DIY_Creative t1_j6jm3op wrote on January 30, 2023 at 8:14 PM

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History if they're more "mature." Children's Museum is great too, but I'd vote for the Carnegie Museums. Both museums are connected and one ticket gets you into each. I don't think they'd be too into the Art side (my 8 year old is in spurts). Carnegie Science Center is also GREAT but can get SUPER crowded on Saturdays, though if you don't mind it's a good time plus the Sportsworks which is cool. Other option would be outdoor ice skating at Schenley ice rink. Can couple Phipps into that, but unless your kids are into plants and stuff (mine is!) it might fall flat. Any of those would be worth researching to see what aligns more prominently with your family! As far as dinner spots go, yeah I'd say no to the Grand Concourse. Depends what kind of meal you want, but search the community for posts and you'll find something. What kind of food and whatnot. There's some really cool local restaurants that have good food and are in good spots and not all fluff and no meat like Grand Concourse.

P.S. We visited Columbus for the first time last October for a concert and LOVED it! Even discovered Thunderkiss Coffee (a coffee roaster) and have ordered beans twice since. Cbus is a cool town!

CARLEtheCamry t1_j6juvh6 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 9:08 PM

Wanted to add the National Aviary as a suggestion as well, it's pretty unique to Pittsburgh you won't find in other towns, even if they have a decent zoo. Beyond the exhibits they have a lot of animal encounters, and even penguin feeding. I took my kids when they were in that age range and they got a huge kick out of it.

jazzcc t1_j6k311b wrote on January 30, 2023 at 9:59 PM

The grasslands exhibit at the Aviary is such an experience. I could sit there for hours.

Qtip44 OP t1_j6jq4pi wrote on January 30, 2023 at 8:39 PM

The ice skating seems fun! I'm sure they'd love that seeing as everywhere we go and there's a rink they ask of they can go. Science center and sports place look fun but crowds concern me no doubt. They're all about sports though, so it could work.

fleetiebelle t1_j6l2n43 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 2:08 AM

If they like sports, the Heinz History Center in the Strip has a sports museum as part of their collections. It's also a pretty solid local history museum with hands-on/interactive displays that probably wouldn't be too deadly for preteens.

Jumpy-Natural4868 t1_j6jqdru wrote on January 30, 2023 at 8:40 PM

the carnegie international has a lot of cool art right now, and on the 2nd floor is a lot of art that's sorta gross. Pictures with vaginas and penises. gourds that make noise. A grisly machine that looks like extruded meat. Wonderwoman spinning around endlessly on a 1980s TV. a machine that makes all kinds of crazy music. Big letter balloons.