So below you will find some of our family's highlights.
roboworld
Your family will be amazed by the talents of the robots on display in roboworld. Whether you're like my son and want to challenge Air Hockeybot or Hoops, or have artistic skills that you'd like to have Sketchbot replicate, it truly is incredible to watch all of these machines at work. There's also a robot hall of fame area showing some of the most famous robots through the years.
Another of our favorite robots can be found in the River View Cafe -- making ice cream! You choose your toppings and watch the robot fill the cup with ice cream and then add all your favorites.
Space Place
My kids know what astronauts are and that they work in space, but Space Place gave them an inside look at what life is like. With a two-story walk-in replica of the International Space Station, they could see the tight spaces they work in, and there's also areas where you can experience weightlessness (my kids didn't meet the minimum weight requirement) and try to complete astronaut tasks.
Highmark SportsWorks
Located in a separate building right next to the science center, this area lets your kids get active while discovering the science behind sports.
In the Sports Challenge section, it was awesome to watch my 7-year-old make it nearly to the top of a 24-foot rock wall in a pair of Crocs and with never having climbed before! Meanwhile, my five-year-old enjoyed bouncing on a trampoline while attached to a bungee harness in the Physics of Sports area. Other exhibits in this area included the chance to ride a unicycle, shoot baskets with fun optical goggles, and ride a simulator that would take you on eight roller coasters. Several of the areas had a line to participate in the activity, but we found that they moved fast!
USS Requin Submarine
Included in your admission to the Carnegie Science Center is the USS Requin Submarine. This is the first time the kids had ever been aboard a submarine, so they loved exploring and seeing where sailors would sleep and stow their gear! There's also an opportunity for a behind-the-scenes technology tour on specified dates (separate fee applies).
About the Carnegie Science Center
Located right along the river in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Science Center is near PNC Park and Heinz Field, and just a short walk over to downtown. The center is open Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The building is also open later on Friday and Saturday nights for IMAX movies and laser shows (unfortunately we didn't have time to catch one of these!).
General admission is $18.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 3-12. You can also choose to add on an IMAX movie or a laser show for an additional fee. See full pricing information on their website.
Disclosure: My family received complimentary tickets to the Carnegie Science Center to facilitate this review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
