdbb333489c168b503d22abd0bc 1080w)
Pittsburgh: A Family Travel Destination
Pittsburgh is especially family friendly thanks to its many unique, affordable attractions and activities for all ages.
![](https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/VisitPITTSBURGH-Mister-Rogers-Statue-North-Shore.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=58a3362f869bd7e23ce2381f5bc8d98f 320w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/VisitPITTSBURGH-Mister-Rogers-Statue-North-Shore.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=39f48cc57bed9837253039747079cec7 540w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/VisitPITTSBURGH-Mister-Rogers-Statue-North-Shore.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=ab252f9e17c3c13c4fcd44a0378c367c 768w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/VisitPITTSBURGH-Mister-Rogers-Statue-North-Shore.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=4c9a1e03f7f0f75905d392032a538afd 1024w, https://visit-pittsburgh.imgix.net/images/VisitPITTSBURGH-Mister-Rogers-Statue-North-Shore.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=a6b452d930bd722242d71ed2a4ab1e0a 1080w)
Pittsburgh Loves Mister Rogers!
Mister Rogers entered our homes with his gentle, soft-spoken personality and his positive and affirming messages - and he won…