Here are my top 10 outdoor places to go when visiting Pittsburgh with your kids!
Whether you are playing tourist or having a staycation in your very own city, here is the list of my favorite places to take my family to in Pittsburgh!
These are all outdoor locations, but I have one bonus item at the bottom of the list for indoor places in case the weather does not cooperate! (which, unfortunately, can happen often in Pittsburgh!)
1. Duquesne Incline
The Duquesne Incline is a perfect way to take in the view of the city! Park here to catch a ride to the top! The next place on the list can be done right after you ride the incline up to Mt. Washington!
2. Mount Washington Overlook
Once you get to the top of the incline, take in the views from the Mount Washington Overlook, and then you can take in the views at a few other locations on Grandview Avenue. Here at the Points of View Overlook, or further up the road from this overlook, and here at the Paul F. Jones Overlook. Keep walking down Grandview Ave., and you will see a couple more overlooks until you reach the top of Pittsburgh’s second Incline, the Monongahela Incline Overlook.
These are excellent places to get pictures with the Pittsburgh Cityscape! I love taking my kids up there at night to see the city and all of its twinkling lights!
This photo is from West End Overlook Park, another great place to check out that is just a short drive away!
3. Take a River Boat Cruise
My kids (and I) have always loved taking an adventure on the river on one of the River Boat tours! We have a few options to choose from, but I am a fan of the Gateway Clipper Fleet! They even have some fun-themed cruises to choose from! I have memories of going on the Gateway Clipper with my family when I was very little!
4. Kayak the Rivers
If you do not have your own kayaks, you can rent them and all the gear from Venture Outdoors! This is such an awesome way to take in the city and bridges of Pittsburgh!
5. Frick Park
Although Pittsburgh has nearly 3,800 acres of Parks within the city limits, Frick Park will always be my favorite! And it is beautiful to explore the many hiking trails in the fall! Check the park map to find a trail that is perfect for your family! We’re a fan of the Nine Mile Run trail.
Frick Park is also home to the Blue Slide Playground Park! (aka Mac Miller’s Blue Slide Park)
“Frick Park is Pittsburgh’s largest municipal park. The 644 acres stretch from Squirrel Hill to roughly Pittsburgh’s easternmost border. The park is a beloved community asset and is known for its woodland topography. Its many valleys and steep slopes make it a popular hiking destination.”
Be sure to check out the new Frick Environmental Center!
6. Point State Park
This is one of my kids’ favorite places to go! It is always exciting to walk to The Point on the Three Rivers to see the fountain and take in the view of the stadiums! You can also check out the Fort Pitt Museum while you’re there!
Convenient Parking can be found here and here at Gateway Center Garage. You may also find metered street parking in the area.
7. Explore Downtown Pittsburgh
My family usually makes a day of exploring downtown and Point State Park in the same afternoon! We usually park in this garage on the North Shore and ride the T (subway) from the North Shore Station right into downtown! And it’s free!
Market Square is always a favorite spot to hang out and get food/drinks/snacks, and we like to walk around the Cultural District and check out a couple of the little parks right in the city, like Mellon Square and Gateway Center Park.
8. Three Rivers Heritage Trail on the North Shore
You can walk or bike along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. You can see the Mr. Rodgers Statue by the Science Center, ride in front of the stadiums, check out the art here at Allegheny Landing, and ride all the way to Herr’s Island to check out the view of the city! This is the perfect place to get photos of the cityscape and famous yellow bridges of Pittsburgh! Be sure to check out the Water Steps near PNC Park!
9. PPG Zoo and Aquarium or The Pittsburgh Aviary!
The Pittsburgh Zoo is a perfect place to take the kids! I especially love the aquarium!
11. National Aviary
Check out the Pittsburgh National Aviary on the North Side! While you’re there, located next to the Aviary, you’ll find the beautiful Allegheny Commons Park, where you can find Lake Elizabeth!
11. Any of the City Parks!
Check out one of the MANY CitiParks Pittsburgh has to offer! There are too many to list, so go explore their website!
12. All of the Museums!
If you make plans and, in typical Pittsburgh fashion, the forecast calls for rain, these are great places for a backup plan! We have so many museums to choose from that I will have to make a separate post just for them! But almost all of them are kid-friendly!
- Carnegie Children’s Museum
- Kamin Science Center (formerly known as the Carnegie Science Center)
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Carnegie Museum of Art (not as kid-friendly, no touching please)
- Andy Warhol Museum
- Heinz History Center (free for kids!)
- Mattress Factory
- Museum of Illusions
And remember, take lots of pictures!!
I hope that you find this list helpful the next time you plan a family adventure in Pittsburgh!
But before you go, I have a fabulous idea for you…
Take me along to document your family adventure!
I absolutely love photographing families while they are exploring places around Pittsburgh together! Put those cell phones away and best of all, get IN the photos! (yes, I am talking to the Moms out there who take all the family photos but rarely get in any of them!)
Please get in touch to inquire about a session and let me help you plan and then tag along on your family adventure in the city of Pittsburgh!
Are you on Instagram? I’d love to connect with you there!
All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over thirteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Highland Park and the North Side. Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!
