As it starts to warm up in Pittsburgh, the city really starts to bloom. In Pittsburgh the old adage is especially true: April showers really do bring May flowers. And as the weather gets better, there are plenty of great places to bring your kids to appreciate the city’s beauty.
4-14
Prices vary, but start $30 for a one day camp
As schools start letting out, Snapology summer camps are so fun, your kids won't even know they are learning! With a good mix of indoor time so exploring fun themes like Star Wars, the Science of Superpowers, and Real World Robotics, Snapology offers plenty of opportunities for your child to have a great time, learn something, and still have plenty of time to play outside!
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$17.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 2-18
Phipps’ Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2018, and this is the perfect time to go check out this Pittsburgh staple. With 19 gardens, including the Children’s Discovery Garden, this is a great place to see some beautiful plants and learn about gardening with your kids. Plus, starting in late April, they have a room with live butterflies fluttering around. Some they recommend keeping an eye out for are Monarchs, the Painted Lady, and Question Marks. It’s a perfect destination for the child who loves nature and wants to be able to experience some plants that may not be native to the city.
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Free to visit
Frick Park is both the largest and the youngest of Pittsburgh’s parks, and with so much room it’s perfect for kids to run around in. The Blue Slide Playground is perfect for those looking to run around outside and get some Vitamin D.
To add a bit of learning to an already great trip, try stopping by the Frick Environmental Center to learn about nature. There are plenty of great programs, like the Night Explorers, which allows kids and their adults to learn all about the woods and the animals in them at night! There are also great summer programs and other ways for kids to get involved.
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$25.00 for adults, $15.00 for children ages 3-12, and $5 for those 2 and under
Pittsburgh is one of the best cities for tours that explore both land and water, because with the three rivers there are plenty of ways to see its beauty while on water. Just Ducky tours take place in authentic amphibious vehicles that were first used in World War II, so not only are they plenty of fun for the whole family, they’re learning experiences as well! The guides give you plenty of facts, some that even native Pittsburghers have admitted to not knowing. And even when you know it’s coming, it’s always a fun surprise to go from land to water so smoothly. This is a great outing for grandparents, or for anyone else visiting from out of town who isn’t familiar with the city!
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$15 for adults and $14 for children 2-12
The National Aviary is an innovative and exciting zoo experience for people of all ages! It’s the largest aviary in the United States, and is the only independent indoor nonprofit one--it’s so impressive that Congress awarded it an honorary “national” status!
They have more than 150 different species of birds including types from all over the world. Visitors get to hand feed and meet the birds, many of which are free flying. It’s great for young kids to be able to see so many animals without zoo enclosures separating them. And if you plan ahead, excursions to pet the sloth or hold an owl are amazing opportunities!
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Free!
The Market Square Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday from May to November, and has plenty of great opportunities for food and craft shopping, as well as plenty of fun opportunities for kids. There are some great special events, including “Christmas in July” and an end-of-season Halloween party! Plus, anything you buy goes right back into the community, so that healthy snack you pick up to share with your kid will be benefiting a small business as well.
All, but with a special focus on younger kids
Campsite rentals begin at $27 and increase depending on the amenities requested
About 45 miles outside of the city in Mill Run, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is worth the trip. Not only do kids get the chance to meet Yogi and all his friends, there are adventures for kids of any age, and plenty of fun for their parents as well!
From coloring contests with Yogi Bear to sluicing for gems (which make great gifts if you happen to be going near Mother’s Day!) and with a fully immersive indoor game section for variety, a day at Jellystone Park is sure to be entertaining for the whole family.
As spring finally begins in earnest in Pittsburgh, there are plenty of opportunities for kids and adults alike to get out and enjoy the beautiful opportunities the city has to offer. And there are great indoor options too, for those days the Pittsburgh rain comes back but you still want to experience nature!
