guides

A Parent's Guide to Indoor Play Places in Pittsburgh

40+ Indoor places to take kids of all ages in Pittsburgh

By Emily Papa, Macaroni KID Publisher November 9, 2022

Are you looking for fun stuff to do indoors in Pittsburgh and tired of wondering "what is there for me to do this weekend with kids?" Pittsburgh is a wonderful place to raise a family, filled with family friendly events daily and a wide variety of indoor play places where you can take kids of all ages. Macaroni KID Pittsburgh has put together this list of some of our favorite indoor play spaces in and around Pittsburgh West for you to enjoy year round.  

If you are looking to find your family fun strictly in the Robinson area of Pittsburgh, check out the events calendar. Want to get local family fun delivered to your inbox every Monday? Sign up to receive our FREE newsletter HERE.  


Where's your favorite indoor play space in Pittsburgh? Tell us about it HERE.  

Do you want a Macaroni Mama to come visit your indoor play place to share the scoop with other Pittsburgh parents? Send your request to emilyp@macaronikid.com




424 Play Factory, North Oakland

424 Play Factory is an indoor soft play facility located in North Oakland for children ages 0-8 years old. This kid friendly “ALL-IN-ONE” indoor play place is the perfect spot for your next toddler play date! 

 

ASCEND Pittsburgh, South Side

ASCEND Pittsburgh is the perfect place for all ages of beginners and advanced climbers. It includes indoor facilities and outdoor training sessions. Rock climbing, rope climbing, yoga and exercise facilities are offered. You do have to register to attend the facility to abide by COVID restrictions. Prices vary for admission and memberships. But if you click the link above you can register for your climbing experience right now. ascendclimbing.com




Carnegie Museum of Natural History

4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh

Located in Oakland, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is sure to be an all day affair. Your kiddos will be amazed at the dinosaur fossils that tower over them in one of the city's greatest historical museums. 

 



Winter break 2020 at the Carnegie Science Center


Carnegie Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is one of our city's most loved attractions. With 4 floors of exhibits, a submarine, cinema, and planetarium, the Carnegie Science Center appeals to kids of all ages (and adults too). Before planning your outing, check their website to see what rotating exhibits, seasonal shows, and weekly programming you canexpect during your visit. carnegiesciencecenter.org




Children's Museum of Pittsburgh 

10 Children's Way, Pittsburgh

Ask my kids where their favorite indoor play space is, and the answer is going to be the Children's Museum. With 5 levels of fun, plus the backyard play space, you can spend hours here. We like to start in the Studio where the kids can create their own art that they will take home. Starting our day in the Studio allows us to leave any projects on the racks to dry while we are exploring the rest of the museum. From there, they run straight to the limb bender, or what I lovingly call the ant hill wall (it reminds me of an old school science project watching the ants move around from behind a piece of plexiglass). We could easily come down here and spend all day just in the wall but at some point I call them out, so we can move through the Makeshop, Attic, Garage and rest of the 1st floor exhibits. On a good day, my daughter won't make me walk through the Gravity Room! Want to know more? Check out 6 Things You Must Know Before You Go to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.




Chuck E. Cheese, Bridgeville

Chuck E. Cheese has come a long way from the memories of my youth. Gone are the ball pits and cups of dirty coins. Play operates on an electronic card per play or by the hour. Tickets are still a thing and so are the smiles as your kid leaves with the small trinkets they pick out after turning in all their winnings.

Coop de Ville, The Strip District

Coop de Ville is a fun restaurant in the strip district that combines delicious culinary with family fun. Taking things a step past the video games, Coop de Ville has traditional board games, duck pin bowling and more. 

Dave and Busters, Homestead

When the kids outgrow the ball pits but still yearn for the fun of the arcade, Dave and Busters in the Waterfront can fill that need. Kids of all ages are welcome to come and play at Dave and Busters however, kids under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult 25 years or older.

Discovery Building

170 Scharberry Lane, Mars

This massive playground provided by Discovery Christian Church is two of our favorite things—free and indoors! This fun and safe area is best designed for kids 5th grade and younger to scream, have fun, meet other kids, and go down the big slide 3,000 times in a matter of 20 minutes. Encased in giant glass windows, adults can watch their kids in the lobby with coffee or sit inside with their kids. To access the playground, go through the main entrance of the building. The building is typically open Monday - Saturday, 9 AM - 4 PM, unless a private event is taking place.




Dragon's Den, Homestead

This historic church turned innovative community center is the magnificent home of 2 levels of ropes course challenges and a climbing wall. The strategically built courses offers targeted challenges for children ages 5-9 while offering more complex obstacles for ages 10 and older. Feeling super brave? Soar through the air on the140 foot zip line, the Dragon's Leap.


Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios, Allison Park

All children learn through hands-on discovery. Add the ingredients of fun, energetic adults and the love for home cooked food, and you have stirred up the essence of a Lil' Chef. From preschool to teens, Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios sizzles up amazing programs such as Birthday Parties, Weekly Classes, Camps, Adult Classes, Corporate Events, Kids Night Out Events and Etiquette Classes! flourpowerstudios.com




Fox in a Box, Bethel Park

Walk into this paint-splattered floor studio expecting an afternoon of fun. Fox in a Box is an Art Studio for Kids that is jam packed with creative juices to satisfy every young creator. Textiles range from paint to fabrics to repurposing. Not comfortable going out yet? Call the studio and ask for a make and take box where you will get a personalized craft experience with all necessary supplies included to create in the comfort of your own home.


Fun Fore All, Cranberry

Fun Fore All is the Pittsburgh areas most fun and exciting year round family fun park. They offer both indoor and outdoor attractions for family members of all ages to enjoy. funforeall.com


Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark, Ross Township

Indoor carpet skating! Fun for all ages! funslidespark.com


Goldfish Swin School, Peters Township, Wexford & Fox Chapel

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do as a family, try a fun Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School. Family Swim is a great way for children and their families to spend an afternoon or evening together in a shiver-free 90-degree pool. Even better, children can put into practice everything they’ve learned from their swim lessons. Check website for Family Swim hours as they vary at each location. goldfishswimschool.com

Gymsport, Bridgeville

Gymsport is the largest gymnastics, tumbling, and parkour facility in PA. Their 36,000 square foot complex offers a limited Open Gym for any athlete wanting a safe place to work on their skills or who just want to jump, tumble and have fun. Current open gym hours are Friday from 7-9 ages 6 and up. Mini Open Gym hours for ages 9 and under are Fridays 5pm-7pm. Preschool Playtime is held Tuesday's through Fridays 9:30am-10:30 and 10:45-11:45am and is $10 for one hour of play.  gymsport.com 

Heinz History Center

1212 Smallman Street

As Pittsburgh’s “people museum,” the History Center preserves and interprets the history of Western Pennsylvanians through six floors of interactive exhibitions that feature iconic artifacts like the TV set from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest jeep. From the two-story “Liberty Tubes” slide to the original sets and puppets from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the Heinz History Center is the perfect Pittsburgh place to explore with kids! Families love building tunnels and bridges together in the interactive Discovery Place area, scooping Isaly’s ice cream cones in Kidsburgh, and learning more about how Pittsburgh became the City of Champions in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum located on the second and third floors. Kid-friendly refreshements can be purchased in their cafe on the first floor. All exhibition floors are accessible via elevator for our stroller pushing parents (and they even have a few strollers they keep in the coat room if you forgot yours). Best of all: all kids aged 5 and under receive FREE admission year round! heinzhistorycenter.org




Iron City Ninja, Brentwood

Want to give your kids a spectacular day and tire them out? Take them to Iron City Ninja in Pittsburgh. This facility will have your kids swinging, jumping, falling (in a good way) and climbing all day. They reserve birthday parties and can host up to a group of 12. You can schedule training if your kid(s) want to be real ninja's, or you can come and swing around during their open gym times.

Kidzville, Mt. Nebo

At Kidzville, children can experience a one-of-a-kind kid village. Complete with 8 customized and furnished playhouses, they can explore and learn through imaginary play. While children are busy making friends, caretakers can enjoy our specialty coffee bar and take advantage of free Wi-Fi. kidzvillepa.com

Kolor-N-Kiln Pottery Studio, Robinson

This potterty and painting studio is located in the Mall in Robinson and accepts walk-ins up to 6:30pm Monday - Saturday and up to 5:30 on Sundays. Kolor-N-Kiln offers ceramic, glass, wood, and canvas projects. Prices range depending on the project and include the use of paint, design materials and firing done on-site by KNK staff. Ceramic pieces need to remain at KNK for 7 days to cure before you can take them home.

Laser Storm Pittsburgh, Ross Township

Play laser tag daily from noon to 9pm. $8 per game - approximately 20-minute sessions. 

Lil Bunny Play and Party Place, Robinson & Monroeville

Lil Bunny is a unique, brightly-colored family-owned ebtertainment center for parents and kids 0-10. Little babies will love the smaller playground where they can crawl on and over soft toys. Bigger kids will enjoy the big playground, tunnels, trampoline and a huge ball pit. Parents can join the kids or just relax and take much needed break on the couches, enjoying free wi-fi. Located on the upper level of Monreoville Mall and lower level at the Mall at Robinson. lilbunnyplay.com

Lilliput Town Center, McMurray

Kids love to play in the child sized store front. Watch them use their imagination to buy groceries in the grocery store, make a pet better at the vet’s office, ride a trolley, create a masterpiece in the art studio, get a new “do” at the beauty salon, put out a fire as a fire fighter and create culinary masterpieces in the bistro.

The Landing

330 Hookstown Grade Road, Moon Township

The Landing is home to Pittsburgh's largest FREE indoor playground where kids of all ages can enjoy themselves. Families can register online for two hours of FREE play where they can shoot some hoops in the gymnasium, bring stand-up scooters to ride on the track, play a game of soccer or just run wild while babies and toddlers enjoy the Foamnasium soft play area. Parents can socialize with a cup of coffee at one of the tables surrounding the turf or walk the track. Both the gym (basketball court) and turf field are open most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM. Parents can register for Free Play in advance and don't forget to pack a lunch because you can bring in your own food if you'd like!

 The Little Gym of Pittsburgh, McMurray

Another great place for young kids to let their minds adventures wander into reality. The Little Gym offers sports classes, gymnastics, dance lessons and more. Your kids can be in a safe and friendly environments while having fun and jumping and climbing their hearts out, with purpose. thelittlegym.com/PittsburghSouthHillsPA/

Mattress Factory, Pittsburgh

Bring your family out to enjoy both installation and interactive art as you move through the Mattress Factory Campus that is nestled in the Mexican War Streets' neighborhood of Pittsburgh's Northside.  mattress.org/





National Aviary, Pittsburgh

Transcend to a tropical paradise as you enter the National Aviary and the magical world of birds. Watch in delight as your children are fascinated by the birds walking next to them and flying overhead. They will love getting up close and personal with some of their favorite animals that they have only seen in story books. Children under 2 are free so pack up the stroller and bring the whole family. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance online. Read 6 things to know before you go to the National Aviary here. www.aviary.org


Playground World, Wexford

Bring the kids in to play to their heart's content during "Pay to Play at Playground World". In a frigid winter snowstorm or during the dog days of the summer heat, it's always good weather at Playground World. ($8 per child during certain time frames)




Printscape Arena, Southpointe

More than just ice, Printscape Arena hosts Learn to Play Workshops for Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, Soccer and more! printscapearena.com/ 

Romp n' Roll Pittsburgh East, Monroeville

Romp n’ Roll is a kid’s gym with a wide variety of educational gym, art, and music classes for children 3 months through five years of age! rompnroll.com

The Seesaw Center, Castle Shannon

Open September through May

The Seesaw Center is a large room offering creative indoor play opportunities in a variety of developmental themes for children of all abilities, from infancy through kindergarten age. www.theseesawcenter.org




Sky Zone, Canonsburg

Looking for a place for your little one to burn off energy? We have made Sky Zone a frequently visited place for the sake of our own sanity! In addition to their open jump times listed above, they offer Toddler Time on Friday and Sunday from 11am-12pm for $10 plus socks. Face masks will be required by all guests while in the building, including while jumping. Entrance will be denied to anyone who wishes to not wear a mask. The only exception is children under the age of 2 are not required to wear a mask. You can purchase your timed ticket online or at the park. We suggest filling out your waivers prior to going to save some time while checking in. www.skyzone.com

 




Slime Time, Bethel Park

Do you have a slime enthusiast at home?  A budding mad scientist? A kid who loves all things squish?! Slime Time is for you! Kids arrive at Slime Time and don their very own lab coats and slime making goggles.  They'll then get to create their very own custom slime choosing from a variety of scents and toppings (charms, beads & glitter).  "Scientists" have the opportunity to experiment in the Slime Tank, Water Bead Tank, and take a turn at the Mad Scientist Selfie Station.  What a great way to spend an afternoon! Check out our experience at Slime Time HERE slimetimepittsburgh.com 


Snapology, Bridgeville

Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM activities and offers year round learning through play in their hands-on Discovery Center. In addition to their public sessions, they also offer private birthday parties and virtual programming. My kids love the variety of activities, all STEAM based. There's Legos, big building blocks, digital and traditional art, games, clubs and so much more! I love that I can go there to play with my kids OR sign them in for an hour while I run around the South Hills to complete some errands! Macaroni Kid Subscribers can use THIS CODE for 10% off! You can read more about their COVID-19 safety measures here


Skate Castle, Butler

Family owned and operated since 1985, Skate Castle Inc of Butler, PA is a family friendly indoor rink.  Skate Castle Inc. has a state of the art maple skating floor with center beginners section, is open September through June, and closed July & August due to no air conditioning. skatecastleinc.com

Splat: A Make & Take Art Studio, Bethel Park

April will work with all ages, needs, and abilities on an individual basis, based on skill-level and interests. To maintain social distancing and low occupancy numbers during COVID, hours are by appointment only Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Customized Splat! - to - go kits are also offered for anyone wishing to "take & make" their projects at home. facebook.com/SplatMakeandTakeArtStudio

That Pottery Place, Bethel Park

That Pottery Place located in Bethel Park is a family owned small business helping people find their inner artist. You can order pottery for curbside pickup or reserve a table (reservations are at 50% and times are staggered). thatpotteryplacepittsburgh.com/

Throw: Indoor Axe Throwing, West Mifflin

Walk-ins are accepted based on availability Wednesday - Thursday 1-8pm, Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 11:45am-9pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Children under 16 are required to have an adult present. Book your experience in advance HERE


Top Golf, Bridgeville

Whether it's the hottest day in the summer or coldest in the winter, Top Golf provides families with 3 floors of climate controlled hitting bays (as well as clubs) to enjoy driving golf balls year round. Go on a Tuesday and enjoy half-off bay prices all day long, no coupon required. topgolf.com


True Gymnastics, Castle Shannon

True Gymnastics offers a variety of ways for your kids to fly high and get all their energy out. They offer preschool programs, recreational programs, ninja classes, focused training and more. At True Gymnastics, it's the small progressions of success that matter. truegymnastics.com

Urban Air, Robinson

With attractions ranging from Basic Trampolines, Virtual Reality, Ropes Course, Sky Rider, Battle Beam, Warrior Course, Climbing Walls and more, Urban Air is an experience the entire family will love! You can read about how much our family loves it here. Bring your little adventurer Friday's for only $9.99 from 10am-noon for Jumperoo time!  urbanairtrampolinepark.com




USC Community & Recreation Center, Upper St. Clair

Whether you are a member or purchase a visitors pass, the Rec Center has a variety of indoor activities the whole family will love. I think the main attraction here is definitely the indoor aquatics facility that is open year round. 




Zone 28, Harmar

The HUSBAND calls this place a 10/10 for kids venues, and that says a lot! With plenty of fun for our 5 and 9 year old, it's safe to say this entertainment center appeals to kids of all ages and families alike. With dining, entertainment, laser tag, 33 lane bowling alley, arcade games and more, you'll really need to plan your time wisely when you visit Zone 28!

Do you have a favorite indoor play space or indoor things to do with kids in Pittsburgh that didn't make our list? Let us know the deets and we'll look into it! 

Don't forget to check our daily event calendar for local events for kids happening in Pittsburgh West and sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to stay in the know about things to do with kids near you!

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