When Pittsburgh’s summer heat becomes too much to handle, keep the family fun going indoors! Forget the scorching sun; the city offers a cool escape where kids can burn off energy and imaginations can soar. Picture endless laughter as they bounce on giant trampolines, unleash their inner artist by painting pottery, or crack codes together in an thrilling escape room. Pittsburgh’s indoor activities provide boundless opportunities for exciting family time, ensuring everyone stays entertained and comfortable away from the summer swelter.
Pittsburgh’s Indoor Activities to Beat the Heat
Laser Storm Laser Tag
North Hills
Do your kids need to get some energy out after a long day sitting at home? Hide behind obstacles and chase down opponents in the blacklight arena at Laser Storm Laser Tag. It isn’t just laser tag at the arena either. Take off your gear and head to the arcade to win big prizes or try out a rock wall climbing simulator.
Puttshack
Strip District
This mini golf course will make you feel like you’re living in the future. With new technology, the golf balls at Puttshack track your game for you, scoring you points depending on how you play the game. Unlike regular mini golf, you’ll want to maximize your points by landing your ball in the glowing supertube or hitting bonus goals. Some holes may be a bit more challenging for younger players so it’s recommended for children seven or older.
Row House Cinema
Lawrenceville, Dormont
Sit down to a movie and munch on some popcorn at this independent cinema. Row House Cinema plays select new movies and many of the cult classics you love. Stop by for themed shows which feature multiple films, or their special Cereal Cinema days where you can enjoy a bowl of crunchy breakfast goodness alongside famous children’s movies.
Ascend
South Side, Point Breeze
South Side and Point Breeze’s climbing, fitness, and yoga gym isn’t just for adults. Both locations have youth programming customized for all different age groups. Not to mention, they have family climbing classes where you can learn the basics of safety, bouldering, rope wall climbing, and more, side by side.
Fired Up Art Studio
South Hills
Let your inner artist shine with hands-on experiences at Fired Up Art Studio. Choose from pottery painting, fused glass art, canvas painting, mosaic making, and clay building to create a piece of take-home art. Not only is it a fun activity but it also allows time for bonding with your little ones.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Cranberry Township
Get ready to jump, climb, and fly as you explore trampolines, rock walls, dodgeball, warrior courses, and so much more at Urban Air Adventure Park. This isn’t your average trampoline park either. It’s crafted with various types of attractions so that families of all ages have something to enjoy.
Ice Castle Arena
Castle Shannon
What better way is there to avoid the heat of summer than to head straight to winter? Head on over to the Ice Castle Arena and skate the day away with a concession stand on hand in case your stomach starts rumbling. Plus, on the weekends, the arena is aglow with “disco” lighting.
Breakout Games
North Hills
Test your teamwork skills as a family with Breakout’s 60-minute escape rooms. Let your kids lead the way, but be ready to lend a helping hand as you take on one of six different storylines. Complete puzzles to get your way out of Mystery Mansion, The Kidnapping, Kidnapping 2: Afriad of the Dark, Island Escape, Operation: Casino, or Hostage.
Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh
North Shore
As one of Pittsburgh’s off-the-wall indoor activities, this newer museum on the North Shore immerses you in a world of illusions where nothing is quite as it seems. Explore a spinning Vortex Tunnel, tiptoe through the Tilted Room, and even serve your head on a silver platter. It all sounds crazy but you’ll just have to trust us and go see for yourself.
Zone 28
Harmarville
This entertainment complex is lots of fun for kids and adults alike. Spend time bowling, playing laser tag, exploring the arcade, and working through the escape rooms at Zone 28. Then, when you’re tired and need a little break, take some time to relax at the End Zone Sports Bar while the kids continue to play the day away.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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