Pittsburgh School Field Trips on the Three Rivers: Educational Riverboat Tours

Swap the traditional classroom for an adventure your students, youth group or scouts will be talking about all year! Right here in Pittsburgh, a field trip aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet offers an unforgettable mix of local history, geography and pure excitement as you cruise the Three Rivers.

Why take learning on the water?

Keeping kids engaged outside the classroom can be a challenge. But the moment they catch a view of the Pittsburgh skyline from the middle of the river, everything clicks. A river cruise isn't just entertaining; it's a living lesson plan:

• Local history and geography. Float past landmarks, under famous bridges, and learn how Pittsburgh's rivers shaped the region into the industrial and technological hub it is today.
• A change of scenery. Fresh air, open deck space and views of Point State Park, PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium give students a fresh perspective on their city.
• Stress-free chaperoning. Once everyone is on board, the boat is a secure, contained and structured setting. No wandering or getting lost!

Three ways to learn on the rivers

1. 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour ($20 per student). A narrated introduction to Pittsburgh's rivers, bridges and skyline, great for elementary and middle school groups or a shorter school day. Boards and returns at the North Shore dock by Acrisure Stadium.
2. Lock & Dam Educational Tour ($30 per student). About two hours of sail time through a working lock and dam, showing how river navigation, water levels and infrastructure work together. A hands-on complement to STEM, engineering and social studies for upper elementary through high school. Also boards at the North Shore.
3. Language Immersion Dining Cruise ($52 per student). Designed for high school language classes: a themed buffet with a language trivia game and culture experience on Spanish, German or French nights, cruising the rivers in the evening from our Station Square dock. Add a souvenir cup and unlimited sodas for $60 per student.

Field trips run in the spring. See the current dates on our field trips page.

Stress-free planning for teachers and group leaders

Planning a field trip can feel like a logistical puzzle. We keep organizing student groups straightforward:

• No minimum group size. Unlike many attractions that require large headcounts, our student rate doesn't depend on group size. Every student gets the same rate, whether you bring a small club or an entire grade level.
• Dedicated support. Every education booking is handled individually by our Group Sales Manager, so teachers and group leaders get personal attention and guidance.
• Clear, simple steps. Send an inquiry, then confirm your date with a signed contract and a non-refundable deposit ($100 for sightseeing field trips, $250 for student dining cruises). Final count and final payment are due 30 days before your cruise date.

Popular field trip dates fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as you have a date in mind.

Ready to sail?

Turn an ordinary school day into a river adventure. Visit our field trips page to see the schedule and send a request, call Group Sales at (412) 355-7951, or read about group cruises for scouts, churches and clubs.