13 Ways to Have Fun in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this Summer

We just returned from a wonderful visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home to almost three dozen colleges and universities, popular athletic teams, historical sites dating back to the French and Indian War, almost 100 distinct neighborhoods, a thriving food scene with distinct specialities, and tons of family friendly attractions, special events, and annual traditions.

Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River- which is why there are over 400 bridges that crisscross the city- Pittsburgh is actually closer to Ohio (less than 50 miles to the border) than its popular counterpart on the east side of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (over 300 miles away). Pittsburgh was first known as “America’s Glass City” because it was the largest producer of glass in America in the 19th century. Pittsburgh had easy access to trade routes, thanks to the rivers, and raw materials (such as coal, natural gas, and timber), which made it successful for manufacturing. Glass companies based in Pittsburgh produced everything from car headlamps to tiles that lined the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels in New York City to the place settings of dining tables in the White House. During the Civil War, Pittsburgh was also the site of several Underground Railroad stops. 

In the late 1800s, steel production headed by companies created by Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick in Pittsburgh created Pittsburgh’s reputation as the “City of Steel” through the mid 1900s; even into the 1950s, Pittsburgh still produced half of America’s steel supply. The city grew as an educational hub, with over 30 colleges and universities that contribute to the advancement, economy, and culture of Pittsburgh. 

Lately, Pittsburgh has been attracting big sporting events: the US Open was just held at the Oakmont Country Club and the 2026 NFL Draft is coming to town in April 2026- check out the super fun fan guide here. Popular athletic teams such the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pirates (MLB), Penguins (NHL) offer fans year round competitions and opportunities to cheer for the home team and there are hundreds of historical sites, parks, museums, and attractions that invite people all over the world to learn more about the city’s rich history and to maybe become a “Yinzer.” 

Planning a Trip: We used VisitPittsburgh.com for most of our planning and the site was super helpful. It’s easy to navigate with tabs for activities and attractions, dining options, lodging options, and information on transportation around the city. We also ordered a print copy of the Visit Pittsburgh Insiders Guide, which was a great way to learn more about the 90+ neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, have a hard copy map on hand, and see tons of suggested itineraries by interest. Visit Pittsburgh also published a seasonal guide with a well planned calendar of events. We recommend signing up for the FREE Kidsburgh digital pass that offers savings at a lot of the attractions on our list (and should be on your must see list, too!).

Lodging: There are hundreds of lodging options around the city. We usually choose to stay at Marriott properties and had a positive stay at the Courtyard Marriott Pittsburgh University Center (right next to the UPMC University Center and the UPitt campus) with updated rooms and amenities, reasonable pricing, and helpful staff. It was a short (less than 15 minute) drive to just about every spot on this list.

Dining: There is a seemingly endless list of dining options for every palette, culture, neighborhood, and even view! Most people recommend the Strip District for tons of fun options and we made up our own miniature food tour sampling the signature items at some great spots: Prantl’s Bakery, Pamela’s Diner, Peace, Love and Little Donuts, Enrico Biscotti Company, Mon Aimee Chocolat,  Pittsburgh Popcorn Company, Mancini’s Bread, Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, and Primanti Brothers. We also loved our meals at Alta Via Pizzeria, DiAnoia’s Eatery, Meat and Potatoes, Ritual House, and the Terrace Room. Some very helpful indexes of recommendations we used (we didn’t have time for every spot!) can be found here and here and here. 

13 Ways to Have Fun in Pittsburgh This Summer:

See over 600 species of animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. One of only six combination zoos AND aquariums in America, more than 8,000 animals (cheetahs! elephants! giraffes! hippos! lions! pigeons! polar bears! seals!) call the 77 acre space home. The zoo opened in 1898 with several expansions and additions in the 20th century, including the “Aqua Zoo” in 1967.  We definitely recommend visiting first thing in the morning (especially during hotter summer months) for better chances to see animals playing and feeding outside. 
Kids will especially love seeing the animals up close and attending an animal encounter or feeding.
Note: Visitors have to take a very long and steep escalator from the security check in (after parking) to the main entrance- there is an elevator option for easier accessibility
Travel Tips: The zoo and aquarium are open from 9:30am-5:30pm seven days a week; up to date information on hours and fees here; plenty of free parking near the security check in; definitely bring the stroller; several dining and shopping options on site (visitors can also bring in their own food and drink- plenty of shaded spots for picnicking); check here for daily calendar of special events and programs; see the full map here; plan on 3 hours to explore all the exhibits.
See our full feature here.

Make an original keepsake souvenir at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Established in 2001 by Kathleen Mulcahy and Ron Desmett and expanded in 2024, the Pittsburgh Glass Company is a “public access education center, art gallery, and state of the art glass studio” offering a variety of glass blowing demonstrations, classes, and programs for all ages.  The 20,000 square foot, three floor studio included the Hodge Gallery with quarterly artist shows, two Hot Shops (one for amateurs and one for experienced glass makers), a Cold Shop (focusing on the techniques of grinding, carving, engraving, and etching), and a Neon and Plasma Shop (focused on using glass, gas, and electricity). There are also exhibits about the history of glass making, the 2007 visit from Dale Chihuly, and the evolution of the Pittsburgh Glass Center. The center offers everything from 15 minute Walk In and Make It Now sessions (Saturdays and Sunday from 10am-4:30pm) perfect for visitors to Pittsburgh to eight week classes to learn the techniques of glass making for locals. The popular First Friday Hot Jam themed open houses invite the public watch as professional glass makers create themed objects.
Kids will especially love making their own souvenirs (ornaments, bowls, or paperweights) in a Walk In and Make It Now session and watching the professionals at work in the studios.
Note: Visit the studio at the beginning of your visit to Pittsburgh; any projects will need 36 hours to cool before they can be picked up (the shop will ship to your home for a fee)
Travel Tips: The Center is open 10am-7pm every day; self guided tours (print copies and on the Bloomberg Connects app) available when the Center is open; small parking lot to the left of the studio entrance and 2 hr metered street parking available on Penn Avenue; The Shop near the check in desk sells a variety of homemade gifts from local artists; all three floors accessible via an elevator; restrooms available; plan on an hour for a self guided tour and Walk In and Make It Now project.

Step back into the “Gilded Age” at Clayton, Henry Clay Frick and Adelade Child Frick’s home, and The Frick Museums and Gardens. The Fricks, founder and owner of the HC Frick Coke Company which supplied the fuel for Andrew Carnegie’s steel company, moved to the two story, 11 room home in 1882 and doubled the size of the French Chateau style mansion, adding additional buildings and gardens to enjoy with their four children. The award winning “Gilded not Golden” themed guided tour of Clayton includes stories about the Fricks’ time in Pittsburgh and their rise in social prestige (in comparison to the working class of Pittsburgh). Over 90% of the furnishings and items on display in Clayton belonged to the Frick family. Note: Photography is not allowed inside Clayton
Kids will especially love exploring the Car and Carriage Museum and Greenhouse after the Clayton tour.
Travel Tips: The Frick Art Museum (reopening late summer 2025), Car and Carriage Museum, 10 acres of gardens and Greenhouse are free to visit; see information on Clayton tour fees and hours for the estate here (closed on Mondays); restrooms and Museum Shop inside the Grable Visitor Center; free parking available in front of the Grable Visitor Center; The Cafe at the Frick offers a variety of food and drink options with indoor and outdoor seating; see the calendar for special events and programs; see a full estate map here; plan on 90 minutes for a Clayton tour and another 90 minutes to explore the other public areas of the estate. 
See our full feature here.

See priceless works of arts and hundreds of dinosaur fossils at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. The two museums, connected by the 1907 three story Grand Staircase, are located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Funded by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Institute was founded in 1895 and eventually became four distinct museums. The Museums of Art and Natural History opened in 1895. The Art Museum was one of the first museums with a focus on contemporary art and today features over a dozen exhibits of contemporary art, as well as The Galleries of Miniatures, Hall of Architecture and the Hall of Sculpture. The Museum of Natural History exhibits feature dinosaurs, taxidermy of wildlife, minerals and gems, and artifacts from ancient Egypt. Today, the museum has almost 30 permanent and several rotating exhibits, including reptiles, bugs, and botany to dinosaurs, gems and minerals, and dozens of dioramas of wildlife.
Kids will especially love the Hall of Dinosaurs and the Hall of North American Wildlife and Extraordinary Ordinary Things
Travel Tips: Both museums are open from 10am-5pm Wednesday- Monday (open till 8pm on Thursdays); up to date information on hours and fees here; parking garage located behind the museums; definitely bring the stroller; museum handicap accessible via elevators and ramps; dining options include the Coffee Bar, Cafe Carnegie, and Fossil Fuels; museum shops and stores around the complex; check here and here for calendars of special events and programs; see the full map here; plan on 3-4 hours to explore all the exhibits.

Pretend to go back to school at “Hogwarts” at the Cathedral of Learning on the campus of University of Pittsburgh. The 42 story, 535 foot tall gothic style Cathedral of Learning, opened in 1937, is one of UPitt’s main academic buildings with dozens of classrooms, academic centers, and offices for faculty and staff. The first 2 floors of the building are home to 31 Nationality and Heritage Rooms, “gifted by the ethnic communities who helped build Pittsburgh”. The rooms were designed by local members of those communities (everywhere from Austria, Italy, Germany, and Poland to China, Syria, Ukraine, and Japan) to celebrate their heritages- everything from the furniture, light fixtures, artwork, even door handles and waste baskets reflect the history and culture of the community in some way. Some of the classrooms are open to the public to peek into during the academic year, but visitors are encouraged to book a public tour for a better look, and understanding, of the program.
Kids will especially love exploring the Main Commons on the first floor.
Travel Tips: The building is open from 6:30am-12:30am every day; The Visitor Center on the first floor is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9am-4pm (Sunday 11am-4pm) and offers daily tours; parking info here; small gift kiosk in the Visitor Center; restrooms available; plan on 90 minutes for a guided tour and 30 minutes to explore the Main Commons of the first floor and hopefully peak inside a classroom or two.

Test your Pittsburgh sports, history, and pop culture knowledge through interactive exhibits at the Senator John Heinz History Center. A Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, the Heinz Center has SIX floors of interactive exhibits: everything from the original set pieces from the television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to the history of the Heinz Company (check out the bedazzled, massive Heinz ketchup bottle!) and history of Pittsburgh’s role in the Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Movement to a two floor sports museum and several vintage vehicles (a fire engine, trolley, and multiple cars!) Rated the #1 History Museum in America, the Heinz is a must see when in Pittsburgh and worthy of a spend-pretty-much-the-whole-day visit.
Kids will especially love the challenges in the Western PA Sports Museum, Kidsburgh and  Discovery Place (for the toddler crew). See more family friendly amenities here. **Make sure kids grab a Smart Steps punch card to complete on each floor and return to the Museum Shop for a free souvenir.
Travel Tips: The museum is open from 10am-5pm seven days a week; up to date information on hours and fees here; paid admission to the Heinz gives visitors free admission to the Fort Pitt Museum; paid parking lot located across the street and metered street parking surrounding the museum; definitely bring the stroller; museum is handicap accessible via elevators; The Cafe at the History Center offers grab and go meals, snacks, and drinks; large Museum Shop near the entrance (tons of fun Heinz themed souvenirs!); check the calendar of special events and programs; see the full map here; plan on 4-5 hours to explore all the exhibits.
See our full feature here.

See hundreds of pieces of Andy Warhol’s artwork at the Andy Warhol Museum. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Andy Warhol Museum celebrates the life and work of contemporary artist and film maker Andy Warhol, who was born and grew up in Pittsburgh. Known as a commercial artist and illustrator who used the technique of “blotted lines” most frequently in his art, Warhol used silk screening and photographs to create original art and in his later years, focused on filmmaking (he produced over 600 films!) and his magazine, Interview. The museum, which opened in 1994, has seven floors of exhibits, organized by decade, showcasing Warhol’s work. Be sure to watch the 15 Minutes Eternal introductory video about Warhol’s life on the first floor before beginning to explore the other exhibits.
Kids will especially love the Play Area (underground level), the Archives Study Center (3rd floor), and the Silver Clouds balloon installation (5th floor). See more info about bringing kids to the Warhol museum here.
Travel Tips: The museum is open from 10am-5pm Wednesday through Monday (until 10pm on Fridays); up to date information on hours and fees here; paid parking lot across the street from the museum ($8/day); definitely bring the stroller; museum is handicap accessible via an elevator; restrooms are floor 2 and underground; Warhol Café on the first floor offers sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks; The Warhol Store offers a wide variety of Warhol and art themed gifts and souvenirs; check here for daily calendar of special events and programs; see the full map here; plan on 90 minutes to explore all the exhibits- start on the 7th floor; see a museum floor map here. 
See our full feature here.

Cheer on the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates during a game at PNC Park. The ballpark, which opened in 2001, can seat up to 38,700 for a game. The typical MLB schedule starts in early April and goes through October. The park overlooks Roberto Clemente Bridge (which is closed to vehicles before, during, and after games). Make sure to stop by the STEM Zone and Play Areas at the River Walk for fun activities and challenges. Daily, 90 minute tours are a great way to see many areas of the park, including the bullpen, a club level suite, Press Box, and possibly the dugout and batting cages.
Kids will especially love getting a first game certificate and MLB park stamp from Guest Services, walking through the (before Sunday game days, check out the Family Fun Zone)
Travel Tips: The entire park is cashless; info on nearby parking here; guests can bring in food and unopened waters; plenty of restrooms and dining options; bring the stroller; entire park handicap accessible; check out this post for other suggestions of things to do. 

Ranked as one of the most popular children’s museums in America (and for good reason!), the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh welcomes over 350,000 to its 80,000 square feet of fun, engaging exhibits and programs each year. Housed in the old Allegheny Post Office and adjacent Buhl Planetarium, the museum has tons of creative spaces for woodworking, sewing and weaving, painting and sculpting, and more. Plus rotating exhibits every season (the museum has created dozens of award winning traveling exhibits over the years), unique approaches to museum staples like water rooms and climbing structures, and an outdoor garden and backyard for sunny day fun. The adjacent Museum Lab, opened in 2019, is geared towards kids ages nine and older and has timed entry admission to climb through the Gylacium, create original artwork in the Studio and Make Lab.
Kids will especially love every.single.exhibit! (Toddlers will love the Nursery, preschoolers will love will WaterPlay and The Garage, elementary aged kids will love the art studios, middle schoolers will love Museum Lab, and everyone will climb The Limb Bender)
Travel Tips: The is open from 10am-5pm seven days a week (closed Wednesday during school year); up to date information on hours and fees here; paid parking lots to the left of the building; bring the stroller, but we doubt anyone will sit in it!; entire museum accessible via elevators; Bean Sprouts Cafe offers a great selection of meals and snacks and is very allergen friendly; guests are also welcome to bring in their own food to enjoy in the Cafe; Museum Store offers a fun collection of gifts and souvenirs; check the calendar of special events and programs; see the full map here; plan on 2-3 hours to explore all the exhibits- leave more time for a timed appointment at Museum Lab (open on weekends).
See our full feature here.

Take a tour of the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and UPitt football teams at Acrisure Stadium. The 68,400 seat stadium originally opened in 2001 as Heinz Stadium and became Acrisure Stadium in 2022. There are a variety of tour options, but we recommend the 90 minute Ultimate Tour for families, which includes stops at Great Hall, Steelers and Panthers locker rooms, Terrible Towel wall, a club level area, field level, and various viewpoints of the stadium. Note: The tour does include a lot of walking and there are few spots to sit down. Leave time after the tour to visit the Hall of Honor Museum (the tour will end in the Pro Shop right next door to the Hall of Honor Museum). The 10,000 square foot museum has an introductory video, tons of historical displays of important moments in Steelers’ history, and the Hall of Honor with biographies of the 50+ inductees.
Kids will especially love going inside the locker rooms, rubbing the Men of Steel sign for good luck, and touring the Hall of Honor Museum.
Travel Tips: Tours are offered most days- check the calendar here for options and fees; check in for tours (check your confirmation email for up to date information based on time of year); parking is available in paid lots near the stadium- we parked in the Gold lot (on a non game day) and it was a short walk; tours are handicap accessible via elevators and ramps; bring the stroller; restrooms available while on tour; no dining options while on tour; Hall of Honor Museum is open Wednesday through Monday from 11am-4pm- more info here. 
See our full feature here.

Complete 100 hands-on activities at the Carnegie Science Center. The five floor museum (plus adjacent Highmark SportsWorks  building and USS  Requin docked on the river) has engaging exhibits like building with legos in Bricksburgh, lying down in a bunk inside a replica of the International Space Station, launching rockets, and learning all about how our BodyWorks. Leave time to go next door to Highmark SportsWorks for athletic competitions (YouYo and BatterUp! are especially popular) and walk down to the USS Requin Submarine, the Navy’s first Radar picket submarine for a self guided tour. There’s also a special Little Learners Clubhouse  area for the under seven crew, the Buhl Planetarium, and lots of daily shows and demonstrations.
Kids will especially love H2Oh! Water play, the miniature Railroad and Village, exploring the USS Requin, daily shows and demonstrations.
Travel Tips: The museum is open from 10am-5pm seven days a week; up to date information on hours and fees here; paid parking lot in front of the museum; definitely bring the stroller; museum is handicap accessible via ramps and elevators; lockers and restrooms on the first floor; RiverView Cafe on the ground floor offers plenty of lunch and snack options(visitors can also bring in their own food and drink- plenty of seating available); XPLOR Store located near the entrance; check daily calendar for special events and programs; see the full map here; plan on 3 hours to explore all the exhibits, another hour at the adjacent sports building, and more time for shows.
See our full feature here.

Learn about Western Pennsylvania’s role in the French and Indian War and American Revolution at the Fort Pitt Museum. Located inside Point State Park, the museum highlights Pittsburgh’s role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Fort Pitt was one of the largest British forts in North America and an important part of the French and Indian War. The first floor museum exhibits include a diorama of an 18th century Pittsburgh and interactive exhibits for children to learn more about fighting in the French and Indian War. The second floor Keystone of the Frontier exhibit includes videos, dioramas explanation of why French, Native American, and British fought and what each group hoped to gain from the battle. The Homeland: Native nations of Allegheny exhibit focuses on five Native American tribes who lived in the area that is now Pittsburgh and dozens of artifacts, clothing, and art on loan from the tribe. If you visit on a Wednesday or Saturday, peek inside the 1764 Block House (next to the museum) which  was used to defend the fort from Native American attacks in the 18th century. When the British abandoned the fort in 1772, it was used as a trading post. And walk down to see the outline of the original Fort Pitt, built by British colonists.
Kids will especially love the first floor recreation of a 18th century Trader’s Cabin, Casemate, and Soldiers’ Barracks.
Travel Tips: Find the museum inside Point State Park near (or just past the portal bridge); the museum is open 10am-5pm seven days a week; the museum shares reciprocity with the Heinz History Center (if you visit Heinz first, receive free admission at Fort Pitt, and if you visit Fort Pitt first, your admission fee is deducted at Heinz); info on parking options outside the park here; restrooms and a gift shop for the museum near the admission desk; bring the stroller; two floors of exhibits are handicap accessible; no dining facilities; see the calendar of events and programs here; plan on an hour exploring the museum exhibits. 

See an aerial view of downtown Pittsburgh from atop Mount Washington area aboard the Duquesne Incline. Opened in 1877 and originally operated by steam powered system, each 18 person car still takes four minutes (a rate of six miles an hour) to go up or down the 30.5 degree incline almost 800 feet of track. The total elevation change is 400 feet (if you get nervous about heights, just look at the side and stare at the ground directly in front of you, and it will feel like you’re walking parallel!). In 1923, the Incline implemented electricity and the same motors are used today. There used to be 23 inclines around Pittsburgh, and in 2025 only two remain: Duquesne (identifiable by its red cars) and Monongahela (located one mile away and easily identifiable by its yellow cars). The 148 year old cars are still the ones used today!
Kids will especially love the museum exhibits at the top (side) that explain how the incline works and its history.
Travel Tips: The Incline operates from 6:30am-12:30am 365 days a year; the Incline is especially popular on weekend afternoons, so try and go earlier in the morning; must have exact cash for tickets (there is a coin machine on site); parking on the lower side is available at a lot on W Carson Street just west of the Fort Pitt Bridge-park closest to the entrance of the road and follow the black iron fence to the yellow staircase and over the road to the entrance;  plan on 30-40 minutes for a ride up to the top, time to explore the exhibits, and ride back down.

PS – A few more spots that we didn’t have time for but we read and heard are a lot of fun:

• Kennywood amusement park
• Mattress Factory art museum
• National Aviary (home of over 500 exotic birds and mammals)
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Three Rivers Heritage Trail (a 33 mile trail that runs along the rivers)

Disclosure: We worked with Visit Pittsburgh for this trip and the team was kind enough to send us media passes to many of the attractions on this list. All opinions expressed are my own.