WANDER Pittsburgh With Kids

My husband, Brad, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, so we make a trip up to visit family at least once a year. Until we met, I had never visited Pittsburgh and, honestly, I didn’t have much interest in visiting the “Steel City.” After my first visit, however, I instantly fell in love with everything about Pittsburgh. This charming city may be known as the “Steel City” for its 300-plus steel-related companies, its NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and its former Industrial days, yet, when it comes to arts, education, international culture and family-friendliness the city is far from the rigidity such a name may imply…and I had assumed.

Brad’s parents, brothers and their families still reside in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and with similar aged kids to ours, we always have a blast. Plus, my sister-in-law loves to show us new kid-friendly sights, sounds, food and events on every visit. Here are our WANDER favorites – but I’m definitely planning a second (& perhaps third) WANDER Pittsburgh since this beautiful city has so much to do & see!

Wonder: Activity 1 – Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is one of my all-time favorite museums with kids! The gem and mineral exhibit is unreal, but if your kids are into dinosaurs, this place is a must! The Dinosaurs “In Their Time Exhibit” is the first exhibit in the world to feature scientifically accurate, immersive environments from the Age of the Dinosaurs arranged chronologically with actual dinosaur fossils. Also, I recently learned nearly 75% of the dinosaurs on exhibit are made up of actual fossils. There is also a polar exhibit, a kids activity room, a Hall of American Indians and so much more. They also have summer camps, museum sleepovers and special events regularly.

Adventure: Activity 2 – Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

My favorite part of the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh is the section devoted to Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Fred Rogers is a beloved icon in Pittsburgh and the museum highlights his contributions to children in an interactive and beautiful way. There is also a theater, a water play space (you may want to bring a change of clothes for little ones), a maker’s center and much more in this incredible and interactive space.

Navigate: Activity 3 – The Strip District

We always make a stop at in The Strip District when visiting! The Strip District – known as Pittsburgh’s Historic Market District – is a walkable area of town that consists of a diverse blend of retail & wholesale businesses, urban residences and arts & cultural organizations. Today in the Strip you will find coffee roasters, biscotti stores, seafood markets, and imported foods from around the world. Some of our favorites to visit with our kids are the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, Penseys Spices, DeLuca’s Restaurant, and Wholey’s Fish Market.

Discover: Activity 4 – The Gateway Clipper

The Gateway Clipper is a fun riverboat cruise along the famous three rivers of Pittsburgh. We had a blast last summer on the one-hour sightseeing tour where we got to see incredible views of the city and also learn lots of history and city trivia from the on-board narrator. (Did you know that Pittsburgh has 446 bridges – even more than Venice, Italy!) They also have dinner cruises, concerts and special events on the boats.

Eat: A Great Place to Eat – Primanti Brothers

One of the first places my husband, Brad, ever took me was to Primanti Brothers for one of their famous sandwiches which consists of fresh Italian bread, deli meat, cheese, coleslaw, french fries, tomato and an egg! The story goes that they put everything into the sandwich for the truckers that came through the strip district for deliveries. The menu and location has expanded, but it’s still a true Pittsburgh experience!

Rest: A Great Place to Stay – The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

While we usually stay with family when we’re in town, the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel located downtown comes highly recommended by my sister-in-law. With fantastic kid-friendly service, beautiful architecture and a perfect downtown location – it’s a great “Steel City” spot.

Have you been to Pittsburgh? What are some of your favorite spots?