What are the best family friendly activities on Pittsburgh's rivers? Our top five are a sightseeing cruise past the Point, a picnic on the deck, fishing, wildlife spotting and a kayak paddle for older kids. A family boat rental on a pontoon lets you fit most of them into one relaxed day on the water.
The Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers meet right at downtown, so the city's best views are only a short cruise from our dock. Below we walk through each activity, how to plan the day around kids, and the Pennsylvania rules every parent should know. When you're ready, our pontoon boat rental in Pittsburgh leaves from Vic's Boat Park in McKees Rocks, minutes from downtown.
A pontoon is built for exactly the kind of day families want. The deck is wide and flat, the seating wraps around the boat, and there is room for a cooler, a diaper bag and everyone's shoes without anyone feeling cramped.
Every family is different. Toddlers want snacks and something to look at. Ten year olds want a fishing rod. Teenagers want a paddle and a little independence. The good news is that the three rivers have something for each of them, and a pontoon gives you a home base for all of it.
Here are the five activities families ask about most, starting with the one nobody should skip.
The view from the water is the reason most families come out. From our dock on the Ohio River, you can cruise toward the Point, where the Allegheny and Monongahela join to form the Ohio. Kids love watching the fountain at Point State Park spray into the air, counting the yellow bridges and spotting the stadiums along the North Shore.
Turn it into a game: who can spot the most bridges, the first incline car on Mount Washington, or the biggest boat on the river? Give older kids the job of taking photos of the skyline. Keep everyone seated while the boat is moving, and slow down near other boats and the shoreline.
Lunch tastes better on the water. Several of our pontoons have a removable table, and the Sweet Water Godfrey has a table with built in cup holders, so you can set out sandwiches, fruit and snacks without balancing plates on your knees.
Pack food that is easy to eat with one hand and won't blow away. Wraps, cut fruit, crackers and cheese all work well. Bring a trash bag so nothing ends up in the river. Stoves and grills are not allowed on our pontoons, so plan for a cold lunch or pick up something on the way to the dock.
Water is the most important thing you can bring. Kids get thirsty fast in the sun, even under the bimini, so pack more than you think you need.
The open decks on our pontoons have room to cast a line, and the three rivers are a favorite spot for local anglers. Fishing is a great activity for kids who need something to do with their hands. Even a short session gives them a story to tell.
Want to know where to fish? Our angler's guide to fishing the three rivers covers the spots worth trying.
Away from downtown, the riverbanks turn green and wooded, and it is common to see Canada geese and ducks floating along the edges. In late spring you may even spot goslings paddling behind their parents.
Slow the boat down near the banks and let the kids keep watch. A pair of binoculars and a simple list of animals to find turns a quiet stretch of river into a scavenger hunt. Remind everyone to look but never feed the wildlife.
For families with teens or active older kids, a kayak adds some adventure. We rent the 10 ft Quest kayak by Pelican for 2 hours, which is a stable, easy to steer kayak that works for beginners and experienced paddlers.
A kayak is a workout and a different way to see the river up close. It is a good match for a parent and an older child who want to paddle while the rest of the family relaxes. In Pennsylvania, children 12 and younger must wear a life jacket in any kayak, and from November 1 through April 30 everyone in a kayak must wear one. Ask about age and fit when you book.
Start with a headcount, and count everyone. Babies, toddlers and the driver all count toward the boat's limit, and our policies cap each rental at the people limit or the weight limit on the boat's capacity plate, whichever comes first.
If your headcount lands right at a boat's limit, size up for comfort. For more help, see our boats or call us at (412) 773-0988.
Pennsylvania requires a wearable, Coast Guard approved life jacket for every person on board. Children 12 and younger must wear one while underway on any boat 20 feet or shorter. On a longer boat, putting kids in a life jacket is still the simplest way to keep everyone relaxed.
Assign one adult to watch the kids at all times so the driver can focus on the river. The full list is in the Fish and Boat Commission regulations recap.
A little planning keeps the day smooth. Here is a simple checklist for families:
Have everyone use the restroom before you leave the dock. For a full list, read our guide on what to bring for a boat rental on Pittsburgh's rivers.
Our rentals run in 4 hour and 8 hour blocks between 9 AM and 9 PM. For families with toddlers, a 4 hour morning rental often works best. You get the cooler part of the day and you're back before nap time. Families with older kids who want to fish, picnic and cruise to the Point may want the full 8 hours.
Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early on your first rental for the safety briefing. The person paying signs the rental agreement, and every passenger signs too. If the weather looks rough, we make the call the morning of your trip, and if we cancel you can reschedule or get a full refund.
Don't forget the family dog. Dogs are welcome on our pontoons, and our guide to bringing your pup on a pontoon has tips for a happy day afloat.
Bring a favorite toy, a few easy snacks and a simple game like spotting bridges, birds or other boats. Plan a shorter outing, such as a 4 hour morning rental, so you're back before nap time. Shade under the bimini and regular water breaks help keep little ones happy.
A pontoon is the top pick for most families. The wide, flat deck feels steady, the seating keeps everyone together, and the bimini top provides shade. Our pontoons seat 7 to 10 guests, so there's room for kids, grandparents, a cooler and all the gear.
Yes, on most rental pontoons. Pennsylvania requires children 12 and younger to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway on any boat 20 feet or shorter, and in all kayaks. Every person on board must have a life jacket available. Our pontoons carry one for everyone.
Yes, dogs are welcome on our pontoons. Your dog counts toward the boat's weight limit, so mention your pup when you book. A dog life jacket, a water bowl and a towel make the day easier for everyone on board.
For families with young children, a 4 hour rental is usually plenty. It covers a cruise to the Point, a snack break and some wildlife spotting. If you want to fish, picnic and explore at an easy pace, an 8 hour rental gives you the whole day.
We decide the morning of the rental based on the weather and river conditions. If we cancel, you can reschedule your trip, and if it can't be rescheduled you get a full refund. You can also reschedule on your own up to 72 hours before your launch time.
Ready for a day on the water with the kids? Book your family pontoon rental or compare our boats to find the right fit.
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