We may go to Pittsburgh to visit my sister in the late spring, early summer. What are some good places to take a baby that will be about 10 months old then. I read about the Pittsburgh children's museum. What else is there? Also, anyone know the halfway point between New York (metro area) and Pittsburgh? We were thinking of possibly driving, but 7 hours is WAY too long for LO to be in the car. TIA for your suggestions. My sister wouldn't know much about places to take babies.
Re: Infant friendly vacation in Pittsburgh
Hershey, PA is probably about half way (4-4.5 hours) - which is fun there is a free "Factory Tour" you can take and they show you how they make chocolates (lot's of lights, sounds, some singing) that your baby would enjoy.
I've heard the children's museum is not worth it for a baby and better to wait until early preschool age. I took a tour of it last fall, and I'm not sure I saw much for a baby to do.
The Pittsburgh Zoo (Highland Park) should be opening up soon, so that might be a good option. We also have the National Aviary (North Side), so if you and your baby is okay with birds flying around you that's fun. Lastly, I'd suggest going to Phipps Conservatory (Oakland). It's beautiful and they'll have the butterflys back by then - I have a couple friends who really like taking their babies there.
FYI: The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Just have different hours thru different seasons...
Yea, Harrisburg isn't a bad halfway point either. It's about 3 hours from here, but not much to do for a 10-month old.
For Pittsburgh, they have these "Just Ducky" tours that you can take children on that are tank/water vehicle combined. They tour the city and it's enjoyable for adults, too, becuase it goes over the history of different places. The vehicles actually do take you in the water, too!
The zoo also has the Aquariaum attached, so that's nice. Phipps Conservatory has its orchid display on now, so not so much "entertainment" but more of an educational trip that would be for the baby. I DO think the Children's museum is worth it. They have the Mr. Rogers neighborhood to pay in and your baby would be free to go. The Aviary would be neat, too, for the baby to see all the birds. If it's nice out and you'll be here on the weekend, you may even be able to go to Kennywood park and hold the baby on some rides. Oh, also, there's the "Goodship Lollipop" that sails the rivers and is designed for children. They always have clowns on board, etc.
Pittsburgh is ranked 5th in the US for "Best Place to Raise a Family" so we must be doing something right!