Things to Do

From amusement parks to water slides to children's museums, Pittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands offer all kinds of family fun all year round. And Monroeville is right in the middle of it.

During spring, summer, and early fall check out Kennywood Park or its neighbor Sandcastle Waterpark for a full day of fun in the sun. Founded in 1898 as a small trolley park near Pittsburgh today's Kennywood still contains two major buildings dating from 1898 -- a carousel pavilion and a restaurant (originally the Casino).

In 1968 Kennywood employed resident coaster whiz, Andy Vettel, to redesign an existing ride. Added to the existing coasters, the creation of the new Thunderbolt led to the designation "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World." The park was designated a national historic landmark in 1987.

The most frequently heard expression of first-time visitors to Sandcastle is: "Wow! I don't believe I'm still in the city." Usually, they've just arrived on the boardwalk and are looking toward the Monongahela River. The scene is one of unusual beauty and tranquillity - a resort setting along a calm waterway, with a green wooded hillside providing the backdrop. Enjoy fourteen twisting, turning, plunging, and churning waterslides. There are pools for adults (including the world's biggest hot tub) and kids. Surrounding it all is the Lazy River, a gently flowing stream where you can float on a tube for hours.

Across the Allegheny River on Pittsburgh's North Shore is the Carnegie Science Center which offers a state-of-the-art Omnimax Theater, four floors of interactive exhibits and experiences, a year-round miniature train exhibit, and an authentic World War II submarine, the USS Requin.

Stay on the North Shore and enjoy the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh housed within the Old Post Office building since 1983 and recognized as a regional asset for its adaptive use of historic property. Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative museum experiences that inspire joy, creativity and curiosity and the highest quality exhibits and programs for learning and play.

Get nose to beak with a flamingo. Talk to a parrot and stroll through a 200,000 cubic-foot indoor rainforest! Home to more than 600 exotic and endangered birds in natural habitats, the National Aviary is the perfect destination for all ages. Explore Penguin Point, a 2,300-square-foot exhibit offering 360-degree views of African Penguins as they swim and dive. Stay tuned for the completion of the new Flight Zone^TM Theater in 2010!

Open year round, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is home to thousands of amazing animals representing more than four hundred species, including 22 threatened or endangered species. The Zoo strives to foster positive, lifelong connections between animals and people. Whether through exhibits, educational programs, or conservation projects, the goal is to make certain the Earth remains a suitable home for all life by our discovery of the interconnectedness of the natural world.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet is a symbol of Pittsburgh's river renaissance and has grown from one boat to a five boat fleet - all of which are authentic reproductions of quaint old riverboats. Sailing from the Southern Bank of the Monongahela River at Historic Station Square, the Gateway Clipper Fleet sails all year and offers a wide variety of dining, sightseeing, and entertainment cruises.

Head to the Laurel Highlands where Idlewild & SoakZone is your place for family fun! Located just outside of Ligonier, PA, Idlewild features seven exciting theme areas and was named by Amusement Today as the #2 Best Kids Park in the World. The SoakZone, included in the price of admission, offers fourteen waterslides, a large sparkling pool, and tons of interactive spray features guaranteed to soak anyone to the max.

For a day of adventure, visit the Laurel Caverns. You can go cave exploring in the undeveloped portions of the cave or rappel from a 45 foot in the developed cave. Laurel Caverns is Pennsylvania's largest cave with over three miles of natural passages. During May through October the Caverns is open seven days a week, including holidays and Sundays.

Bring your camera to capture the memories; leave your binoculars at home, you won't need them to experience our white tigers, lions, bears, monkeys and more at the Living Treasures Animal Park. The large petting area with many gentle baby animals is the thrill of the day for our young guests, while the exotic animals fascinate old and young alike. There are also pony rides, a gift shop, free parking, and both outdoor and indoor picnic areas.

VisitPittsburgh and the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau are your links to family fun in the region.