Kidsburgh

Travel writer dishes on ‘the city known as Kidsburgh’

Western New York Family Magazine recently traveled to Pittsburgh to report on the Steel City’s status as a cultural oasis — and found it to be a most family-friendly place.

In her article, “Family Travel: The City Known as Kidsburgh,” travel writer Deborah Williams takes the three-hour drive from Buffalo, N.Y., and marvels at Pittsburgh’s 446 bridges and the legacy of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. But her chronicles of cultural institutions such as the inclines, the National Aviary and the Mr. Rogers memorial are a great bucket list for local parents pondering a Pittsburgh staycation.

Williams recommends Just Ducky tours as the perfect introduction to Pittsburgh, as young cruisers are invited to drive the duck before checking out attractions like the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

“Fred Rogers, creator and star of the PBS show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was a beloved Pittsburgh icon and an advisor and friend to the museum during his lifetime,” Williams writes. “On display are the original puppets from the show, his blue canvas sneakers, and one of his sweaters.”

Williams reminds locals that Kennywood Park is open weekend nights through October for Phantom Fright Nights, with haunted attractions, demented clowns, hungry vampires and ghastly ghouls — more appropriate for tweens and teens to get their scare on this season.

The four floors of interactive experiences at the Carnegie Science Center also get a shoutout; Williams connects Pittsburgh’s reputation as a sports town with the athletic-inspired exhibits at Highmark SportsWorks next door.

Williams then heads east for some close-range wildlife adventures.

“Everyone’s favorite is the PPG Zoo & Aquarium located on 77 acres in the city’s Highland Park neighborhood,” Williams writes. “It boasts a nice children’s zoo where kids can get up close with animals and even feed them.”

Finally, Williams encourages visitors to take a journey up the historic Duquesne Incline for a world-class view — a memory that will likely linger long after their trip has ended.