Art aficionados will want to stop by the Carnegie Museum of Art. This museum displays art dating from prehistoric times to the present from all over the world, although it mainly focuses on contemporary American and European works. See the masterpieces of famous artists from the past as well as modern artwork done in new media, like films.
Dinosaur lovers will not want to miss Carnegie Museum of Natural History, home to one of the finest Jurassic period collections in the world. Shiver under the skeleton of a massive T-Rex, travel to the world of the Ancient Egyptians pharaohs, listen to the pounding of distant drums in the Hall of American Indians and more. You’ll have so much fun with the attractions, you won’t even realize you’re learning at the same time!
Unlock the great mysteries of our world and the galaxy at the Carnegie Science Center. See some of the changing technology, from the WWII submarine to the largest robotics display in the world. Interact with the exhibitions and attractions as you see the world in different ways. Feel like a giant as you tour the Miniature Railroad & Village and like a speck as you take in the world's most technologically sophisticated planetarium.
Young ones can let their imaginations soar at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Specially designed play areas and galleries provide entertaining, educational fun for kids. Toddlers have their own special area designed to suit their developmental needs. Older children will have a blast exploring the interactive attractions spread throughout the museum.
Have your breath taken away as you travel up the Duquesne Incline. Once the main mode of transportation for Pittsburghers to get up the incredibly steep hills, nowadays the historic funicular takes guests up to the top of Mt. Washington for the best view of downtown. Children will get a kick out of the authentic car, the old photographs and artifacts in the upper station, and the ride up and down the mountain.
Visit the site of the historic Fort Pitt Museum in downtown Pittsburgh. Strategically built at the forks of the Ohio River in 1759 and added onto in 1764, the current two-story museum first opened to the public in 1969. Learn about the role the Steel City played in shaping the United States through interactive exhibitions and attractions, and recently added artifacts.
Step back in time as you explore the exhibits and attractions at the Frick Art & Historical Center. Be transported into the Gilded Age through the collection of art and artifacts of the Frick family. The museum and its surrounding building transformed into a complex dedicated to the art, culture and refinement of the time under the guidance of Helen Clay Frick.
Take a ride down the Monongahela River at Historic Station Square with the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Symbolic of Pittsburgh’s river renaissance, this three-riverboat fleet recalls the time when Pittsburgh was known as the Gateway to the West. Choose from a variety of cruises from sightseeing day trips to formal dinner cruises.
Get wild at Idlewild Park and Soak Zone, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Take a ride on a "Classic Coaster," travel to the top of the Ferris wheel or test your nerves on the Tilt-A-Whirl. Once you have sampled the traditional amusement park rides, head over to the Soak Zone to cool down with some water recreation during the summer months.
Head to the suburbs for a visit to Kennywood. One of the oldest and most beloved amusement parks in America, Kennywood has charmed and thrilled the young and the young-at-heart for over 110 years with fun rides and attractions. Take a ride on one of the historic roller coasters, let the children rule at Kiddieland, splash through the water rides, and much more!
People of all ages will marvel at nature’s wonders while visiting the National Aviary. One of the nation’s only free standing aviaries, this huge aviary contains some of the most incredible birds you will ever see, from hummingbirds the size of your thumb to Condors with a gigantic 10-foot wingspan to the flightless African penguins and more.
Bring the entire family out to the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and immerse yourself in a wonderful world of botanical attractions. Stroll through an authentic Japanese Garden, an amazing Aquatic Garden and the Discovery Garden, designed with kids in mind. Or, head inside the conservatory for exotic plants from around the world.
Inspire yourself with the artistic, modern performances of classic American ballets by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. This local ballet troupe has grown since it debuted in 1970 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. See one of the seasonal performances from October until April at its own building or catch one of the troupe's touring performances.
View the work of local visual and performance artists at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Whether you art interested in traditional arts, such as painting and sculpture, or the modern art of photography and filmmaking, you will find the best regional artistic exchange at one of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts’ locations.
Support the environment and treat your ears at the Pittsburgh Opera. Known for their amazing singers, the Pittsburgh Opera is also the first "green" opera company in the United States. With a rich legacy of music-making and international renown, this opera offers some of the best artistic performances while striving to make opera accessible to all.
You can find the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in the Steel City’s Cultural District. Since 1895, the orchestra has contributed to the city’s thriving art and music culture. Enjoy a musical experience of the highest caliber as you listen to the symphony’s rendition of classical and contemporary compositions.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of America’s finest zoos, and has plenty of attractions and exhibits to keep you and the young ones busy for the day. If you can drag them away from the Kid’s Kingdom, the interactive children’s area filled with petting zoo animals and fun activities, they can see all the lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
Take a plunge down 14 of the wettest, wackiest, wildest waterslides in the world at Sandcastle Water Park. Not up for heart-pounding thrills? Head to the lazy river, where you can enjoy a slow ride around the park, or relax in the world’s largest hot tub while the children play at Wet Willie's WaterWorks or splash in the Tad Pool. There's no shortage of water attractions at this park.
Honor all the men and women who served their country at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. The only national museum dedicated to all branches of the military, from professional soldiers to citizens, Soldiers & Sailors offers a unique view of American history through interesting exhibits and attractions. See military artifacts and personal mementos from the Civil War to the present.
Experience Pittsburgh’s most popular tourist attraction. Once a place to meet passengers getting off the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, Station Square has transformed into the Steel City’s largest shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife complex. Find everything you need in this historic station, the hippest place to be in the burgh!
Have your mind blown away at the leading cultural space for technology-based art. Wood Street Galleries offers a variety of exhibitions that push the boundaries of art into new realms. Don’t just see art; experience the work as multi-disciplinary artists from around the world present their visions in the large rooms of this venue.