When temperatures drop and the rain starts to fall, it’s time to bring the fun indoors. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a casual walk through a garden, Pittsburgh has you covered with plenty of ways to keep busy. Start marking your calendar with these seven indoor activities to stay warm and bustling.
Arsenal Bowl
Combine a night out at the bar with friends and old-school bowling at Arsenal in Lawrenceville. The alley has 22 lanes and makes sure to keep the music going. Some nights, they host live music from bands around the city. Plus, if you work up an appetite, they have a food selection ranging from chicken sandwiches to pizza.
Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing Bar
Axe throwing has gained popularity in the last few years for its friendly competition and adventurous spirit. At Lumberjaxes in Millvale, your group gets a private lane and multiple game options. Have a blast trying to get a bullseye while sipping on specialty-curated drinks. During the winter months, they also have a Sliders Ice Curling Bar with the same atmosphere and ice-curling games.
Puttery
Mini golf is an in-demand summer activity, but this indoor course, combined with two full-service bars, makes it just as popular in the winter. Each of the three courses contains interactive props and decorations featuring unique themes. The Library course uses oversized books, the Lodge takes you to the Rocky Mountains, and the Garage makes cars an obstacle.
Phipp’s Conservatory
If you’re missing the outdoors and the bloom of flowers, Phipp’s is the best immersion into nature. There are plenty of plant and flower displays along with ponds, bridges, and trees to stroll along. The flower show changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to see under the natural sunlight.
Shorty’s Pins x Pints
If you’re not the best bowler, give duckpin bowling a try. This smaller take on the game has a ball that fits in your hand, leaving the other hand open for a pint of beer. Shorty’s is also retro-themed, from the drinks to the music. Grab some friends and reserve a lane, or try some of the other vintage games like foosball, shuffleboard, or pinball.
Escape Room Pittsburgh
For the people who enjoy puzzles, Escape Room Pittsburgh has six different rooms to try. You’ll have an hour to work through different riddles, gadgets, and mysteries to make it out. The Homestead location has rooms different from others in the city, too. One of the current featured rooms is called Carnegie’s Millions, based around the founder of Pittsburgh, Andrew Carnegie, and a secret society.
Pinball Perfection
Something about the dings and lights of pinball machines makes them addictive. Thankfully, you can pay a flat rate at Pinball Perfection to play on over 300 devices for an hour. This is a hands-on museum featuring machines from the 1930s to modern times. Be sure to check out what new pinball restorations are happening while you’re there.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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