Pittsburgh is a traditional midwestern city reminiscent of a time when steel production was the basis of the city’s growth and the city was a leader in the manufacturing of aluminum, automobiles, electronics, glass, petroleum, sports, transportation, shipbuilding and electronics. Steel mills were once the main employers of many Pittsburgh residents, and much of that legacy is still evident in the local culture. Located along the Rust Belt, Pittsburgh was nicknamed the “Steel City” because of the industrial jobs the city drew people to back in the day. However, Pittsburgh is currently progressing into the future and a renaissance is currently under way. In former manufacturing meccas there is an ushering of new era creatives opening designer real estate properties, culinary incubators, and high end galleries everywhere throughout Pittsburgh and its suburbs. 
No longer dubbed “Steel City,” it is now affectionately called the ‘Burgh by some locals. It is the birthplace of legendary pop art icon Andy Warhol, the location where Andrew Carnegie grew to be one of the richest men in the world and also a place where Mr. Rogers called home. KidsBurgh is also a wonderfully deserving newer moniker for the city of Pittsburgh. The fun-filled family attractions in Pittsburgh make up KidsBURGH®, the ultimate destination for family adventure. With plenty of options to plan the perfect weekend getaway for the entire family, you’ll want to come back again and again.
Where to Stay
The Cambria Hotel is centrally located. The hotel has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Cambria Hotel brings sophistication and a contemporary flair to downtown Pittsburgh. It is the official hotel of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Preferred Hotel of Duquesne University.
This upscale, full-service hotel in downtown Pittsburgh offers family travelers the perfect combination of high-tech and home-like amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool and hot tub. Enjoy unique food and beverage options at the Social Circle™ bistro and Share on Centre restaurant.
Where to Eat
This legendary and local favorite restaurant is located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Famous for their ginormous sandwiches consisting of grilled meat, Italian dressing-based coleslaw, tomato slices and topped with potato French fries, you and your family will definitely leave feeling full and satisfied.
Guy Fieri featured this woman owned diner on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. It is a family oriented diner with a bustling, yet friendly vibe and a very impressive menu. Our family enjoyed an amazing breakfast and the service was fast and efficient.
Enjoy a trip to Germany without setting foot on an airplane. Hofbrauhaus is modeled after the legendary 400+ year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany. Patrons are able to enjoy traditional German cuisine like pierogis, weißwürste, wienerschnitzel, spatzel, bratwurst and of course German beer. The restaurant is housed in a traditionally decorated building with servers wearing the traditional dirndl. The kids really felt like they were in another country. And my husband—whose ancestors are from Germany—really felt like he was visiting “the motherland”. It was fun for us to share a little bit of Germany with our kids.
The Milk Shake Factory is Pittsburgh’s premier dessert destination—serving up hand-spun milkshakes, craft sundaes, and premium chocolates. We walked into this cute little shop and were mesmerized by it’s beautiful and gleaming black and white decor. The place smelled heavenly of all things sweet. I could smell caramel, vanilla, chocolate and just about every flavor in between. It was very interesting to learn that this beautiful and modern looking place was once a small soda fountain and chocolate shop in Pittsburgh. I highly advise going in between meals to truly enjoy the experience and to get your money’s worth. The staff seem to be very passionate about their products. They are very helpful and friendly, offering samples upon samples of their in-house chocolates. They also offer samples of the icecream so that you’re able to carefully select exactly what flavor you’d like to enjoy. Forget being a kid in a candy store, the kid in me prefers The Milk Shake Factory any day.
Located near the University of Pittsburgh, this is a great little spot for just about every meal. It’s mostly popular among the locals for their brunch and lunch. They have salads, sandwiches, pizza and lots more. They have an incredible drink menu with non-alcoholic beverages like acai soda, red ribbon soda, in-house made lemonade and iced tea. There are things on the menu for the little ones to enjoy including their amazing crispy tater tots.
What To Do With Kids
Browse museums like The Carnegie Science Center and explore THE ART OF THE BRICK exhibit by artist Nathan Sawaya. This exhibit is a critically acclaimed collection of inspiring artworks made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world: the LEGO® brick. This is also heralded by CNN as a “Global Must-See Exhibition. From child’s toy to sophisticated art form and beyond, THE ART OF THE BRICK features original pieces as well as re-imagined versions of the world’s most famous art masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, as well as a gallery showcasing an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick-infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West. The exhibit is an adventure for adults, children, art enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever picked up a LEGO and let their imagination run free! THE ART OF THE BRICK will be on display at PPG Science Pavilion at Carnegie Science Center now through January 7, 2019.
Visit The Children’s Museum.Named one of the Top 15 Children’s Museums by Parents magazine in 2015. There is a ton to see and do here including three floors to explore and have fun. This year be sure to check out two amazing exhibits: Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails and The Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh: A Mo Willems Exhibit. One of our favorite exhibits to see was the Fred Rogers & Us Exhibit. My husband and I were instantly taken back to our childhood when we saw the original puppets from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood including: King Friday XIII, Queen Sarah Saturday, Henrietta Pussycat, X the Owl, Lady Elaine Fairchilde, Daniel Striped Tiger and Gran Pere as we entered the Nursery exhibit. Here’s a fun fact: Mr. Rogers’ mother hand knitted him the sweater that he changed into on the show. The iconic sweater is located outside of the MAKESHOP, a place where you can learn to craft, sew, build and more. The Attic is a fascinating place with a gravity room, a phosphorescent room and a small collection of art by Andy Warhol and Wade Kramm.
Kennywood is America’s Finest Traditional Amusement Park, and one of the best destinations near Pittsburgh for family-friendly fun! The park offers a unique mix of classic rides and modern thrills, including six roller coasters, a 14-ride Kiddieland, and several attractions that cannot be found anywhere else. Founded in 1898, but updated many times since, Kennywood continues to provide unforgettable fun for all ages.
Enjoy a family experience that fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation of wildlife with a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Take a trip to the Islands and get an eye to eye view of siamangs, Visayan warty pigs, Philippine crocodiles, and clouded leopards. Venture into the Jungle for an Odyssey of fun where you’ll discover a giant anteater, the elusive fossa, the world’s largest rat, the capybara, and the pygmy hippo. Take in the scenic bird’s-eye view of the African Savanna before heading to the PPG Aquarium and Water’s Edge, home of the impressive polar bear and playful sea otter. There is so much to explore at the Zoo, with 77 acres of fun!
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, is among the top natural history museums in the country. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of artifacts, objects, and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures.
Take in a Pirates Baseball Game at PNC Park
Its prime location along the shore of the Allegheny River offers panoramic views of f the downtown skyline and riverfront. There’s even a playground for the kids to take a break from watching the game and burn off some extra energy.
Thank-you to Visit Pittsburghfor inviting me and my family to experience KidsBurgh!
Love this article, we are thinking of taking our daughter up to the burg this month.