Whether you live in Pittsburgh full time or are visiting the city for vacation this summer, rest assured that you and your young ones can have an amazing time while still learning and soaking up information. Below are some of the best places you can bring your kiddos in Pittsburgh so the whole family can learn together.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History: Who doesn’t love looking at dinosaurs? The natural history museum features fossils set in the appropriate foliage for the era in which they were alive, a hall of minerals and gems, a culturally accurate totem pole, and numerous interactive exhibits for everyone to dig their hands into. If you purchase a day pass to the natural history museum, you can also visit the Carnegie Museum of Art on the same pass. It’s a win all around!
Senator John Heinz History Center: Incorporating artifacts from lots of pop cultural niches, the Senator John Heinz History Center exhibits items and photographs on everything from kitchen appliances to sports all-stars. You and your family can do some research ahead of time to see what will be on display when you go to visit so you can fully appreciate the importance of the tokens in the glass cases. You’ll have a full and tangible appreciation of the history of Pittsburgh if you visit the history center.
National Aviary: Situated on the historic north side of Pittsburgh, the National Aviary boasts more than 500 birds representing over 150 distinct species, including some international and endangered species. In addition to its numerous exhibits, the Aviary lets the public watch daily feedings of its birds as well as some interactive encounters between people and the feathered friends.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Gardens are perfect for a warm sunny day, and Phipps has acres and acres of well-kept gardens with a glasshouse from 1893. There are collections of orchids, desert plants, fruit-bearing tree, and plants indigenous to Pittsburgh on display with plaques of information about the plants.
Carnegie Science Center: There’s no science like science you do yourself. At the Carnegie science center, the whole family can literally jump into science and learn how the world works first hand. From ropes courses to river exhibits to robotics labs to magnet and laser rooms, you and your whole family can spend time in Pittsburgh both learning the ins and outs of physical science and technology and having the time of your lives. If the weather is especially crummy, a trip to the science center could save the day.