A Friend of the Family
So where can you go with the kids? Explore the outdoors, culture and much more with this Parents' Guide to Pittsburgh.

You hear it from newcomers, returnees and long-time residents alike: One of the best reasons for living in Pittsburgh is that it's such a family-friendly region. The low cost of living, the lush greenery, the safety of its streets are just a few of the perks that attract and keep families.

And talk about your family values -- within this 15-county area you can find fun and affordable adventures with your kids (or grandkids, nieces and nephews for you extended-family types).

We've assembled a team of our contributors -- all moms with a penchant for planning kids' activities -- and had them spotlight some noteworthy family-focused attractions. It's a wide mix, including exploring nature, playing indoors, discovering history and culture, visiting animals and taking a weekend vacation at kid-friendly inns and B & B's. Since it was so tough to pick just one for each category, we've added information on many other favorite spots.

Where can you have a staring contest with a snowy owl or have a baby penguin waddle right up to you? Why, at our very own National Aviary, home to more than 600 exotic and endangered birds -- the only place of its kind in the country. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Aviary is spreading its wings with some new features, including a daily bird show combining education and entertainment. From a pair of wacky ducks to a turkey vulture to bald eagles, the trained birds get to strut their stuff. And there's Stanley, the charming resident baby penguin who comes out each day to interact with visitors.

Other favorites at the Aviary include the free-flight rooms: The huge Wetlands area offers Inca terns zooming overhead, blue-crested pigeons walking around, and spoonbills nesting above; and the peaceful Tropical Forest lets you commune with mynah birds and crowned pigeons.

The Aviary packs a lot of bang for your buck. There is so much to see, yet it doesn't require walking great distances with the kids, so you can either cover it all in an hour or linger longer. Since it's indoors and open every day of the year (except Christmas), it's a pleasant way to liven up a cold or rainy day. Adding to the experience, staff members are consistently enthusiastic about sharing bird info with visitors. Allegheny Commons West, North Side, 412/323-7235, website. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $5; seniors, $3.50; kids 2-12, $3.50; members, free.

Linesville Fish Culture Station, 814/683-4451, and Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center and Spillway, Linesville, 814/683-5545. The Culture Station includes a hatchery, where you can see lots of fish in their different stages of life, and a 10,000-gallon tank filled with fish native to Pennsylvania. 13300 Hartstown Road, Crawford County. Free.

The nearby Wildlife Learning Center includes wildlife specimens and displays. Down the road, the spillway is the famous spot where the carp are so plentiful that the ducks walk on their backs. Take bread and watch the feeding frenzy. 12590 Hartstown Road, Crawford County. Free.

Living Treasures Animal Park: Kids can feed and pet animals, ride a pony and see many uncommon creatures up close, including tigers, zebras, camels and bears. The amount of interaction and the manageable size make this a kid-pleaser. The less-than-natural conditions, however, leave you feeling sorry for the animals. Route 422, Moraine, Lawrence County, 724/924-9571. Route 711, Donegal, Westmoreland County, 724/ 593-8300, website. Adults, $6.50; seniors, $6; kids 3-11, $4.50.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium: The must-see favorite of families, the zoo is like several attractions in one. You could spend days between Kids Kingdom, the Aquarium, the baby animals (elephant, gorilla) and the constant flow of interactive exhibits, such as the one about bats in the Discovery Pavilion. In fact, the play areas and rides alone are enough to keep the kids happy. Visit during the cooler fall weather when the animals are more active. 1 Wild Place, Highland Park, 412/665-3640, website. Adults, $8; kids 2-13, $5; under 2 and members, free; seniors, $7. Parking, $3.

Reilly's Summer Seat Farm: Seasonal activities bring crowds to Reilly's for apples, pumpkins and bonfires, but the baby animals are the draw come springtime, when visitors can hold ducklings, chicks and bunnies. 1120 Roosevelt Road, Ohio Township, 412/364-8270. Free.

Round Hill Park Exhibit Farm: The well-managed, working farm run by the county as an educational facility, Round Hill Farm gives children a chance to see farm animals, buildings and tools in a lovely setting, all for free. Feed ducks and geese by the pond, see cows and horses in the fields, or hike through the grounds. Try to catch milking time at 7:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. Off Route 48, 651 Round Hill Road, Elizabeth Township, 412/384-4701, website. Free.

Soergel Orchards: Known for a wonderful variety of produce -- especially apples -- baked goods and plants, Soergel's is also home to Tubby, an aptly named, 900-pound pig, and several other farm animals on view. 2573 Brandt School Road, Franklin Park, 724/935-1743, website. Free.

-- Cindy Hsu Han

Experience the ultimate when Olympic runner Jackie Joyner Kersey virtually appears to give your child running tips before they race each other in the 40-yard dash. Carnegie Science Center's UPMC SportsWorks is a serious science and sport exhibit, but also a high-tech play area in which kids can play virtual soccer, hockey or basketball (the science and medicine tip behind each sport is explained). In other play areas, kids can kick off their shoes and learn how to bungee jump or lunge on the balance beam.

For children 3-7, the Center has the hands-on "SportsWorks Junior" for little ones to play virtual baseball and to tumble along the padded playground. 1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore, 412/237-3400, website. Monday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m. After Sept. 3: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Adults, $14; kids 3-18 and seniors, $10. Members: adults, $7; kids 3-18 and seniors, $10.

Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum: All Aboard for Kids is a hands-on interactive play area with costumes, building blocks and train sets, plus videos and books about trains. 1300 Ninth Ave., Altoona, 814/946-0834, website. Adults, $8.50; seniors, $7.75; kids 5-15, $5.

Center for Creative Play: Spacious indoor play space for children of all abilities includes a three-story playhouse, toy-lending library, music and art rooms, technology lab, theater and a handicapped-accessible bowling alley. Reopening Aug. 24. 1400 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square, 412/371-1668, website. $4 fee to play; $30 annual membership for borrowing toys.

The Climbing Wall Inc.: Indoor rock climbing and bouldering, and the Kids Klimb program (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 5-7 p.m.). The Factory, 7501 Penn Ave., Point Breeze, 412/247-7334, website. First visit, $12; return visits, $10.

Dave & Busters: Play cutting-edge games like a simulated "Daytona USA" or the "Kevin Garnett Championship Super Shot," or more traditional favorites like "Skee-Ball." You or another guardian must be with your kids to be admitted, and everyone under 21 has to leave by 11 p.m. The Waterfront, Homestead, 412/462-1500, website. $3 cover charge Friday and Saturday after 10 p.m. Pay for games via an electronic "power card."

Dino Kingdom: The family entertainment center includes a soft play jungle-gym, maze, games, prizes and cafe. Parkway Center Mall, Green Tree. 412/922-3466, website. Free.

Fun Fore All: Free indoor soft play area for children 11 and under, plus go-karts, bumper boats and miniature golf. 8 Progress Ave., Cranberry Township, 724/779-2270, website. 12 and over, $5; 11 and under $4; seniors, $3; 4 and under, free.

Island Sports Center: Spend the day at the island with unlimited access to indoor ice-skating rink in summer and an indoor driving range, plus batting cages, miniature golf and more. 7600 Grand Ave., Neville Island, 412/262-3335, website. Adults, $6; kids 12 and under, $5; seniors over 62, $5.

Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library: Members may play in this volunteer-run facility or borrow toys for home use by babies through kindergarten. 5401 Centre Ave., Shadyside, 412/682-4430, website. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; first Sunday of the month, noon-4 p.m. $35 per family for those who volunteer four hours per month; $70 for nonvolunteers. Nonmembers: $4 per child, per visit; kids under 1, free. Free parking.

Safari Sam's: Soft indoor playground area includes slides, tubes and balls. Also a play area for toddlers. 8001 Rowan Road, Cranberry, 724/779-1991, website. Adults and children under 2, free; kids ages 2-4, $4.99; kids 5 and up, $5.99.

-- Theresa Randall

Make waves as you Build-A-Boat at The Pittsburgh Children's Museum. Be the captain of your ship by using the materials provided by the museum, then test your vessel on the facility's water table. After you set sail, experience three floors of interactive exhibits, a multimedia studio, Planetary Landscapes and the two-story Kids' Climber. 10 Children's Way, Allegheny Center, North Side, 412/322-5058, website. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Adults, $5; kids, $4.50.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Discovery Room: Kids can touch real artifacts and specimens relating to the "grown-up" exhibits in the main museum. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland, 412/622-1950, website. Free with admission: adults, $8; seniors, kids, full-time students, $5.

Carnegie Science Center's Exploration Station Jr.: Designed with kids ages 3-6 in mind to offer young scientists a chance to slash, climb, build and play as they explore the wonders of science. 1 Allegheny Ave., North Shore, 412/237-3400, website. Adults, $10; kids age 3-18, $8.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: "Dino Quest" unleashes full-sized dinosaurs throughout the Conservancy's tropical surroundings through Aug. 18. Other interactive exhibits allow kids to crawl through and touch various parts of a real garden. 1 Schenley Park Drive, Oakland, 412/622-6914, website. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; students, $4; kids 2-12, $3; under 2 and members, free.

The Pittsburgh Zoo's Kids Kingdom: Interact with deer, kangaroos and goats, explore what it's like to be a meerkat, and share other animal experiences in one of the best children's zoos in North America. 1 Wild Place, Highland Park, 412/665-3640, website. Adults, $8; seniors, $7; kids 2-13, $5; under 2 and members, free. Parking, $3.

Sen. John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center: Learn all about how this region began and grew, including a special exhibit, "Kids of Western Pennsylvania," and interactive historical activities for children. A traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian, "Earth 2U, Exploring Geography" (through Nov. 3), combines the experience of people, places and the environment. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District, 412/454-6000, website. Adults, $6; students and seniors, $4.50; kids 3-18, $3.

-- Theresa Randall

The most important thing I learned when the kids and I went biking on the Ghost Town Trail, in Indiana and Cambria counties, is: Remember, you still have to turn around to go back.

For us city folks who don't go biking very often, pacing is super important. We started out with lots of energy; after 30 minutes, even with water and snack stops, my son Peter, 12, had fallen and got some nasty scratches and his friend, Sam, wasn't steering very straight. (My daughter, Sophie, 13, was in fine form -- probably a result of all those dance classes.) The lightbulb went off -- time to turn back.

What a great trip, though. Starting at Dilltown, Indiana County, we bought bottled water at Dillweed B & B and Trailside Shop (814/446-6465), rented spiffy bikes and chose helmets from Just Pedalin' Rentals (814/446-6620), crossed the road and hopped onto the trail. The kids sped ahead of me, but I decided that was good so I could keep an eye on everyone.

Was there anything ghostly about this trail? Not that we saw. Named for the five "ghost towns" whose remains are all but gone, the trail was peaceful with just the surge of bird chirping and, occasionally, the sound of water bubbling in Blacklick Creek. The trail is well-kept and flat, so the riding is easy. When we returned the bikes and piled back into the van for the ride home, we all felt as if we'd had a workout and a new appreciation for biking. 12 miles from Dilltown to Nanty Glo, Cambria County, 724/463-8636, website. Open year-round (but be careful during hunting season), sunup to sundown.

Other rail trails offer similar easy biking, primarily along rivers, and are run by independent community groups. One exception is the Arrowhead Trail, a Peters Township park (724/942-5000). For other local trails, check the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (717/238-1717, website) and the Allegheny Trail Alliance (888/282-2453, 724/853-2453, website).

Farm visits: Enjoy seasonal activities such as hayrides and corn mazes, pick your own fruits, visit farm animals or just explore. There are still plenty of working farms, farm stores and farmers markets in the area, and there are no admission fees. This can get you started:

Kerber's Dairy: Llamas, petting zoo and ice cream.1856 Guffy Road, North Huntingdon, 724/863-6930, website.

Schramm's Farms and Orchards: Annual Fall Fest starts in September with "play hay" for kids, a corn stalk maze, pony rides and hay rides, and candy and caramel apples. Blank Road off Route 130, Harrison City, 724/744-7320, website.

Trax Farms: Year-round farm-related events including Strawberry Festival; Fall Harvest Festival in October with kettle corn, train rides, play area; special Christmas events including a meal with Santa. 528 Trax Road, Union Township, Washington County, 412/835-3246, website.

Triple B Farms: Pick berries; pumpkin and strawberry festivals; playbarn for kids, barnyard animals to visit; "Down on the Farm" birthday parties. Elizabeth Exit off Route 51, Forward Township, 724/258-3557, website. Free.

Audubon Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve: Explore the nature center, hiking trails and children's programs year-round. 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel, 412/963-6100, www.aswp.org. Free.

Frick Woods Nature Reserve: An in-the-city park and forest with trails (including handicapped-accessible trails), children's "nature school" and nature camps. 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill, 412/422-6538, website. Free.

Jennings Environmental Education Center: This large park encompasses a prairie ecosystem, rare in Pennsylvania, populated with blazing-star prairie flowers; maple sugaring and Earth Week activities for school groups; and other environmental education and interpretive programming. 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, Butler County, 724/794-6011, website. Free.

Laurel Caverns: Tour through a maze cave or try a fossil hunt. George's Township, Fayette County, 724/438-3003, www.laurelcaverns.com. Adults, $9; middle school students, $7; grade school, kindergarten, $6.

Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks: Winding passageways and rooms display massive flowstones, delicate stalactites, white calcite and sparkling crystals; family tours, panning for gemstones and kids' cave crawl. Route 22, Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, 814/643-0268, website. Adults, $9; ages 4-12, $5.

Powdermill Nature Reserve: The biological field station of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History includes nature trails, butterfly garden, herb garden, local archaeology and exhibits of four area ecosystems. Route 381, Rector, Westmoreland County, 724/593-6105, website. Free.

-- Roberta Mintz Levine

Watching my son Peter, 12, struggle to balance a book on each hand -- arms straight out from his body -- to demonstrate a punishment for school children 100 years ago was a lesson in itself.

It was part of a truly interactive museum visit, to the Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life, a 200-acre outdoor museum site of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania.

Our biggest lesson was in the Miller School, one of several historic buildings on the site, where a schoolmarm-docent had us sit at tiny, worn wooden desks. We learned that kids usually walked two or three miles each way to school, which was in session from September to March. Children brought firewood for the pot-bellied stove and the bathrooms -- well, it was the woods or "privies" labeled with a sun for boys and a moon for girls. All eight grades were in one room; penmanship was practiced over and over again. Punishment for misbehaviors, with a hickory switch as last resort, was expected and usually repeated by parents.

In a cookhouse, we sniffed an onion pie, stewed mushrooms and a fowl stew; in a hewn-log home, the kids tried to master a ring and stick game.

You want your children to think about the way things were? Have them experience history at Meadowcroft. 401 Meadowcroft Road, near Avella, Jefferson Township, Washington County, 724/587-3412, website. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Adults, $6.50; seniors, $5.50; kids 6-16, $3.50.

The Andy Warhol Museum: The Weekend Factory (Saturday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m.) offers silk screening, collages and other art projects, all included in basic museum admission. And explore the life, times and art (like "Silver Clouds," a real kid-pleaser) of Pittsburgh's own Andy and his contemporaries. 117 Sandusky St., North Shore, 412/237-8300, website. Adults, $8; seniors, $7; kids, students, $4; members, free.

Fort Ligonier: Visit a reconstructed British fort from the French and Indian War. Route 30 and 711, Ligonier, Westmoreland County, 724/238-9701, website. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; kids, $3.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield: Explore the reconstruction of the stockade that George Washington built in the first battle of the French and Indian War. Then walk up the hill to the Washington Tavern, an original stagecoach stop from pre-canal days. Route 40, Wharton Township, Fayette County, 724/329-5805. Adults, $3; age 16 and under, free.

Frick Art & Historical Center, Car and Carriage Museum: Kids enjoy scavenger hunts through galleries of pre-19th century European paintings in the art museum; tour a major house museum and see the kind of vehicles the Henry Clay Frick family would have used. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, 412/371-0600, website. Free.

Johnstown Flood Museum: Exhibits explain the background, the aftermath and the progress of the actual Flood of 1889 itself, one of the worst peace-time disasters in the United States. Also check out the Academy Award-winning documentary film, The Johnstown Flood. Outside, see an actual Oklahoma House, the pre-fab housing used for survivors of the devastation. 304 Washington St., Johnstown, Cambria County, 814/539-1889, website. Adults, $14; seniors, $13.25; kids 6-18, $12.50; under 6, free.

Mattress Factory: Explore the different ways light creates art at this museum dedicated to installation art, with changing exhibits featuring international artists and a permanent collection, including light sculptures by James Tyrell. 500 Sampsonia Way, North Side, 412/231-3169, website. Adults, $6; seniors, students, $4; kids under 12, free.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum: Ride on restored trolley cars in the Land of Real Live History, take a guided walking tour or see a photo exhibit. 1 Museum Road, Chartiers Township, Washington County, 724/ 228-9256, 877/728-7655, website. Adults, $6; seniors, $5; kids, $3.50.

Fort Pitt Museum and Fort Pitt Blockhouse: Learn about the French and Indian War, as well as the history of Fort Pitt and early Pittsburgh, within a re-created bastion of the Fort; outside, visit the Blockhouse, a remnant of the Fort and the oldest building in Pittsburgh. Point State Park, downtown, 412/281-9284, website. Adults, $4; kids, $2.

Tour-Ed Mine and Museum: Take a tour by miners at this previously operated mine, including live demonstrations. 748 Bull Creek Road, Fawn Township, 724/224-4720, website. Adults, $7; kids 12 and under, $4.

-- Roberta Mintz Levine

Walk into the ornate lobby of the Chateau Lafayette at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, and you are not likely to think, "What a great place for kids." But this over-the-top complex is a playground for both adults and children. On-site family entertainment includes: a lavish mini-golf course, fishing ponds, an equestrian center with trail rides, tennis courts, an indoor children's pool -- 3-feet deep with a volleyball net -- and an outdoor pool where you can swim up to the bar. There's also an adventure center featuring a ropes course, climbing wall, bike rentals and paint ball.

If parents are looking to indulge in the Zen atmosphere of the spa or the fine cuisine at Lautrec, Nemacolin has a well-organized program of supervised activities. Kidz Klub offers full- and half-day camps for children ages 4 to 12. The Crew, for teens 12 and up, allows the younger set to try out anything from fly-fishing clinics to shooting clays. An evening program is also offered to keep the kids busy so parents can enjoy a rare date.

Lodging at Nemacolin certainly costs more than most families are used to, but occasional specials and off-season rates can be reasonable, especially considering how much there is to do during your stay. Consider requesting one of the townhouses, which are a shuttle ride from the main chateau and lodge, but are more suited to families. Of course, the roomy and luxurious Chateau rooms are a delight for the whole family -- the kids especially love those fancy bathrooms. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, off U.S. Route 40, Stewart Township, Fayette County, 724/329-8555, website. Rooms/suites generally range $205-$595; also special offers/packages.

Armstrong Farms B&B: The thousand-acre Butler County cattle farm includes a guest house, miles of trails to explore, and horse-drawn wagon rides for groups. Clinton Township, 724/352-2858, website.

Ber-nita B&B: This Beaver Valley farm has an unusual twist: ostriches -- from newly hatched birds to adults performing mating dances. Lots of other animals populate the 92-acre farm, and there are ponds for fishing and paddle boating. The proprietors have 20 grandchildren, so it's the kind of place where kids are free to roam. North Sewickley Township, 724/752-1455, website.

Four Seasons Guest Farm: In the midst of Laurel Highlands attractions and close to the Allegheny Highlands Trail, this 100-acre farm features a roomy guest house well-suited for families. Guest are welcome to use the tennis and basketball courts, swing set and picnic table, even outdoor kennels if you're traveling with your dog. Markleton, Somerset County, 814/926-3572, website.

Lady of the Lake B&B: The sprawling lake behind this house provides easy boating and fishing as well as peaceful scenery. There's also an outdoor pool and plenty of animals running around. And Idlewild Park is just a stone's throw away. Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, 724/238-6955, website.

The Outside Inn: Close to Cranberry but secluded on a wooded lot, this bed and breakfast includes a guest room with adjoining nursery and a family room equipped with toys. Outside, guests are welcome to explore the "secret garden," playhouse and sandbox. Adams Township, Butler County, 724/776-0626, website.

Sun & Cricket: Both the separate carriage house and the "Log Cabin" offer privacy and space for families. Horse lodging is available, and a meeting can handle larger gatherings. Pet sheep, dogs and horses run about the grounds of this home, 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. West Deer Township, 724/444-6300, website.

Weatherbury Farm Bed & Breakfast: At this B&B designed to give kids a chance to feel as if they're visiting Grandma's farm, guests can participate in farm chores and earn an "official certificate" during their stay. After a hearty breakfast, collect eggs, feed animals, and enjoy the pool and surroundings. And just a short hop to Meadowcroft. Independence Township, Washington County, 724/587-3763, website.

-- Cindy Hsu Han

Cindy Hsu Han, former home editor and occasional contributor, is the mother of Alex, 7; Joey, 3; and Katie, who will be 1 year old on Sept 10. Theresa Randall, fashion editor, is the mother of Marissa, 2. Roberta Mintz Levine, family editor, is the mother of Jules, 16; Sophia, 14; Peter, 12; and Isaac, who will be 8 on Aug. 18.