Family Travel Ideas In Pittsburgh

The Steelers, the Pirates, the Penguins, oh my! Although we bleed black and gold here in Pittsburgh, there is so much more to the city than just our champion sports teams! Visiting Pittsburgh is a trip through history, culture, and family fun.

Did you know Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania? This is thanks to our three rivers which made the land (rich in natural resources) easily accessible and desirable to frontier pioneers. Although Pittsburgh is best known for our early Steel industry, it was also the setting of battles in the Revolutionary War and provided secretive stops in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. And many people think we just win Super Bowls!

Pittsburgh has often been voted one of the US’s most livable cities and Zagat named Pittsburgh as the #1 food city in 2015! It is a lovely place to bring your family to experience the beauty and fun of a cultured and historic city. There are so many interesting things to do in Pittsburgh but there are five attractions to see with your family that I want to make sure you don’t miss:

GATEWAY CLIPPER– You can’t come to the city of three rivers and not do something fun on the water! One of the best known attractions in Pittsburgh is the Gateway Clipper Fleet. This boating company offers a different view of the city: from the water! The company offers several themed dining and sight-seeing tours. There are even many special cruises designed for kids! The most popular kids’ cruise is called the “Good Ship Lollipop Cruise” which provides fun and sight-seeing for the entire family. The Gateway Clipper also holds holiday themed cruises, a Princess Cruise, Superhero Cruise, Ice Cream Sunday Cruise, and even a Pirate Dinner! No matter the season, you can always find a good time at a reasonable price!

Gateway Clipper: 350 West Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 355-7980

JUST DUCKY TOURS – Speaking of water, one of the most unique experiences in the city of Pittsburgh has to be Just Ducky Tours. This amazing tour hits some of Pittsburgh’s best sights by traveling on both land and water IN THE SAME VEHICLE! Isn’t that cool? An authentic WWII amphibious vehicle begins on land in Station Square (a fun complex in the city) and drives right into the water to continue your tour with a humorous flare.

The kids will get a kick out of riding in this super unique transportation (which kind of looks like a superhero’s vehicle!) and Mom and Dad can check out all the cool sights with a bit a Pittsburgh history thrown in too. Tickets are reasonably priced and you can even use your ticket stub for 15% off Hard Rock Café located right next to the attraction. You won’t find an attraction like just anywhere!

Just Ducky Tours: 125 W. Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 402-3825

 

 

TOONSEUM– Have a comic book or superhero lover in your family? Then you cannot miss Pittsburgh’s own Toonseum! This is a small, “boutique style” museum located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. It is dedicated to comic and cartoon art. The museum may be best for tweens/teenagers as younger children may lack appreciation for comic art but everyone is welcome. It is nice to know there are options for older kids sometimes! Ticket prices are currently under $10 (less for kids) and they offer additional discounts for seniors, college students, and active/retired military. Bring all of your comic book/cartoon fans to this volunteer run Pittsburgh gem!

Toonseum: 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 232-0199

DUQUSENE INCLINE – If you are looking for the most beautiful view of the city, you must ride the Duquesne Incline. A Pittsburgh landmark, the Duquesne Incline is a century-old wooden cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Washington for the most gorgeous view in the city. It is one of the last remaining inclines in the United States and has an interesting history which is showcased at the upper station in a small history and gift shop. You can ride for just a few dollars and take advantage of some amazing, city-view restaurants just down from the upper station on Mount Washington. Don’t forget to snap a family photo at the observation deck which will give you a beautiful backdrop of this historic city and a memory of a lovely trip to Pittsburgh!

Duquesne Incline: Parking: 1197 West Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 381.1665

PRIMANTE BROTHERS: Now famously known as the “Pittsburgh Sandwich”, Primanti Brothers sandwich shop has become a Pittsburgh landmark and dining right-of- passage. Deli style sandwiches topped with French fries and coleslaw (yes, inside the sandwich!) served on deli paper with a pile of fresh cut fries is a staple in the Pittsburgh diet and a must-have for visitors to our city! There are now 17 locations throughout the city including locations inside PNC Park Heinz Field, and the CONSOL Energy Center. (We are that serious about Primanti sandwiches!).

Original location since 1933: 46 18th Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 263-2142 (Open 24/7!)

 

Be sure to do some shopping while you’re here since there is no sales tax on clothing in Pennsylvania! I could go on about the many museums, theaters, The Rivers Casino, Kennywood amusement park, and so much more but I know you will be busy while you are visiting here. Have fun!

 

HI! I’m Tara, the resident “Happy Mom” over at Living in Happy Place. I am the Mom of two toddler girls who love to dance, sing, make messes, and keep me on my toes. I found my “happy place” the day my first daughter was born and before I knew it I was blessed with another little miracle. Life transformed into a totally new place for me: a place I now realize is my happy place! Come on over to make crafts, eat healthy, and share Mommy tips with me over at livinginhappyplace.com! I’d love to connect on social media too, find me here: Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook.