Photo: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums & Gardens
Photo: Ranadheer Purupati
Photo: Lisa Boyce
The Frick Pittsburgh Museums & Gardens
★4.6(1,518 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2.5-3.5 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Elementary and middle school-aged children appreciate the interactive family tours and educational programs, while the gardens offer exploration opportunities for all ages. Younger children may enjoy the outdoor spaces more than the mansion interiors.🧡 Saved by 250+ families
About
The Frick Pittsburgh offers a wonderful blend of art, history, and outdoor adventure that keeps kids engaged. The historic mansion features family-friendly tours designed for young visitors, while the expansive gardens provide plenty of space for children to explore and burn energy. With hands-on educational programs and beautiful grounds perfect for picnicking, it's an excellent choice for families seeking both cultural enrichment and outdoor fun.
Highlights
- ✓The historic Clay-Frick family mansion with kid-friendly guided tours
- ✓Beautiful 5.5-acre gardens with paths perfect for exploring and nature walks
- ✓The Car and Carriage Museum featuring vintage vehicles that fascinate children
- ✓Interactive educational programs and family workshops
- ✓Spacious lawns ideal for picnicking and outdoor play
Pro Tips
- 1.Start with the gardens first when kids are most energetic, then move to the quieter mansion tour when they're ready to slow down
- 2.Check their website for family-focused programming and special workshops designed specifically for children before your visit
- 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds,it's a great way to break up the day and let kids recharge
- 4.Free parking is available on-site, making arrival and departure stress-free with little ones
- 5.Visit the Frick Art Museum first as it's smaller and less overwhelming for kids than starting with the mansion
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM) offer the smallest crowds. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather for exploring the gardens, with blooming flowers in spring being particularly enchanting for children.
What to Know
General admission includes access to the mansion, car and carriage museum, and gardens. On-site parking is free, and the Café offers light lunch options perfect for families, though many visitors prefer to picnic on the grounds.
Seasonal Notes
Gardens are most spectacular in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). Holiday programming and special decorations are typically offered in December. Note that Monday closures apply year-round, so plan accordingly.
Nearby Eats
Nearby Point Brugge Café (0.8 miles) offers Belgian-inspired comfort food with a kids menu in a casual atmosphere. For quick bites, Dozen Bake Shop is just down the street with pastries and sandwiches that appeal to children.
More Activities Near Pittsburgh
Museum
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
★4.8$$❤️66
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is a world-class destination that brings science to life for curious kids. With towering dinosaur skeletons, authentic Egyptian mummies, sparkling gemstones, and hands-on discovery rooms, this Pittsburgh institution offers something magical for every age group while keeping parents equally entertained.
Museum
Senator John Heinz History Center
★4.7$❤️112
The Senator John Heinz History Center is Pittsburgh's largest history museum and a Smithsonian affiliate, offering six floors of interactive exhibits that bring Western Pennsylvania's rich heritage to life. Kids can explore everything from sports legends and ketchup history to life-sized Fort Pitt recreations, with plenty of hands-on activities that make learning fun and engaging for the whole family.
Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum
★4.6$$❤️174
The Andy Warhol Museum offers a vibrant introduction to contemporary art that's surprisingly kid-friendly. Through hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits, and special family programs, children can explore pop art, printmaking, and creative expression in ways that feel playful rather than intimidating. The museum's approach makes modern art accessible and fun, encouraging kids to see art-making as something they can participate in too.
Museum
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
★4.4$$❤️16
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh is a hands-on wonderland where kids can splash, build, create, and explore to their hearts' content. With award-winning interactive exhibits like the popular Waterplay area, the maker space Makeville, and a charming outdoor garden, this museum encourages creative learning through play in a welcoming, energetic environment that keeps children engaged for hours.