Location: Homestead
Top Things to do in Homestead
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Homestead, United States
Homestead is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA, in the Monongahela River valley 7 miles (11 km) southeast of downtown Pittsburgh and directly across the river from the city limit line. The borough is known for the Homestead Strike of 1892, an important event in the history of labor relations in the United States. The population of Homestead was 3,165 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Homestead
1. Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area
Overall Ratings
5 based on 50 reviews
Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area conserves, interprets and develops historical, cultural and recreational resources throughout western Pennsylvania. Destinations include the Carrie Blast Furnaces Nos. 6 and 7, Pinkerton's Landing, the Pump House at the Site of the former United States Steel Homestead Works, The Bost Building, and the W.A. Young Foundry and Machine Shop at Rices Landing. Rivers of Steel offers a variety of tours and events to share the region's evolution from colonial settlement to "Big Steel" to the modern era.
Reviewed By Marguerite S
We were recently in PA near Pittsburgh and wanted to visit Rivers of Steel. I knew that the blast furnace tours are very limited and must be booked in advance, and the Bost Building - which seems to be the heart of this complex from the website - is only open a few hours on M, W, and F. Further reading online informed me that the Bost Building is closed this summer. So we went as close to the site as we could, luckily met several police officers nearby yet none of them really knew about it, though one said the red building did seem to attract tours.
So Rivers of Steel seems to be a private organization, given tours during only very limited times. Why anyone would basically close shop during the summer vacation season by closing the main building for working being done isn't at all clear; I would think the work being done could be done at another time of the year.
So please be advised about the limited availability of the site to the public, similar to a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home rather than a public park. I find it odd that none of the reviewers have really pointed this out. I might try it again, as the reviews are otherwise great.
2. Kennywood Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Kennywood is America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park! Located just outside Pittsburgh, PA, Kennywood offers a unique mix of classic rides and modern thrills, including six roller coasters, a 14-ride Kiddieland, and several attractions that cannot be found anywhere else. Kennywood's three wooden coasters have all been designated Landmark rides by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). Founded as a trolley park in 1898 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1987, Kennywood guarantees unforgettable fun for all ages. The experience goes well beyond the rides, as guests enjoy homemade fudge, tasty funnel cakes, and the world-famous Potato Patch fries! And Kennywood is not just a summer attraction, either! Visit on fall weekends for Happy Hauntings, a kid-friendly daytime event, or Phantom Fright Nights, where scare-actors roam the grounds and jolts await on every thrill ride! Visit weekends from Thanksgiving to New Year's for Holiday Lights, Pittsburgh's best winter tradition!
Reviewed By mandimcm - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We’re locals who have gone to Kennywood many times in our lives. This year they added a new Halloween event geared toward families with young children, called Happy Hauntings. As a Halloween lover with a child who’s too little for haunted houses, I was very excited for this! It didn’t disappoint! We went on a Saturday, it was my husband, me, our 13-year-old son, and our 8-year-old son. We got there right when they opened and I was surprised at how many people were in line to get in! But the line moved fast. (We used a coupon from the Halloween store for discounted tickets.)
Once inside the park, we were greeted by Kenny Kangaroo in his Halloween costume! The Kennywood Arrow was also there and dressed up, and some other characters who they put out just for the event. (A scarecrow with an adorable crow puppet, etc) We started with some trick-or-Treating in the Kennyville cemetery. (No ghouls, just staff handing out treats.) The kids were each provided with a bag and they got about 10 pieces of candy if I remember correctly. It was a festive start to the day! We then got some delicious popcorn by the Old Mill and walked over to Parkside Cafe to take a hayride around the park. The hayride was narrated and we went past inflatable Halloween decorations while she made jokes (“Dracula’s favorite holiday isn’t Halloween, it’s Fangsgiving”) and it was really cute. Next up was the train ride, decorated with adorable skeleton scenes (the bird skeletons being fed by a skeleton on a park bench was a highlight). Then my husband and teenager went to ride the Jack Rabbit while the little guy and I headed over to the Auto Race and Kiddieland. I assume the Racer will be open for this event in the future, but it was undergoing off-season maintenance this time. When it was time to meet up for food, husband and teen excitedly told us that the Jack Rabbit was a “walk on” today and they had ridden it over and over. Seems like most of the crowd had very young children and spent most of their time in kiddie land. So we ate at the Snackasaurus (awesome sandwiches) and got some fun seasonal coffees in Halloween souvenir to-go cups. Then we all headed over to the Jack Rabbit so the little guy could ride too. We rode it a few times and even bought a souvenir pic because why not, it was a fun memory!
We rounded out our visit with a trip through the little hay maze (for kids) with an awesome Jack-o-lantern archway over the entrance, another ride on the train, some carousel rides, and one more Auto Race. Then the kids stopped by this cool witch/wizard themed shop by the Jack Rabbit and made slime to take home. (I think it was $6.) Took pics with a big Jack-o-lantern by the lagoon. On the way out we refilled our popcorn by the Old Mill. The event only lasted until 4:00, giving the little guy plenty of time to safely leave the park before Phantom Fright Nights started. We all enjoyed it very much and have plans to hit this event again this year!
Some suggestions for Kennywood:
It would have been fun to ride Ghostwood Estate during this event! Also we wished that the Kangaroo had been open to ride. I would have loved some pumpkin foods! Pumpkin funnel cake or something like that. Or maybe a super chocolatey candy covered funnel cake, like Reese’s or something. Maybe some pumpkin soft serve. Halloween foods on sticks...anything festive like that. Looking forward to seeing how this event grows in the future!
3. The Brew Gentlemen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Linda B
Had three different types of beer and they all tasted the same. Maybe my taste buds but the three of us had the same thought. But it's always nice to support a local business!
4. The Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Samuel A - Valley Grove, West Virginia
Plenty of shops, restaurants and fun places. There is something for the whole family. Dave and busters for the kids and an improv comedy theater for dad and mom.
5. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience to its visitors since 1893. Visit to discover breathtaking seasonal flower shows and special exhibits, a nationally-recognized orchid collection, butterflies, botanical gardens, fun family activities, and much more.
Reviewed By mjpk25 - Parkersburg, West Virginia
wow!...the smell of springtime is amazing and phipps captured it in lovely themed rooms...benches were everywhere to take a break and really experience the beauty...the chihuly sculptures were artistically placed thru out the conservatory...stunning!...gift shop was large, but as with most gift shops in this setting, a bit overpriced...our only beef was the parking...instead of allowing guests to have prime parking, they have staff w/prime parking...walking is not an issue for us, per say but we did see several people exhausted from the long walk from parking...maybe offer an open air shuttle or better yet, have your staff park far away from the building instead of you patrons...
6. Pittsburgh Improv
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Robin A - Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
This is a great place to go to have fun! We sat in front around the stage, not a place to sit if you don't want to be picked on. Haha! You have to order 2 items, drinks or food per person. A little expensive, but the show is great! We liked the not so well known comedians. The head liner was not as funny in our eyes.
7. Voodoo Brewery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Tim R - Charlotte, NC, USA
Voodoo is located just a short drive from the suburban "The Waterfront" development, but it is miles away in atmosphere. It is located in an old firehouse in the actual town of Homestead. The general atmosphere is relaxed, dark, funky, grunge with a number of repurposed items around the walls. The center of the space is dominated by large, communal tables.
We tried several beers and found them all to be very good. My friend even tried a seasonal, cucumber beer that she loved.
Fun, casual, funky spot with a selection of good beers.
8. Escape Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By blanksp - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Our leadership staff took a team building trip to this location. None of us knew what to expect, however decided to try it. It turned out to be the best thing for our team. It required us to all work together to solve the interactive puzzle to allow us to escape from the room. They give you 60 minutes to solve the clues and open the door to escape. We got all the way to the end and could not figure out the last clue to open the door. Needless to say we ran out of time but if your looking for something to do that is a lot of fun and will get your brain cells to working this is the activity for you. Try it yo won't be disappointed.
9. Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Carnegie Museum of Natural History is the place for kids to discover science and the wonders of the natural world. Dig for bones in Bonehunters Quarry, get hands-on with real and replica specimens in Discovery Basecamp, grind corn in a Hopi home, and more. Dinosaurs are just the beginning! Free family-activities, touchables, and Bonehunters Quarry available each weekend and weekdays during the summer.
Reviewed By bardgirl1 - New York City, New York
Everyone knows the dinosaurs are the reason to head to the Carnegie, so I'll cut to the chase.
First off, Dinosaurs in their Time offers unparalleled presentation, right down to recreation of the plant life of the time. I've never felt so immersed in the Mesozoic, and that's a selling point in itself.
Then, there's the fossil collection. Although there are nice little Triassic and Mesozoic Ocean Life sections bookcasing the exhibit, the big focus will be on the Jurassic and Cretaceous sections. While the Cretaceous section can more than hold it's own against many others, the centerpiece being dueling T-Rexes, it's the Jurassic section that is the museum's claim to fame.
With access to many of the best dig sites the Utah section of what is now Dinosaur National Monument had to offer during the Bone Rush, the Carnegie is home to what is probably the greatest Morrison Formation dinosaur collection in the world. Ceratosaurus attacks a Dryosaur. Stegosaurus and Camptosaurus amble about. Allosaurus terrorizes and disturbs the peace. But the highlight - and the reasons this is one of the great dinosaur collections - are the three stunning sauropods: A juvenile Camarasaurus which is the most complete sauropod ever found, a gorgeously robust Apatosaurus Louisae, and the museum's mascot - the original, world famous, Dippy the Diplodocus - which might still be the world's most famous dinosaur thanks in part to casts that Carnegie himself had sent to other natural history museums around the world.
An essential dinosaur collection, especially if the Jurassic is your period of choice.
10. Sing Sing Dueling Piano Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Samuel A - Valley Grove, West Virginia
We always visit the Rock Bottom RESTAURANT AND BREWERY when in PITTSBURGH. The have a great variety of micro brewed BEER and food. There Vegi bughers are the best in PITTSBURGH. It is a fun attmospher and the people treat you like family. It is located in the waterfront so there is plenty of shops, fun and game places plus an improv comedy theater.
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