Looking to travel during the winter but hesitant about spending time in the great outdoors when it’s so cold? Now is the perfect time to explore the many children’s museums in and around Western Pennsylvania. They encourage young kids to engage in imaginative play and learn something new about the world around them.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is popular among locals and tourists alike for its wide variety of educational and play-based offerings. Kids can explore and make their own art, learn about kindness and empathy in the Kindness Gallery or take on the Limb Bender obstacle course. Currently, the museum has a temporary exhibit about the Tuskegee Airmen, which may be of interest to older children and parents as well.
Moonshot Museum | Pittsburgh, PA
One of Pittsburgh’s newest museums, the Moonshot Museum is the first space museum in the state and is a must-visit for any kid interested in space. The museum partnered with organizations like NASA, and it’s actually a site for scientific development with the Griffin Lunar Lander currently being built there. The Lander’s launch is scheduled for July 2026. Moonshot also has plenty of interactive activities, like simulating a space flight and designing an astronaut mission badge.
Johnstown Children’s Museum | Johnstown, PA
Johnstown is home to many historical museums, with this one being best-suited to young audiences who enjoy learning through play. The area’s history and culture is communicated through hands-on exhibits that invite young visitors to be part of the story, such as its mining and steel industries. Kids can also put on a fashion show, cook dinner in a play kitchen and mix their own songs.
heritagejohnstown.org/attractions
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum | Washington, PA
All aboard! While the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is not as play-focused as some of the other museums on this list, it gives visitors the opportunity to ride historic vehicles and take part in fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities. It also regularly hosts sensory-friendly events, making it ideal for children who may find typical children’s museums overwhelming.
Neighborhood North Museum of Play | Beaver Falls, PA
The first children’s museum in Beaver County, the Neighborhood North Museum of Play offers much to do and see. Kids can learn to code and 3D print, as well as act in the museum’s children’s theater and engage in STEM-based play.
Save Money on Admission!
Many children’s museums throughout the country are part of the Association of Children’s Museums and offer discounts to members. Museum members are eligible to receive half-price admission for parties of up to six people.
To find museums that are part of the ACM Reciprocal Network,visit findachildrensmuseum.org/reciprocal-network.