Things to do with kids in Pittsburgh, PA
Checked · All times are local Eastern Time (Pittsburgh time)
Coming up in Pittsburgh: Phipps Holiday Magic (from Nov 20), Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo (from Nov 27) and Laser Holiday Magic at Kamin Science Center (from Nov 28). 6 always-open places, led by Kamin Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Christmas & holiday events: lights
Phipps Holiday Magic
- When
- Fri, Nov 20 – Sun, Jan 10 (Daily Nov 20 – Jan 10; timed tickets reserved in advance) · See site for daily hours
- Cost
- Timed tickets required (members and nonmembers); see site
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
Pittsburgh's family holiday tradition: the glasshouse fills with poinsettias, amaryllis and topiary displays (theme: Botanical Brilliance), and the outdoor Winter Light Garden glows after dark.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Wed, Dec 30 (Select nights Nov 27 – Jan 3 (closed Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 1)) · 5–10pm
- Cost
- $45 per non-member vehicle ($40 members; $65 flex ticket); flat rate for everyone in the car
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
Drive through the Zoo past holiday light displays; guests stay in their vehicles, and the Entrance Plaza is open for light refreshments and restrooms.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Laser Holiday Magic at Kamin Science Center
- When
- Sat, Nov 28 – Mon, Jan 4 (Nov 28 – Dec 19 and Dec 21 – Jan 4 in the Buhl Planetarium; daily 2pm shows from Dec 21) · See site for show times
- Cost
- Laser show tickets $7 (members $6)
- Ages
- All ages · Indoor
A holiday laser show set to seasonal music in the Buhl Planetarium. Shows start promptly; no late entry.
✓ Checked Oct 31, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
Kamin Science Center
- Price
- Admission required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 2–17+ (our guidance)
Hands-on science center on the North Shore with the Buhl Planetarium and a giant cinema; open daily 10am–5pm
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
- Price
- Online: adults $27; kids 2–13 $23; 60+ $25; under 2 free (+$2 at the gate; Sept 8–Oct 31 pricing)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Zoo and aquarium in Highland Park with free parking; some attractions cost extra
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
- Price
- Admission required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 0–10 (our guidance)
Hands-on play museum open daily 10am–5pm; MuseumLab next door is free on weekends noon–5pm
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Price
- Admission required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 2–17+ (our guidance)
Dinosaur Hall and natural history galleries in Oakland; closed Tuesdays, open until 8pm Thursdays
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Price
- Timed tickets; see site
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Victorian glasshouse with seasonal flower shows in Schenley Park; reserve timed tickets in advance
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
National Aviary
- Price
- Admission required; see site
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Indoor bird zoo on the North Side where you can hand-feed rainbow lorikeets (extra)
✓ Price verified Oct 31, 2026 · source
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Pittsburgh this weekend?
Kamin Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and Children's Museum of Pittsburgh are open most days, but we don't have a Pittsburgh event listed for this weekend (Oct 31–Nov 1). Next up: Phipps Holiday Magic (Nov 20) and Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo (Nov 27).
Where can kids play indoors in Pittsburgh when it's cold or snowy?
We list 5 indoor places in Pittsburgh: Kamin Science Center (Admission required), Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (Admission required), Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Admission required), Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Timed tickets) and National Aviary (Admission required).
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Pittsburgh?
We list 2 holiday light events in Pittsburgh: Phipps Holiday Magic (Nov 20 – Jan 10) and Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo (Nov 27 – Dec 30).
What is there to do with toddlers in Pittsburgh?
We list 4 places in Pittsburgh that welcome kids under 2, including Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. See all 4 above. Age ranges for places are our own guidance.
What are the big family attractions in Pittsburgh?
The best-known family attractions we list in Pittsburgh are Kamin Science Center (Admission required), Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium (kids $23) and Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (Admission required). See all 6 above. They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do Pittsburgh family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 1 place in Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium (adult $27, kids $23). Confirm before you go; prices change.
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How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
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