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Things to Do in Pittsburgh with Kids
Pittsburgh is full of surprises for kids: a cable car up a cliff, a science center with a giant model railroad, dinosaurs, an aviary where birds fly free and the neighborhood that Mister Rogers made famous. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Pittsburgh donut and sweet treats tour is a fun way to start a family day, and our haunted history tour is built for families with kids 6 and up.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Point State Park and its fountain, the North Shore Riverfront Park, Market Square, the Tribute to Children statue of Fred Rogers
- Rainy day picks: Carnegie Science Center, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Sweet treat: Our Pittsburgh donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Pittsburgh, by neighborhood
Downtown and Mount Washington
Point State Park
FreeA big fountain where the rivers meet, with lawns and riverfront paths.
Market Square
FreeDowntown's gathering spot, with a holiday market and events through the year.
Heinz History Center
Rainy day pickPittsburgh history, sports and a set from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Parent tip: Ride the Duquesne Incline up Mount Washington for the best view of the three rivers. Bring cash or a transit card for the fare.
The North Side
Carnegie Science Center
Rainy day pickHands-on science, a planetarium, a submarine and a giant miniature railroad.
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Rainy day pickWater play, a garage of real tools and a big art studio.
Tribute to Children
FreeA Fred Rogers statue on the North Shore riverfront.
Parent tip: The North Side museums are close together, so pick two and walk between them along the river.
Oakland and beyond
Phipps Conservatory
Glass greenhouses with a children's garden and seasonal flower shows.
Day trips
Fallingwater
Frank Lloyd Wright's house over a waterfall, about 90 minutes away. Check age rules for tours.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Donut and Sweet Treats Tour walks downtown with stops for local favorites and stories about the city, and our Haunted History and Sweet Treats Tour is built for families with kids 6 and up. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Pittsburgh's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Pittsburgh guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Pittsburgh covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: donut and sweet treats tour.
- Point State Park and the fountain.
- Ride the Duquesne Incline.
- Dinner on Mount Washington with a view.
Day 2: The North Side
- Carnegie Science Center when it opens.
- Lunch on the North Shore.
- Children's Museum or the National Aviary.
- Evening haunted tour for kids 6 and up.
Day 3: Oakland
- Dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.
- Lunch.
- Phipps Conservatory.
- Or the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Pittsburgh with kids by season
Holidays
- Light Up Night: downtown kicks off the holidays with tree lightings and fireworks.
- The Rink at PPG Place: ice skating around a giant Christmas tree.
- Holiday Lights at Kennywood: the park lit up for the season.
- Phipps winter flower show: a holiday display under glass.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Pittsburgh.
The rest of the year
- Spring: blooming gardens and riverfront walks.
- Summer: Kennywood, riverfront parks and outdoor festivals.
- Fall: colorful hills and our haunted tour for families with kids 6 and up.
- Winter: skating downtown and cozy museums.
Pittsburgh with kids FAQ
Is the Pittsburgh donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome on the Donut and Sweet Treats Tour, and kids' tickets start at $55. The haunted tour is built for families with kids 6 and up.
What are free things to do in Pittsburgh with kids?
Point State Park, the North Shore Riverfront Park, Market Square and the Tribute to Children statue.
Where can kids see dinosaurs in Pittsburgh?
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Oakland has one of the best dinosaur halls in the world.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The Carnegie Science Center, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh or the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.