Squirrel Hill Family Guide: The Best Things to Do with Kids

Squirrel Hill is Pittsburgh's most beloved family neighborhood, and for good reason. Anchored by Frick Park, a walkable commercial corridor, and one of the strongest school communities in the city, Squirrel Hill offers families an unusually high quality of everyday life. This guide covers the best things to do with kids in Squirrel Hill.

Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Frick Park is the crown jewel — 644 acres of trails, playgrounds, a lawn bowling green, and a dog park. The Blue Slide playground near the park entrance is legendary among Pittsburgh parents for its towering blue slide. The trails are well-maintained and range from easy stroller-friendly paths to more challenging hiking. Frick Park is free, open year-round, and genuinely one of the best urban parks in the country.

Schenley Park borders Squirrel Hill to the west and adds another 456 acres of parkland. In summer, the Schenley Park outdoor pool and spray pad are accessible from the Squirrel Hill side. The park also connects to Phipps Conservatory.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Squirrel Hill Branch

The Squirrel Hill branch of Carnegie Library is one of the most active in the system. Regular story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers run weekly throughout the year. The children's section is well-stocked and the staff is knowledgeable. Summer reading programs draw hundreds of kids from the neighborhood each year. Free, and one of the best resources for families in the area.

Kid-Friendly Dining on Murray & Forbes

Squirrel Hill's commercial corridors — Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue — are lined with family-friendly restaurants. Eat'n Park (Pittsburgh's own family diner chain) has a Squirrel Hill location. The Original Hot Dog Shop ("The O") is a Pittsburgh institution. For pizza, Mineo's on Murray has been feeding Pittsburgh families for decades. The area has plenty of options for kids who are picky eaters, plus higher-end spots for parents who want more.

Events & Community Life

Squirrel Hill hosts an active calendar of community events, many family-oriented. The annual Squirrel Hill Community Festival draws families from across Pittsburgh. The JCC Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill runs one of Pittsburgh's most comprehensive youth programming calendars — sports leagues, summer camps, arts programs, and more. Check our festivals calendar for upcoming events in and around the neighborhood.