Kid-friendly activity ideas - help?

northhillsbride

So, with Gavin starting Kindergarten next month, I'm planning to take some half days of work the week he starts (since he starts on a Thursday) and just have some Mommy & Gavin time.

Anyway, he really wants to go horseback riding. Does anyone know of a casual place I can take a 5-yr old to go riding? Any part of the City is ok.

Also, since he's been dying to come to my office (silly child), I think I'm going to bring him into the office (downtown) for a few hours one morning and then go somewhere from there. Is there anything kid-friendly that is fun to do, besides the Children's museum? He's already been on the Ducky Tour and it doesn't appear the Clipper Fleet runs during weekdays.

I appreciate the ideas!

MandyMilller

Lanna just enjoys coming downtown, seeing our offices, having lunch and playing in the fountain. Has he been on the incline? That may be cool. Station Square has a fountain too, I think it coordinates with music. What about the Science Center?

northhillsbride

Thanks Mandy! He has been to St. Sq and the incline - I was thinking it was last summer, but now I remember it being two summers ago. He probably would enjoy that, then!

The Science Center- I wasn't sure if that was too old for him? The other place I was thinking was the Sports Work - again, though, is that too old for him?

mrsnala

The only horseback riding I know of is in Bridgeville, but I am not sure if they have an age restriction/limit to ride.

http://www.rolling-hills-ranch.com/

MandyMilller

northhillsbride:

Thanks Mandy! He has been to St. Sq and the incline - I was thinking it was last summer, but now I remember it being two summers ago. He probably would enjoy that, then!

The Science Center- I wasn't sure if that was too old for him? The other place I was thinking was the Sports Work - again, though, is that too old for him?

No, the Science Center is great for his age I think. There are some things that are for older kids, but there's more than you'd think for little ones too. I think one admission gets you into Sports Works and the Sci Center.

MRads

The science center is a great option, and I don't think SportsWorks would be too old for him.  If he is into sports, you could see when there are tours of  PNC Park or Heinz Field.

http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/tours/index.jsp?content=tour_details

http://www.steelers.com/tickets-and-stadium/heinz-field-tours.html

I think that if he is into sports, he is now old enough to enjoy one of those tours.

4EvR&4AlWz

I would take him for lunch and do the PPG fountains.  It seems like kids are always playing in them.

lala5507

Aviary and a Gus and Yaya snowcone?  I think the Gateway clipper does kids cruises too. 

bride2003

I think he would love Sports Works & Science Center- we had a membership and went last summer and she loved it & she was Gavin's age.  We would go to sports works and then directly to top floor of science center for the water play and ball pit thing.  They have at least 5-6 things to do that he could do - climbing wall, jumparoo thingy, balance stuff, baseball throw.  My nephew that is 5 loved it last year too.  Do that first to avoid lines and then go over to the science center - bring a lunch and eat outside, tour the submarine - go gamble at rivers (oops!), walk down on the river walk to the water area - he can play in the water (bring a change of clothes), do a tour of PNC Park (call ahead for times), or bring your bikes and ride from science center to herrs island!  Or take the new subway from north shore to your office & back.  You can make a day of the north shore. 

MrsAmers

DH took the kids to the science center during their staycation and they were there all day. Both my kids love it and I think we've been going since Heather was 3.

denalea

I was also going to suggest the fountains at station square.  If you could take the T from your office to St. Sq, that would be fun!

Schenley Park has some fun playgrounds.  

I think no matter what you do, he'll love the one-on-one time with you.  

Have fun!

balbacm

my 11YO niece used to LOVE the fountain at St Sq when she was that age.   we used to go to lunch at Hard Rock and she'd hang at the fountain for an hour.  Also is(still) a big fan of the incline. 

you could take bikes down to the south side river trail - there are fountains at the Cheesecake Factory although i think those are kind of gross/weird.

Definitely a good age for sports works too, you could tour the submarine if you are feeling inspired. 

Cornflakegrl

My 5 year old LOVED riding on the T all the way from the Science Center (where we played for a few hours) to the incline.  We asked for a transfer, so there was no additional fare for the incline.

northhillsbride

mrsnala:

The only horseback riding I know of is in Bridgeville, but I am not sure if they have an age restriction/limit to ride.

http://www.rolling-hills-ranch.com/

They are the one that I am finding that DOES have a restriction - age 8. Thank you, though!!

northhillsbride

lala5507:

Aviary and a Gus and Yaya snowcone?  I think the Gateway clipper does kids cruises too. 

He loves the Aviary, but we've been a few times now, so I was trying to think of something different! And the Gateway Clipper doesn't run weekday ships - I looked into that too! LOL

But this Yaya snowcone...I've never heard of it! I'll Google it - thanks!

Alright - I think you ladies have me sold on the Science Center - I will definitely look into it!

And Kristin, I was thinking lunch over in Mkt Sq and then the fountains - and taking the "T" from my end of town over. I'll have to ask the wee man himself what he wants to do.

THANK YOU for all of the suggestions!!

ETA: OMG the submarine! How could I forget?! It might make my DH jealous, though. LOL Fantastic ideas!!!

egpitt22

northhillsbride:

lala5507:

Aviary and a Gus and Yaya snowcone?  I think the Gateway clipper does kids cruises too. 

He loves the Aviary, but we've been a few times now, so I was trying to think of something different! And the Gateway Clipper doesn't run weekday ships - I looked into that too! LOL

But this Yaya snowcone...I've never heard of it! I'll Google it - thanks!

Alright - I think you ladies have me sold on the Science Center - I will definitely look into it!

And Kristin, I was thinking lunch over in Mkt Sq and then the fountains - and taking the "T" from my end of town over. I'll have to ask the wee man himself what he wants to do.

THANK YOU for all of the suggestions!!

ETA: OMG the submarine! How could I forget?! It might make my DH jealous, though. LOL Fantastic ideas!!!

I had an old coworker who referred to these as "north side icy balls"; we teased her relentlessly because none of us had ever heard of them and felt that maybe there could be a better choice for the name.