Best of the 'Burgh 2010: Kids & Family

Our editors pick the best of the best in Pittsburgh for kids and family.

Readers’ Poll: Best Pet Event: Bark in the Park, North Park’s South Ridge Loop. Sun., Aug. 22. 412/847-7055, thinkoutsidethecage.org
Readers’ Poll: Best Free Activity for Families: Carnegie Library, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland; 412/622-3114
Readers’ Poll: Best People-Watching Spot: East Carson Street, South Side

Photo by Laura Petrilla

Best Out-of-this-World Toy Store: Did a spaceship land in Butler County? Playthings Etc. is a toy store built for fun. Looking like a gleaming silver spaceship inside and out, this roomy store is stocked with thousands of toys for every gender and age (including us grown-up kids), from classic hobby products to educational games to futuristic toys. But the store itself is part of the fun, including a 9-foot-high oval star window and a flight control panel for the kids to try. 2483 William Flynn Hwy., Butler; 724/285-7529, playthings-etc.com. — Jonathan Wander

Readers’ Poll: Best Community Pool: Dormont Swimming Pool, 1801 Dormont Ave., Dormont; boro.dormont.pa.us
Readers’ Poll: Best Kids’ Menu: Eat n’ Park, eatnpark.com
Readers’ Poll: Best Dog Park: Frick Park, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill; 412/422-6538, pittsburghparks.org

Best Classes for Young Einsteins: Does your bright youngster enjoy hands-on learning? At Carnegie Mellon University’s C-MITES classes, students in grades K-9 learn through doing. They learn mechanical engineering by designing a toy drag-racing car that runs on carbon dioxide, chemistry by brewing bubbling potions like Harry Potter and even astronomy by exploring the mysteries of the night sky. More than 50 exciting classes are on offer each summer—$59 for a half-day class and $99 for a full-day class. Why pay for a robot toy when your kid can build his or her own? Registration: cmu.edu/cmites or 412/268-1629 for more info. — Sean Patrick Conboy

Readers’ Poll: Best Weekend Trip: Nemacolin Woodlands, 1001 Lafayette Drive, Farmington; 866/344-6957, nemacolin.com
Readers’ Poll: Best Second-hand Shop for Kids: Once Upon a Child, 412/788-8000, ouac.com
Readers’ Poll: Best Event for Kids: Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival, 412/321-5520, pghkids.org
Readers’ Poll: Best Picnic Spot: Schenley Park, pittsburghparks.org/schenley