Pittsburgh’s it for fam-friendly fun

Your family is in town and it’s time to veer away from your usual nocturnal activities to… Your family is in town and it’s time to veer away from your usual nocturnal activities to show them the campus and the city. Well, here are a few great places to start.

There are several family-friendly things to do right here in Oakland. You can start by visiting the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Located within walking distance of campus, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History offer stimulating educational exhibits featuring works from international and classical artists alike.

Currently, in celebration of Pittsburgh’s Year of Glass, “Viva Vetro! Glass Alive!” is showing through Sept. 16 in the Heinz galleries. This show offers a glimpse into Italian and American glassmaking. Another interesting exhibit showing through Oct. 7 is “Masters of American Drawings and Watercolors: Foundations of the Collection, 1904-1922.”

Also close by in Oakland is the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Phipps is a 13-room Victorian glass structure that houses numerous exotic plants and flowers. Also in celebration of the “Year of Glass,” Phipps Conservatory is now featuring the work of renowned artist Dale Chihuly. “Chihuly At Phipps: Gardens ‘ Glass” runs until Nov. 11 and blends Chihuly’s intricate glass sculptures into the natural plants surrounding them. For a unique evening outing, try “Chihuly Nights,” offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Phipps.

For a cultural experience, take your family to the Cathedral of Learning on campus and enjoy the Nationality Room tour. While many students take this historical landmark for granted, visitors are sure to find the Cathedral inspiring and unique. Built in 1926, the Cathedral is the second largest academic building in the world, according to Pitt’s website. Housed within it are 26 classrooms that replicate rooms from other nations. The tours themselves are both interesting and educational. Tour fees range from $1 to $3.

Venturing away from campus offers even more activities for you and your family to enjoy. Downtown in the cultural district you can visit Theater Square. There are always great shows to enjoy at the Benedum Center for Performing Arts, the Byham Theatre, the Cabaret at Theater Square and more.

While your family is in Pittsburgh, you should consider checking out Fallingwater. Designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, Fallingwater is a house-turned-museum that is renowned for its incredible design and location. The structure is built into its natural surroundings and sits partially over a waterfall. It is located in Mill Run, Pa., about 50 miles outside of Pittsburgh.

If you’re tired of trekking around, try riding the Monongahela Incline, located near Mt. Washington and Station Square. A cable car transports passengers up and down the incline, offering amazing views of the city. There is a small fee to ride the incline, but it is well worth the view. While you are there, take advantage of Mt. Washington and Station Square’s many restaurants. In Station Square, you can dine at the Grand Concourse, which is pricey but well worth it, especially if Mom and Dad are paying. You can see remnants of this historical building’s original architecture throughout the restaurant.

Other areas you may want to check out for shopping and dining are Shadyside, South Side Works and the Waterfront, all just a quick bus ride away. These are just a few of the amazing areas in Pittsburgh, so get out there and show your family what the city has to offer.