Carnegie Science Center

My 10 year old self is upset with me for giving the Science Center a 3 star review, but my 21+ self was disappointed with the last evening event here.
To knock it out of the way, the 21+ nights are overpriced and the only benefit is the lack of children. As a student, these nights are not discounted in any way, and you are coughing up $ 10 early-​bird and $ 15 at the door. Cocktails inside are $ 8-​$ 10, and you are paying for food as well. The 21+ nights have nothing new or especially engaging. Plus, everyone does 21+ nights now, and the other museums are doing it for less. CMOA charges $ 5-​$ 10, and Phipps is doing it for free. At least the Children Museum’s nights let you make cool things to take home for $ 15.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, there are some cool things for adults. The miniature railroad and village area is awesome at all ages (Make sure to blow the train’s whistle by pressing the big button about midway through the village.). Building with the giant blocks has been popular in the past, and the Earthquake Café is always a favorite as well. Make sure to ride the elevator too, as you get to see how that works from the inside.
The one thing I haven’t found in recent trips is the weather station exhibit where you can be a weather person. Is that gone?
The other floors gear to elementary aged-​kids. The water area/​playground thingy on the top floor is usually a big hit, although anticipate wet children on the drive home.
If you are coming with kids, be aware that exhibits only half work semi-​frequently. The other thing is that the museum isn’t as educational as one might think. While some exhibits are hands on, things like the physics behind the robot playing basketball are never explained. I might be hung up on this since my undergrad degree is in math, but I think the museum is lacking in scientific explanation sometimes.
This museum is a great way to spend an afternoon with a student in elementary school.

Let me start off by saying this, I do not know how these people can work here! The kids. Not the kids, the parents are nuts! Haha. Anyway!
This museum is chalk full of things to do! They have a wonderful exhibit of ‘H2O’ and how it affects different environments, such as fresh water and salt water, currents and fun facts. They have a fabulous train display! I have never seen anything like it before! This is a must see for sure!.. The robot area is very neat and has many activities for the kids. Cough adults, to do! The planetarium is always a go to and they have a variety of subjects/​shows for it. They also have other classes to attend throughout the day that are very entertaining. Definitely check the web site out so you can see what classes and exhibits they have so you can plan. Make sure you get here early for parking, are ready to walk up ramps and run around, and make sure you have ear plugs and prepare for chaos on expected busy days! Have fun!

The Carnegie Science center was one of my fondest childhood memories, from going on weekends to the occasional summer camp.
At 20 years old, I went back with my younger sibling hoping it would be the same as it was when I was younger. Not to my surprise, the science center is aimed at a much, much younger audience and we both felt out of place. They have since removed the water exhibit on the fourth floor, one of my favorites.
Although overall it’s aimed at a much younger crowd, the IMAX and submarine are sure to impress all ages. The IMAX is perhaps one of the best IMAX I’ve ever been in, with full surround video. It’s absolutely surreal. The submarine tour is really fascinating and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is able bodied.
The science center does have a foodcourt with lots of options, albeit it’s very expensive as you’d typically expect from a museum setting. None the less, there’s tons of seating inside and outside.
I’m not sure if they still offer them, but I took multiple summer camps which lasted all day for a week in the summer months. It was a great way for science geeks like myself to be exposed to more advanced technology that isn’t available in normal schools. I took a criminal justice class which was really interesting.

The science center is fun for all ages! They have great exhibits but they also have 21+ nights for people to explore the science center without kids.

I was in from out of town and took four boys to the Sportsworks (part of the science museum). It was really fantastic. Lots of fun, engaging activities that they did. There was a climbing wall, pitching cage, trampoline with bungee cords, and a lot more. Highly recommend if you have some youngsters you need to run around for the day.

We used to love the science center but over the years it’s become dated and everything is showing it. They continue to take out all the fun activities in the toddler area like the barnyard, digger and little critters. Robots are still Finn although they’ve taken out the activity where you could get a pic with a robot. Seems like they might be renovating soon though. Keeping fingers crossed!

The 2 hours spent inside was a mix of adolescence and adrenaline. I felt like a toddler who was taken to the playground for the first time.
Learnt a lot, and I had a lot of fun here. Definitely recommend you check this place out with the family or even a group of friends.
PS: ask for their student discount!
PSS: CMU students get in free!

Excellent value, wife baby and I stopped in and had a blast on a recent visit to this awesome town!

This science center is awesome! We spent most of the day exploring four floors of this hands-​on, interactive place. There’s so much to see and do! The kids will have a blast watching live science presentations in the theater and launching rockets in the foyer. Plan for a day!

Was visiting here on vacation from Florida. Great place to take the family or for a kids field trip. Plenty of interactive displays for them to participate in. Knowing what a walking germ factory small kids are, there are numerous hand sanitizer stations located thru out the museum, LOL.
For adults the OMNIMAX cinema and the USS Requin would be more interesting for them.
As a former bubblehead on the USS Stonewall Jackson SSBN 634, I really enjoyed the tour of the Requin. Even though it was a WW2 era boat, I could see the similarities to the one I served on. It even smelled the same on the inside!
Parking was close and after 5 hours there only cost $ 5. Pretty cheap considering I spent $ 20 for parking to catch a Pirates game earlier in the week.
For 3 adults and 2 kids the price of admission was a little over $ 100. A bargain in my opinion for the amount of activities to do and see.

Well done: this science center seems to skew towards younger kids than the one in Baltimore or the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. But there is plenty to see and do.
We did the laser show, and which was weird but fun.
A little confusing to park but it turns out it was right in front and $ 5… Not bad. I expected it to be a lot more and it’s nice when you are not completely ripped off on parking. Especially in a location like this where you have little choice but to drive.
The robotics area was especially impressive. They had a large robot that normally would be associated with making cars picking up basketballs and making two different jump shots. What might have been interesting would have been an option for viewers to pick the shot – but maybe that is not possible.
You could play air hockey against a robot, and there was a cool display with robots from the movies: Hal, c3po, r2d2 etc.
My 14 year old spent literally 5 hours among much younger kids doing most everything, including a demo on making cheese.
The sports science area, located in an adjacent building was great. We all tried things like sprinting, riding in a simulated roller coaster, pitching a baseball and playing a catch the light game.
Friends who did the science center the day before also had a great time with kids 9, 15, and 17.

I am able to go in for free with a client, as the agency I work for has a membership. Had to come here at least once. Loved the planetarium show (Pittsburgh Stars Above or something along those lines). It reminded me of how BIG our God is and how beautiful His creation is.

Loving the new h2OH! exhibit & such a great 6 & under area so the little ones can explore!

Miniature Railroad & Village — Timeless!
Laser Show — Bad!

I came here with my 2 year old nephew and we had a blast! There was so much for him to do… even if he didn’t use the area as it was supposed to be used. Blue foam building blocks? Let’s stand on them and jump off. Plastic balls supposed to go in the tube? Pull them out of the tube and roll them on the floor. Play gently with the water table and float a boat? Splash water everywhere!
Needless to say, we had fun. I didn’t feel like I was just chasing him around but I had a lot of fun too! This is a wonderful place to bring kids to learn, play, and yes, burn off all of that energy so they will take a nap in the car ride home.

Definintely a fun place to visit for all ages. Everything is hands on and lots of things to learn. There is so much to do and have a lot of exhbits to show. From learning how to cook or strapping on a harness to learn how astronauts do stuff, it is a real treat for the kids and adults!
There is also the USS Requin exhibit that allows you to tour the submarine. I had no idea that this was the US Navy’s first Radar picket submarine!
After you are done with the science center, walk on over to Sports Works! (it is included in the admission). It is so much fun but requires a lot of physical activity. Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing as some of the exhibits require you bouncing or running.
There is a parking lot that was easy to park in, but i can imagine when the local games are playing, it can get packed.

Bobby and I headed here on for #SundayFunday (lol) Since he is from Florida, he didnt get the chance to come here as a kid. I probably have not been here since i was in 5^th grade (& i have never been to Sports Works) so I was excited.
The first thing that we did was the bottom level astronaut thing. You’re harnessed and then you are floating in the air. The purpose is to try an open the doors and move down the levers like an astronaut would. I thought Bobby would chicken out for his fear of heights but he didnt… I was actually the one that freaked out up there. For one, the harnessed really hurt my leg so I was totally uncomfortable. I shouldn’t have looked down because I was only thinking the worse case scenario while only being protected by a giant mommy clip. «I lasted a whole minute once at the top before asking to come down.
We stopped at every other floor. Unfortunately, the railroad was closed. I’m assuming they are prepping it for the Christmas theme because a sign said that it would re-​open ¹¹⁄₂₆. The robot floor (same floor as railroad) was totally cool. There were multiple kids there so we didn’t try to wait in line. i would’ve felt bad if a kid had to wait because two adults were playing, lol. I loved watching the robot play basketball… totally cool.
The other floors were kind of forgettable (for adults of course) I remember some of the displays and hands on activities, but i can’t remember what each floor represented. There was one floor that had a special section for 3 – 6 year olds. It reminded me of the Children’s Museum. I can’t wait to bring my niece to that area!
We headed to the Sports Works. By that time, we were both hungry and decided not to eat at the Science Center & instead go out for a nice lunch afterwards. Bobby didn’t want to wait in line for all of the things. It was pretty busy because it was a Sunday when the Steelers played on Monday. The lines weren’t long, but each thing took awhile while doing it. so add 5 – 8 people in front of you and being hangry, we just didnt feel like waiting. We did do the ride that takes you on a trip inside your body. That was cool.
The best part was the submarine. We really had fun and it was soooooo cool to see what life was like for them.
Next time, we will most likely bring my niece. We had a nice time, but im sure with a child along it would be more entertaining. Bobby & I have been wanting to do the 21+ night, so that is also on our list. We also want to check out the theater as well as the laser show they have. I also think they offer star gazing on clear Friday nights :) We will have to look into all of that!
My review kind of sounded a little debbie-​downer/​ish but we did have fun! Obviously it is geared toward kids but we enjoyed our time together :)
* I just want to make a note that I experienced amazing customer service at the front desk by a man named Sherman. Whenever I went to pay I handed him cash that was all messy (I normally just use card). After he counted it, he realized i was a dollar short so i paid up. A few minutes after leaving to explore the science center, I heard my name on the intercom to come to the front desk (awkward). anyway he said that the $ 1 had slipped and fell into his cash register then returned it. How sweet! He didn’t have to go all out of his way for that $ 1. Great job sir!

I’m just a big old kid; you really can’t take me anywhere, especially to a place where I get to play with things. Watch out little child, I will push you out of the way to have my turn at that hands on exhibit.
This time was so much more fun than all other times I attended due to the fact that it was my niece’s first time here. Seeing this place through the eyes of a child’s first encounter is so much better than your own set of eyes. It was so hard to tell her no when we were near exhibits that you are not allowed to touch since everything here is so hands on. She just couldn’t help herself, nor could I.
We saw everything there was to offer. Toured the submarine, walked our way through all the floors, did some exercise at the sports part and just plain enjoyed ourselves to the max.
On our way out, we stopped at the gift shop and browsed. But that was not the last thing we did. We smashed our pennies before we exited and then had the rest of the day to do what we wanted.
**Things to note here, it is pay parking that is on top of your admission (so take fewer cars if you are going in groups). During football/​baseball games and other events, the center closes early to allow parking for said events (you are asked to leave a hour before the events begin). Kids 2 and under are FREE!

As a grownup – and a scientist, I have mixed feelings about the Carnegie Science Center. On the one hand, they have some cool exhibits. My favorites are the miniature railroad (a given, since I’m a railfan), the robotics exhibit (a given, since I’m a scientist), and the USS Requin submarine. The fish tanks are nice, but nothing to write home about (my dad’s reef tank is more interesting). The rest of the exhibits are pretty forgettable – though it is kind of fun to go for a ride in the earthquake simulator the first time.
In general, I have to agree that the exhibits are lighter on the science end than I’d like. As a kid, I probably would have found this place to be pretty fun. As it were, growing up near Philly, I went to the Franklin Institute several times on field trips, which I feel has better exhibits overall. I can’t comment on the planetarium or IMAX theater, since I haven’t seen a show in either of them (though the FI had these, too). I don’t really get the hype about the SportsWorks complex – but then again, I’m not a kid.
I’d probably be willing to award 4 stars if it weren’t for a 21+ night I attended. Although I attended a different one than Lauren B., I was similarly underwhelmed. The one I attended was wine and cheese themed, and for an event with that theme, my friends and I were dumbfounded by the lack of… wine and cheese. They had a science of cooking demonstration focused on cheesemaking that was engaging, but at the end, we received only a very tiny sample of the cheese (think less than 1″ long). I would have thought they would have made up extra cheese aside from the cheese they were cooking for the demo so that hungry audience members (i.e., us) could have larger pieces or seconds. As for the wine, they had a guy from a winery in Carnegie give a virtual tour, but I found the tour part too long and drawn out and too light on the science (which they only discussed at the very end). To my astonishment, they didn’t even have samples to offer! While wine was available for purchase, the offerings were quite limited, and I seem to recall a similar problem with running out toward the end. My friends and I left disappointed, and headed to a restaurant in Bloomfield to quell our hunger and thirst.
Overall, while they have a few interesting exhibits, this is one of the two weaker Carnegie Museums in PGH (the other being the art museum), at least for adults. Young kids, on the other hand, would probably love it. 3.5 stars.

We love the CSC! in fact, we’re members!
There are so many things to do, and as a «learning nerd», I find the CSC a much more educational experience than the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum. At CSC, they’re really trying to design exhibits that teach your child and test their thinking.
Most importantly, the employees are so much fun! Not only are they great at explaining science to children, they are fun and funny!
Here are some sample exhibits…
–We love the Science of Cooking demonstration. Fuel+Heat+Air=Fire! You make and eat fruit flambé and then you eat it on ice cream at the end!
–The USS Requin submarine was really cool. I’ve never been inside a sub so I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, it was really interesting especially to think about actually living down there for months at a time. It’s SO SMALL inside!
–The Omni-​Max is amazing. We’ve seen Flight of the Butterflies twice!
–My daughter will spend hours with the programmable robots
–There’s a plush-​toy «farm» in which you can plant crops and play with the animals.
The café on the bottom floor is fine but not great. I’d suggest that you bring your own food especially if you’re going with your children. The service in the café is good; it’s staffed with very friendly employees.
Also, UPMC SportsWorks is really fun! Think about a mini-​amusement park with a science explanation for how each one works. It helps for your children to be a bit older to do some of the activities.
For adults… my husband attended the 21+ Night of Beer Science, and he gave it rave reviews.