Pittsburgh: The ultimate family city break

From coaster thrills at Kennywood amusement park, to educational exhibitions in the heart of the city, Pittsburgh is filled with family-friendly fun and excitement. 

Ideal for summer, Pittsburgh offers some of the best experiences in a welcoming walkable city.

Kennywood’s 125th Anniversary

Home to two of the fastest and tallest coasters in Pennsylvania, Kennywood is America’s finest traditional amusement park. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, guests can enjoy a mix of thrills and classic rides, including seven roller coasters. As well as many classic rides, Kennywood has recently unveiled Spinvasion, the all new ‘spacecraft’ experience is the first of its kind in the US.

Discover Phipps Botanical Gardens 

Opened in 1893, this 15-acre oasis includes a historic 14-room glasshouse and 23 individual gardens each showcasing a unique variety of plants.

Highlights include the orchid and bonsai collections and an immersive tropical forest. The conservatory is one of the greenest buildings on earth and LEED certified. In addition to flowers, it is also home to a unique art collection of Grecian urns, Japanese lanterns, glass chandeliers and sculptures. Running until 24 September, American Grammy, Emmy, and 2x Tony winner, Billy Porter, debuts Billy Porter Presents: A Summer Flower Fashion Show.

Visit the largest indoor aviary in North America 

Located in Allegheny Commons Park, the National Aviary is the largest indoor bird zoo in North America. The popular attraction houses over 500 birds and more than 150 species, with large walk-through habitats of free-flying birds.

Explore educational exhibitions at the Heinz History Center 

Spanning 250 years of Pittsburgh history, the Senator John Heinz History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum. An education institution, there’s so much to do and learn. Delve into the past of the most famed household name, Heinz, which was founded in Pittsburgh in 1869, through the innovative displays such as the towering Heinz Ketchup bottle – a perfect photo opportunity. Open for a limited time, The Negro Motorist Green Book offers an immersive look at the reality of travel for African Americans in mid-century America and how the Green Book served as a guide to freedom in an era of oppression.

Wildlife at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium 

Go wild in the heart of the city at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Kids have so much space to roam freely as they discover new wildlife, learn more about their favourite animals and play across wooden bridges, tree slides and playgrounds throughout the Zoo.

Lift off at Moonshot Museum 

Moonshot Museum is the city’s first museum dedicated exclusively to space. Visitors can watch real lunar landings and rovers being built and readied to fly to the Moon. Museum visitors will experience the thrill of spaceflight up close. Learn about possible career paths in the space industry through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and specially curated space experiences.

Five minutes of fame at The Andy Warhol Museum 

Pittsburgh is the proud home of the Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in North America. Pop art fans can learn about the Pittsburgh-born artist through exhibitions, displays and informative tours. The colourful venue has permanent and rotating exhibitions which give an insight into Warhol’s life and distinctive art style. Spread over seven floors, the museum exhibits over 12,000 pieces of the artist’s work, including portraits of Marilyn Monroe and one of his most famed paintings ‘Coke’. There are regular creative sessions where kids can screen print their own tote bags using Warhol’s signature style.

Catch a Baseball game at PNC Park

Families should head to a famed Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park and watch the sun go down over the Pittsburgh skyline and Roberto Clemente Bridge. Nestled along the Allegheny River, PNC Park has one of the besr views in baseball, whilst offering hours of entertainment. There are even giant pierogi races around the field in between rounds.

Carnegie Science Center

Dive deep into the history of Vikings at VIKINGS: Warriors of the North Sea at Carnegie Science Center until 4 September. The temporary exhibition features never-before-seen jewellery, clothes, weapons and more. Visitors can feel like a true Viking through the many immersive experience offerings including building their own ship using a touch screen, holding a sword, trying a traditional garb or roleplaying as a Viking.

Take the Duquesne Incline

Opening in 1877, Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Incline is one of the only remaining inclines in the US. The best way to get lost in the city skyline is to ride the century-old Duquesne Incline car from the top of Mount Washington. With historical exhibits in the waiting room between rides, enjoy panoramic views of Pittsburgh and its three rivers.

Where to stay

TRYP by Wyndham Pittsburgh/Lawrenceville

Set in the historic Washington Education Center building, TRYP is a boutique hotel perfect for all the family. The 108-room hotel is home to two restaurants, a coffee bar and amazing rooftop views. On the rooftop, Over Eden is a cocktail bar featuring great views of the city. The hotel is just a short drive away from some of the city’s major attractions.

For more information, please visit: www.visitpittsburgh.com