50 Family Friendly Places to Go & Things to Do in Pittsburgh!

With more than 225 public parks and playgrounds, a magnificent cultural district, three professional sports teams and an amazing riverboat fleet, there’s always something to do in Pittsburgh.

So, we’ve asked local families what were some of their favorite places to visit. You’ll find holiday destinations, places off the beaten track and Pittsburgh classics together in this list of treasures.

Holiday Favorites

Though it might be frigid outdoors, the wintry month of December brings plenty of holiday spirit around the ‘burg. According to local families, here are the local Holiday Hot Spots.

1. The Rink at PPG Place. One stop at PPG Place offers something for everyone. First, start your day by skating around the breathtaking 65-foot holiday tree in the center of the outdoor rink. For times call 412.394.3641.

2. Wintergarden at PPG Place. Next, stroll around the enchanting Spirits of Giving Around the World display featuring life-size Santas. One of these Santas is sure to capture your heart. Call 412.434.1928 for specific details.

3. Fifth Annual Gingerbread House and Train Exhibit. Top off your day with the fabulous Gingerbread House and Train Exhibit. You’ll be awestruck by delicious dwellings that are created by area students, chefs, residents and organizations. All houses are for sale and proceeds are donated. For more information call 412.434.1928.

4. Macy’s Holiday Windows. Though the retailer’s name has changed, the annual browsing of the animated holiday window displays continues to be a tradition for many Pittsburgh families. Park and stroll at your leisure from window to window or if you have little ones, you can drive by the displays. Although, it may take you several trips around the block to enjoy each one.

5. Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms. Celebrate Christmas around the world. The 26 Nationality Classrooms are decorated in the traditional holiday style complimenting the ethnic heritage. You’ll find festive decorations from Eastern and Western Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Asia and Africa to name a few. For more information, contact 412.624.6000.

6. Pittsburgh Zoo Breakfast/lunch with Santa. Though this is definitely a Pittsburgh classic, enjoy the zoo in a whole new way by having a festive meal with the jolly man himself and greet zoo animals, too. This special event includes cookie decorating and ornament making, plus a treat bag to take home. For dates, times and admissions call 412.365.2533 or email ehill@pittsburghzoo.org.

7. Hartwood Acres Celebration of Lights. Enjoy the hour-long drive through acres of mouth-dropping light displays. Roll down the windows so you can hear the holiday music that coincides with each set. Contact 412.767.9200.

8. Overly Country Holiday Lights. Plan to make it a night at the Westmoreland County Fair Grounds. First, drive through the delightful display of captivating figures in motion. Then, park the car so you can enjoy the rest of what Overly’s has to offer from horse-driven wagon rides to a bonfire to old-fashioned country snacks. Visit www.overlys.com .

9. The Harmony Museum. Take a visit to Harmony for a look into holidays of the past to see Christmas the way it used to be in this restored old German village. The Ziegler log house and Wagner House annex are also decorated in the spirit of holidays gone by. Call 888.821.4822 for hours of operation.

10. Annual Beaver County Festival of Trees. This festival has been going strong for 18 years at the Lodge in Brady’s Run Park. The lodge turns into a Winter Wonderland with 50 breathtaking decorated trees along with a train display, children’s craft corner, Candy Cane Lane Gift Shop and an appearance by the guest of honor, St. Nick. For more information call 724.891.5800.

11. Penn Hills Municipal Train Display. This miniature railroad display is as large as the classic ones you’d find at large museums and draws quite a crowd. It’s only 20 minutes east of Pittsburgh. For directions call 412.795.3500.

12. First Night Pittsburgh. Rock on New Year’s Eve with a grand parade, live music, traditional and modern dance and festive activities and entertainment for the entire family. The action starts at three in the afternoon and ends with a spectacular fireworks display to bring in the New Year. Visit www.firstnightpgh.com  to find out more.

Off the Beaten Track

In this list you’ll find destinations that are open year round for families to visit and other places that are seasonal. So, whatever time of the year, there’s a destination just waiting for you.

All Year Long

13. Keystone State Park. Make this destination a year-round visit. Hike the trails in the spring and fall, swim at the beach in the summer and snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter. Call 724.668.2939 for directions.

14. Round Hill Park and Exhibit Farm. There’s plenty to do at this small working farm located in Elizabeth, PA. Tour the grounds, play with the animals and eat a picnic lunch. See the cows milked daily at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Best of all, it’s free. Call 412.384.4701.

15. Lake Metropark Farmpark. Escape to Lake country in Kirkland, Ohio to discover where your food comes from and so much more at this year-round farm park. Kids can milk a cow, enjoy wagon rides, see 50 different breeds of farm animals or check out one of the exhibits. Click on www.lakemetroparks.com or call 800.366.FARM.

16. Wooden Nickel Buffalo Farm. Take a ride to Edinboro, PA for a tour of the farm. Walk out to the pasture for a closer look at the bison herd and discover the relationship between the bison and Native Americans. For a hands-on activity, kids can touch the ribs and fur of bison to see what it would feel like. (Psst. It’s not real.) And the family can meet Sierra, Wrangle and Nugget—the farm’s pet bison and goats. For hours operation call 814.734-BUFF or click on www.woodennickelbuffalo.com.

17. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Tucked away in the hills of Fox Chapel is the headquarters of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. Visitors will find five miles of trails, 134 acres of sanctuary as well as educational classrooms, a Natural History Library, a bird feeder observation room and the Evans Nature Center. As one of the largest nature reserves and environmental education centers in Western Pennsylvania, special events and programs are held throughout the year. For more information, contact 412.963.6100 or visit www.aswp.org/beechwood.html.

18. Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park Resort. You don’t have to be a kid to spend a day at this family water park in Erie…just a kid at heart. Voted one of the Top Ten water parks in North America, there’s so much to do from a sports pool where you can play your favorite game to a lazy river to a family whirlpool. There’s a shallow pool with slides for the little ones in Monkey Shines Island and an adult-only whirlpool for the big folks. And those in-between will have a blast zipping down the seven slides into the heated pool or climbing the Tiki Tree House. Need more information? Hop onto www.splashlagoon.com or call 866-3-SPLASH.

19. Slinky Action Zone. Spend the day in Duncansville (Altoona area), the hometown of the famous Slinky Toy, at none other than Slinky Action Zone where everyone loves a slinky. This play park has larger than life replicas of America’s favorite toy that was invented in 1945 and also known as the official state toy of Pennsylvania. Best of all parents play free. For admission prices call 814.695.1515.

20. Marx Toy Museum. Though this Erie museum is child’s play, adults will be delighted to see some of the toys from their past, including Johnny West action figures, the first Big Wheel and more. The exhibits showcase toys manufactured from the 1920s to the 1970s. Make a play date by calling 814.825.6500 or www.themarxtoymuseum.org.

21. Storybook Castle. Discover the world of magic as you begin your journey through the Castle located just minutes from Seven Springs Resort. The animated characters in exquisite detailed costumes are resurrected from former window displays. Watch out for the wicked witch from Sleeping Beauty or the Mouse King in the Nutcracker. Join the fun of a school musical pageant in the Gift of Music or set sail in Magic Telescope. These scenes and more are sure to keep kids and kids at heart spellbound. Call 1-866.597.8679 or visit www.thestorybookcastle.com.

22. Daffins—World’s Largest Candy Store. Daffin’s is home to the Chocolate Kingdom that is inhabited by a 400-pound turtle, a 125-pound reindeer and several 75-pound frogs. And that’s not all. There are rabbits, a train, castles, a village and even a Ferris wheel. And yes, they’re all made out of…chocolate. Groups of 15 or more can tour the factory in Farrell, PA. For chocolate lovers, there is a chocolate creation waiting for you at the Sharon, PA store. For directions call 1.877.323.3465 or click on www.daffins.com.

23. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Located just 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh, families can climb aboard for a ride into the past. Take a four-mile scenic trip on one of the restored trolleys and tour the thirty trolleys on display from “newly refurbished” to some that are “diamonds in the rough.” However, be sure to catch the famous “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Special events are celebrated throughout the year so check out the web site www.pa-trolley.org  or call 724.228.9256.

24. William Swigart Automobile Museum. The hearts of car lovers will be racing when they step inside the Huntingdon, PA building displaying some of the most unique automobiles from the past. Some of the cars include a 1900 Winton, 1905 Rambler, 1909 Overland as well as Herbie the Love Bug. A wide array of license and name plates is part of the collection. Call 814.643.0885 or click on www.swigartmuseum.com.

25. Old Bedford Village. With more than 40 reproductions and authentic log, stone and framed structures, there is something to catch the eye of everyone in the family. History comes alive in the Village with the entire staff dressed in period costumes. Kids will enjoy the demonstrations from cookies being baked to brooms being made. Call for special events and hours of operation at 814.623.1156 or visit www.oldbedfordvillage.com.

26. Pittsburgh Glass Center. The Center combines a glass and art studio and gallery including the Pittsburgh region’s past as the center of the American glass industry. Special exhibits are scheduled throughout the year. Interactive tours with a flameworking or glassblowing demonstration are available for groups of 10 or more. Call 412.365.2145.

27. Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. This family adventure through the winding passageways might have a water droplet or two fall on your head. However, the minerals in the droplets keep this a living cave. You’ll discover the walkways lead into rooms containing breathtaking flowstones, stalactites, calcite and crystals. Click on www.lincolncaverns.com for more information.

28. St. Anthony’s Chapel. This Troy Hill chapel is home to well-viewed collection of relics that originated in 1883. The 4,200 relics are showcased in 800 cases with 525 accompanying documents. The Chapel holds one of the greatest collections outside of the Vatican. Call for information at 412.323.9504.

29. Flight 93 Memorial Chapel. The design of this site is reminiscent of the Flight 93 story. The chapel is a spiritual memorial in honor of the heroes of Flight 93 and all others who perished on September 11, 2001 and is open to all faiths. For chapel hours and information, click on www.flt93memorialchapel.org or call 814.444.8339.

Spring through Fall

30. Washington Wild Things. At the end of 2001, the minor league baseball team formerly called Canton Crocodiles moved to Washington, PA and now is our very own Washington Wild Things. Pack up the family for an up-close-and-personal view at very affordable prices. Check out the team’s official web site for promotions and discounts at www.washingtonwildthings.com.

31. Troyer Farms. For a tasty good time, take a trip to Waterford, PA for a snack tour. See how your favorite potato treat is made and bagged. Then, finish off your day with a bagful of goodies to take home with you. For tour times, click on www.troyerfarms.com or call 800.458.0485.

32. Carousel at Schenley Plaza. Once a parking lot, the park-like plaza is modeled after New York’s Bryant Park. And to the delight of parents and children, the main feature at the Plaza is the carousel with 1950s-style animals, a chariot and spinning tub. For other Plaza features, click on www.schenleyplaza.org.

33. Living Treasures Animal Park. This unusual Park offers a large petting zoo along with exotic animals to thrill adults and children alike. New additions include a laughing hyena cub, a black leopard cub and jackals. With two locations, one in Donegal and the other in Moraine, there’s an animal park close to you. Contact the Donegal Park at 724.593.8300 or Moraine at 724.924.9571.

34. Rodef Shalom Biblical Garden. With more than 100 biblical plants or plants with bible names, this is the largest garden of its kind in the country. While standing in the garden, it’s hard to believe a busy city street is on the other side. Guided tours can be arranged for groups of eight or more. Call 412.621.6566 for more information.

35. Bushy Run Battlefield. Artifacts, museum, reenactments and special events can be found in this Jeannette battlefield. Bushy Run Battlefield is the only historic site that preserves one of the most significant conflicts in American History for Native Americans. To learn more visit www.bushyrunbattlefield.com.

36. Horseshoe Curve and Railroaders Memorial Museum. Take a ride on the funicular (incline) from the Visitors Center at Horseshoe Curve Historic Landmark up to the train tracks of Horseshoe Curve, or walk the landscaped steps to the tracks. You’ll have a front seat view of one of the world’s most incredible engineering feats. Afterwards, tour the museum dedicated to the railroad workers who created this wonder regardless of the rough terrain. To find out more, call 1-888-4ALTOONA or visit www.railroadcity.com.

Fall through Winter

37. Johnstown Chiefs. Be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of this minor league team in a fast-paced game of ice hockey. With family-friendly ticket prices, it’s a feasible way to enjoy this great game. While you’re in the area, let the family enjoy the World’s Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane just minutes from the hockey rink for one action-packed day. Contact the Chiefs at 800.SLAPSHOT or www.johnstownchiefs.com. For the Inclined Plane contact 814.536.1816 or www.inclinedplane.com.

38. Sledding at PA State Parks. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has designated areas at Keystone, Moraine, Ohiopyle, Raccoon Creek, Ryerson Station and Yellow Creek State Parks for sled and toboggan riding. For specific areas and hills, check out www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/winter/wintera.aspx.

39. Seven Springs Mountain Resort. For winter sports lovers, this resort has the answer for your recreation needs. You’ll find snow tubing and downhill skiing for visitors of all ages and family events, too. Go for the day or the weekend. For various options, visit www.7springs.com.

40. Fire and Ice Festival. The annual Somerset winter festival features ice carving demonstrations, which represent the ice part. The fire part of the festival consists of bonfires, which will keep visitors warm from the frigid temperatures in January. Other festival to-dos include a cook off contest, entertainment and activities for young and young at heart. For festival dates call 814.443.1748.

This “top ten” list of family favorites offers classics that you never get tired of visiting.

1. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Museum of Natural History: 412.622.3131

Museum of Art: 412.622.3131

Science Center: 412.237.3400

Andy Warhol Museum: 412.237.8300

2. Inclines Duquesne: 412.381.1665Monongahela: 412.361.0873

3. Good Ship Lollipop 412.355.7980

4. Heinz History Center 412.454.6000

5. The National Aviary 412.323.7235

6. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 412.622.6914

7. Pittsburgh Children’s Museum 412.322.5058

8. UPMC Sportsworks 412.237.3400

9. Kennywood Park 412.461.0500

10. Sandcastle Waterpark 412.462.6666