Are you looking for fun things to do and indoor play places to take kids to in Pittsburgh? Macaroni KID Pittsburgh has put together this list of must-do things in Pittsburgh with kids of all ages and our top favorite indoor play spaces in and around Pittsburgh for you to enjoy year round.
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If you are looking to find your family fun more locally to the South Hills of Pittsburgh, check out 26 Indoor Play Places for Kids in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Find more events and activities in the South Hills of Pittsburgh on our events calendar. Want to get local family fun delivered to your inbox every Monday? Sign up to receive our FREE newsletter HERE.
Where's your favorite indoor play space in Pittsburgh? Send it to emilyp@macaronikid.com, so we can get it on the list.
424 Play Factory, North Oakland
424 Play Factory is an indoor soft play facility located in North Oakland for children ages 0-8 years old. This kid friendly “ALL-IN-ONE” indoor play place is the perfect spot for your next toddler play date!
ASCEND Pittsburgh, South Side
ASCEND Pittsburgh is the perfect place for all ages of beginners and advanced climbers. It includes indoor facilities and outdoor training sessions. Rock climbing, rope climbing, yoga, and exercise facilities are offered. Prices vary for admission and memberships.
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Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Oakland
Located in Oakland, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is sure to be an all day affair. Your kiddos will be excited to meet Dippy (Diplodocus carnegii), the most famous dino skeleton in the world, and will look through eyes of wonder at the dinosaur fossils that tower over them in one of the city's greatest historical museums! Looking for a family-friendly place to grab a bite to eat when you're done? It's an easy walk to Fuel and Fuddle, Stack'd Oakland, Union Grill Oakland, or Panera Bread. Carnegie Museum of Natural History is closed on Tuesdays and sometimes closes early for private events. Check their website most up-to-date hours carnegiemnh.org
 Winter break 2020 at the Carnegie Science Center |
Carnegie Science Center, North Shore
The Carnegie Science Center is one of our city's most loved attractions. With 4 floors of exhibits, a submarine, cinema, and planetarium, the Carnegie Science Center appeals to kids of all ages (and adults too). Before planning your outing, check their website to see what rotating exhibits, seasonal shows, and weekly programming you can expect during your visit. carnegiesciencecenter.org
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Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, North Side
10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh
Ask my kids where their favorite indoor play space is, and the answer is going to be the Children's Museum. With 5 levels of fun, plus the backyard play space, you can spend hours here. We like to start in the Studio where the kids can create their own art that they will take home. Starting our day in the Studio allows us to leave any projects on the racks to dry while we are exploring the rest of the museum. From there, they run straight to the limb bender, or what I lovingly call the ant hill wall (it reminds me of an old school science project watching the ants move around from behind a piece of plexiglass). We could easily come down here and spend all day just in the wall but at some point I call them out, so we can move through the Makeshop, Attic, Garage and rest of the 1st floor exhibits. On a good day, my daughter won't make me walk through the Gravity Room! Want to know more? Check out 6 Things You Must Know Before You Go to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
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Chuck E. Cheese, Bridgeville
Chuck E. Cheese has come a long way from the memories of my youth. Gone are the ball pits and cups of dirty coins. Play operates on an electronic card per play or by the hour. Tickets are still a thing and so are the smiles as your kid leaves with the small trinkets they pick out after turning in all their winnings.
Coop de Ville, The Strip District
Coop de Ville is a fun restaurant in the strip district that combines delicious culinary with family fun. Taking things a step past the video games, Coop de Ville has traditional board games, duck pin bowling and more.
Dave and Busters, Homestead
When the kids outgrow the ball pits but still yearn for the fun of the arcade, Dave and Busters in the Waterfront can fill that need. Kids of all ages are welcome to come and play at Dave and Busters however, kids under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult 25 years or older.
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Dragon's Den, Homestead
This historic church turned innovative community center is the magnificent home of 2 levels of ropes course challenges and a climbing wall. The strategically built courses offers targeted challenges for children ages 5-9 while offering more complex obstacles for ages 10 and older. Feeling super brave? Soar through the air on the140 foot zip line, the Dragon's Leap.
Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios, Allison Park
All children learn through hands-on discovery. Add the ingredients of fun, energetic adults and the love for home cooked food, and you have stirred up the essence of a Lil' Chef. From preschool to teens, Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios sizzles up amazing programs such as Birthday Parties, Weekly Classes, Camps, Adult Classes, Corporate Events, Kids Night Out Events and Etiquette Classes! flourpowerstudios.com
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Fox in a Box, Bethel Park
Walk into this paint-splattered floor studio expecting an afternoon of fun. Fox in a Box is an Art Studio for Kids that is jam packed with creative juices to satisfy every young creator. Textiles range from paint to fabrics to repurposing. Not comfortable going out yet? Call the studio and ask for a make and take box where you will get a personalized craft experience with all necessary supplies included to create in the comfort of your own home.
Fun Fore All, Cranberry
Fun Fore All is the Pittsburgh areas most fun and exciting year round family fun park. They offer both indoor and outdoor attractions for family members of all ages to enjoy. funforeall.com
Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark, Ross Township
Indoor carpet skating! Fun for all ages! funslidespark.com
Goldfish Swim School, Peters Township, Wexford & Fox Chapel
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do as a family, try a fun Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School. Family Swim is a great way for children and their families to spend an afternoon or evening together in a shiver-free 90-degree pool. Even better, children can put into practice everything they’ve learned from their swim lessons. Check website for Family Swim hours as they vary at each location. goldfishswimschool.com
Gymsport, Bridgeville
Gymsport is the largest gymnastics, tumbling, and parkour facility in PA. Their 36,000 square foot complex offers a limited Open Gym for any athlete wanting a safe place to work on their skills or who just want to jump, tumble and have fun. Current open gym hours are Friday from 7-9 ages 6 and up. Mini Open Gym hours for ages 9 and under are Fridays 5pm-7pm. Preschool Playtime is held Tuesday's through Fridays 9:30am-10:30 and 10:45-11:45am and is $10 for one hour of play. gymsport.com
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Iron City Ninja, Brentwood
Want to give your kids a spectacular day and tire them out? Take them to Iron City Ninja in Pittsburgh. This facility will have your kids swinging, jumping, falling (in a good way) and climbing all day. They reserve birthday parties and can host up to a group of 12. You can schedule training if your kid(s) want to be real ninja's, or you can come and swing around during their open gym times.
Kidzville, Mt. Nebo
At Kidzville, children can experience a one-of-a-kind kid village. Complete with 8 customized and furnished playhouses, they can explore and learn through imaginary play. While children are busy making friends, caretakers can enjoy our specialty coffee bar and take advantage of free Wi-Fi. kidzvillepa.com
Kolor-N-Kiln Pottery Studio, Robinson
This potterty and painting studio is located in the Mall in Robinson and accepts walk-ins up to 6:30pm Monday - Saturday and up to 5:30 on Sundays. Kolor-N-Kiln offers ceramic, glass, wood, and canvas projects. Prices range depending on the project and include the use of paint, design materials and firing done on-site by KNK staff. Ceramic pieces need to remain at KNK for 7 days to cure before you can take them home.
Play laser tag daily from noon to 9pm. $8 per game - approximately 20-minute sessions.
Lil Bunny Play and Party Place, Robinson & Monroeville
Lil Bunny is a unique, brightly-colored family-owned ebtertainment center for parents and kids 0-10. Little babies will love the smaller playground where they can crawl on and over soft toys. Bigger kids will enjoy the big playground, tunnels, trampoline and a huge ball pit. Parents can join the kids or just relax and take much needed break on the couches, enjoying free wi-fi. Located on the upper level of Monreoville Mall and lower level at the Mall at Robinson. lilbunnyplay.com
Lilliput Town Center, McMurray
Kids love to play in the child sized store front. Watch them use their imagination to buy groceries in the grocery store, make a pet better at the vet’s office, ride a trolley, create a masterpiece in the art studio, get a new “do” at the beauty salon, put out a fire as a fire fighter and create culinary masterpieces in the bistro.
The Little Gym of Pittsburgh, McMurray
Another great place for young kids to let their minds adventures wander into reality. The Little Gym offers sports classes, gymnastics, dance lessons and more. Your kids can be in a safe and friendly environments while having fun and jumping and climbing their hearts out, with purpose. thelittlegym.com
Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh
Bring your family out to enjoy both installation and interactive art as you move through the Mattress Factory Campus that is nestled in the Mexican War Streets' neighborhood of Pittsburgh's Northside. mattress.org/
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National Aviary, Pittsburgh
Transcend to a tropical paradise as you enter the National Aviary and the magical world of birds. Watch in delight as your children are fascinated by the birds walking next to them and flying overhead. They will love getting up close and personal with some of their favorite animals that they have only seen in story books. Children under 2 are free so pack up the stroller and bring the whole family. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance online. Read 6 things to know before you go to the National Aviary here. www.aviary.org
Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library, Shadyside
Easilly a favorite among Pittsburgh mom's with young children, the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is one of the oldest continuously operating toy libraries in the United States. In addition to lending toys for home use, they operate an indoor play space for both members and the public. While kids of all ages are welcome, the focus at Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is early childhood. Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is open to the public for drop-in play sessions ($5/child or $10/family) usually three days a week (check their website for the most up to date hours) and members-only play sessions Monday through Friday. First time visitors, infants under 1 years old, and ACCESS card holders are eligible for free admission. Because Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library is run 100% by volunteers, hours may vary and they post any last minute changes on their Facebook page. pghtoys.org
Playground World, Wexford
Bring the kids in to play to their heart's content during "Pay to Play at Playground World". In a frigid winter snowstorm or during the dog days of the summer heat, it's always good weather at Playground World. ($8 per child during certain time frames)
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Printscape Arena, Southpointe
More than just ice, Printscape Arena hosts Learn to Play Workshops for Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Soccer and more! printscapearena.com/
Romp n' Roll Pittsburgh East, Monroeville
Romp n’ Roll is a kid’s gym with a wide variety of educational gym, art, and music classes for children 3 months through five years of age! rompnroll.com
The Seesaw Center, Castle Shannon
Open September through May
The Seesaw Center is a large room offering creative indoor play opportunities in a variety of developmental themes for children of all abilities, from infancy through kindergarten age. theseesawcenter.org
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Slime Time, Bethel Park
Do you have a slime enthusiast at home? A budding mad scientist? A kid who loves all things squish?! Slime Time is for you! Kids arrive at Slime Time and don their very own lab coats and slime making goggles. They'll then get to create their very own custom slime choosing from a variety of scents and toppings (charms, beads & glitter). "Scientists" have the opportunity to experiment in the Slime Tank, Water Bead Tank, and take a turn at the Mad Scientist Selfie Station. What a great way to spend an afternoon! Check out our experience at Slime Time HERE slimetimepittsburgh.com
Snapology, Bridgeville
Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM activities and offers year round learning through play in their hands-on Discovery Center. In addition to their public sessions, they also offer private birthday parties and virtual programming. My kids love the variety of activities, all STEAM based. There's Legos, big building blocks, digital and traditional art, games, clubs and so much more! I love that I can go there to play with my kids OR sign them in for an hour while I run around the South Hills to complete some errands! CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Skate Castle, Butler
Family owned and operated since 1985, Skate Castle Inc of Butler, PA is a family friendly indoor rink. Skate Castle Inc. has a state of the art maple skating floor with center beginners section, is open September through June, and closed July & August due to no air conditioning. skatecastleinc.com
Splat: A Make & Take Art Studio, Bethel Park
April will work with all ages, needs, and abilities on an individual basis, based on skill-level and interests. To maintain social distancing and low occupancy numbers during COVID, hours are by appointment only Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Customized Splat! - to - go kits are also offered for anyone wishing to "take & make" their projects at home. facebook.com/SplatMakeandTakeArtStudio
That Pottery Place, Bethel Park
That Pottery Place located in Bethel Park is a family owned small business helping people find their inner artist. You can order pottery for curbside pickup or reserve a table (reservations are at 50% and times are staggered). thatpotteryplacepittsburgh.com/
Throw: Indoor Axe Throwing, West Mifflin
Walk-ins are accepted based on availability Wednesday - Thursday 1-8pm, Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 11:45am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Children under 16 are required to have an adult present. Book your experience in advance HERE
Top Golf, Bridgeville
Whether it's the hottest day in the summer or coldest in the winter, Top Golf provides families with 3 floors of climate controlled hitting bays (as well as clubs) to enjoy driving golf balls year round. Go on a Tuesday and enjoy half-off bay prices all day long, no coupon required. topgolf.com
True Gymnastics, Castle Shannon
True Gymnastics offers a variety of ways for your kids to fly high and get all their energy out. They offer preschool programs, recreational programs, ninja classes, focused training and more. At True Gymnastics, it's the small progressions of success that matter. truegymnastics.com
Urban Air, Robinson & Waterfront
With attractions ranging from Basic Trampolines, Virtual Reality, Ropes Course, Sky Rider, Battle Beam, Warrior Course, Climbing Walls and more, Urban Air is an experience the entire family will love! You can read about how much our family loves it here. Bring your little adventurer Friday's for only $9.99 from 10am-noon for Jumperoo time! urbanairtrampolinepark.com
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USC Community & Recreation Center, Upper St. Clair
Whether you are a member or purchase a visitors pass, the Rec Center has a variety of indoor activities the whole family will love. I think the main attraction here is definitely the indoor aquatics facility that is open year round!
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Zone 28, Harmar
The HUSBAND calls this place a 10/10 for kids venues, and that says a lot! With plenty of fun for our 5 and 9 year old, it's safe to say this entertainment center appeals to kids of all ages and families alike. With dining, entertainment, laser tag, 33 lane bowling alley, arcade games and more, you'll really need to plan your time wisely when you visit Zone 28!
Do you have a favorite indoor play space or indoor things to do with kids in Pittsburgh that didn't make our list? Let us know the deets and we'll look into it!
Don't forget to check our daily event calendar for local events for kids happening in and around the South Hills of Pittsburgh and sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay in the know about things to do with kids near you!
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