13 Fun Family Activities in Pittsburgh to Enjoy During the Long Weekend

By Ethan Blake 3 min read

13 family events around Pittsburgh to make the most of the long …

1. A Visit to Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Pittsburgh, a trip to the Zoo and PPG Aquarium should be among your priorities. With a wide variety of animals, fish, and birds, kids will have a chance to learn about different species from across the globe. Not only does it provide an educational experience, but it also makes for great family bonding time.

Immerse yourself in the wild world inhabited by over 4,000 animals – from the African elephant to the tiny dart frog. Aspiring marine biologists will have their fascination deepened at the PPG Aquarium, home to polar bears, sea otters, even sharks! Additionally, the zoo holds seasonal events that the whole family can enjoy.

For instance, one family recounts their experience of taking a tour on the “jungle train.” This gave them a fun and engaging overview of many animals including monkeys, kangaroos, and other Australian wildlife.

The zoo is open from 9am-5pm everyday.

Tickets can be bought online to avoid waiting in the line.

There are several eating spots within the property, offering a range of delicious food.

Children under two years old are admitted for free.

A total of about three hours is recommended for visiting this place.

Wheelchairs and strollers can be rented at the main gate.

2. Delightful Time at The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Keen to ignite the imagination and creativity of your children? Swing by The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. With exhibits that cover every topic from art and culture to science and technology, this museum is designed to encourage learning through play.

The museum houses various intuitive and interactive displays making each visits unique and exciting. What’s more, some exhibits are constantly evolving, offering new experiences that require problem solving skills and creative thinking.

Lucy, a mom of two, reflects joyfully on how The Garage exhibit captivated her sons. With an array of tools, materials and assistance provided, they could design, create and build anything their inventiveness allowed them to conjure.

Operating hours vary depending on the day of the week so check their website before planning your visit.

Admission is free for children under the age of 2.

The museum focuses on interactive exhibits, ensuring kids are entertained while learning.

You can bring food and drinks into the museum but there’s also an in-house café if you prefer eating out.

The Makers Studio hosts regular workshops where kids can engage with different types of artistic processes.

Activities such as treasure hunts and puppet shows are often held at the museum.

3. Unique Experience at Carnegie Science Center

Carnegie Science Center promises hours of educative interaction with science and technology. Covering astronomy, robotics, medicine, sports, and more, it hosts four floors full of hands-on exhibits. Not to mention, it houses a Miniature Railroad display, a Planetarium, and even a real submarine!

The center’s unique blend of interactive displays and live demonstrations are designed to encourage curiosity and discovery among young ones. Plus, this place isn’t just for kids – adults too will find themselves engrossed by the myriad of knowledge on display.

Recently, the Smiths spent an afternoon exploring SpacePlace. Equipped with an Orion spacecraft simulator, zero-gravity fun and exciting astronaut training activities, their experience was simply out-of-this-world.

Typical visiting hours are between 10 am and 5 pm.

There’s a cafeteria to grab a bite and a gift shop for souvenirs.

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

4-D theater screenings that can be enjoyed for an additional fee.

The center provides workshops, sleepovers and camps to deep dive into science-related topics.

Visitors aged 62 and above or visitors with valid ID proving active military service get special rates.

SUMMARY TABLE