Monday, October 10, 2016

5 Great Family Things to Do in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh may have a bit of a historical reputation of being a steely crowd, but the hustling and bustling modern city is one that is very inviting to happy families and one where you and your kids can enjoy a great time.
From comic museums to swings in the treetops, you’re sure to find something on this list of attractions to introduce your kids to on the next family adventure.

1. ToonSeum
This fun and unique place is not your run-of-the-mill museum. It’s all about cartoons and comics in a fun, interactive setting that takes your kids from the front of the television and puts them instead front and center with the cartoons they love. From the wonderful world of superheroes to the place political cartoons have in pop culture, ToonSeum isn’t specifically a children’s museum, so you might have to do a bit of explaining, but the rotating displays mean there’s always something new and engaging for visitors to enjoy.


2. Carnegie Science Center
For your kids who love hands-on experiences and are fascinated by the wonders of science, the Carnegie Science Center is one you need to add to your itinerary. With four floors of interactive exhibitions, including the Exploration Station, the Atrium and a real Cold War-era submarine ship, there’s something for every child. It’s also got the world’s largest permanent collection of robots, which is fun for people of all ages. Throw in a planetarium, science workshops and even the opportunity for a museum sleepover, and you’ve fully convinced your kids it’s going to be a great night at the museum.


3. Go Ape North Park
Swinging through the trees like a monkey? Sign us up! The Go Ape North Park is so much more than a zip line activity; it’s a fully immersed outdoor experience that will totally enthrall your kids (and dare I say, you too). With 41 crossings, a couple of Tarzan swings and plenty of treetop adventure, this rural experience is one you and your family are not soon to forget. The park also has bike trails and a kid’s playground. With only ages 10 and up allowed (plus a minimum height requirement of 4 feet, 7 inches), however, this one might best be saved for the preteens and tweens in your family.


4. Kennywood Theme Park
Fans of the traditional theme park (no storybook characters here!) will get a kick out of the classic roller coasters, thrill rides and water adventures in a park that’s been around since 1899 at the Kennywood Theme Park. Have no fear, moms and dads; the rides have been updated since the Mellon family created it as a trolley park at the end of the 19th century, and it sports great attractions like the Black Widow thrill ride, the Jack Rabbit wooden coaster, and the fan-favorite Ghostwood Estate haunted house.


5. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Can you ever go wrong with a great zoo? The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium offers a full day of fun with over 400 species of animals, including 22 threatened and endangered species. Get a close-up with a penguin, a Komodo dragon, a black rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, giraffes, African painted dogs and more! When you’re done with the zoo, you can venture over to the aquarium, which has exhibits from every corner of the globe, including wildlife from the exotic Amazon rivers and snow-capped Antarctica, all the way to the wildlife that frequents the Pennsylvania area. For a learning experience that keeps on giving, the zoo and aquarium of Pittsburgh are great places to stop.
Don’t be surprised if your trip turns into the adventure no one ever wants to end because this list of good times for everyone in the family is sure to make Pittsburgh one of your family’s favorite places to visit. Have you visited the area? Did I miss your favorite family-friendly venue? Leave your suggestions in the comment section, and I’ll get my family together for our next adventure!


About the author: Cassie is a full-time mom and part-time writer, covering all things books, pop culture, and mom-oriented for Culture Coverage and Secure Thoughts. Spending half her time in the carpool lane and the other half ignoring the growing laundry piles so she can get some work done, she loves to tell stories and help other families find fun adventure to enjoy.

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