Eat, Do, Shop, Play and Learn
A restaurant that specializes in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Dance classes for toddlers and parents. A lending library for educational toys. Storytime at a nearly 90-year-old bookshop. A civic institution sailing the three rivers. In and around Pittsburgh, the offerings for families looking for food, fun and more go so much deeper than the expected family outings. From places to outfit and entertain to natural wonders and city treasures, here are some of our favorites.
EAT
If you keep up with our annual “Best Restaurants” list and monthly food coverage, you’re already in the know about the best meals in town. Here are the spots that are worthy (and appropriate) trips for kids and adults alike. —HBK
Photos by Laura Petrilla
Bakn
Bakn’s bacon-focused menu is a draw for kids of all ages. Heartier dishes such as braised short ribs are available alongside burgers, salads and flatbreads.
335 E. Main St., Carnegie
412/275-3637, eatbakn.com
Café Carnegie
Executive Chef Sonja Finn’s philosophy is that kids deserve thoughtfully constructed meals as much as adults do. Tea sandwiches and shrimp cocktails share menu space with “Le Hot Dog” and grilled peanut butter, honey and banana sandwich on housemade bread.
4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland
412/622-3225, thecafecarnegie.com
Church Brew Works
Kid-friendly microbrewery housed in beautifully restored church. Sandwiches and rolls have healthy side options such as kaleslaw and black-bean salad (also, fries). Some of the best pierogi in Pittsburgh.
3525 Liberty Ave., Lawrenceville
412/688-8200, churchbrew.com
D’s Six Pax and Dogs
Hot dogs, chicken fingers, pizzas and hoagies for everyone. Kid’s menu includes activities such as mazes and coloring. Adult menu includes outstanding beer selection.
1118 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square
412/241-4666, ds6pax.com
DiAnoia’s Eatery
The whole family can share one of the best gas-oven-style pizzas in Pittsburgh at DiAnoia’s. Stop by for lunchtime sandwiches or have a pasta-filled dinner.
2549 Penn Ave., Strip District
412/918-1875, dianoiaseatery.com
Double Wide Grill
Extensive kid’s menu includes expected items such as grilled cheese, pizza and chicken tenders, but also tofu skewers, cilantro rice and baby carrots. Free refills on kid’s drinks.
doublewidegrill.com
South Side and Mars
photo by laura petrilla
Eleven Contemporary Kitchen
One of the best brunches for adults in Pittsburgh also has a steal of a deal for the kids, with big portions of expertly prepared food. Eleven is the perfect destination for a celebration.
1150 Smallman St., Strip District
412/201-5656, elevenck.com
Franktuary
Hot dogs, falafel, salads and fries are offered at this family-friendly Lawrenceville eatery. Kids meals include hot dogs or corn dogs with apple slices or fries.
3810 Butler St., Lawrenceville
412/586-7224, franktuary.com
photo by adam milliron
Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream
Scratch-made ice cream created from some of the best ingredients in the region. Standard flavors such as Chad’s Vanilla and Salted Caramel, plus rotating seasonal selections.
232 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty
412/404-8853, millieshomemade.com
Noodlehead
There isn’t a dedicated kid’s menu, but there also aren’t any dishes on the Thai-inspired street-food menu that cost more than $10. Cash only.
242 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside
noodleheadpgh.com
photo by chuck beard
Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe
Families who bike together (and also those who prefer walking or driving) will enjoy meals at the two OTB locations. Kids get free drinks with entrees such as “Tandem,” “Strider” and “The Tricycle.”
otbbicyclecafe.com
North Park and South Side
Peanut Butter Jelly Time
A peanut butter and jelly restaurant that also serves grilled cheese, ice cream and cereal. Enough said.
4709 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
412/622-0225, pbjpgh.com
The Porch
Budget-friendly kid’s menu features $6 items such as burgers and pizza. Adults will find a selection of salads, sandwiches and mains crafted from well-sourced ingredients. Everyone will find a park next to the restaurant.
221 Schenley Drive, Oakland
412/687-6724, theporchatschenley.com
Rock Bottom Brewery
Whimsical, colorful kid’s menu has affordable options such as make-your-own pizza and chicken tenders, and features puzzles, mazes and opportunities for coloring.
171 E. Bridge St., Homestead
412/462-2739, rockbottom.com
Social at Bakery Square
Indulge your taste buds with pizza, appetizers, sandwiches and more. Limited kid’s menu, but nearly everything on the main menu is crowd-pleasing and affordable.
6425 Penn Ave., East Liberty
412/362-1234, bakerysocial.com
photo by cory morton
Spoonwood Brewing Company
“Junior Brewers” have their own menu of sandwiches, burgers and more at this outstanding South Hills brewery (no brew included for you, kids). Adults have wood-fired pizza, smoked meats, sandwiches and, yes, brews.
5981 Baptist Road, Bethel Park
412/833-0333, spoonwoodbrewing.com
Square Café
Beloved Regent Square diner is a hit for eaters of all ages. Get your classics such as bacon and eggs, omelettes and pancakes, plus açaí berry bowls, crepes and more.
1137 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square
412/244-8002, square-cafe.com
photo courtesy of clemente museum
DO
Break out of the weekend rut — sure, you and the kids have favorite activities, but there’s always room for more. And in Pittsburgh, there are no shortage of fascinating, one-of-a-kind outings to draw you out of the house. —LD
PHOTO VIA DOLLAR BANK CINEMA IN THE PARK
Cinema in the Park
Free outdoor movies — typically big hits from the past year — are shown on the big screen throughout the summer in multiple parks around Pittsburgh.
412/255-2493, pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/cinema-in-park
Clemente Museum
A hidden treasure, this museum (pictured at top) will delight any fan of Pittsburgh baseball. You’ll find a replica of the scoreboard and original seats from Forbes Field, Clemente’s bats and uniforms and more mementos approved by his family. Tours (by appointment only) recommended for children 12 and up.
3339 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville
412/621-1268, clementemuseum.com
Code Breakers
The North Hills escape room offers a kid-friendly option every weekend for guests ages 7-12. Games for ages 13 through adult are also available.
1130 Perry Highway, Ross Township
412/837-1988, codebreakers412.com
Color Me Mine
The pottery-paint studio offers a two-hour Kids Night Out for ages 5-12. Includes pottery painting, pizza, games and story time.
Squirrel Hill and South Hills
pittsburgh.colormemine.com
Dependable Drive-In
Take in a double-feature with the whole family; there’s usually a pairing of G- and PG-rated features on one of the drive-in’s four screens. Robust concession-stand offerings are cheaper than those at nearby multiplexes. Kids 5-11 get in for $3; ages 12 and older, $8.
549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township
412/264-7011, dependabledrivein.com
Eide’s Entertainment
A great place to wile away an afternoon browsing books, records, movies and more. Filming for the beloved Pittsburgh coming-of-age film “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” took place here (word is, Emma Watson was delightful during the shoot).
1121 Penn Ave., Strip District
412/261-0900, eides.com
photo courtesy the frick pittsburgh
The Frick Pittsburgh
Take the whole family to picnic on the lawn of The Frick Pittsburgh during Friday-night events during the summer. Pretend you live in a simpler time as strains of music fill the air from the night’s musical guest; while you’re there, visit the restored Frick family home, Clayton. Bring your own food or patronize local food trucks.
7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze
412/371-0600, thefrickpittsburgh.org
Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark
Ever try carpet skating? Billed as a safer alternative to skateboarding, it basically involves sliding on ramps and other obstacles with special shoes. Here, there’s a bounce area for kiddos ages 2 and up, blacklight dodgeball games for older kids, and more.
1130 Perry Highway, Pine Township
412/364-9400, funslidespark.com
photo by chuck beard
Gateway Clipper Fleet
Offers several kid-friendly themed cruises — everything from superheroes to princesses to pirates to under-the-sea. Snacks, face painting, souvenirs and balloons are available.
350 West Station Square Drive,
Station Square
412/355-7980, gatewayclipper.com
Global Links
Volunteer as a family at this organization that donates surplus medical supplies to those who can use them around the world.
700 Trumbull Drive, Green Tree
412/361-3424, globallinks.org
Idlewild and SoakZone
Idlewild is an easily accessible park with areas perfect for young children and other spots the whole family will love. Parking is free and so is admission for kids 2 and under. There are seven themed lands, including StoryBook Forest and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Three season pass options get you various perks.
2574 U.S. Route 30, Ligonier
724/238-3666, idlewild.com
Living Treasures Animal Park
Get up close and personal with wild (and not-so-wild) creatures of the land, sea and air. Feed a giraffe, enjoy a walk-through aviary or ride a camel at the Moraine site. It’s a great way to spend a day with kids of all ages.
Moraine and Donegal
ltanimalpark.com
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Worth the drive if your kids are interested in trains or transportation. Take a trolley ride and walk through a collection of about 50 trolleys — 15 of which have been restored to working condition. Offers three holiday celebrations: Bunny Trolley, Pumpkin Patch Trolley or Santa Trolley as well as Daniel Tiger’s Weekend.
1 Museum Road, Washington
724/228-9256, pa-trolley.org
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Soccer fans young and old will enjoy taking in a match featuring the squad. A less-intimidating (and often less-expensive) alternative to the Penguins, Pirates or Steelers for budding sports fans.
Highmark Stadium, 510 West Station Square Drive, Station Square
412/224-4900, riverhounds.com
PNC Park kids days
Pirates games are fun for families no matter what day of the week, but Sundays are designated Kids Days. Visit the Family Fun Zone on Federal Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up the kids’ promotional item of the day at the gates for kids 14 and under then let the kids run the bases afterwards. If it’s your kiddo’s first game, visit guest relations for a special certificate.
m.mlb.com/pirates/tickets/special-events/kids-days
photo by chuck beard
Round Hill Farm
There are multiple playgrounds and a spray park at this county-owned park, and an “exhibit farm” with numerous furry animals kids can visit with.
651 Round Hill Road, Elizabeth Township
412/384-8555, alleghenycounty.us/parks/round-hill/index.aspx
Row House Cinema
In its short lifespan, Row House Cinema has established itself as a place that knows kids. On weekends, you’ll often find one of two programs: Cereal Cinema on Saturdays, where kids come for cereal at 9:30 followed by a 10 a.m. film, or Kids Will Be Kids, where children get the roam of the theater during a film.
4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville
412/904-3225, rowhousecinema.com
Shakespeare in the Parks
Introduce the kids to Shakespeare at as early an age as you want with the annual Shakespeare in the Parks performances — this year they’ll stage “Henry V.” The actors put on a stellar show and the atmosphere is slightly casual, as dogs and children of all ages are welcome in the audience. It’s a perfect place for a bit of culture, whether or not the kids can sit still.
pittsburghshakespeare.com
South Park Game Preserve
The second-largest park in Allegheny County features dog parks, a nature center, an outdoor ice rink, a dek hockey area and a BMX bike track as well as tennis courts and a wave pool. Feed the ducks and walk the trails to find a small waterfall.
alleghenycounty.us/parks/south-park/index.aspx
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Enjoy a public skate at the same site where the Penguins practice. Available for birthday parties; offers community programs.
8000 Cranberry Springs Drive, Cranberry Township
724/900-2799, upmclemieuxsportscomplex.com
photo by laura petrilla
SHOP
You may have noticed: Kids need stuff. Clothes, toys, furniture and more — and they do have a tendency to keep growing, requiring new and different stuff year after year. Here are the places that’ll make your kids’ rooms, closets and toy boxes far more interesting than the neighbors’. –– JS
All About Kids Furniture
Looking for a bed that resembles a princess’ castle or maybe a bunk bed with a slide? All About Kids Furniture has you covered. From newborns to teens and everything in between, the family-owned furniture store specializes in cribs, gliders, beds for big kids, plus bunks and fun loft beds.
1420 Washington Road, Washington
724/916-4230,
allaboutkidsfurniture.com
Barefoot Stitches & Gifts
Besides purses, jewelry and other decor items, Barefoot Stitches & Gifts is packed with a plethora of adorable outfits and gifts for baby, including items that may be monogrammed or engraved.
313 Beverly Road, Mount Lebanon
412/563-0100
Brambler Boutique
The ultra-hip “lifestyle” boutique (pictured) for babies and their parents offers a carefully curated selection of baby gear, maternity and postpartum essentials, organic clothing, accessories and more. They also have an extensive book collection, plus a nursing nook and play area for kids.
3609 Butler St., Lawrenceville
412/682-1327, bramblerboutique.com
Castle Toys and Games
With the aim to be “the best toy store in the world,” Castle Toys and Games has something for everyone. The family-owned emporium stocks toys and games that appeal to the adventurous wild child, the sports enthusiast and kids with extra needs. There’s also a wide selection of arts and crafts items.
Wexford and Beaver
castletoysandgames.com
Contemporary Concepts
You might be surprised to find the upscale gift shop, which sells fine china, home decor and collectibles, also has a wide selection of items for babies and kids that ranges from photo frames and lunchboxes to blankets and swaddles.
Locations in East Liberty and Allison Park
contemporaryconcepts.com
The Flying Squirrel
Opened in 2015, the charming Flying Squirrel — which conjures up fun just by saying its name — hits the trifecta by selling vintage toys, ice cream and ice cream sandwiches (from local favorites the Pittsburgh Ice Cream Co. and Leona’s) and penny candy.
241 E. Main St., Carnegie
412/276-2535, flyingsquirreltoys.com
The Frog N Princess
Your little prince or princess will rule the fashion world in their duds from The Frog N Princess. The boutique features cutting-edge fashions — including designs from Appaman and Haute Baby — for infants, toddlers and tweens and also carries special attire for christenings, communions, bat mitzvahs and weddings.
3202 Washington Road, McMurray
724/941-8589, frognprincess.com
Fun Buy the Pound Toy Store
Fun Buy the Pound opened a decade ago with the idea that kids could come in and build with LEGO or K’Nex and buy their creation by the weight. The store still offers that concept, but it has grown to include a number of baby and toy brands as well. There’s also a play area for kids available for $1.50 for 30 minutes or $2.75 for an hour.
406 Beaver St., Sewickley
412/741-9097, funbuythepound.com
GoodNight Baby & Kids (CLOSED)
Formerly USA Baby to Teen, Goodnight Baby & Kids is much more than a nursery-and-kids furniture store. The locally owned business and showroom also carries strollers, car seats, bedding decor and many other baby essentials, including cradle swings, playards and bassinets.
2257 Babcock Blvd., Ross Township
412/821-7100, goodnightbabyandkids.com
Happy Baby Company
The home of the Green Cheeks Diaper Service — which offers organic cloth diaper delivery, cleaning and pick up in the greater Pittsburgh area — Happy Baby Company specializes in natural parenting products, baby wearing, bath essentials and, of course, all manner of cloth diapers and accessories.
558 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue
412/734-1354, happybabycompany.com
Kidz and Company
For burgeoning fashionistas, Kidz and Company is a must. The fashion-forward boutique, which carries clothing for babies all the way through the tween years, specializes in designer clothing for boys and girls, including trendy brands such as Mayoral and Deux Par Deux.
5871 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill
412/421-5082, kidzandcompanypgh.com
The Little Orange Store at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Take the experience of visiting the Children’s Museum home with you via The Little Orange Store. The museum’s shop carries educational and fun items such as water-soluble face painting crayons, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” puppets, maker kits and more. And yes, you can shop in the store without paying the museum admission fee.
10 Children’s Way, North Side
412/322-5058, pittsburghkids.org/shop
Lullabye Landing
Moms can shop for themselves and their littles at Lullabye Landing, which shares a space with Lula Boutique, a hip women’s clothing store. Specializing in trendy duds for boys and girls from newborn to tweenager, Lullabye Landing also carries hard-to-find first-communion dresses.
1746 North Highland Road, Bethel Park
412/851-6633
photo by chuck beard
Penguin Bookshop
A fixture in Sewickley since 1929, the independent bookseller is known for its author meet-and-greets, book clubs and storytimes for children. The bookshop also periodically hosts a Young Writers Series aimed at teens and middle-schoolers.
417 Beaver St., Sewickley
412/741-3838, penguinbookshop.com
The Picket Fence
Be the star of the baby shower by bringing a gift from The Picket Fence. The Shadyside boutique carries an array of stylish baby, children’s and women’s apparel and accessories, plus home decor, toys and other gifts.
5425 Walnut St., Shadyside
412/246-0350, picketfenceshadyside.com
Precious + Posh
Blending classic with fresh style, Precious + Posh sells modern baby and children’s clothing, including many products and lines not typically found in the Pittsburgh area. Besides cute and casual everyday clothing, the boutique has an extensive collection of communion, christening and formal wear.
638 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont
412/794-8247, precious-posh.myshopify.com
Songbird Artistry
In addition to handmade jewelry and accessories for a variety of ages, this shop and gathering place offers creative, themed kids parties along such themes as “Harry Potter” and “Alice in Wonderland,” after which guests will leave with creations of their own.
4316 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville
412/427-5500, songbirdartistry.com
S.W. Randall Toyes and Giftes
Take a trip back in time with S.W. Randall. Some of the classic toys carried at the whimsical stores — including wooden toys, wagons and rocking horses — are the sort of eternally popular items S.W. Randall owner Jack Cohen sold when he opened his original toy store more than 45 years ago.
Locations in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside and Downtown
swrandalltoys.com
Victorian Manner
Find lovely jewelry, gifts and cards for your little ones in the charming Victorian Manner. The boutique also carries sweet accessories, décor and unique baby outfits.
693 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon
412/341-1930
Wildcard
Wildcard’s focus on local and independent makers carries over to the baby section, where customers can find the popular Lil Pierogi onesies and T-shirts, plus an eclectic array of cool kid items you won’t see in any of the big box stores.
4209 Butler St., Lawrenceville
412/224-2651, wildcardpgh.com
PLAY
Some days, all kids need is a backyard. Other days, creative and stimulating play requires a bit more. On those days, consider trips to places where play is taken seriously. ––LD
The Andy Warhol Museum
While The Andy Warhol Museum might not seem like the ideal museum for a visit with children, the underground level in “The Factory” includes a play area for families with books, toys, puzzles and comfortable furniture inspired by Warhol’s life and art. Also offers periodic “Half-Pint Print” programs where children ages 1-4 can drop in and create their own silkscreen print.
117 Sandusky St., North Shore
412/237-8300, warhol.org
Boyce Park
Spend a day on the slopes — with no skill required — by snow tubing at Boyce Park. Check website for schedule.
788 Center Road, Plum
724/327-0338, alleghenycounty.us/winterfun
photo by connie george|carnegie science center
Carnegie Science Center
When visiting the Carnegie Science Center, don’t forget about Highmark SportsWorks (in a separate building but included with admission). Interactive activities include Reaction Time Hockey, Olympic Sprint and a 25-foot Rock Wall, plus a new ropes course.
One Allegheny Ave., North Shore
412/237-3400, carnegiesciencecenter.org
Fun Fore All
A mini golf course, but so much more: The updated entertainment center includes an XD Dark Ride video-game experience, arcade games, batting cages, a four-story ball pit area and more.
8 Progress Ave., Cranberry Township
724/779-1800, funforeall.com
Games Unlimited
Visit the store to shop or attend one of many events, from a game demonstration to tournaments. You can also borrow games for a “test drive” or trade in games to make room on your shelves for new additions.
2115 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill
412/421-8807, bgamers.com
photos by chuck beard
Go Ape
Kids 10 and older can participate in the two- to three-hour Go Ape obstacle course experience complete with zip lines and Tarzan Swings. Kids 10-15 need one adult to supervise per two children; kids 16 and 17 can venture out on their own if an adult signs their waiver.
991 Tennis Court Road, Allison Park
800/971-8271, goape.com/locations/pennsylvania/pittsburgh
Let’s Move! Family Dance Party
Kelly Strayhorn Theater has no shortage of family-friendly events, but keep an eye on the calendar for the Let’s Move! Family Dance Party. A DJ plays kid-friendly music, kids can do art projects and the cost is “pay what makes you happy.”
Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty
412/363-3000, kelly-strayhorn.org
The Lightning Bug
Laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, indoor bumper cars, a rock climbing wall, a playground area that’s free for all visitors and more.
170 Scharberry Lane, Mars
724/900-2808, thelightningbug.com
Lilliput Play Homes Towne Center
Experience the opulent structures created by Pittsburgh company Lilliput Play Homes in their Towne Center play area. Children can visit the neighborhood market, doctor’s office, fire station and more — all their own size. Open 9:30-4 M-F; call for weekend hours. An all-day pass costs $12 for the first child ($8 for siblings) and parents are free.
4125 Washington Road, McMurray
724/942-3022, lilliputtownecenter.com
Neville Roller Drome
Old-school roller-skating rink. Sessions include family skate, artistic skate (waltz, tango or fox trot across the rink) and open skate for teens, tweens and young adults.
5109 Neville Road, Neville Island
412/264-9856, nevillerollerdrome.com
“Out of the Park” Playground
Partially funded by Pirates Charities, the playground is handicap accessible and open to all. Features a large pirate ship, swings, spinners and other play fixtures.
Graham Park, Cranberry Township
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Included with admission, Make-a-Craft Mondays — held every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon — let children construct their own nature-inspired craft using recyclable materials.
1 Schenley Drive, Oakland
412/622-6914, phipps.conservatory.org
photo by laura petrilla
Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library
The Toy Lending Library is a favorite spot for families looking for a way to spend a rainy day with their youngsters (ages 0-6). There are hundreds of toys to borrow (if you’re a member) or you can just spend an afternoon playing.
5401 Centre Ave., Shadyside
412/682-4430, pghtoys.org
The Seesaw Center
Open specifically during the school year to provide a place for children from infancy through kindergarten to play during winter months. Kids can play dress up, climb, build and more. Unlimited memberships and daily passes available.
935 Pine Ave., Castle Shannon
412/953-6161, seesawcenter.org
Settlers Cabin Wave Pool
Have fun in the sun at the wave pool at Settlers Cabin Park (also site to a great high dive). Cost for residents is $5 for adults, $4 for teens 14-17, $3 for youth 6-12 and $1 for children 5 and under.
Ridge Road and Papoose Drive,
Robinson Township
412/787-2668, alleghenycounty.us/pools
Sky Trail Ropes Course
Sky Tykes section for kids under 48 inches. Main section includes two levels and a zipline.
Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, 590 Pittsburgh Mills circle, Frazer Township
878/302-2377, pittsburghmills.com
Stay ’n Play
Two play rooms, fine motor skills and gross motor skills, that encourage learning; open during the school year. More structured events and activities include story time, mommy and me yoga and bread baking. Memberships and daily passes available.
1900 Cochran Road, Mt. Lebanon
412/561-1168, bethelcong.org/participate/community-life/stay-n-play
Triple B Farms
Giant board games, rope maze, ducky derby races, hay bale jump, berry picking and more. Feed pygmy goats, chickens, potbellied pig, rabbits and other farm animals.
823 Berry Lane, Monongahela
724/258-3557, triplebfarms.com
The Wheel Mill
You’ll find 80,000 square feet of ramps and trails for riders of all ages and skill levels. The park has eight rooms, a foam pit, jump lines and much more.
6815 Hamilton Ave., Homewood
412/362-3693, thewheelmill.com
Zone 28
Thirty-three bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade games, billiards room and — for grown-ups to recharge — the END ZONE Sports Bar.
2525 Freeport Road, Harmar
412/828-1100, zone28complex.com
photos by chuck beard
Learn
Expand some minds! Schedule your own field trip to places that won’t merely give kids some new information — they’ll open up new worlds. ––LD
Alphabet Trail and Tales
Each year, Citiparks invites families to Frick Park’s Blue Slide Playground for a free elementary-aged literacy event (held Sept. 9 this year). The trail includes 26 stops of music, art, games and activities.
Frick Park, Squirrel Hill
412/665-3665, pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/alphabet-trail-tales
Assemble
Enroll your kids in one of the Assemble Arts + Technology Summer Camps to experience science camp, technology camp, engineering camp, art camp and math camp all rolled into one. After-school, day camps and Saturday programs also offered.
4824 Penn Ave., Garfield
412/661-6111, assemblepgh.org
Carrie Blast Furnaces
Take a guided tour (recommended for ages 8 and up) from May through October at the Carrie Blast Furnaces (pictured above), once the center of U.S. Steel’s Homestead Works. Also operated by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area are the Bost Building and Historic Pump House, where you can learn about the Homestead Lockout and Strike and the Battle of Homestead in 1892.
Carrie Furnace Boulevard, Rankin
412/464-4020, riversofsteel.com
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Sign up online for the annual Summer Reading Program: you read books and get prizes throughout the summer based on your progress. Younger children log the number of minutes they read and older kids log the number of books they get through, making it an easy “challenge” for all ages.
carnegielibrary.org
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
There’s always something to learn at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (see page 28), especially if you visit the Studio. Kids can paint, make a free-form clay sculpture or create a screen print.
10 Children’s Way, North Side
412/322-5058, pittsburghkids.org
Fort Pitt Museum
Learn what life was like in 18th-century Pittsburgh through the Fort Pitt Museum’s living history demonstrations on select weekends. Witness colonial re-enactors firing muskets, using a blacksmith’s forge and playing music with a drum and fife.
601 Commonwealth Place, Point State Park
412/281-9284, www.heinzhistorycenter.org/fort-pitt
Gaynor’s School of Cooking
Kids’ bread-baking classes, sushi-making classes, and so much more. Also offers family fun nights, mommy (or daddy) and me classes for kids ages 3-5, birthday parties, a teen cooking program and Kids “R” Cooks summer camps for ages 6-10 or 11-14.
309 E. Carson St., South Side
412/325-2703, gaynorsschoolofcooking.com
Gemini Children’s Theater
The nonprofit children’s theater offers summer camps and a wide range of acting classes for kids ages 4-17.
420 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks
412/243-6464, geminitheater.org
The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination
Catch up on anything from acro-yoga to sewing at weekly summer camps at the arts and green-energy community center.
5006 Penn Ave., Garfield
412/924-0634, irmafreeman.org
Johnstown Flood Museum
Learn all there is to know about a piece (albeit a devastating one) of local history. The museum features artifacts, photos and a multimedia relief map from the 1889 disaster.
304 Washington St., Johnstown
jaha.org
Little Lake Theatre Company
Offers theater summer camps for children and teens as well as an apprenticeship program for teens.
500 Lakeside Drive South, North Strabane Township
724/745-6300, littlelake.org
photo courtesy of mattress factory
Mattress Factory
On the first and third Saturday of every month, ArtLab brings the museum exhibits to younger audiences with hands-on activities for all ages. Kiddos ages 3-5 can also visit the “Mini-Factory” for storytime and a hands-on project every second and fourth Saturday of the month. After-school programs offered Wednesdays and Thursdays.
500 Sampsonia Way, North Side
412/231-3169, mattress.org
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Little ones can indulge the budding dancer inside with Grown Up and Me classes beginning at just 18 months. More classes, including those just for young male dancers, are offered. Scholarships available.
2900 Liberty Ave., Strip District
412/281-6727, pbt.org
Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
Programs offered in animation, web design, drawing, ceramics and more. For ages 2 and up, Family Open Studios is scheduled on Friday mornings.
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts School, 1047 Shady Ave., Shadyside
412/361-0455, pfpca.org
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra offers an annual sensory-friendly concert as well as Fiddlesticks Family Concerts designed for children 3-8 three times a year. Before the Fiddlesticks concerts, don’t miss Discovery Time Adventures, where children can explore music through activities throughout Heinz Hall.
600 Penn Ave., Downtown
412/392-4900, pittsburghsymphony.org
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Zoo Camp offered for children ages 2-13. Each one-week camp explores a new theme using animal visits, activities and games.
7340 Butler St., Highland Park
412/665-3640, pittsburghzoo.org
Roving Art Cart
The Roving Art Cart offers multi-media projects best for children ages 5-12 throughout the summer. The cart visits a neighborhood park or playground Tuesday through Friday.
412/665-3665, pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/roving-art-cart
Schramm Farms & Orchards
Little Sprouts science and nature summer courses for children ages 3-8. In this year’s eight-week series, kids learned how to plant a garden, the importance of bees and butterflies and more.
1002 Blank Road, Penn Township
724/774-7320, schrammfarms.com
Snapology
Learn with LEGOs (and lots of other fun tools). Classes are offered at various sites around the region on topics from Star Wars to Pokemon, or kids can simply play and learn in the Discovery Center in Bethel Park.
412/440-7529, snapology.com/locations/pittsburgh
Touchstone Center for Crafts
Youth programming offered in summer 2017 included an art sampler with drawing, design, painting, printmaking and sculpture, a mining-and-refining-clay session and monster gardens, which included work with maps and puzzles.
1049 Wharton Furnace Road, Farmington
724/329-1370, touchstonecrafts.org
