Amy

Each Christmas my gift to my nieces and nephews (and their parents) is an experience rather than stuff. We've been in Cape May, the Poconos, Philadelphia, and the Outer Banks, but this year we're somewhat repeating what we did three years ago and spending some time in Pittsburgh, December 26 to 29th. (It's easy for most of them to get to--they live in Hollidaysburg--and the older kids can work it around their schedules a bit better than a week in the OBX or Poconos.)

Last time (chronicled here: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...sy-journey.cfm ) we stayed at the lovely Omni William Penn Hotel in the city and went to the Duquesne Incline, Heinz History Museum, and the Cathedral of Learning Christmas rooms as our "main events." This time we're staying at the Hyatt Place that calls itself airport, but is actually right by the Robinson Mall. (Indoor pool, free breakfast, and free parking: all Good Things with a family this size.)

So for visiting places, I was thinking of perhaps the Aviary? We have a quite mixed group, 17 kids from 1 to 24, and I might be able to get group rates (there are 22 of us altogether.)
I also was looking at the Children's Museum, but wasn't sure what age group that really appealed to. (The older ones, of course, can go off on their own at that point, but we do have a the 1-14 range left then.) I'd like to get to the Ft. Pitt blockhouse, but don't know if that is feasible in the winter.

I'd love to hear your suggestions and opinions!

BigRuss

I want to go to the Aviary. Can I be your nephew for a day?

My hobbits would do that in a heartbeat.

longhorn55

One place that I'd recommend that would put everyone in the holiday spirit is the Gingerbread House and Train Display at PPG Place (Wintergarden). It's fun for all ages--even my high school and college-aged kids liked it.

http://www.ppgplace.com/event-calendar/2013-12

SeaF

The Andy Warhol Museum is in the same area, and the Carnegie Science Center is not far (good for the younger kids). The famous miniature railroad and village that used to be at the Buhl Planetarium is now at the science center. That train display is good for all ages!

Amy

Thanks, everyone! The ice rink at PPG looks good, too.

Any pros/cons on the Aviary vs. the Science Center? (Would one be better than the other for mixed ages, etc.) What about the Conservatory--better just for adults?

Really looking forward to returning to Pittsburgh; such a lovely city!

BlackandGold

The Aviary is nice for an hour or two. Little kids really like it. They have short "shows" where kids can meet a penguin, learn about beaks and talons, interactive feedings, etc..

The Carnegie Science center is fun for the whole family, very interactive. There is an Omni-max theater, Sports World where you can be a yo-yo, climb a rock wall, race against an Olympic runner, etc.. The Science center also houses the miniature railroad which is a fantastic railroad display. There is also a submarine that can be toured. You can spend an entire day at the Science center.

Phipps Conservatory would probably be boring for small kids and teens. It does have a railroad display, but nothing like at the Science center. It will be beautifully done at Christmas with lots of poinsettias but really is more appealing to adults. There are also lots of Chihuly pieces.

tuscanlifeedit

I'm in complete agreement with BlackandGold.

If you really want to go to Phipps, there is also an ice rink at Schenley Park. That would be a good half day or more with two activities in the same neighborhood. Decent eating and shopping nearby in Squirrel Hill, which would be different since you've already been to Oakland.

Don't discount the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Connected to the Art Museum and a huge Christmas tree display. Did you go there before?

Amy

Thanks so much--really helpful information! Carnegie Science Center definitely seems like a good choice. I'll check out the Natural History Museum, as well, but with only two full days it'll probably be one museum or the other, not both.

I figured Phipps would be better left undone this trip; I'd like it, but I'm guessing it wouldn't be a huge favorite of the pre-teens. Or some of the teens, for that matter.

SeaF

Also, a tour of the nationality rooms at Univ of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning--they would be decorated for the holidays. That would be nice if you go to Oakland, along with the Carnegie museums(art & natural history--kids love the dinosaurs!)

Amy

The Cathedral rooms are awesome, but we did do those last time. I'll have to check in with the kids on whether they'd want to go there again, or if we should aim for more variety.

It's interesting to plan for all of these ages, but they do all have such a good time just being with each other. It builds some precious memories, for sure.

Amy

Thanks, Pittsburghers; anybody have any tips for getting a discount on the Carnegie Science Center tickets? They won't do group rates that week, so even a couple dollars off coupon or such would help, as I need 21 tickets and most of them are over 12. Buying a membership wouldn't really help, as we'd need two of their "prime" (@250 a pop) to cover everyone, and you can't use the reciprocal privileges within 90 miles.

It really does look like a great place, though. Although I'm a little worried about how crowded it might be at that point.

BlackandGold

Maybe you can take advantage of some of these?

http://www.livingpittsburgh.com/2012...cience-center/

Amy

Thanks so much, I did see that list, but only the teacher one might apply. (And there's only one teacher!) I know sometimes local grocery stores and the like have coupons, so I'm hoping we might come up with something. I have signed up for Groupon for Pittsburgh, but I'm guessing that the Science Center wouldn't bother with them as it doesn't need the advertising.