Put down the phone. Turn off the news. Put an “out of office” notification on the email. Leave your worries behind and head out the door to indulge in one of these happy, uncomplicated, fun things to do in Pittsburgh.  

Pittsburgh is Full of Fun Things to Do

Phipps Conservatory 

One Schenley Park, Oakland 

Your first breath inside this vast complex of greenhouses tells you all you need to know: there is LIFE here. Inhale deeply. Immerse yourself in ecosystems from dry to wet and colors from bright to subtle, not to mention the knowledge you can acquire about everything from bonsais to bananas. Your shoulders will lower and your mood will improve. Buy tickets ahead of time during peak holiday seasons. 

Puttery 

1415 Smallman Street, Strip District 

The Puttery’s modern spin on putting makes this a fun outing for all ages. Updated obstacles and digital scorecards are good for littles and bigs alike, though the themed cocktails served during adults-only hours add nicely to the fun.  

Kennywood 

4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin 

The classic wooden rollercoasters like the Thunderbolt and the Jack Rabbit, as well as the high tech, souped up, rip-roaring Phantom’s Revenge, mean there’s something for everyone here. Indulge in a basket of Potato Patch fries and a Coke. Have a beer at Penn Brewery. Sample a fried Oreo. Be a kid again for an afternoon. 

PNC Carousel 

4100 Forbes Ave, Oakland 

Choose your favorite hand-painted animal to ride on. Enjoy the mellow, nostalgic pace. Make a day of it by ambling over to The Carnegie Museum of Natural History or Phipps Conservatory with the kids. Finish up with dinner at The Porch or Spirits and Tales. You’ll get your steps in, and you may feel a lot like you flew to Europe, but without the jet lag or the price tag. 

Jackworth Gingerbeer 

6615 Hamilton Avenue, Larimer 

True confessions: a relative owns this watering hole. He named it after himself as well as our shared great-grandfather, Howard Jackworth. That wry, funny jokester’s sense of fun, and his fondness for an easy, old-fashioned hangout, infuses the place with a happy vibe. Pull up a bar stool. Order a cocktail or a mocktail. Chat with someone. You’ll feel so much better. And Howard would be so pleased. 

Story by Keith Recker  
Photography by Darcy Aders

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