As a mom with small children, I am always looking for fun things to do with my kids that provide an educational component. One thing that we love to do is the Just Ducky Tours. It’s Pittsburgh’s only land and water adventure and my kids loved it! Each excursion begins in historic Station Square before waddling through town then splashing into the river for the ride of your life in an authentic WWII amphibious vehicle.
One of the things I really like about the Just Ducky Tour is the fact that no matter how many times you have previously gone, you always learn something new on each tour. My husband has lived in Pittsburgh his whole life, and each time there is something he didn’t know before. The tour is great for those visiting from out of town, or seasoned visitors.
Now if you have been to Just Ducky Tours before, you might remember that there was a little cart right before the Hard Rock Café where you would check in and purchase tickets. They now have a new building and gift shop between Home Run Harry’s and Buckhead Saloon which is so nice! Inside you will find a variety of souvenirs, some snacks & drinks, and you can’t forget the quackers! Make sure to get one of those before you board the vehicle!
The tour is one hour long and takes you down Grant Street, Smithfield street, through the theatre district, and then to the water. Our favorite this trip was the new globes outside PPG Place and Market Square aimed to educate people on pollution. If you haven’t been downtown yet, make sure to go check them out before the end of September!
Of course, each of my children had their 0wn set of questions and commentary to add. “Why are there balls everywhere? Is there a Target nearby? ” “There’s no way the city actually flooded- is he fibbing?” “Oh the Pirates Stadium! We’ve been there before” And of course, it wouldn’t be a family trip if we didn’t have to tell a certain two year old that people were there to listen to the tour- not hear his life story; hence the pouting.
Depending on the day, and other events going on downtown there are two possible entrances to the water. The land tour is narrated by a co-captain and the water tour is narrated by the captain. Once in the water, the boat is open for passengers to drive it.
This is one of our favorite parts! Now, our middle child was a little more hesitant to drive. Although he had been on the tour before, he was convinced the “car” would sink as soon as it entered the water. In the same breath, his sister was saying how glad she was the boat had life jackets so we could swim in the river.
From the water there is such a great view of the Point State Park Fountain, Monongahela Incline, and Heinz Field.
The tours run at six different times during the day and the weekend, and from experience I would STRONGLY recommend reservations!
Monday-Friday the tours run at 10:30a.m, 12:00p.m., 1:30p.m., 2:45p.m., 4:00p.m., and 6:00p.m.
Saturday & Sunday the tours run at 10:30a.m., 12:00p.m., 1:30p.m., 2:45p.m., 4:30p.m., and 6:00p.m.
Not only are there a variety of times to pick from, but the tour is also handicap accessible! I love this because this means everyone is able to go and no one is left out! The tours operate rain or shine, and umbrellas will be given to anyone who sits in the area not covered by the canopy. Oh, I forgot to mention, practice your quacking, and be ready to quack, quack, quack at anyone passing by! Our kids love quacking as loud as possible- they are pretty much professional quackers now.
Thank you Just Ducky Tours for such a great experience and fun morning!
Plan a tour today!
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