Pittsburgh Family Adventure: 2-Day Itinerary

Morning: Explore History at the Heinz History Center 🏛️

Start your day at the Senator John Heinz History Center, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that tells the story of Western Pennsylvania. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, including the Kidsburgh play area and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. You can also explore a massive collection of Heinz memorabilia. The museum also has a replica of the "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" set, a must-see for fans. It's a great way to learn about the city’s past while keeping the kids entertained.

Lunch: Iconic Pittsburgh Eats at Primanti Bros. 🥪

No family trip to Pittsburgh is complete without a stop at Primanti Bros.. You can't miss their famous sandwiches stacked high with coleslaw and french fries. The original location in The Strip District offers a lively atmosphere that's great for families.

Did You Know? The original sandwich was created to serve truck drivers who needed a complete meal in one hand so they could get back on the road quickly.

Evening: Dinner & Games at Shorty’s Pins x Pints 🎳

Wrap up the day with dinner and fun at Shorty’s Pins x Pints. This family-friendly spot features duckpin bowling, arcade games, and shuffleboard. The menu includes kid-friendly options like tacos and flatbreads.

Morning: A Mix of Sports & Science 🏈🔬

Kick off the day with a Blitz Tour of Acrisure Stadium, home to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This guided tour takes you through the locker rooms and onto the field.

Just a short walk away is the Carnegie Science Center. It's packed with interactive exhibits like Roboworld® and the Miniature Railroad & Village®. You can also explore the USS Requin submarine docked outside. The Science Center has a café for a quick, kid-friendly lunch before your next adventure.

Afternoon: Explore Nature & History 🌿🏛️

Spend the afternoon at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This stunning indoor and outdoor botanical garden has a Discovery Garden and a Tropical Forest Conservatory that are great for kids.

If time allows, you can stop by the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh to see the Nationality Rooms. These classrooms are designed to showcase cultures from around the world and are perfect for stepping back in time.

Evening: Dinner & High-Tech Mini Golf ⛳

End your family adventure with dinner and a round of high-tech mini-golf at Puttshack
in The Terminal in the Strip District. This interactive golf experience is fun for all ages, and the menu features delicious shareable plates.

Live Entertainment with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 🎭

If your family loves live performances, check the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for upcoming Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and family-friendly performances. With multiple venues like the Benedum Center, Byham Theater, and the Harris Theater, there’s always something exciting happening.

Catch a Pittsburgh Pirates Game at PNC Park ⚾

If your visit coincides with baseball season, consider catching a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park, one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country. With stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Allegheny River, it’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s sports culture.

Explore Wildlife at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium 🐯

For another fun and educational stop, visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, home to over 4,000 animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and sea creatures. The Kid’s Kingdom and Jungle Odyssey exhibits are especially great for younger visitors, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.

If weather allows, walking or taking advantage of the city’s bikeshare program, POGOH, is highly encouraged. Much of Pittsburgh is incredibly walkable, and strolling the streets is one of the best ways to discover some of the city’s best-kept secrets. Uber and Lyft are also available throughout the city.

The “T,”, Pittsburgh's light rail system, is available from Downtown to both the North Shore and Southside, and there is a “free fare zone” that you can take advantage of.