Pittsburgh with kids: why this city needs to be on your family trip list

Category: Family Travel  |  Reading time: 7 min

Let's be real. Planning a trip with kids is a lot. You need enough to keep them busy, food they'll actually eat, and ideally a moment or two where the adults get to breathe. Pittsburgh checks every single one of those boxes and most people don't even think to go there. That's kind of the whole point.

We book Pittsburgh family trips all the time and the feedback we get back is always the same: "We had no idea it would be that good." Here's the real rundown, no fluff.

Where to spend your time

The North Shore

Start here. The riverfront is totally stroller-friendly and the views of the Pittsburgh skyline across the water are genuinely jaw-dropping. Walk the Roberto Clemente Bridge, a bright yellow pedestrian bridge connecting the North Shore to downtown. On game days it's closed to cars and packed with fans. PNC Park (Pirates baseball) and Acrisure Stadium (Steelers football) are both right here. Even if you're not a sports family, a Pirates game on a summer night is one of the most chill, beautiful live sports experiences out there. The skyline view from the seats is worth the price of admission alone.

Lawrenceville

Cool, creative, and very walkable. Butler Street has great coffee, ice cream, and indie stores. Stop into Mix Candle Co where kids and adults pick from over 100 fragrances and pour their own custom candle. It sounds like a mom thing but honestly everyone gets into it. You leave with something you actually made and that's a pretty solid souvenir.

The Strip District

Go on a Saturday morning and just let it happen. Vendors up and down Penn Avenue selling pierogies, fresh bread, international street food, and basically every kind of snack imaginable. Kids go nuts for it. After you've eaten your way through the market, Coop De Ville on Smallman Street has duckpin bowling, arcade games, and Southern comfort food. It's a full morning and afternoon in one neighborhood.

Things to do that kids actually love

Kennywood Park

Running since 1898 and Pittsburgh locals are obsessed with it. Wooden roller coasters, a lazy river, funnel cake, and a vibe no corporate theme park can touch. Rides for every age from toddlers to teenagers. Plan a full day, wear comfortable shoes, and come hungry.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A gorgeous Victorian glasshouse with seasonal flower shows and a butterfly forest that kids completely lose their minds over. It's quieter than most attractions, which parents love. Budget a couple of relaxed hours. It's legitimately beautiful and way more interesting than it sounds.

Randyland

Free. Colorful. Completely bonkers in the best way. Local artist Randy Gilson turned his entire North Side home and yard into a massive, joyful art installation. Ring the bell, walk around, take a hundred photos. About 30 minutes and costs nothing. Doesn't get better than that.

The Duquesne Incline

A cable car running since 1877. You ride it up to Mount Washington and the view of Pittsburgh spread out below is one of the coolest city views in the country. A few bucks each way, five minutes, and kids think it's the greatest thing ever. Do not take an Uber up. The ride is the whole point. (Side note: Be sure to plan this on a day when the weather is clear).

Sports and concerts

Pittsburgh takes sports seriously and it's one of the most fun parts of visiting as a family. A Pirates game at PNC Park is a perfect family night out. Beautiful ballpark, affordable tickets compared to most MLB cities, and plenty going on between innings to keep kids from checking out. Steelers games at Acrisure Stadium are a completely different energy. Louder, louder, louder. Great if your family is into football.

PPG Paints Arena downtown hosts major concerts year-round. If something good lines up with your dates, build your trip around it. Be sure to check all three venues when you're planning!

Where to eat without a meltdown

• Pamela's Diner: Legendary crepe-style hotcakes. Kids are obsessed. Cash only at some locations so come prepared.

• Kelly O's Diner: No-fuss Strip District breakfast before the Saturday market. Classic, easy, everyone leaves full.

• Condado Tacos: Build-your-own tacos. Kids love picking toppings, parents love the margaritas. Total win.

• The Milkshake Factory: Ridiculous milkshakes in the Cultural District. Non-negotiable with kids. Just do it.

• Primanti Bros: The Pittsburgh sandwich with fries and coleslaw stuffed inside the bread. Iconic, messy, and delicious. Get the capicola.

If you have a car: quick trip to Oakmont

About 20 minutes east of the city. Oakmont is a cute river town worth a morning out of Pittsburgh. The Oakmont Bakery is the reason to go. One of the most celebrated bakeries in western Pennsylvania and the selection is genuinely overwhelming. Get there early before the crowds on weekends!.

Adventure day: whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle

Only about an hour south of Pittsburgh. Ohiopyle State Park sits in the Laurel Highlands and the Youghiogheny River ("the Yough" - pronounced Yock) runs right through it.

• Middle Yough (Class I-II): The family sweet spot. Kids as young as 5 can do it. An 11-mile float through a gorgeous gorge. Everyone comes out happy and a little soggy.

• Lower Yough (Class III-IV): For older kids 12 and up who want actual rapids. No experience needed. Just hold on and enjoy the chaos.

Runs April through October. Book ahead in summer. It fills up fast.

When to go

May, June, September, and October are the sweet spots. Great weather, Kennywood running full speed, Ohiopyle in season, and the fall foliage across the hills is stunning.

Whatever time of year you go, check the Pirates, Steelers, and PPG Paints Arena schedules. A live event can take a great trip to a whole other level.

Let's get your family trip booked

We plan Pittsburgh family trips all the time and we know what works for different ages and group sizes. Tell us who's coming and what you're into and we'll put together an itinerary that actually makes sense. No generic stuff.

Contact us today for a free consultation → Send us an email or set up a call.