Pitt Zoo & Idlewild Info needed

We are planning to go to Idlewild Park and the Pitt Zoo. We are hoping to find a hotel halfway between the two. Although, we are not familiar with the Pitt area. What is your recommendation or do you have any suggestions for hotels? Or, would it be better to stay closer to one place and then travel to the next stop early the next morning? We are traveling from Canton, Ohio.

Pitt Zoo %26amp; Idlewild Info needed

This is a tough one but I%26#39;ll give it a go....

First off, the zoo won%26#39;t take all day and you%26#39;ll want to check out the city and what it has to offer. The zoo itself is lovely but not huge and 3 hours is about the most you need (we generally do it in 2 and that%26#39;s with 2 kids stopping to take pictures and see every animal.) After the zoo, find the time to check out the city.

To be closer to Idlewild for the next day, you%26#39;ll want to consider something closer to the Monroeville exit of the PA Turnpike...this way you can hop right on the Turnpike and get to Idlewild pretty quick. I%26#39;ve never had a need to stay there but it seems like the Holiday Inn Express in Monroeville is what%26#39;s recommeded here on Trip Advisor. This will also put you back on the Turnpike on your way home (assuming you%26#39;re staying for the 2nd night). You%26#39;ll be tired after a day at Idlewild but it closes early so you may be able to drive back to Canton after.

As for Idlewild, its a great family park and my kids love Soakzone.

Hope this helps a bit.

Pitt Zoo %26amp; Idlewild Info needed

Hi and welcome. I would second the Monroeville recommendation - my only suggestion, if you are coming in on the weekend, would be that you check the PennDOT web site for any traffic delays on 376 (look under interstate closures.)

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/

Or you could also get back on the Parkway and double back to the Butler exit, then take Route 8 south, which will take you almost directly to the zoo.

If you%26#39;re looking for something else to do in the city, I would recommend the Aviary, the Children%26#39;s Museum, and the incline.