Explore KidsBURGH: Fun Family Activities in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh comes alive each summer with KidsBURGH, a city-wide celebration packed with fun, interactive events and discounts designed just for families. With everything from outdoor fun to creative workshops, and special savings at top attractions, KidsBURGH makes navigating Pittsburgh with little ones easy and affordable.

Must-Do Family Attractions & Pro Tips

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

A fun experience for creative minds! I may consider this my favorite children’s museum in PA! From the Makeshop to splashing in the water play area and climbing in the multi-story rope jungle gym—there’s something for every age.

Pro Tips:
– Book timed-entry tickets early.
– Bring swimsuits/dry clothes for the water zone.
– The museum café is perfect for a lunch break.

Visit their website: https://pittsburghkids.org/

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

An indoor-outdoor garden paradise full of butterflies, flowers, and discovery. We loved the little market area, kids can grocery shop and play. In the garden they also had lots of hands on experiences like magnifying glasses, a large tree to climb, watering cans and more. 

Pro Tips:
– Check out the STEM camps and workshops.
– The Children’s Discovery Garden is a must for younger kids.

Visit their website: https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/

Duquesne Incline

A historic funicular ride with breathtaking downtown skyline views.

Pro Tips:
– Bring exact change.
– Great for a quick thrill and iconic photos.

Visit their website: http://www.duquesneincline.org/

Heinz History Center

Kids can ‘work’ in the deli, milk a fiberglass cow, and slide down the Liberty Tubes. They have two areas which are very kid friendly — Kidsburgh area and discovery place. Lily spent a lot of time in both!

Pro Tips:
– Visit the Mister Rogers exhibit.
– Kids under 18 get free admission starting Sept 2025.

Visit their website: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/

National Aviary

An indoor bird sanctuary with exotic species, interactive shows, and feeding sessions. We LOVED feeding the birds. You can also pop up in a glass tunnel within the penguin exhibit, my daughter loved this. 

Pro Tips:
– Don’t miss the penguin and sloth experiences.
– Sensory bags available for kids who need them.

Visit their website: https://www.aviary.org/

Carnegie Science Center

Home to a submarine, planetarium, and Robot Hall of Fame. Lily loved the water table area. So many hands on exhibits and check their website for any special pop up exhibits, last year they had a whole Pixar experience which was super cool.

Pro Tips:
– Go early to beat the crowds.
– Perfect mix of toddler areas and older kid engagement.

Visit their website: https://carnegiesciencecenter.org/

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Lions, tigers, sharks, and more—plus a hands-on stingray exhibit. Love this zoo because it’s nice and shady. They also have a train to get you around if you get tired.

Pro Tips:
– Free parking and stroller-friendly paths.
– Wild Encounters offer up-close animal experiences.

Visit their website: https://www.pittsburghzoo.org/

Kennywood Amusement Park

Classic rides, toddler attractions, and family fun. Probably the most toddler friendly amusement park I have been to in PA! They have a whole area designated to the little ones. 

Pro Tips:
– Visit Potato Patch early.
– Use height bands and water ride gear to prep kids.

Visit their website: https://www.kennywood.com/

Pittsburgh Pirates Game + Kids Zone

A baseball game with a family twist—bounce houses, crafts, and a mini-field.

Visit their website: https://www.mlb.com/pirates/fans/kids-club

? Where We Stayed: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

Spacious rooms, indoor pool for rainy or late-night fun, and a central location—perfect for walking or short drives to each attraction. Book your stay here.

✈️ Getting There: 45-Minute Direct Flights from PHL

Flights from PHL to PIT are just 45 minutes—no road traffic, no hassle—all bookable through Frontier Airlines. Fares start around $39 one way, especially with KidsBURGH discounts and Frontier’s fare bundles.

? Final Thoughts

Thanks to KidsBURGH’s free and discounted programming, combined with super-short, budget-friendly flights, Pittsburgh is the ultimate easy-win summer trip for families. Between hands-on museums, outdoor exploration, thrill parks, and friendly hotels, kids can play, learn, and laugh—all in one weekend.