We did spring break in Pittsburgh and the weather was actually fine - so nice in fact we decided to attend a day baseball game just to enjoy being outside. (my kids were in 8th and 5th grades at the time). I agree with all the recommendations for things to do. Also recommend the Drury Plaza hotel. Cool old building, indoor pool, walkable to a lot of things.

Pittsburgher here. If your family is into football, baseball, or hockey I'd definitely recommend planning a Pittsburgh trip around seeing your team play in Pittsburgh. Or any game I guess if you're all just into the sport generally. All the stadiums/arenas are in interesting parts of the city and it's a fun activity to do with kids that age. Pittsburgh is many things but it is definitely a very strong sports city and experiencing that first hand is really fun.

As others have suggested, definitely do the Incline for the spectacular views. Heinz History, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Phipps Conservatory, Andy Warhol, Mattress Factory. If you're in or near Oakland, seeing the Cathedral of Learning on Pitt's campus is cool. You'll absolutely need a car if at all possible.

Anonymous wrote:Is Pittsburgh a good trip for a few days over spring break? Would the weather be fairly pleasant for sightseeing?

Hahahahhaha no it’ll probably snow. Pittsburgh is not known for their weather. It’s rarely pleasant in any season.

Anonymous wrote:Also is a car rental necessary for a Pittsburgh trip?

Yes

I am from Pittsburgh! I would do the science center, the Heinz History Center, the Aviary is cool and unique, and walking around the Strip District. Church Brewworks is a good and cool restaurant, a Primanti's sandwich is a must, the Warhol museum. You will definitely want a car - public transport kind of sucks.

My family loves the baseball stadium. It is their favorite.

Anonymous wrote:Check out 36 Hours in Pittsburgh from The NY Times. We went the weekend before the pandemic shutdown in March 2020 and it’s one of my fondest memories. My son was turning 9 and wanted to go to the Caps/Pens game for his birthday, so we made a weekend getaway instead of a birthday party. My brother and nephew met us from Chicago. We did the incline, the sports museum, the Heinz museum (Mr. Rogers exhibit!), the Warhol museum, the Strip District (we ate at a great diner for brunch), Penn Mac Co, etc. Pie for Breakfast (I think it’s now closed, though.). Really, a great weekend!

Agree with all of this and would add Mattress Factory and Randyland. Science Center was also fun. Pittsburgh is great--the food alone is worth the trip.

There's currently a Titanic exhibit at Carnegie which is pretty interesting. I second the recommendation to ride the incline and eat at the top; that's definitely worth it. The incline is cash only. They have an ATM onsite but easier to make sure you have cash on hand.

Check out 36 Hours in Pittsburgh from The NY Times. We went the weekend before the pandemic shutdown in March 2020 and it’s one of my fondest memories. My son was turning 9 and wanted to go to the Caps/Pens game for his birthday, so we made a weekend getaway instead of a birthday party. My brother and nephew met us from Chicago. We did the incline, the sports museum, the Heinz museum (Mr. Rogers exhibit!), the Warhol museum, the Strip District (we ate at a great diner for brunch), Penn Mac Co, etc. Pie for Breakfast (I think it’s now closed, though.). Really, a great weekend!

You can drive to Pittsburgh in 4 hours and then you have your car with you.

We've done it--after we exhausted Philly as a weekend getaway. It was nice but I really appreciated the shorter drive. Yes, to a car and yes to spring break. It's cold up there.

Also is a car rental necessary for a Pittsburgh trip?

Is Pittsburgh a good trip for a few days over spring break? Would the weather be fairly pleasant for sightseeing?

Pittsburgher here.

The museums are great, especially the science center and sports thing next door. Ride the incline!

Any Pittsburgh experts here? Planning to go with my family of five - kids are 14, 12, 10. Would love recommendations for place to stay, things to do, restaurants. I've searched older threads but would appreciate any recent / post Covid info. Thanks!