If you’re planning a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you’re sure to find a variety of fun activities in the area. From museums to historic sites, the city is home to many unique experiences. If you’re a sports fan, there’s a Pirates game or Pitt Panthers game you should consider. Whether you’re rooting for the home team or rooting for the opposing team, a visit to PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium can be a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon in Pittsburgh. You can even take a tour of the Mario Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry.
Point State Park
The Point State Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a historical landmark located in the city’s Golden Triangle. It sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which form the headwaters of the Ohio River. The area is known for its strategic heritage, which dates back to the French and Indian War in 1754.
The park is 36 acres in size and includes a 23-acre Gateway Center. Point State Park is one of the city’s most significant parks and was originally planned as a part of the Renaissance I planning effort. The Pittsburgh Regional Planning Commission originally proposed a park with replicas of Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne. Although the original plan was not realized, many of the original park’s features are still in place, including the Fountain.
The Point State Park Fountain is one of the highlights of the park. At 150 feet above the Ohio River, the Point Fountain is a must-see attraction. The park also includes a walking bridge that crosses the reflecting pool. Visitors can also enjoy views of the Ohio River, Pittsburgh cityscape, and the Duquesne Incline.
Kennywood
If you want to experience a classic American theme park, Kennywood is the place for you. This amusement park is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh. It first opened on May 30, 1899. It began as a trolley park that served the Monongahela Street Railway, built by the Mellon family.
There are many rides at Kennywood, including the famous Merry Go Round. The original Merry Go Round was commissioned by the U.S. Government to be part of the Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Exposition in 1926, but the park didn’t finish it in time. Kennywood later acquired it. The ride has 50 jumping horses and 14 stationary ones, as well as a lion and tiger. It is lit up with more than 1500 lights.
Kennywood, located outside of Downtown Pittsburgh, is one of the best family destinations in the city. This traditional amusement park offers classic rides and modern thrills, including three world-famous children’s characters. The park is perfect for all ages, and it offers special events and group rates for groups.
Fallingwater
Fallingwater is a Frank Lloyd Wright design located in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania. It is about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The structure is situated partly over the Bear Run waterfall. It is in Stewart Township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
The beautiful home was built for a Pittsburgh family and is open to the public. Visitors can tour the multi-level home and relax on the outdoor decks while listening to the waterfall. The historic house is set within a forest and is an escape from the bustling city. Fallingwater also features a cafe where visitors can enjoy locally-sourced food and desserts. There is also an exhibition about the history of the house.
Fallingwater is located in the Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. It is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. It was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright to fit in with the natural environment. It incorporates the sound of water throughout the entire house, including the living room. The house was completed in 1939.
While a guided tour of Fallingwater is not offered every day, you can still enjoy the grounds of the home by purchasing a Grounds Pass. The admission fee covers entry to the buildings and several trails around the property. The buildings were designed with symmetry and the Visitor Center follows the philosophy of Wright by blending the building into its surroundings. The property is home to several well-marked trails, including the Bird’s Eye View.
Fort Pitt Museum
The Fort Pitt Museum is an indoor/outdoor museum administered by the Senator John Heinz History Center in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is located on the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, where the Ohio River originates. The museum offers a variety of exhibits that will teach you about the history of the region and Pennsylvania.
The Fort Pitt Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5 pm. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The museum has fee-based and meter parking. Bicycle racks are also available for visitors to use. You may also want to visit the Heinz History Museum in Pittsburgh.
Fort Pitt Museum is located at 601 Commonwealth Place in Point State Park, downtown Pittsburgh. There are a number of free art galleries and restaurants that you can check out during your visit. The museum also offers a free museum tour and a museum shop. You can also visit the Block House, which was used as a testament housing and trading post after the British left the area in 1772. Luckily for visitors, it has been open to the public since 1894.
The first floor is devoted to artifacts and displays. This area includes displays from Native Americans to the French and Indian War. The second floor of the museum is reserved for rotating exhibits. During my visit, I visited the Native American captivity exhibit, which explored the practice of taking captives by Native Americans in the mid-18th century.
Fort Duquesne
Fort Duquesne is a historic site in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Built by the French in 1754, it is located at the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River, two rivers that feed into the Ohio River. Today, Fort Duquesne is a brick outline. Archaeologists have discovered a stone and brick drain at the site, which indicates that the structure once contained a large building.
The area was an important strategic location during the French and Indian War. Today, many sites in western Pennsylvania relate to the conflict. The French built Fort Duquesne to consolidate their positions in New France, New Orleans, and other areas west of the Mississippi River.
The site also has interesting historical background. In the 18th century, the forts were abandoned. Fortress Duquesne, built in 1754, was commanded by the French during the French and Indian War. However, the French abandoned the fort in 1758, and the British seized it. The outlines and remains of two historic buildings can be seen in the Point State Park.
The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum has interactive exhibits for children. The museum also features items from the famous Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood TV show.
Pittsburgh Zoo
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium are one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States. They are situated on 77 acres of parkland and feature more than 4,000 animals, including over four hundred species and twenty endangered or threatened species. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about animals and experience their unique behaviors.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is a great place for families to visit. The park has a Kid’s Kingdom that includes hands-on activities. Visitors can feed the sea lions, view a show, or play on giant slides. There’s even a place where adults can sit back, relax, and let the children burn off some of their energy.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is another great place to take children. It’s located next to the National Aviary and is perfect for families with younger children. There’s even a multimedia art studio for kids to experiment. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh offers fun and educational activities for children of all ages.
The Pittsburgh Zoo is open all year long, but it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ticket prices and hours vary, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you plan to visit. Generally speaking, summer is the best time to visit the zoo, when the animals are on display. During these seasons, you can also ride the UPMC Tram to get to your favorite exhibits. The zoo also offers free parking, so you’ll never have to worry about finding parking.
PPG Aquarium
For a day of fun in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you can’t go wrong with the PPG Aquarium and Zoo. The aquarium is a 45,000-square-foot facility located inside the Pittsburgh Zoo. It was recently named one of the 35 best aquariums in the United States. It features a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Kids can enjoy the zoo’s play area and petting zoo. They can also learn about the animals’ habitats.
Besides a wide variety of animals, the aquarium is also home to a special one: Floppy, a one-year-old gentoo penguin. Visitors can learn about this amazing animal and get up close and personal with him. There are also plenty of other attractions for kids and parents to enjoy.
Visitors can get up close and personal with polar bears and sea otters in the Water’s Edge exhibit. They can also see seals and polar bears through the underwater tunnels. In addition to these exciting exhibits, the PPG Aquarium has a tram that transports visitors around the park. It takes about two hours to complete the full experience.