Being a parent's pretty amazing, wouldn't you say? Sure, we deal with plenty of sleepless nights, temper tantrums, and fights over homework once the kids are in school. When it comes right down to it, though, all those difficult times are totally worth it. After all, parenthood gives us a chance to experience childhood again through our own children's eyes. Here are 10 kid-friendly destinations in Pittsburgh that promise fun for both you and your kids.
1. Living Treasures Wild Animal Park – 268 Fox Road, New Castle, PA 16101
Spend a leisurely few hours - or an entire day - at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park in either Moraine or Jones Mills. Purchase food to hand feed some of the animals. Bring lunch for a picnic. Or, watch as the kids take a pony ride. The wild animal park welcomes guests annually from April through October.
2. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – 1 Museum Road, Washington, PA 15301
Climb aboard an old-fashioned trolley for a scenic ride, likely the highlight of your journey to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The Museum also features exhibits, an optional guided tour, and video presentations. Plan a visit the last weekend in November or one of the first three weekends of December for the Santa Trolley. Meet Santa on the trolley then make a craft and enjoy hot chocolate at the museum. Visit the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, during its winter hours, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Kennywood – 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, PA 15122
Kennywood's just the place to be every summer. Spend the day on the rides, eating good food like Potato Patch fries, and playing games. The sprawling amusement park also hosts several family-friendly events each off-season, including Holiday Lights that typically kicks off in late November.
4. Just Ducky Tours – 125 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Embark on a truly unique tour of the Burgh. See the city by land and by water. The popular one-hour excursion promises plenty of fun for both the kids and the adults. But, the kids will enjoy a special treat, having the opportunity to steer the duck when it goes in the water. Just Ducky Tours is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5. Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens – 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071
Enter an enchanted fairy garden when you visit Pittsburgh Botanical Gardens. The 60-acre Botanical Gardens feature picturesque footbridges, quaint stepping stones, plenty of vibrant plants, and the fairy garden Bookworm Glen. Sit in an over-sized bird's nest. Keep an eye out for local wildlife. And, visit for special events throughout the year.
6. AMC Waterfront 22: Classic Movie Nights – 300 Waterfront Drive W., West Homestead, PA 15120
Introduce your kids to the movies of your youth. AMC Waterfront 22 features Classic Movie Night each week. Upcoming shows include The Wizard of Oz on November 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Stand By Me on November 15 at 7:30 p.m.
7. Laurel Caverns – 111 Heritage Hills Road, Uniontown, PA 15401
Explore intricate underground spaces at Laurel Caverns, just 60 miles from Pittsburgh. The largest and the deepest cave in Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns boasts three miles of trails underground. Join a guided tour that will cover 3,000 feet of those miles. Dress warmly as the cave has an average temperature of 52 degrees all year around.
8. Fort Necessity – 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437
Uncover Western Pennsylvania's rich history with a trip to Fort Necessity. Embark on a hike of the battlefield along one of the hiking trails. Watch demonstrations - such as the firing of historic weapons - and stop by the visitor's center. Fort Necessity is open daily from dawn to dusk.
9. Jellystone Park – 839 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
Escape for a day or a weekend getaway in the mountains at Jellystone Park. The Yogi Bear-themed park features a campground as well as plenty of day activities if you prefer not to spend the night. Check out the jumping pad, mini golf, paint ball, hay rides, and the playgrounds.
10. Idlewild Park & SoakZone – 2574 US Highway 30, Ligonier, PA 15658
For most of us, a trip to Idlewild & SoakZone was a part of our childhood summers. Keep that longstanding tradition going with your own kids. Idlewild features plenty of rides for the kids and the adults. And, of course, there's no better way to wile away a hot summer day than on the water slides at Soak Zone.
What are your favorite kid-friendly destinations in Pittsburgh? Click here to read about eight hands-on destinations in the Burgh that are perfect for the whole family.
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