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Phipps Conservatory
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Garden
Phipps Conservatory Description
Don't miss this not-so-secret garden. Parents will marvel at the thousands of plant varieties, but kids will most appreciate the playful touches: the fountains where they push a button and make the fountains spray different ways, walking across the bridge in the Japanese garden and watching the fish, pretending to be underwater in front of the see-through walls of the pond in the Thai house. Best of all is the Discovery Garden, where kids climb inside a giant tree stump, play in fountains, plant seeds, and occasionally enjoy tasty treats like lavender lemonade.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Discovery Tables, where young children learn about the exhibits through art and other hands-on activities, are available throughout the gardens from noon to 4 p.m. Also not to be missed is the nature-focused story time, which takes place every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. (outside when the weather permits).
School-Age Kids: Download the kids' map from the website (it's listed under "education") and bring it with you while you tour the gardens to better absorb its fun facts.
Pre-Teens & Teens: For those interested in photography, the gardens provide a multitude of opportunities to get unique angles and close-up views of flowers and other plants.
Planning Notes
- Ask Dr. Phipps. If you have questions about your own garden, email greenline@phipps.conservatory.org and a master gardener will answer your question for free.
- Good eats. The café is nice enough that people dine there even when they're not visiting the gardens. It features delicious food made from mostly organic, local ingredients.
- New exhibits. Check the website for upcoming exhibits and events.
- Explore the park. Phipps Conservatory is in Schenley Park, which has kid-friendly attractions such as a carousel at the park entrance, a medieval-themed playground with casts from dinosaur fossils from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, a pool, and a skating rink.
Just the Facts
Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Fri. until 10 p.m.)
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
Reviews of Phipps Conservatory
The best place in Pittsburgh to visit
By JKido728 September 13, 2008 | Son: Age 4
Anyone coming to Pittsburgh should make time, 2 hours, to see Phipps. Luckily I live near it and have a membership. It is very relaxing when your there. There is no time limit, and you can take all the pictures you want. Everytime I go, there are new flowers, new themes. The fountains and waterfalls make you feel like you are somewhere completely away from a city. I havent been there at night, but Ive seen pictures from people who have and it looks absolutly amazing. Read More
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