Planning next summer trip - Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincy

I am new to this site, although my boys (now ages 10 and 12) have made it to 15 of the current parks over the past the six summers. Wish I had learned about y'all earlier. Between everyone's schedule's we have to plan early, and well, honestly, they just excited about figuring out where we will go next summer. Anyway, we are looking at a Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati trip. Any hints on kid friendly local culture or other activities? Beast ares to stay, etc. Thanks for your thoughts.

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Permalink Reply by John (20 current MLB/11 old MLB) on October 15, 2014 at 5:46am

As for your Cincinnati part of the trip I would recommend the Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville, OH. We went a couple of years ago when my boys were 10 and 12 and they had a blast hunting for fossils.

The park is basically the side of a hill teeming with bottom of the ocean type fossils from a gazillion years ago. Using old paintbrushes and sticks, my boys were able to find a bunch of cool little fossils to bring home.

It is less than a half hour north of the ballpark. It is a great way to spend a couple of hours and, best of all, it is completely free.

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Permalink Reply by Bert on October 15, 2014 at 6:22am

Wow! Thanks. That sounds exactly like something that my guys would love.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Kabakoff (35) on October 20, 2014 at 10:56am

Check out Big Bone Lick State Park in Kentucky, maybe 30 minutes from Cincinnati.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa (21) on October 23, 2014 at 12:13pm

I've never been to Pittsburgh, but on my list when I do go is to ride the Duquesne Incline.

Cleveland we went to Rock n Roll hall of fame. It probably is a little more geared to adults, but being your kids are 10 & 12 I am sure they would know some people and exhibits within the museum. It's great to see. We stayed at the holiday inn downtown. It was reasonable and walking distance to the stadium and hof.

Cincinnati--We always stay at the holiday inn in belluvue Kentucky. It's about 3 miles away from the stadium but there is a bus for $1 ride each way/person. It runs every 20 minutes starting about 2.5 hrs prior to the start time. The kids enjoy riding the bus. The hotel has an indoor pool which is nice if the weather is bad or it's a cool day. There is an aquarium in Newport Kentucky that is nice but also a little pricey.

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Permalink Reply by Tom MacDonald on November 12, 2014 at 8:01am

Those are all great suggestions. All 3 cities have some great attractions near the parks. In particular, the science centre in Cleveland (directly beside the Rock and Roll HOF) is excellent, especially for a 10&12 yr old. In Pittsburgh there is a great downtown location called Market Square with many restaurants which is worth stopping for lunch at. And then definitely hit the Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh. It provides amazing views of the city. Enjoy the trip, they are all great parks.