The Carnegie Science Center is the place to take children, or the child in you, when you have seen enough paintings. It stands on the North Shore, between Acrisure Stadium and Rivers Casino beside the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and it fills four floors with interactive exhibits, live shows and special events. The best-known attractions are the Miniature Railroad and Village, a huge handmade model of western Pennsylvania in which trains wind through tiny towns, and the USS Requin, a retired submarine moored beside the building that you can walk through. Highmark SportsWorks turns physics and the human body into games, with activities such as Batter Up! that let you test your own skills, BodyWorks explores how the body functions, and Mars: The Next Giant Leap places you in a settlement on another world. The Buhl Planetarium adds a dome show to the day. General admission includes the exhibits and the special public events, though some extras may cost more, so check the details when you buy.
Hours and tickets
Opening hours and prices change with the season, and the museum's website lists the current hours, closed days and pricing for general admission, membership and groups. Buy tickets online ahead of a busy weekend or school holiday so you are not queuing, and ask whether the planetarium, submarine and other extras are included in the ticket you choose.
Planning your day
Most families need three to four hours, and the museum can fill a whole day with a child who loves science. Start with the exhibits that interest your group the most, because it is easy to run out of energy before you have seen everything. The Miniature Railroad and Village is worth a slow look, since the detail is extraordinary, and the submarine is a highlight for older children. Check the schedule for live shows when you arrive.
Making it count
The Science Center is on the same riverfront as PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium, the Warhol and the Mattress Factory, so it combines naturally with a North Shore day, and the heritage trail gives you a pleasant walk along the river between stops. On Steelers or Pirates game days the area gets busy and parking becomes harder, so go early or take the T. It is less compelling for adults without children, who may prefer the Carnegie museums in Oakland, but it is one of the best wet-weather choices in the city for families.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided science museum over four floors, with a planetarium, a miniature railroad, a sports science zone and a submarine alongside.
Best time
A weekday, or early on a weekend, to avoid crowds and stadium traffic.
How long
Three to four hours for most families.
Tips
Buy tickets online, check whether extras are included, and avoid game days if you plan to drive.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with school-age children and anyone who loves hands-on exhibits.
- Families
- One of the best family days in the city, with games, a submarine and a model railroad.
- Couples
- Better for families than for couples, though the riverfront walk is lovely.
- Pair with
- The National Aviary, the Warhol or a walk on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Good questions
Where is the Carnegie Science Center?+
It is on the North Shore, between Acrisure Stadium and Rivers Casino, along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
What is there to do at the Carnegie Science Center?+
It has four floors of interactive exhibits, the Buhl Planetarium, BodyWorks, Mars: The Next Giant Leap, the Miniature Railroad and Village, Highmark SportsWorks and the USS Requin submarine.
Can you go inside the submarine?+
Yes, the USS Requin is moored beside the building and open for visitors. Check when you buy tickets whether it is included.
How long do you need at the Science Center?+
Allow three to four hours, or a full day for children who love science.
Is the Science Center busy on game days?+
The North Shore gets crowded on Steelers and Pirates game days, so go early and consider the T rather than driving.
