Things to Do in Pittsburgh
Looking for the best attractions in Pittsburgh or family-friendly activities to add to your itinerary? As Pittsburgh’s most-visited museum, Carnegie Science Center offers an exciting mix of interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and immersive experiences—perfect for all ages! Whether you’re searching for things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend or planning a fun-filled day trip, we’ve got you covered.
Experience Science Like Never Before
Explore must-see Pittsburgh attractions and discover something new with every visit:
- Marvel at Miniature Worlds – See hundreds of detailed animations and Pennsylvania landmarks inside the beloved Miniature Railroad & Village®.
- Build, Create, and Engineer – Construct your next masterpiece in Bricksburgh or get hands-on with digital fabrication in the all-new BNY Fab Lab.
- Explore the Red Planet – Step inside Mars: The Next Giant Leap® and uncover what it takes to thrive on the fourth planet from the Sun.
- Make a Splash – Experiment with water flow and physics in the Little Learner Clubhouse.
Your Summer Adventure Starts Here
Embark on the ultimate summer adventure with out-of-this world fun at Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh’s most-visited museum! Families can travel through time and space, explore immersive worlds, and spark curiosity—all in one day.
Destinations to explore:
- Set Sail on a Historic Voyage – Climb aboard the USS Requin, a real Cold War-era submarine. Plus, challenge your detective skills in an Escape Room experience (ages 13+).
- Embark on a Safari Adventure – Journey to the African desert with the breathtaking new giant-screen film “Desert Elephants” in The Rangos Giant Cinema.
- Shrink Down to Explore Tiny Worlds – Be transported into the detailed landscapes of Pittsburgh’s past in the iconic Miniature Railroad & Village®.
- Blast Off to Outer Space – Witness the wonders of the universe in a Buhl Planetarium show, where you can venture beyond the Milky Way Galaxy.
- Unleash Your Inner Maker – Get creative with cutting-edge technology in the new BNY Fab Lab.
Plus, explore special programming like:
- “Mental Health: Mind Matters” – A thought-provoking exhibition included with general admission, designed to foster understanding and reduce stigma.
- Sensory Sensitive Events – Featuring dimmed lights and reduced noise for an inclusive experience.
- 21+ Nights – A spring break night out with monthly themed entertainment, drinks, and five floors of exhibit access—just for adults!
Even More Fun Next Door at Highmark SportsWorks®
Make your visit extra action-packed! At Highmark SportsWorks®, you can:
- Throw a pitch while being recorded on a high-speed camera, then compare your movements to Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher David Bednar at the Playback Station.
- Gear up and enter the game in Sports Challenges: bat at PNC Park, test out reaction times as an NHL goalie, and try to out shoot Hoops, our robo-basketball star.
- Become a human yo-yo, whisking high in the air, up and back down-and then up again by pulling on cable-tethered handles.
Take advantage of this science-filled spring break staycation and make unforgettable memories—no passport required!
Summer Splash
Sat., June 21
10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Join in the fun as we dive into the science of the three rivers. Enjoy games, entertainment, and of course engaging science demonstrations.
SkyWatch
Sat., June 14
9 p.m.
$10 for Members/$12 for nonmembers.
Stargaze a weekend night away. Reconnect with the night sky through a featured planetarium performance and, weather-permitting, live views of night sky objects in telescopic detail.
Mental Health: Mind Matters
On display now—Sun., Aug. 17
Included with General Admission
Step into an immersive journey designed to break stigma, build understanding, and spark important conversations.
The Rangos Giant Cinema
A movie experience like no other. With digital 4K clarity and Dolby Atmos surround sound, you will feel like you are in the movie.
Dining & Culture Guide
Northside & North Shore
Food, drink, entertainment, and more!
2025 Summer Camps
Spots are limited; register today!
Check out the camp offerings!
Escape USS Requin: Pittsburgh
Legends
Select Fridays through August 29
5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Think you have what it takes to beat a 60-minute escape room inside USS Requin (SS 481) Submarine? Embark on an adventure in Pittsburgh's only escape room on a historic submarine.
Scientists Like Me
Sat., June 28
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Free with General Admission
We believe science is for all and representation is an important factor in encouraging individuals to pursue STEM careers. Meet scientists from a variety of backgrounds.
Tour Your Future
Select dates, June 26–Sept. 5
10 a.m.–Noon
$13 per student
An exciting opportunity for youth ages 11–17 to connect with STEM professionals and get an insider’s look at their workplaces experiencing firsthand what it’s like to work in various STEM fields.
July 4th: Explosive Science!
Fri., July 4
6–11 p.m.
Secure the perfect view of Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July fireworks in an explosively fun way.
Café Sci
Upcoming virtual lecture:
Mon., July 7
7–9 p.m.
Meet professional experts in various science and technology fields who discuss current and interesting topics and their experiences. All ages, but adult-level lecture.
Senior Social: Breakfast and a Movie – “Ocean Paradise”
Thurs., July 17
8–11 a.m.
Free for Senior members
Members of Carnegie Museums ages 65+ are invited to our next Senior Social featuring “Ocean Paradise” at The Rangos Giant Cinema.
Teen Night: “Dream Big: Engineering our World”
Sat., July 19
3–6 p.m.
Teens 13–18 are invited to participate in activities, enjoy snacks with friends and end the night with an after-hours showing of “Dream Big: Engineering Our World”!
21+ Night: Neuro Night
Fri., Aug. 8
6–10 p.m.
Experience a party atmosphere on all five floors of the Science Center after hours and under the lens of specific popular themes. Adults ages 21+.
Events for All Ages
Our special public event activities are included with a general admission ticket. There’s no shortage of fun things to do at Carnegie Science Center. Explore our upcoming Special Public Events for the whole family!
Mars: The Next Giant Leap®
Embark on a 300-million-mile journey to Mars and arrive in a Martian settlement where you will discover the many facets of space exploration.
USS Requin (SS 481)
Come aboard to learn how 80 men used their expertise, humor and sheer ingenuity during the submarine's lengthy defense and scientific missions.
Fab Lab Public Workshops
Have you ever wanted to experiment with a 3D printer? Want to learn how to use a laser cutter?
Sensory Sensitive Science Events
Discover how we can help make a visit more accessible with our special sensory-friendly events!
Miniature Railroad & Village®
Take a walking tour of western Pennsylvania at the world-renowned Miniature Railroad & Village®.
Laser Shows
Be dazzled by lasers to popular music or holiday themes, from Stranger Things to Pink Floyd, there’s something for everyone.
Bricksburgh
Take on the roles of architect, artist, engineer, and builder at brick activity tables, stocked with thousands of bricks!
Little Learner Clubhouse
Explore this nature-inspired hub for free-play and hands-on activities, featuring a Water Table and Button Wall!
H2Oh Field Station
Full of lively, swimming, hopping, and slithering animals that demonstrate the delicate balance of life and water on our planet.
Searching for Pittsburgh events? Check out our daily calendar to see what’s happening at the Science Center today. Carnegie Science Center is a local favorite among destinations for safe family activities, fun things to do in Pittsburgh, unique things to do in Pittsburgh, and especially things to do in Pittsburgh with kids.
Pittsburgh Region. Next is Now.
If you do not live in Pittsburgh, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available here. Pittsburgh offers an opportunity to solve the world’s biggest problems. Here, innovators can enjoy their work and their life outside of it – living purposefully, building companies and communities and making an impact. The region gives people space to be authentic, do things their own way and receive support. Here you can become iconic. Learn more at: https://pittsburghregion.org/ 
