Family Fun for Everyone: How We Designed the Ultimate Kid-Friendly (and Parent-Approved) Stay

When we first opened our doors at Doc’s Family Pittsburgh, we knew exactly what we wanted our guests to feel when they arrived: Welcome home.

We’re a family ourselves — kids, pets, and all — so we understand firsthand the challenge of traveling as a group. Hotels can be expensive (especially in Pittsburgh), often forcing families to book multiple rooms just to fit everyone. Even then, there’s hardly ever enough space to relax. Add in the dilemma of bringing along a beloved dog (or paying to board them), and the logistics can quickly overshadow the excitement of the trip.

That’s why we built our space to be more than just a place to sleep. We wanted it to feel like a true family retreat — a spot where everyone, from toddlers to grandparents (and the dog!), can have fun, unwind, and make lasting memories together.

Step into the Entertainment Room: A Wonderland for All Ages

Head downstairs, and you’ll find our favorite part of the house: the entertainment room.

This isn’t just any basement — it’s a spacious, bright, and welcoming area that feels like your own private family fun zone. The first thing you’ll notice is our 75-inch smart TV, loaded up with all the streaming apps you love: Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Netflix, and more. Whether it’s family movie night, a big sports game, or a quiet evening binge-watching your favorite series, we’ve got you covered.

Feel free to dim the lights, roll out the sofa bed, and create the coziest movie-watching setup ever.

Then there’s the multi-cade arcade game, a guest favorite. Watch your kids (and let’s be honest — the adults, too!) light up as they discover all the classic games. Next to it, you’ll find the air hockey table, ready for endless family tournaments, and a Steeler dart board for even more friendly competition.

Treasures for the Little Ones

We know how tough it can be to keep little kids entertained while traveling, so we took care of that for you.

In the entertainment room, you'll find a Melissa and Doug building blocks table that sparks imagination and creativity. There are puzzles, books, Highlights magazines, and a wide range of toddler toys — all carefully chosen to inspire curiosity and keep little hands busy.

Many of these toys once belonged to our own children and hold a special place in our hearts. Sharing them with visiting families brings us so much joy — it’s like passing on a piece of our story to yours.

Beyond Toys: Interactive Fun

For budding young scientists (and parents who love a bit of quiet time), we stock Kiwi Co STEM kits so kids can build their own experiments. We always encourage families to build something fun and snap a picture to share with us — we absolutely love seeing the creations!

And don’t miss the hidden gems: underneath the air hockey table, you’ll find toddler tricycles, a bean bag toss game, and outdoor toys, ready for a day in the sun.

Outdoor Adventures Await

When it’s time to move the fun outside, our backyard is ready. The spacious, fully fenced yard offers a safe, open area for kids and dogs to run and play freely.

Parents can relax on the patio, sip a morning coffee, or unwind on the picnic bench while watching the kids burn off energy. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit, toast some marshmallows, and share stories under the stars. We provide chopped wood so you can get started without a hassle.

We’ve intentionally created a balance: spaces where kids can explore and spaces where parents can simply breathe and savor a quiet moment.

Sparkling Clean & Thoughtfully Organized

Safety and cleanliness are huge priorities for us. Our dedicated cleaning team is the best in the business — they meticulously wipe down all surfaces, ensure every toy is sanitized and put back in its place, and check that the arcade and air hockey tables are in perfect working condition.

It’s important to us that when you walk in, it feels like the toys and games are set up just for your family — no clutter, no mystery bins to dig through. Just pure, easy-to-find fun.

What Parents Love Most

Parents tell us time and time again how much they appreciate not having to pack the extra entertainment items. It makes travel simpler, lighter, and more relaxing from the very first moment you arrive.

Our guests love that there’s enough space for everyone to spread out: the entertainment room downstairs for games and movies, a living room upstairs for adult relaxation, and the big backyard for fresh air. The ability to log into personal streaming accounts is another major plus — you can keep up with your favorite shows just like you would at home.

Ultimately, it’s not just about having things to do — it’s about creating a space where the whole family can reconnect and enjoy each other without stress.

Looking to the Future

We’re always dreaming up new ways to make our home even more special.

In the future, we hope to add a container gym for fitness enthusiasts, carve out wooded trails for nature walks right on the property, and continue expanding our outdoor play spaces. Our vision is to create a one-of-a-kind, family-centered retreat in Pittsburgh — a place unlike any other vacation rental in the area.

Come Make Yourself at Home

At the end of the day, we built Doc’s Family Pittsburgh for families like ours: full of energy, laughter, and memories waiting to happen.

Whether you’re spending an afternoon chasing high scores on the arcade game, curled up for a family movie night, or enjoying s’mores under the stars, we hope you feel just as at home here as we do.

Ready to start making memories? Book your stay today — we can’t wait to welcome you!