Pittsburgh Attractions
Pittsburgh offers a range of cultures and arts typically found in cities twice its size while maintaining the safety and accessibility of a small town. A few of Pittsburgh’s favorite family things include The Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo, and Kennywood Park. There are many more attractions and activities that are sure to please any age group, whether it’s a seven-year-old visiting Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood of Make-Believe at Idlewild Park or a teenager bent on what’s undeniably cool as she walks on the wild side through The Andy Warhol Museum.
See & Do in Pittsburgh for Families
The Carnegie Center Science
The Science Center is a $40 million “amusement park for the mind” featuring four levels of hands-on exhibits, a world-class interactive planetarium, and the Omnimax Theater. Also, visitors can tour the U.S.S. Requin, a World War II submarine permanently docked in the Allegheny River. (412) 237-3400
Duquesne Incline
Spectacular view from a century-old cable car traveling between West Carson Street and restaurants of Grandview Avenue. Open daily until 12:45 am. Free parking at the lower station, group rates. (412) 381-1665
Idlewild Park
Idlewild Park is located in the breathtaking mountains of the Laurel Highlands. Here kids can enjoy a trip through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe: Lady Elaine, King Friday, Prince Tuesday and other puppet characters that appear on the show taped here in Pittsburgh. Idlewild Park, located one hour east of Pittsburgh in Ligonier, PA, has been voted the most beautiful theme park in America and offers children the delights of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, recreated in life-size dimensions. (412) 238-3666
Kennywood Park
Kennywood Park mixes the best of modern amusement technology with the Victorian atmosphere and rides from traditional street-car parks, popular at the turn of the century. The National Historic Landmark Kennywood Park includes Lost Kennywood, a new six-acre, seven million dollar addition of Victorian-era buildings and a grand entrance illuminated with thousands of lights reflected in the central lagoon. (412) 461-0500
National Aviary in Pittsburgh
National Aviary in Pittsburgh is one of only two so-designated public conservatories for bird species in the nation, The Aviary is located in West Park on the North Side. This summer, visitors will enjoy the debut of a new Eagle Encounter exhibit featuring a rare display of two bald eagles. The birds, which were injured and left unable to fly, have been rehabilitated and are a breeding pair. (412) 323-7235
Pittsburgh Zoo
Well-known for its open-air African Savannah and Asian Forest, and primate center, the Tropical Forest, the Pittsburgh Zoo is a natural habitat facility located in Highland Park. The new and improved Kids Kingdom is a state-of-the-art education, recreation, and conservation facility where young visitors can hatch from gigantic eggs, wriggle their way through a giant mole tunnel, and swing across a suspension bridge. A new sea lion pool features a fountain, three overlooks, and several underwater viewing stations. Young cave lovers enjoy the tour through a dark tunnel where bats dart overhead. A family of kangaroos-including two new additions-greet visitors along the path. (412) 665-3639
Sandcastle Waterpark
Sandcastle Waterpark is Pittsburgh’s wettest, wildest summer fun spot, just minutes from Downtown. There are 15 different waterslides surrounded by a giant Lazy River, kiddie and adult activity pools, a Boardwalk with eateries, plus the world’s largest hot tub. (412) 462-6666
Rachel Carson Homestead
The birthplace and childhood home of ecologist Rachel Carson (1907-1964), whose 1962 best-seller Silent Spring launched the modern environmental movement. Guided tours, classes, field trips, outreach programs, and special events. (724) 274-5459
Museums & Historic Sites in Pittsburgh
Tons of historical sites, gardens, and museums are exactly what you will find when you visit Pittsburgh. Below we have listed some interesting places for you, to visit while you are on vacation. If you need help with your hotel and car rentals, please use the links to the left and be guided through our hassle-free, secure reservations service and save up to 40%.
Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum is essential to the understanding of the most influential American artist of the second half of the 20th century. It is also a primary resource for anyone who wishes to gain insights into contemporary art and popular culture. Andy Warhol fans can get a lot of information and access to the entire collection and works of the great contemporary artist. The Andy Warhol Museum has the entire film, video, and art collection of Andy Warhol. Close to around 12,000 separate works of art – prints, drawings, source materials and everything that the great artist himself used can be found here.
The Carnegie Museum of Art
The premier museum in the Pittsburgh region, the Carnegie Museum of Art offers a distinguished collection of contemporary art that includes film and video works, works of American art from the late 19th century, French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, and European and American decorative arts from the late 17th century to the present.
Westmoreland Museum of American Art
Westmoreland Museum of American Art concentrates on Pennsylvanian art, with an outstanding collection of works by nationally recognized American artists (over 500 oil paintings and watercolors), and an important collection of Southwestern Pennsylvania artists.
Pittsburgh History Center
“Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center.” An internationally acclaimed museum and research facility devoted to preserving and presenting the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania. Located in downtown Pittsburgh in the Strip District; open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains. This inclined plane railroad operating between 1834-1854 was considered a technological wonder of its day and played a critical role in opening the interior of the United States to trade and settlement. Located 12 miles west of Altoona (east of Pittsburgh).
Johnstown Flood Museum
Exhibits and artifacts graphically depict the story and the film The Johnstown Flood, winner of the 1989 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject, shows each hour in the museum’s theater. Located in Johnstown, east of Pittsburgh.
Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life
“This 200-acre living history museum offers exhibits, tours, hands-on programs and workshops which explore the history of life on the land in Western Pennsylvania over the past 14,000 years.” Located south of Pittsburgh in Avella.
The Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh
Classrooms that represent highly creative periods or aspects of the heritage of the various nationalities that make up the Pittsburgh community. “Men, women, and children in church, school, fraternal, labor, and social organizations labored with pride to finance these unique gifts to a burgeoning urban university where generations of their descendants would study.”
Old Economy Village
The Old Economy Village was the home of the Harmony Society, a nineteenth-century Christian communal society best known for its piety and industrial prosperity. Today, Old Economy Village is a six-acre historic site representing the social, religious and economic hub of the Harmony Society. Old Economy Village is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission with additional support provided by the Harmonie Associates, Inc. Located north of Pittsburgh on the Ohio River in Ambridge.
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
“An operating trolley museum where visitors can ride into the past aboard one of Pennsylvania’s historic streetcars. Trolley rides, guided tour, exhibitions, film, picnic area, and gift shop.” Located south of Pittsburgh in Washington, PA.
Guided Tours in Pittsburgh
Don’t know where you are going or what you want to see. That’s perfectly OK! Pittsburgh offers guided tours in and around the city as well as on the water. You will feel right at home while the guide takes you places you have never been to. Important sites, landmarks, and pieces of American history will be pointed out while you travel to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Below we have highlighted some tour information to assist you in planning your vacation to Pittsburgh.
Anderson Coach & Tour
One Anderson Plaza
Greenville, PA. 16125
A full-service deluxe motorcoach company providing group service in town, across town or across the country. Since 1937, Anderson Coach and Tour have been providing superior travel experiences, Quality coach service. 1-800-345-3435
Celebrate Pittsburgh & Beyond
607 Boden St.
Turtle Creek, PA. 15145
Pittsburgh’s Premier Receptive Tour Operator with 12+ years personally serving you and your customers. Complete packages including the most experienced step-on guides in Pittsburgh and our Specialty-Dinner Theatre entertainment. Phone: 412-829-2111 , 1-888-829-9678
Creative Convention Services, Inc.
1008 Seventh Ave., Suite 206
Beaver Falls, PA. 15010-4558
Coordination of conferences, meetings, special events, transportation, spouse programs, registration assistance, site selection, and step-on guides. Let the experienced staff at CCS handle all your meeting needs. Phone: 724-843-7501 , 1-800-365-8501
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Pittsburgh
110 Lenzner Court
Sewickley, PA. 15143
The best way to see one of America’s Most Livable Cities. Our informative and entertaining guides will show you why we are so enthusiastic about showcasing our city. It’s a new Pittsburgh, now modern and upbeat, and you’ll experience the excitement of seeing its many changing faces with Gray Line. In addition to individual sightseeing tours, we offer the following group services: Custom-designed tours to meet the specific needs of your group, step-on guide service, itinerary and convention planning, complete charter transportation services. Phone: 412-741-2720 , 1-888-565-3963
Lenzner Coach Lines Inc.
110 Lenzner Court
Sewickley, PA. 15143
Motorcoach charter local and long-distance, minibusses, trolleys, vans, shuttle service, airport, transfers, customized tours, per capita escorted tours and step-on-guides. Largest most modern radio controlled fleet in Pittsburgh area. Phone: 412-761-7000 , 1-800-342-2349
Rachel Carson Homestead
613 Marion Ave.
Springdale, PA. 15144-1242
The birthplace and childhood home of ecologist Rachel Carson (1907-1964), whose 1962 best-seller Silent Spring launched the modern environmental movement. Guided tours, classes, field trips, outreach programs, and special events. Phone: 724-274-5459