We love the CSC! in fact, we're members!
There are so many things to do, and as a "learning nerd", I find the CSC a much more educational experience than the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. At CSC, they're really trying to design exhibits that teach your child and test their thinking.
Most importantly, the employees are so much fun! Not only are they great at explaining science to children, they are fun and funny!
Here are some sample exhibits...
--We love the Science of Cooking demonstration. Fuel+Heat+Air=Fire! You make and eat fruit flambe and then you eat it on ice cream at the end!
--The USS Requin submarine was really cool. I've never been inside a sub so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, it was really interesting especially to think about actually living down there for months at a time. It's SO SMALL inside!
--The Omni-Max is amazing. We've seen Flight of the Butterflies twice!
--My daughter will spend hours with the programmable robots
--There's a plush-toy "farm" in which you can plant crops and play with the animals.
The cafe on the bottom floor is fine but not great. I'd suggest that you bring your own food especially if you're going with your children. The service in the cafe is good; it's staffed with very friendly employees.
Also, UPMC SportsWorks is really fun! Think about a mini-amusement park with a science explanation for how each one works. It helps for your children to be a bit older to do some of the activities.
For adults... my husband attended the 21+ Night of Beer Science, and he gave it rave reviews.