Don’t let the word “museum” fool you in the name of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh – this place has one focus: play. The whole centre is designed to stimulate kids’ creativity and minds, giving them the space to have fun and enjoy themselves. Whatever their tastes may be, the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh will have something for them, as well as giving youngsters the opportunity to try new things.
The museum is open to all ages, but is best suited to the toddler to early teen age range. For very small visitors, there is an on-site nursery, where age-appropriate activities are held to encourage play and creativity at a quieter pace.
If art is your thing, head to the Studio, where creativity is the order of the day. Paints, colours and modelling equipment are freely available, and experts are on-hand to give advice and teach new techniques. For more solid creation, visit the MAKESHOP, where you can use wood, materials and loads of different materials to build exciting structures or make clothes.
Feel the need for speed? The Garage is all about cars, and even has its very own test circuit. Children can design and make cars and racetracks, then try them out. Go up to the Attic to see everything turn on its head in the Gravity Room, or create a puppet show to share with friends. When they need to cool off, Waterplay is the place to go – with everything from indoor rain to building fountains, this is one place you’re guaranteed to get wet!
Outdoors, there’s a typical American Backyard to explore, complete with climbing frames to swing on, sand boxes to dig in and bubbling mud to make into pies. To really get your hands dirty, visit the Garden, where kids are encouraged to learn about where the food we eat comes from and get to meet some of the creepy-crawlies that live in the ground.
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is situated in the North Side of the city. Public transport serves the area, or there is plenty of paid parking available nearby. The museum is open every day, but closed on public holidays – visit the website for more details. There is a charge for entry.
