Recommendations for weekend family trip to Pittsburgh (Carnegie, Duquesne: hotels, neighborhoods)

[Cleverfield]

My wife and I will be traveling with our 2-year old daughter to Pittsburgh in a few weeks. We're looking for recommendations on things to do and areas to stay. As far as places to stay, we'd rather to be in a neighborhood than in Downtown if possible. We really like quaint urban neighborhoods that have local shops, restaurant, independent coffee stores, etc.

Since it might be getting cold by then, we'd like to find some indoor activities for our daughter. We're thinking about the Aviary, and maybe the Children's Museum, but wanted to see if there were any less well-known recommendations.

Despite living in Cleveland all my life, this will be my first real trip to Pittsburgh (other than IKEA), so I'm excited! Any help will be much appreciated!

[guy2073]

I believe light up night is on the 15th, there is usually a Christmas village set up in market square and if cold enough the ice skating at ppg place right next door. The hornes Christmas tree is also a cool sight. I fully recommend the children's museum.

[Moby Hick]

Try the Mansions on Fifth maybe. It puts you in a very quick walk from the Shadyside business district and close to Oakland museums.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by Moby Hick

Try the Mansions on Fifth maybe. It puts you in a very quick walk from the Shadyside business district and close to Oakland museums.

Oakland museums will be a little boring for a 2 year old.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by guy2073

Oakland museums will be a little boring for a 2 year old.

Obviously art is just horrible, but the gaint taxidermy animals in Natural History are great for kids. Plus the dinosaurs. That plus Phipps were our go to with a toddler.

[eschaton]

I'd try and stay on the North Side. Aside from the Aviary and the Children's Museum, your child may also get something out of the Carnegie Science Center (the top floor has a section for little kids). All of those areas are walkable from any of the core urban neighborhoods of the North Side which are fun to explore on foot (Allegheny West, Mexican War Streets, Deutschtown).

Getting a hotel in the area is difficult (the hotels are on the North Shore, which isn't as nice) but you can find a place to stay on airbnb for $200 a night (maybe a bit less).

[216facts]

Lunch, or better yet, dinner at a place along Grandview overlooking downtown as the lights come on is fantastic. I think we did Vue 412 a few years ago, it was great. If it is not too busy, I think your 2yr old would be fine there.

I think a 2yr old would like the Duquesne Incline too.

If you're into beer, I like Church Brew works, again if it is not too busy, plenty of room for a toddler to walk around and explore. I really like the Penn Brewery for pilseners and lagers, if you're into that. I'm sure there are plenty of other micros I have yet to explore and find the real gems.

[Formerly Known As Twenty]

Originally Posted by eschaton

I'd try and stay on the North Side. Aside from the Aviary and the Children's Museum, your child may also get something out of the Carnegie Science Center (the top floor has a section for little kids). All of those areas are walkable from any of the core urban neighborhoods of the North Side which are fun to explore on foot (Allegheny West, Mexican War Streets, Deutschtown).

Getting a hotel in the area is difficult (the hotels are on the North Shore, which isn't as nice) but you can find a place to stay on airbnb for $200 a night (maybe a bit less).

I second this notion of staying on the North Side. The little one might like visiting Randyland (it's free) if for no other reason than it's colorful and pretty. No need to stay long, either. If it's cold outside (it's hard to tell what the weather's going to be like these days) you could always check it out on another visit as it's an outdoor venue.

The Children's Museum is fantastic, O.P., and is fun for kids and adults alike as is the Aviary. The Science Center is fun, but it's not dissimilar to Cleveland's own Great Lakes Science Center. Worth a visit, of course, but if you're trying to pack some different things for your family to do, I'd move on to things that are a bit more unique to Pittsburgh.

Too bad it's not summertime any longer or I'd recommend taking yourself and the little one to get an icy ball from Gus and Ya-Ya's cart that's (seasonally) stationed not far from the Aviary.

If you decide to leave the North Side, someone suggested taking a trip up the incline which was a very good idea, too.

[svband76]

Try getting a room at The Priory, a boutique old little hotel with the coolest, smallest bar in Pittsburgh.

Beware though, the North Side is becoming a homeless, druggie tent city. Near Allegheny Park area mostly, sadly. Don't want to scare you away though. it's really a black eye on the city. So much has gone downhill since Peduto left office.

Actually, I'd stay in the Squirrel Hill, Shadyside area. Look up a bed and breakfast there. Close to city parks and museums, Phipps.

[216facts]

Originally Posted by svband76

Try getting a room at The Priory, a boutique old little hotel with the coolest, smallest bar in Pittsburgh.

Beware though, the North Side is becoming a homeless, druggie tent city. Near Allegheny Park area mostly, sadly. Don't want to scare you away though. it's really a black eye on the city. So much has gone downhill since Peduto left office.

Actually, I'd stay in the Squirrel Hill, Shadyside area. Look up a bed and breakfast there. Close to city parks and museums, Phipps.

We stayed in the Priory about 3 years ago. It was pretty cool (didn't realize they used to have boxing matches in there too.) We had a good stay, but the area around was a bit sketchy and as I recall, there were a few bars/restaurants that were not open or had odd hours.

We also stayed downtown, right near the point park, forget the hotel, and this was in the midst of Covid. It was pretty desolate but we had a decent time nonetheless.

Your idea of B&B sounds good.