Phone:
(412) 364-9400
Physical address:
1130 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Things to Do in Pittsburgh When Your Kids Are Different Ages
It’s a gray Saturday in Pittsburgh, the forecast says rain until dinner, and your kids want completely different things. The 5-year-old wants a bounce house. The 11-year-old wants anything that doesn’t feel like it was made for a 5-year-old. You’d like to spend the afternoon doing one thing together, not splitting the family in two directions.
That’s the mixed-age problem, and it shows up in a lot of Pittsburgh households. Here’s what to look for when you’re planning around it, and how a 35,000 sq ft indoor blacklight carpet skatepark on Perry Highway keeps every age busy under one roof.
That’s the mixed-age problem, and it shows up in a lot of Pittsburgh households. Here’s what to look for when you’re planning around it, and how a 35,000 sq ft indoor blacklight carpet skatepark on Perry Highway keeps every age busy under one roof.
Why Mixed-Age Outings Are So Hard to Plan
Most kids’ activities are built for a narrow age range. A toddler play space can lose a 10-year-old in about 15 minutes. Something built for older kids may not work at all for a 4-year-old.
Pittsburgh adds its own wrinkle. Rainy weekends, cold winter afternoons, and school breaks push a lot of families indoors, and everyone ends up looking for the same few options.
When you’re choosing an indoor spot for kids of different ages, a few things matter more than the rest:
Pittsburgh adds its own wrinkle. Rainy weekends, cold winter afternoons, and school breaks push a lot of families indoors, and everyone ends up looking for the same few options.
When you’re choosing an indoor spot for kids of different ages, a few things matter more than the rest:
- More than one type of activity. Kids can move around instead of everyone doing the same thing.
- Active play. Kids burn off energy, which makes the drive home a lot calmer.
- One admission. You’re not paying separately for each activity or debating which ones are worth it.
- A spot where you can see everyone. Parents can keep an eye on both the little kids and the bigger kids.
How Fun Slides Keeps Different Ages Busy at the Same Time
Fun Slides is an indoor carpet skatepark where guests wear special plastic skates that strap over their shoes and glide across carpeted ramps and surfaces. Skating is the main event, but it’s only one part of the day. Every admission also includes the Xtra Activities, so kids can switch things up whenever they want.
Ages 4 and Under
Little kids tend to head for the bounce houses and butt slides first. There are also beginner-friendly skating areas for anyone ready to give the skates a try. For the youngest guests, the Butt Slide N’ Bounce pass is designed for ages 4 and under.
Ages 5 to 8
This is a great age to learn carpet skating. Staff help first-time skaters get comfortable, and the skates strap over closed toe shoes. When they need a break from skating, there are bounce houses to jump in and a 20-piece redemption arcade where they can win tickets for prizes.
Ages 9 to 13
Older kids usually want a challenge, and there’s plenty here. They can take on the ninja warrior obstacle course, play blacklight dodgeball, or try carpet hockey. The Nerf War Zone is a popular pick, and the ramps and half-pipes give confident skaters room to keep improving.
Ages 4 and Under
Little kids tend to head for the bounce houses and butt slides first. There are also beginner-friendly skating areas for anyone ready to give the skates a try. For the youngest guests, the Butt Slide N’ Bounce pass is designed for ages 4 and under.
Ages 5 to 8
This is a great age to learn carpet skating. Staff help first-time skaters get comfortable, and the skates strap over closed toe shoes. When they need a break from skating, there are bounce houses to jump in and a 20-piece redemption arcade where they can win tickets for prizes.
Ages 9 to 13
Older kids usually want a challenge, and there’s plenty here. They can take on the ninja warrior obstacle course, play blacklight dodgeball, or try carpet hockey. The Nerf War Zone is a popular pick, and the ramps and half-pipes give confident skaters room to keep improving.
What to Know Before You Visit With Kids of Different Age
A mixed-age visit goes smoothly when you know the basics ahead of time.
- No reservation needed. Ordinary public skate doesn’t require one. Reservations are only for birthday parties and large group events.
- Sign your waiver first. Every guest needs one, and anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign. You can complete it online before you arrive.
- Closed toe shoes are required. The skates fit over them, and they fit up to size 13 men’s.
- Helmets are included. They’re required for guests ages 8 and under. Wrist guards are recommended.
- Kids need supervision. A parent or guardian needs to be at the park with them.
- Parents can watch for free or join in. Spectating adults enter free with a signed waiver. If you want to skate, you’ll need admission and a rental.
- Snacks are on site. Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed during public skate, but the snack bar has pizza, wings, hoagies, salads, snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Hours change with the season, so check the current schedule before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fun Slides for Different Ages
What ages is Fun Slides best for?
Fun Slides is most popular with kids ages 4 to 13, and all ages are welcome. Younger kids tend to enjoy the bounce houses, butt slides, and beginner-friendly skating areas, while older kids often head for the Ninja Course, dodgeball, and Nerf.
Do we need a reservation for public skate?
No. Most families just walk in during public skate hours. Reservations are only needed for birthday parties and large group events.
Which activities are included with admission?
All admission passes include the skatepark and every Xtra Activity: blacklight dodgeball, the ninja warrior obstacle course, carpet hockey, Nerf War Zone, bounce houses, butt slides, and the redemption arcade. Skate and helmet rentals are included too.
Do parents have to stay?
Yes. Kids must be supervised by a parent or guardian while they’re at the park. Parents can spectate for free with a signed waiver, or buy admission to skate.
Can we bring our own snacks?
Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted during public skate. The snack bar has pizza, wings, hoagies, salads, snacks, drinks, and ice cream. If someone has a dietary need, call (412) 364-9400 to check on options.
Plan Your Next Mixed-Age Outing
The next time your kids want completely different things, you don’t have to pick a winner. At Fun Slides, the little one can bounce, the older one can take on the Ninja Course, and everyone can skate together in between. And you can watch it all from one spot.
Check the current schedule, sign your waivers ahead of time, and come slide in. Fun Slides is at 1130 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Buy General Admission Tickets: https://funslidespgh.pcsparty.com/store/index.asp
View Hours & Prices: https://funslidespark.com/hours-prices/
Sign Your Waiver: https://funslidespgh.pcsparty.com/sign
Check the current schedule, sign your waivers ahead of time, and come slide in. Fun Slides is at 1130 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Buy General Admission Tickets: https://funslidespgh.pcsparty.com/store/index.asp
View Hours & Prices: https://funslidespark.com/hours-prices/
Sign Your Waiver: https://funslidespgh.pcsparty.com/sign
