Free Kid Friendly Activities Downtown
Written by Nevaeh Williams
Image Courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
As spring arrives and the weather warms up in Pittsburgh, Downtown is a great place for families to explore. From national historic parks and museums to scenic views, there are tons of kid-friendly ways to spend a day downtown.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Pittsburgh is Point State Park. Designated as a National Historical Landmark in the 1960s, the park sits at the convergence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers. When standing at the tip of the triangular point, you see where the Ohio River begins. This point is significant to the history of Downtown and is a great place for anybody to spend time outdoors.
Image Courtesy of National Park Service
Kids can run around the open green space and families can stroll along the river watching boats pass by, all while enjoying the monumental fountain! This year, for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, taking place in Pittsburgh, the fountain is getting some new upgrades, so be on the lookout for an exciting new Point State Park fountain!
📚 Visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
A trip to the library can be a fun and relaxing space during a downtown excursion. The Carnegie Library in Downtown has plenty of fun activities for younger kids as well as teens! The Downtown Carnegie location is right across the street from a bus stop and fully ADA accessible for kids and people with all needs. The library offers events for younger kids, such as Storytime Family Fun, where children aged 0 to 5 and their caregivers join for stories and songs together to develop early literacy skills and allow everyone to meet new friends in the community. There’s also a 30-minute Pajama Storytime program if the kids start to feel tired.
For children aged K-5, they offer Kids Club, which includes crafts, games, and technology, where kids can meet new friends and hang out, all while trying something new. Lastly, for the older kids who are more into hands-on projects, games, music, books, and chilling out, the library hosts Teen Time. This is for teens in grades 6-12. Feel free to browse books, attend youth programs, or find a cozy corner and read a good book.
Image Courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
P.S. With any Allegheny County library card, families can have access to the RAD Pass program, which offers free admission to many museums and attractions around the city!
🚴 Join the DNA Bike Club
Coming soon, for any families with older kids, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance Bike Club offers a fun way to explore the city together. Riding through downtown streets and along river trails is a great way to stay active and see Pittsburgh from a new perspective. At the end of our biking trail, we all gather for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at a local coffee shop Downtown.
🧘 Free Tai Chi & Acoustic Music
As the weather warms, our outdoor wellness programs, as part of DNA’s Living Well Initiative, will begin popping up all around downtown. Events like Tai Chi and Acoustic Tuesdays will soon be held on grassy civic places such as Arts Landing, offering a relaxing way for families to enjoy fresh air while learning something new together.
Mellon Park is located right in the heart of Downtown. Known for its geometric design, beautiful greenery, and refreshing fountains, Mellon Park is a perfect hidden oasis for kids to take a break between activities, cool off, grab a bite, and even dance a little! Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from May-October, the park has food vendors and live music every day.
Image Courtesy of The City of Pittsburgh
