It’s always a delight when one’s grandchildren come to visit for the holidays. This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together making new memories, indulging in holiday treats and simply enjoying one another’s company. If you’re looking for some grandchild-friendly activities in the Pittsburgh area where you can do just that, we have five suggestions for you!
So, bring a good pair of shoes, your sense of adventure (and an extra coat!) and learn more about these Pittsburgh-area seasonal gems.
Attend Pittsburgh Light Up Night
Start the winter season right by taking your grandchildren to Pittsburgh’s Light Up Night. Each year the festivities are a little different. Held annually during the Friday before Thanksgiving, festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, ice skating, live music, carriage rides, photo ops with Santa and an exceptional fireworks finale that will delight people of all ages.
Ice Skate in the Park
Whether you’re just watching the fun with a mug of hot cocoa or enjoying time on the ice with your grandchildren, Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink is a joy during this season. Located in historic Schenley Park, tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The rink also hosts numerous special events like the annual Skate with Santa, Mascot Skate and Valentine’s On Ice.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The zoo is an ideal destination for the whole family any time of year, but the holidays at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium are extra special. While the cheetahs and giraffes will have moved inside, the penguins and polar bears will be out enjoying the cooler weather. If you’re looking for an after-dark experience, the zoo also offers a drive-thru zoo lights display. Yes, you really can drive your car through the zoo for this event, which is sure to delight your grandchildren.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a great place to entertain, educate, inspire and delight both younger children and teens. Packed full of innovative experiences, here children can design puppets, learn new art forms and even work alongside artists in a multimedia art studio. Or, visit the Museumlab for youth and teens where they can explore the ladders, tubes and bridges of the interactive “Gymlacium.”
Festive Night of Winter Lights
Children of all ages will enjoy the Festive Night of Winter Lights hosted at the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Friday and Saturday evenings between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., visitors can stroll through the outdoor gardens and enjoy a spectacular display of LED lights. These fun-filled glowing gardens captivate with a variety of topiary creatures, holiday tree displays, a winter flower show that includes orchids, amaryllis and over 1,600 poinsettias.
Go Dog Sledding at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
For a truly unique winter-weather experience, visit Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and take a ride on a dog sled. Visitors will take a kennel tour to see how the dogs live, sleep and eat; meet the sled dog team; and embark on a thrilling 20-minute sled dog ride that the grandkids are sure to talk about for years to come. Note that the minimum weight of a child who wants to participate in a ride is 45 pounds.
More to Explore This Winter at Friendship Village of South Hills
At Friendship Village of South Hills near Pittsburgh, residents enjoy year-round events and activities at our resort-like campus, all tucked into 73 beautifully landscaped acres. This setting provides an environment where residents can rejuvenate, recharge and explore their passions. Meanwhile, downtown Pittsburgh is only a short drive away for those looking to explore the city and all it has to offer.
The best way to experience all that Friendship Village of South Hills has to offer is to schedule a tour and see it for yourself. Contact us to discover more.
