How to Plan a Family Vacation to Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania is a state packed with culture, nature, and history. Families who visit will have plenty of options to choose from, no matter the season. Of Pennsylvania's many cities and towns, Pittsburgh stands out. It has a unique personality that makes it unlike other cities in America or even nearby places like Philadelphia. Here are three tips to make the most of your family vacation to Pittsburgh this year so you can fully embrace everything this city has to offer.

Cheer On Local Teams All Year Round

Image via Flickr by brdonovan

Pittsburgh has some of the most dedicated sports fans, and you can feel their energy pulsing through the city whenever a game starts. During the fall, check out the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team with fans waving their towels. You can also see the Penguins take the ice as the 2016 and 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Champions. During the summer, fans head outside to PNC Park to cheer on the Pirates.

Even if you don't like professional sports, visitors can cheer on college athletes in Pittsburgh. Both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University have competitive teams that play year-round, so there's always something going on in the city.

Look for Accommodation Near Point State Park

Point State Park is an easy landmark to use when you're looking to book a hotel in Pittsburgh. It touches the Ohio River, the Allegheny River, and the Monongahela River, and it's only a few blocks from downtown Pittsburgh. You can easily cross nearby bridges to visit the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the National Aviary, or you can stop by Duquesne for a tour of campus. PNC Park and Heinz Field are also near Point State Park, so sports fans can easily find their hotels after the game gets out.

Take in a View of the City on the Duquesne Incline

If your kids can't get enough of trains, boats, and trams, then the Duquesne Incline is definitely a must when you visit Pittsburgh. Parents can admire the original craftsmanship that's more than a century old while the kids enjoy a panoramic view of Pittsburgh and the three rivers that connect it. This tram is open year round, and families can stop in the gift shop and exhibits at the top. There are also hiking trails around the Duquesne Incline if you want to spend an afternoon in the area with a picnic lunch.

History buffs can also explore the Fort Pitt Block House in Point State Park. It celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2014, which drew more than 54,000 visitors. It's a must-see location for local schoolchildren, which means your family is sure to enjoy the educational opportunity that it offers.

When you plan your trip to Pittsburgh, make sure you leave free time in your schedule, because you're sure to find more things to see and do than you originally intended. Your family is sure to have a fun time and beg you to return again next year.