WIDA Annual Conference

Historical Activities & Museums

You can go back in time and experience five billion years of the Earth's history and 250+ years of Pittsburgh's history at such locations as Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Fort Pitt Museum and the Senator John Heinz History Center. From the museum with the world's third largest dinosaur repository to the first shots fired during the French & Indian War, the region's history museums bring the past to life. Or, ride the Duquesne incline up to its Observation Deck to see what USA Today Weekend Magazine calls one of the "10 most beautiful views in America". Historical exhibits in the waiting room entertain between rides.

Tours & Sightseeing

However you like to roll, Pittsburgh has the sightseeing option for you. By land or water, on four wheels or two, tour and experience Pittsburgh first hand.

Tag along with knowledgeable guides for free architectural walking tours of Downtown, or take food tour to sample Pittsburgh's authentic culinary prowess. Get out on the water aboard the Gateway Clipper or the Rivers of Steel Riverboat. Keep active with a bike tour or keep it interesting on a Segway, there's something incredible to see in Pittsburgh, no matter how you get there.

Performing & Visual Arts

Whether your passion is visual or performing arts (or both!) you will be overwhelmed by the choices in theaters, galleries, public art installations and the museum dedicated to the Prince of Pop, The Andy Warhol Museum.

An oasis in the heart of Downtown, the 14-square-block Cultural District demonstrates the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's commitment to the arts. The world class Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall performs classical, Pops and children's concerts. The Benedum Center stages performances by Pittsburgh CLO, PNC Broadway Across America, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera and more. The Pittsburgh Public Theatre produces 200+ performances in the intimate O'Reilly Theater. The Harris Theater features the best in independent, foreign and classical films.

The Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh's Museum of Contemporary Art, presents site-specific installations that are not to be missed! And, why not try your hand at making art at The Pittsburgh Glass Center which offers glass art classes for beginners, experts and everyone in between. Also, be sure to check out all the public art spaces around the city.

Spectator Sports

Pittsburgh is the place for sports fans! Come see for yourself why Sporting News magazine awarded Pittsburgh the coveted "Best Sports City" title and why the USA TODAY 10 Best Reader's Choice poll named Pittsburgh as one of the winner's of the "Best City for Sports" travel award.

If it's action you want, this city has it covered with the best of football, baseball, hockey and more. Grab your Terrible Towel and tour Heinz Field to see where the six-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers play. Head to PPG Paints Arena and tour the venue where the Penguins take the ice. The Pirates make a perfect summer night complete as you watch the game from PNC Park, rated by Travel & Leisure as the "best baseball stadium in America!" Or, take in pro soccer's Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the new multi-sport Highmark Stadium on the river near Station Square. Join the "Steel Army," the loudest group of fans in the United Soccer League as they cheer on their team!

Outdoor Adventure

Don't just take our word for it! Pittsburgh is celebrated as the 5th Best City for an active lifestyle as named by WalletHub and our spectacular Downtown riverfronts have been named the #5 in the Best American Riverfronts list by USA Today's 10 Best poll.

Make sure to stop by Point State Park located at the tip of Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle." It is located at the confluence of three rivers and is where all outdoor activities are viewable. In addition, the park commemorates and preserves the strategic and historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War. You will also see here The Three Rivers Heritage Trail which is a multi-use riverfront trail system. This 24-mile nonlinear trail has segments on both banks of Pittsburgh's three rivers with access to city neighborhoods, business districts, and local attractions. The trail promotes a healthy lifestyle, is popular for recreation, and provides a safe route for commuters.

Family Fun

Pittsburgh is Kidsburgh! Kidsburgh's a fun-filled family destination with so much to do you'll have a hard time fitting it all in! Science comes to life at Carnegie Science Center, with hundreds of hands-on exhibits, including roboworld, a real Cold War submarine and world-renowned Minature Railroad and Village.

Venture to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium to see some of your favorite animals up close. While visiting the National Aviary, stop by Peguin Point and feed the animals yourself. With six roller coasters, attractions for young children, games, food and live shows, you'll want to visit Kennywood Park. At the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, youngsters use real stuff in the MAKESHOP, explore Waterplay and board Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Trolleys.