Pittsburgh is a great place to raise a family. Luckily for local and visiting parents of toddlers, there are also plenty of toddler-friendly adventures to explore! I’ve put together a few of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh, PA with toddlers for you to peruse. So put on your comfy walking shoes, pack up the stroller, and prepare to make special memories with your little one!
Discover Pittsburgh with your Little One: The Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh, PA with Toddlers
Pittsburgh Zoo
Zoos are a wonderful way to introduce little ones to the incredible animals that call our planet home. The Pittsburgh Zoo has over 120 years of history, and today, it’s a beacon of conservation and commitment to saving some of the world’s most remarkable species. When you visit, you can say hello to African elephants and lions, Amir tigers, flamingos, zebras, polar bears, and so many more!
The zoo frequently hosts events to welcome guests and is known for its Zoo Lights exhibit annually during the holidays. Both you and your toddler will love spending the day at Pittsburgh Zoo amidst so many amazing animals and learning how to protect them as you explore!
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has been rated one of the best in the country, and for good reason! With plenty of permanent and temporary exhibits to explore, there’s always something new to learn and try. Toddlers will love stepping into the role of creator in the Makeshop and Art Studio or making kid-friendly messes in the garden or Waterplay exhibit.
The Nursery is designated just for the littlest museum-goers, with padded areas, seesaws, and a light wall. The museum is a great sensory and exploratory experience for kids of all ages, including toddlers!
Kennywood
Kennywood is a historic Pittsburgh amusement park providing thrills, fun, and memories for over 12 decades. While an amusement park may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a toddler, Kennywood has plenty for little visitors to explore.
If your toddler is a Thomas the Tank Engine enthusiast, there’s nothing better than Thomas Town. This area of the park includes Thomas-themed family rides and a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine! There’s also Kiddieland, which features plenty of kid-friendly rides, games, and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful plants, gardens, and natural exhibits. Their curated collections of local and foreign flowers and plants will surely stir the imagination as you explore. In addition to exploring the grounds on your own, they also offer wonderful programming for kids throughout the week.
There’s Story Time, where children can listen to a storyteller weave a tale about gardens, fruits, vegetables, animals, and other garden-related topics. You can also visit Discovery Stations throughout the gardens for a hands-on look at the natural world!
Things to Do in Pittsburgh, PA with Toddlers
From zoos and children’s museums to amusement parks and botanical gardens, there are so many unique things to do in Pittsburgh, PA with toddlers. Start with these exciting opportunities, and you’ll find yourself stumbling upon other toddler-friendly activities you and your little ones will love!
If you need another way to make some family memories, we should chat. I’m a Pittsburgh photographer, and I love working with families to create gorgeous portraits. So they can hang onto this time for years to come. As a mom myself, I know how quickly time flies by. So, I want to help you slow it down a bit! If you’ve been considering booking some portraits for your family, then I’d love to chat! Contact me today to get the conversation started!
