Need ideas from Pittsburgh area residents

[maggieb]

We are traveling to Pittsburgh from DC in May for DH's cousin's graduation from Carnegie Mellon. We will be staying very close to CMU from Friday-Monday. Any ideas on what to do with a 3.5 year old and an almost 2 year old? Any ideas for family friendly restaurants?

DH and I have been to Pittsburgh before and love it, but we went before we had kids, so although we know where the bars are and the fabulous restaurants, that's really not going to help us this time around.

We're staying in the Forbes Avenue Suites. Anyone heard anything about it?

Thanks for any help!

[MrsD108]

If you are going to be near Station Square I would go to Joe's Crab Shack. When we were there in October there were alot of families and there was even a good selection of non seafood for the kids. Right next to Joe's in the courtyard is the dancing fountain. The fountain moves with the music and at night it lights up. There is also a science museum that the kids might be old enough to enjoy a few of the hands on activities.

[diam124]

There are actually several museums that are good for kids - the Science Museum over by the stadiums, the Children's Museum and then Carnegie Museum. I know they're re-doing the dinosaur part - I'm not sure when that will be completed. You could also take them on the Incline up and down Mt. Washington.

[nyclaura]

You'll be really near the Science Museum, the Natural History museum, and Phipps Botanical Gardens. I think kids would enjoy all of those! The art museum is also close, but might not be that "fun" for little kids. Also, there is the Cathedral of Learning which is a Univ. of Pitts. building and is very Gothic and neat to explore. Next to it is Heinz Chapel a mini version of the Cathedral and also beautiful inside.

As far as restaurants go - you'll be near Oakland which will be more casual than Shady Side or Squirrel Hill. I would recommend a casual Italian place called Joe Mama's and a causal brunch place called Pamela's - both on Forbes Ave. There is a wonderful casual Mexican bar called Mad Mex too -but I wouldn't take children there.

If you have a whole afternoon free you could go downtown to Point Park to see the park and then take a ferry across the river to Station Square. There isn't a ton to do at Station Square but there are some casual chain restaurants there. From SS you can walk across the street behind it and go up the incline of Mt. Washington. It's a great view and the incline ride is fun - although you should use your judgement because it might be scary for little kids.

There is a service in Pittsburgh called Wheel Deliver that will deliver food from about 25 restaurants to your hotel. Just in case your kids have a bad day, etc you can ask the front desk staff for the booklet and just order.

[maggieb]

WOW! Thanks so much.

MrsD108: Thanks for the Joe'e Crab Shack recommendation. I have been to one in Texas and it was fun. That fountain sounds like something my girls would love.

diam124: Although we live in DC and have been to many museums, the girls love them! Thanks for the ideas. I think they would really love Mt. Washington.

nyclaura: I love the idea of the Botanical Gardens, especially in May. Thanks for the restaurant ideas. It's nice to know about good places before we go. I really appreciate the Wheel Deliver idea. I'm sure that will come in very handy.

Anyone else?

[ginad724]

They also just re-did the former parking lot between Carnegie Library and Pitt Library into a grassy square (I forget what it's called, but it's on Fifth Avenue). There's a carousel ride there for kids and since it should be nice weather, it's a nice area for the kids to run around. Plus it'll be very close to where you're staying.

I'd second the incline ride if the kids wouldn't be afraid, plus you can combine that with a trip to Station Square.

The Pittsburgh zoo is really nice too for a smaller zoo. It's in Highland Park (neighborhood of Pgh) and probably about 15 minutes from CMU.

All the other recommendations are good too, Pittsburgh is a nice place to visit!

Have fun!
gina

[jennylou]

I don't live there anymore, but I'd second the suggestion of Pamela's. :)

Eat N Park is a chain restaurant and very child friendly. It's branching out now, but used to just be in PA. They even give a smiley cookie to the kids. :)

Laura gave some great advice in regards to things to do. :) The only thing that I could suggest would be since you're going in May, you might want to look into going to a Pirate game. The new field is one of the nicest baseball stadiums in the country, imo.