Why Pittsburgh?
Why settle for sand in your sandwiches and a sunburn when you can take the family to Pittsburgh, PA, where the only thing hotter than the weather is the Primanti Brothers' sandwiches? Forget the beach—Pittsburgh is the ultimate family vacation destination for Mid-Atlantic families who know that a good time doesn't require dodging jellyfish or trying to keep the kids entertained with seashells. In Pittsburgh, you've got the Carnegie Science Center, where kids can launch rockets instead of just watching seagulls, and the Pittsburgh Zoo, where the animals don’t steal your snacks (unlike those pesky beach gulls). Plus, the only waves you’ll have to deal with are the ones from friendly Pittsburghers saying "hello," not the kind that knock over your sandcastle. So, trade in that beach towel for a Terrible Towel and give your family a vacation they'll actually thank you for.
Here are the top 5 reasons to choose Pittsburgh, PA, for your next family vacation:
- Something for Everyone: Whether you’ve got a toddler who thinks a cardboard box is the best toy ever, or a teen who considers boredom and complaining a fashion statement, Pittsburgh’s got you covered. From hands-on museums to adrenaline-pumping rides, this city offers entertainment for every age group—even the hard-to-please ones.
- Weather-Proof Fun: Rain or shine, Pittsburgh delivers. If the weather turns soggy, just head indoors to places like the Carnegie Science Center or the Children’s Museum, where the only thing that’ll get wet is your brain from all the knowledge. No need to pray to the vacation gods for good weather!
- Food That Pleases Even Picky Eaters: Got a kid who insists that “plain noodles” are a food group? Pittsburgh’s got that covered. But if they’re feeling adventurous, introduce them to a Primanti Brothers’ sandwich—a meal so stacked, it’s practically a food pyramid on bread. Even the pickiest eaters might be tempted to try something new... or at least nibble around the edges.
- Epic Photo Ops: From the colorful murals of Randyland to the jaw-dropping views from the Duquesne Incline, Pittsburgh will make your family look like professional adventurers on Instagram. Bonus: You might even get your tween to smile for a picture—if only to prove they were “there.”
- Affordable Fun: You won’t have to take out a second mortgage to keep the kids entertained here. With plenty of free or low-cost attractions, Pittsburgh lets you stretch your vacation budget so far, you’ll wonder why you ever considered that pricey beach trip. Plus, you’ll actually be able to afford that extra scoop of ice cream—without the guilt. For Harrisburg locals in particular, many of our must-see destinations are FREE with your ASTC Passport. ACCESS Families can enjoy many destinations through the Museums for All program for free or steeply discounted with their access card.
Where to stay?
Finding the perfect place to stay in Pittsburgh can be like searching for that last clean sippy cup—challenging, but oh-so-rewarding when you find it. Enter the Drury Hotel, which checks all the "must-haves" on your family’s list. We’re talking convenient downtown location, clean rooms that don’t make you wonder if you should’ve packed a hazmat suit, a pool that will keep the kids entertained long enough for you to enjoy a moment of silence, and a breakfast spread that’s so good you might actually get everyone to agree on a meal. Plus, with flexible room and suite options, even your brood of future rock band members can stay comfortably under one roof.
But the real kicker that keeps us coming back to the Drury? The legendary 5:30 Kickback—a free, kid-friendly dinner that saves you from the near-impossible task of finding a restaurant that pleases everyone after a day of exploring the city. Let’s be honest, getting all the kids to agree on a place to eat at home is hard enough, so after a long day in a new city, this is basically a lifesaver. And if that’s not enough, they throw in a free drink ticket for mom and dad, because nothing says "vacation" like unwinding with a glass of something that isn’t just another refill of juice boxes. The staff at the Drury Hotel genuinely value their guests (yes, even your loud, sticky-fingered ones) and go out of their way to make your stay as lovely as possible. So, when you’re planning your Pittsburgh adventure, just remember—the Drury Hotel is the place where both your sanity and your sense of fun get to kick back and relax.
What to do?
We’ve got our city, we’ve got our hotel, and now it’s time to figure out what to do once you’ve recovered from your Drury Hotel breakfast food coma.
Planning a trip to Pittsburgh, PA, is an adventure in itself, especially when you realize there are two types of vacationers in this world. First, there’s the “We Must See Everything” type—the parent who has a color-coded itinerary, complete with time slots for bathroom breaks and a backup plan for when the zoo doesn’t open until 10 a.m. This is the kind of person who believes that a successful vacation means squeezing every ounce of fun out of every minute, so the family doesn’t miss a single museum, park, or pierogi. Then there’s the “Let’s Just Wing It” type, the one who prefers to take spontaneous strolls through the city, find a cozy coffee shop, and maybe, just maybe, actually relax on vacation. These two types often marry each other, because why not add a little excitement to the trip planning?
If you’re a “Macaroni parent” (you know, the one who packs snacks in alphabetized Tupperware and thinks an itinerary is a love language), you’re probably the “Let’s Do It All” type. Fear not! Pittsburgh is your playground, and the following guide will help you check off all the must-see spots while still leaving time to breathe between activities. We’re talking visits to the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, where your kids can explore and learn, stops at the National Aviary for some quality bird encounters, and a ride on the Duquesne Incline to take in the city’s spectacular skyline. With this schedule, you’ll be able to say, “We did Pittsburgh,” and still have time for an impromptu cookie break at the Strip District. Just make sure your laid-back spouse has their favorite coffee shop scouted out for those all-important relaxation moments!
Before you start plotting your Pittsburgh adventure like a general planning a city-wide invasion of fun, make sure to check out Macaroni Kid Pittsburgh. This site is your secret weapon for discovering all the family-friendly events happening while you’re in town—because nothing says “vacation victory” like knowing where to take the kids when they’ve already hit their daily screen time limit. Once you’ve scoped out the local happenings, it’s time to draft your battle plan. Make a list of must-visit stops and might-visit stops, because let’s face it, Pittsburgh has more to offer than you can squeeze into one trip without cloning yourself. But don’t worry—just read on to see what we conquered on our last adventure, and we’ll throw in some great backups and alternatives so you’re always ready with a Plan B (or C). Click each destination for our detailed review with plenty of pro tips to keep things running smoothly!
- Idlewild & Soakzone: Where kids’ dreams and nostalgic rides collide—this is the amusement park that’s been delighting families since your grandparents’ childhood. From the classic rides to Story Book Forest, there’s something magical around every corner. Just be prepared for your little ones to demand “one more ride” until the park closes, and for you to secretly love it just as much as they do. Full Review HERE
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History & Museum of Art: Dinosaurs so real, you’ll start checking your insurance policy for meteorite coverage & where you can confidently say, “I could totally paint that,” but deep down, you know you absolutely couldn’t. Your kids will be in awe of the towering T. rex, while you’ll appreciate the fact that this museum makes learning about the past cool. Plus, it’s the perfect place to casually drop some dinosaur trivia at dinner later—instant parent points. Later, as you stroll through the galleries, your kids might surprise you with their interpretations of modern art—expect lots of “What’s that supposed to be?” and prepare to come up with some pretty creative explanations. (Museums for All). Full Review HERE
- Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: Safari meets sea—enjoy exotic animals and underwater wonders without ever leaving the city. From feeding giraffes to watching polar bears swim, it’s a full day of animal encounters your kids will rave about. And don’t worry—the snack stands are strategically placed for those inevitable “I’m hungry” moments. (Museums for All). Full Review HERE
- Carnegie Science Center & SportsWorks: Where science and sports combine to create the ultimate hands on learning experience. Whether your family is launching rockets or breaking a sweat in the sports simulators, you’ll all leave feeling a little smarter and a lot more tired. Plus, the exhibits might just inspire your child’s next big invention—or at least their next science project. (ASTC, Museums for All). Full Review HERE
- Station Square featuring the Duquesne Incline: Shopping, dining, and a waterfront view—this is where you come to convince yourself you’re “walking it off” with a historic ride with a view that says, “You’ve officially seen Pittsburgh—now go tell everyone how gorgeous it is.” This riverside spot has something for everyone, from quirky shops to family-friendly restaurants. And if the kids get restless, there’s always a fountain show and even a fantastic indoor rock-climbing gym. The kids will love the old-fashioned charm of the incline, and you’ll love the Instagram-worthy skyline views. Just try not to panic when your little one leans a bit too close to the window for that perfect photo.
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: Wander through nature’s best-kept secrets, where every path is a bloom-filled escape from the city’s hustle. Enjoy the peaceful trails and blooming gardens which are blissfully sprinkled with hands on activities and learning opportunities, all while your kids pretend they’re on a jungle adventure. And when they inevitably ask you the name of that one flower, you can confidently say, “Let’s look at the sign together!” (Museums for All)
- Children's Museum of Pittsburgh & MuseumLab: The only place where “touch everything” is encouraged—and you don’t have to clean up the mess! From hands-on exhibits to creative labs, your kids will be too busy building, crafting, and experimenting to realize they’re learning while they make all the noise they want. (ASTC, Museums for All)
- National Aviary: A world of wings in the heart of Pittsburgh—Birds so fabulous, they’ll make you question your fashion choices. Whether it’s watching penguins waddle or marveling at the rainbow of colors in the tropical bird room, your family will be entertained from start to finish. And who knows? You might leave with a new appreciation for feathers—just not in your house. Full Review HERE
- Moonshot Museum: A space where the sky’s not the limit—because who needs gravity when you’ve got imagination? Your kids will be over the moon (pun intended) with excitement as they explore interactive exhibits about space exploration. And who knows? You might just inspire the next astronaut or rocket scientist in your family. Plus, it’s the perfect place to remind your kids that even the biggest dreams can come true with a little creativity and a lot of persistence. (ASTC, Museums for All)
Also consider the following, These spots didn't make it onto the itinerary this vacation, but we've either enjoyed them in the past or they are on our bucket list for our next visit!
- Heinz History Center: Dive into Pittsburgh’s past—where ketchup is king, and history is as thick as a Heinz bottle that just won’t pour.
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Stroll through a plant wonderland that’s so lush, even your houseplants will feel jealous. (Museums for All)
- PNC Park: Come for the baseball, stay for the pierogies—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll catch a home run or at least a tan.
- Randyland: The most colorful place in Pittsburgh, where every corner is an explosion of color, whimsy, and probably the best photo op you’ll ever find.
- Kennywood: The only place where you can eat too many funnel cakes, scream your head off on a roller coaster, and still call it a great day. Consider swapping out Idlewild for this spot if you have an older more adventure seeking crew of kiddos.
- Point State Park: It’s where rivers meet, and you’ll realize how photogenic you are when framed by a giant fountain and a city skyline.
- The Strip District: The only place where you can buy fresh pasta, funky souvenirs, and a Steelers jersey, all while dodging someone’s grandma with a shopping cart.
- Fallingwater: Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece where you’ll feel cultured just by knowing who Frank Lloyd Wright is. Bonus points if you can resist jumping into the waterfall.
- Gateway Clipper: Sail the three rivers in style—where the views are amazing, and the riverboat horn is your cue to feel like a true Pittsburgher. We really enjoyed the super-hero kid's cruise a couple of years ago, but it didn't quite fit our schedule this trip.
- Museum of Illusions: Where reality takes a vacation, and you’ll leave questioning if your eyes have been lying to you your entire life.
- The Andy Warhol Museum: Where soup cans are art, and you’ll leave questioning if you, too, might secretly be a genius.
- Mattress Factory: (Museums for All)
Final thoughts:
So, there you have it—a whirlwind tour of Pittsburgh that promises more fun than you can fit into one trip, but hey, that just means you’ll have to come back! Whether you’re the type of parent who plans vacations with military precision or the one who believes in the power of winging it, Pittsburgh has something to keep every member of your family entertained and, dare we say, happy. From the dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History to the feathered divas at the National Aviary, there’s no shortage of excitement (and educational moments you can sneak in without anyone noticing).
And remember, when you’re trading sandy sandwiches and sunburns for pierogies and Terrible Towels, you’re not just vacationing—you’re making memories that don’t require SPF 50. So go ahead, dive into the fun, let the kids stay up a little too late, and don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your next visit before you’ve even unpacked. Pittsburgh isn’t just a destination—it’s the family vacation you didn’t know you needed, but won’t be able to stop talking about. Now, who’s up for round two?
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