Kid-Friendly (And Cheap!) Weekend Adventures in the Pittsburgh Area

Written by Sarah Cocchimiglio

Sometimes all it takes is a little planning to have a great family outing. When routine exploits just aren’t cutting it anymore, shake things up by exploring new terrain, taking in an exhibition, or visiting a landmark and learning a little something about our local history. Here are awesome events to attend and places to visit around town before fall ends. Best part? All of them can be done on the cheap and on one tank of gas—or less!

Kennywood

4800 Kennywood Boulevard

West Mifflin, PA 15122

(412) 461-0500

Why Go? One of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., Kennywood has amusements that range from “mild to wild.” The park was designated a National Historic Landmark site in 1987, and embraces history while offering a 21st century amusement park experience.

Insider Tip: “If you’re looking to visit during Phantom Fright Nights, our signature fall Halloween event, pick a weekend early in the season or closer to Halloween,” said Kennywood public relations manager Jeff Filicko. “The middle weekends tend to be very busy. If you just want to enjoy the traditional Kennywood experience, early fall weekends are the perfect time, Filicko said, especially when the forecast calls for rain. “Lines tend to be shorter, and while it may rain at some point, the day is rarely a complete washout,” he said. He also suggests arriving early and starting with the rides at the back of the park, since most people get in line for the first rides they see.

Must Do: “You cannot visit Kennywood without Potato Patch Fries,” Filicko said. “They’re our signature treat, and absolutely delicious.”

The Fine Print: Fall hours are limited, with mainly weekend hours. Check the calendar for a current schedule. Day and reduced-price evening tickets are available online or at the gate (but they’re cheaper online).

Triple B Farm

Why Go? Triple B hosts Pittsburgh’s Finest Fall Family Apple and Pumpkin Festival, through Oct. 31. With hayrides, haunted barn, cornstalk tunnel, and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins every weekend, fun is guaranteed for the whole family.

Insider Tip: Special activities are planned each weekend throughout the festival, so check the website for details.

Must Do: New this year: Education Acres, a ground-floor level of the farm’s historic barn featuring a fun educational display. Learn where your food comes from, get “the dirt on pigs,” and learn all about farm animals.

The Fine Print: Triple B Farm is located 15 miles south of Pittsburgh in Monongahela. Fall hours for activities: Wednesday-Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours for shopping: Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Country Market is open with baked goods, fall décor items like gourds, cornstalks, bales of straw and mums, apple cider, winter squash, and lots of apples and pumpkins for all your autumn baking needs.

Carnegie Science Center

Why Go? The CSC has live shows, tons of cool exhibits like roboworld, SpacePlace, SeaScape, Exploration Station and Exploration Station Jr., Highmark Sportsworks and more. The museum also boasts a planetarium and the Omnimax Theater, a four-story, state-of-the-art IMAX dome theater.

Insider Tip: To avoid crowds, visit in early fall after school is back in session. And if you’re looking for a fun date night for just mom and dad?  “Definitely check out our no-kids nights,” which are really affordable and are for adults 21 and up, said Candice Smith, CSC marketing and communication manager.

Must Do: On Skywatch Friday and Saturday nights, The Henry Buhl Jr., Observatory lets stargazers use the Science Center’s 16-inch telescope to see amazing celestial objects. Call to be sure the skies are clear enough for viewing. Skywatch is free with a ticket purchase for a laser show or Omnimax, otherwise Skywatch admission is $2.

The Fine Print: The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday. A general admission ticket, which includes Highmark SportsWorks, four floors of hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, planetarium shows and the USS Requin, is $17.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 3-12. For an extra $5 per ticket you can add an Omnimax film or laser show. Tickets for Omnimax shows, Laser Nights and featured planetarium shows can also be purchased a la carte. Parking is $5 per vehicle for non-members.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Why Go? Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! And babies! The zoo boasts a baby tiger cub, a baby gorilla and a baby rhino.

Insider Tip: “Fall is a great time to visit, because with the cooler temperatures, the animals are more active,” said Zoo public and media relations manager Tracy Gray. And they’re most active in the mornings, Gray said.

Must Do: Check out the aquarium, “filled with beautiful and mysterious fish from all over the world,” Gray said. Also, if you visit Oct. 19-20 or 26-27, enjoy ZooBoo, a fun trick-or-treat trip through the zoo. Enjoy sweet treats and fun activities, including the Docent Council’ Haunted House, Costume Contest and Halloween Parade, all free with general admission.

The Fine Print: The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission gates close at 4 p.m. Until Dec. 1, adult tickets are $14, and children ages 2-13 are $12. Seniors 60 and up are $13, and children under 2 are free. Parking is always free. AAA discounts are available, and discount tickets can be purchased at some Giant Eagle locations. Show your Shop ‘n Save card at the gate for $1 off admission. Active military members receive free general admission with ID.

Idlewild

Why Go? Idlewild was voted the best amusement park in the world by Amusement Today

Insider Tip: If you’re thinking about buying a season pass for next year, do it now and get free admission for the rest of 2013. The best time to get to the park is early. “Arrive at park opening and spend the day,” said Kathy Sichula of Idlewild. “Story Book Forest opens first, so start there. It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete this walkthrough area.”

Must Do: Idlewild hosts HallowBoo weekends, Oct. 19-20, and 26-27. “Don’t miss trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest, Hay Maze and the Halloween-themed Train Ride,” Sichula said.

The Fine Print: Ticket prices vary for special events. Check the website for specifics. During special events, please note that some rides, attractions, food and games may be closed. Parking is free, and you can bring your own picnic lunch into the park, but no glass or grilling is permitted at SoakZone. Buy tickets online and save $5 per person, or pick up discount coupons at Giant Eagle for a $5 discount at the gate. Children under 2 are free. “Late day” admission is offered for $13.99 plus tax. During HallowBoo, late admission starts at 3 p.m.