I'm looking into the possibility of spending three days in Pittsburgh with my nieces and nephews in the week between Christmas and New Year's. We did this in Philadelphia last year: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ot-of-kids.cfm

To sum up, it's 16 kids ages almost 3 to almost 21 (so, not quite a kid!) and their parents and auntie. We're all into being active, but of course it's a bit varied. So, my questions...

What would be the best area, in your opinion, for us to stay? Downtown, University area, other? I'd like to keep this under $150 a night if possible! (And I know that they'd love an indoor pool, but it's not a necessity.)

What should we not miss as far as Christmas things?
Other sites?
Is the Toonseum a place that would hold attention for a while, or is it a bit limited?

The kids have all been to the Pittsburgh Zoo and to some games and concerts there, so I'd like this to be a bit of an exploration time like we had in Philadelphia last year. (Fun times!)

The Christmas trees in the Hall of Architecture at the Carnegie Museum.

In the same place, the dinosaurs.

Schenley Park skating rink.

A walk through the first floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

The car and carriage museum at the Frick.

PPG Place skating rink, with trees and decorations in the adjacent Winter Garden.

Hartwood Acres Christmas Lights drive through.

Where to stay? I think the University district. Easier to get in and out, and no students over the holidays.

I am sorry to say that I don't know the Toonseum.

Also, First Night downtown. This is totally family oriented on New Year's Eve, with fireworks.

Here is an article I just found.

http://pittsburghmom.com/forums/p/4491/12339.aspx

The trains and the Science Center would also be great.

Thanks!

It looks like a good time. And I know we have to go to Primanti Brothers! (But why is the "vegetable" in vegetable soup in parentheses on the menu? Is it vegetable soup made completely from meat? That would make some of my family very happy.)

We went to Pittsburgh last December as it was our daughter's last Christmas at Pitt and she said we should definitely see the sights at that time of year.
A couple of highlights for us were the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning on the Pitt campus. These rooms are each designed to show the culture of a different country, but at Christmas, the rooms are also decorated in traditional fashion. They were absolutely fabulous! http://www.pitt.edu/~natrooms/pages/holiday_info.html We did the self-guided taped tour on a weekend which we enjoyed because we could spend as much or as little time in the rooms as we wanted. The ground floor of the Cathedral of Learning is also decorated and the kids will think they are in Hogwarts or a king's castle.
We also enjoyed the gingerbread house competition at PPG Place. The gingerbread houses are made by school groups, Scouting groups, etc. and then sold to raise money for Children's Hospital. While you are downtown, you might want to stop by Macy's to see the store window display. It may not be New York Macy's, but it's fun.
We have stayed many times at the Residence Inn University of Pittsburgh and enjoyed it. They are showing rates of $190 for their one-bedroom suite. Those rooms have a queen bed, twin sofabed and you can get a rollaway for a 4th person. They also have 2 TV's which may come in handy with the kids. While it may be a little crowded at night, the amenities make up for it. We like the Residence Inn because: 1) the staff is always so friendly and helpful, 2) they have an indoor pool and spa, 3) they have a great hot and cold breakfast buffet daily, 4) they offer a manager's reception on weekdays (M - Th, as I recall) where they serve enough food to be an actual meal. (We've had pasta meals, burgers and hot dogs, fried chicken, etc.), 5) the rooms have a complete kitchen so you can make any food you want or store lots of food in the full-size fridge. Note: Should you stay here, I'd call first to make sure that the amenities I've mentioned will be available during the holiday week. You wouldn't want to get there and find the pool closed for maintainence or the manager's reception cancelled for the holiday break.

Yay! Booked the Omni William Penn (via Priceline) for Monday through Wednesday. Any more Pittsburgers' thoughts on what to do with a mixed family group? (Not that we don't already have enough to keep us busy for a week .)

Amy -

I have four kids ages 2-20 so I know what its like trying to find activities that will please everyone!

I think the Aviary is good choice - on the North Side and very close to the Children's Museum (which is fabulous!) should you decide to split up. But the Aviary always keeps my little ones interested.

We also love the Science Center, also on the North Side by the stadiums and Rivers Casino. We take the little ones to the Big Bird show at the planetarium and everyone enjoys the robot exhibit and miniature train. During the holiday season, the train is even better to see.

Station Square (a converted train station) might be worth a walk-through and has restaurants that can hold a crowd - Hard Rock Cafe, etc. If you want to go somewhere a bit fancier (and the kids are well behaved) the Grand Concourse is absolutely beautiful. Plus there are several Steeler/Pens/Pirate shops for the sports fans. Believe it or not, there are separate stores for women and kids! Regardless if you go to Station Square, a ride on the incline is a must.

Hope you all have a great time!

From the Lounge:
Steelersfan on Oct 31, 10 at 8:35am
Phipps Conservatory will have a Christmas Flower Show, there's also some Chihuly and other great glass there, and it is near the Carnegie Museum and Art Museum (Oakland area).
(Which are all in the same area as Pitt, when you go to see the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning--and see if you might get inside Heinz Chapel across the green from there, very unique stained glass historyn there).

If you want to head to the North Shore one day, there's the Warhold, plus you may be able to see the Great Hall of Heinz Field with all the Steelers memorabilia. The NATIONAL Aviary is also on the North Side, and nearby is Beech St, worth a stroll.

Weather permitting, walk the North Shore near PNC Park where you can see the Military Monuments (Korea and Vietnam) and the Mr. Rogers Statue.
Near there is also the Carnegie Science Museum, if that interests you, with the miniature railroad, it has an Omnimax theater as well.

There are two inclines (funiculars) which you can ride from the area near Station Square to the top of Mt. Washington, which is THE spot for great view photos and a number of good restaurants.

There's a wonderful First Night if you will be in town over the 31st.

Don't forget the skating at PPG Place (downtown) and the Sen John Heinz Museum in the Strip. IF you want a really special meal near that museum, see if you can have a memorable meal at Lidia's.http://www.lidias-pittsburgh.com/#

The hop on hop off tour bus is a good way to get around to many of these areas. You can make arrangements to board at the main 'station' at the kiosk at South Side Works or at one of their other stops. Plus you get to ride a real double decker bus from London. http://www.pghtours.com/Tour.html

There are lots more site and sights in the area and/or surrounding counties, but these are all things that are in downtown where you 'll be staying or nearby such as Northside, Southside, and Oakland.

http://www.popularpittsburgh.com/pit...slist2010.aspx