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August is Family Fun Month! 10 Ways Western PA is Perfect for Family Fun

August is Family Fun Month! 10 Ways Western PA is Perfect for Family Fun

Across the nation, August is known as Family Fun Month. In Western Pennsylvania, we are proud to offer a seemingly endless list of fun activities for families. From theme parks, museums and sporting events to zoos, inclined planes and other outdoor activities, the Pittsburgh area is bustling with fun for the whole family.

Here are 10 of our favorite things to do for family fun in Western Pennsylvania:

1. Walk on the Wild Side: Animal attractions at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Living Treasures Animal Parks and the National Aviary are sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether your outdoor excursion takes you to downtown Pittsburgh or one of the surrounding regions, these wild animal encounters will have the family roaring with excitement!

2. Explore the Wonders of the Laurel Highlands: Southwestern PA’s Laurel Highlands are truly a treasure, rich with history, beauty and adventure… or, all of the makings for family fun! Where else can you see Pennsylvania’s largest cave, observe an architectural masterpiece built on top of a waterfall and get a historical lesson on the French and Indian War? Plan a day of family fun by visiting the Laurel Caverns, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Fort Ligonier.

3. Experience Thrilling Rides and Chilling Slides: Western Pennsylvania is home to several amusement parks that offer something for everyone in the family. Idlewild Park is known as one of the world’s best parks for kids. Kennywood Park and Sandcastle Water Park have been thrilling Pittsburgh families for years! You’ll need more than a day to explore all the excitement within these three Western PA theme parks!

4. Resort to Adventure and Relaxation: Skiing, golfing and biking are just three outdoor activities to take part in at one of Western Pennsylvania’s premier resorts. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Hidden Valley Resort offer indoor family fun, too. Enjoy a day on the slopes or a day at the spa, complete with casual or fine dining for the whole family.

5. Find Far More than History at the Museum: When it comes to museums, Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania are rich with history, science and art. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Mattress Factory Art Museum, Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum, Fort Pitt Museum and Carnegie Science Center are just a few of the many museums that families love to frequent in the area. Your family could be entertained for weeks exploring all of the region’s museums.

6. Indulge in the Performing Arts: If your family’s artistic tastes are a little finer, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra are the perfect treat. For world-class entertainment, attend an orchestra, symphony or ballet performance. You can even take a class with The Ballet Company. Family fun doesn’t get any finer!

7. Take a Ride on the Inclines: Pittsburgh’s Monogahela and Duquesne Inclines offer the perfect combination between historical knowledge and current tastes. The oldest U.S. incline, the Monogahela Incline connects bustling Station Square with Mount Washington, where onlookers get a glimpse of the entire city of Pittsburgh. Similarly, the Duquesne Incline takes visitors on a ride through history that leads to the top of Mount Washington, where they can enjoy many restaurants and an unbeatable view of the Pittsburgh skyline.

8. Cruise Down Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers: The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers fun that allows families to dine, dance and soak in the sights. What better way for the family to enjoy Pittsburgh’s three rivers than by taking a boat ride through the city? The Gateway Clipper also offers a shuttle service to some other great Pittsburgh events.

9. Quack Your Way Through the City: If you’re not too keen on seeing Pittsburgh from only a boat, hitch a ride with our feathered friends on a Just Ducky Tour. These historic DUKW vehicles travel through the city on land and in the water. With an enthusiastic and often witty tour guide, Ducky tours make for great family fun! 

10. Show Off Your Black and Gold: Finally, last on our list, but usually first in our minds, what better Pittsburgh family outing than making a day of supporting our hometown professional sports teams? No matter which season is in session, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Riverhounds are sure to impress fans young and old!

All of these fun family activities and we haven’t even mentioned the food! It’s no wonder why Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania continue to rank as top areas to live, work and play. During Family Fun Month, get your family together and experience just some of the things that make this area so great!