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!
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.
Advanced water sports enthusiasts and whitewater rafters can challenge themselves at the famous Youghiogheny River Gorge. Hailed as "the birthplace of whitewater rafting," these rapids can be found in Ohiopyle State Park, about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Warm up on the milder Class I and II whitewater like Ramcat, Flipper and Fast & Clean before attempting the churning Class III and IV rapids like Dimple Rock, Double Hydraulic and River's End.
Knock back some excellent local brews combined with the most elegant pub food you will ever see. Church Brew Works is practically a religious experience—and the design reflects this! Located in a salvaged and renovated church, Church Brew Works has preserved the style of the original building with stain glass windows and pews instead of booths, turning this bar into a beer sanctuary.