Families can look to the stars (and have down-to-earth fun) at the Allegheny Observatory 

Riverview Park brings Pittsburgh families together for many kinds of fun. In the warm weather, the park is filled with noise and movement from musicians and movies, gears and wheels, and playing and splashing. Every member of the family can find a way to enjoy their day here.

But along with all the outdoor fun available at Riverview Park, there’s a special place that families can enjoy year-round. You won’t want to miss the Allegheny Observatory.

Tour the Allegheny Observatory

The Allegheny Observatory’s free tours offer opportunities to learn the observatory’s history and see its telescopes. In the opening lecture, a tour guide explains the history of the observatory’s directors, whose achievements had influence in many spheres.

After a brief observation of the John Brashear statue, the stained glass window depicting Urania, and other historical artifacts, the first stop is the largest dome, which houses the Thaw Memorial Refractor. Families can discover how the dome and telescope operate. 

In the next dome, you’ll learn a history lesson about the infamous “lens-napping,” and observe a celestial body through the Fitz-Clark Refractor — if the sky is clear. The last stop is the crypt, where the ashes of two former directors and their family members are held. 

Children’s Tours are a recent addition to the events offered by the Allegheny Observatory. On these tours, children can learn science and history through interactive activities. When tours end, visiting families go outside to water the “moon tree” – a sweetgum tree growing from seeds that orbited the moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission in 2022. 

Autumn is the best season to visit the Allegheny Observatory because Jupiter and Saturn are visible through the Fitz-Clark Refractor, says Kerry Handron, the Allegheny Observatory Outreach Coordinator, who also leads children’s tours. (Note: Reservations are required for most events at the Allegheny Observatory.) 

Activity-wise, park rangers take small groups on hikes around the park that end at the telescope. (Helpful advice from the Observatory staff: When it’s cold outside, it’s cold in the domes. So dress appropriately.)

Along with children’s tours, many of the Allegheny Observatory’s events cater to children, such as Haunted Space Mansion, which takes place yearly on the Sunday before Halloween. Kids can debut their costumes a few days early for this spooky night of learning and fun! It’s a popular event: Attendees in past years have numbered in the hundreds, and hours will be extended this year. Registration is required via Eventbrite. 

The SpaceBurgh celebration takes place annually (this year on Oct. 5)  with activities outside for everyone and inside the observatory for those with timed reservations. This event is connected with  Riverview Park Day, a celebration of the park with fun, free activities for children and guided hikes. In past years, there have been free hot dogs, live music, and a pop-up beer garden.

The Allegheny Observatory offers tours from April to the end of October at 8 p.m. on most Fridays, as well as some Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are available here. Keep in mind that tours fill up weeks in advance. Reservations are also required for most events at the Allegheny Observatory.