When winter settles over Pittsburgh, it doesn’t just bring snow. It also brings also that bone-chilling, teeth-chatting wind and cold temperatures that make us question why we put ourselves through the winter. But Pittsburgh also knows how to fight back against the cold and take in special moments of warmth. These steamy indoor escapes give you a chance to thaw out when the winter gets bitter, whether that’s through physical activity or just taking in pretty sights high temperature climates.
Warm Up This Winter at These Hot Places in Pittsburgh
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
If you need a breath of fresh air (quite literally) and could use a walk through the tropics then you need a trip to Phipps. Through March 15, Phipps is theming their indoor gardens to showcase orchids and bonsai trees. There are also plenty of houseplants and decor elements to remind us of the season of love.
Yoga Factory
Hot yoga is one of the more recent trends that teaches you the balancing movements of yoga in a very humid and warm room. A room of around 105 degrees F allows for better flexibility, breath work, calorie burning, and heart health. Their traditional hot yoga sequence consists of 26 postures as well as two breathing exercises.
National Aviary
The Tropical Rainforest room at the National Aviary is one of the best ways to transport yourself somewhere warm. Not only will the temperature keep you cozy, you’ll be welcomed by Snowy Egrets, Victoria Crowned Pigeons, and even a Two-toed Sloth. The other rooms let you explore Wetlands, Treetops, Penguin Point, and Grasslands.
Pickleball Warehouse
One of the most Pittsburgh-er ways to escape the cold is by playing indoor pickleball. This sport will have you quick on your toes to bat the pickleball back and forth. Play your games in this graffiti decked out warehouse space and then grab a snack from their concession bar on your way out.
ASCEND
Have you ever dreamed of climbing the mountains above rocky ledges and into the sky? Us too, but that would mean a lot of training and skill. We can at least start though at ASCEND which offers climbing intro classes as well as a space featuring bouldering, top-roping, auto-belays, and slacklining. Maybe then one day in the future we’ll escape the cold to climb somewhere warmer outside.
Switch and Signal
An indoor skatepark means you can skateboard or rollerblade even when there’s ice on the streets. Switch and Signal hosts two and a half hour long sessions where you can test out ramps, rails, and other equipment. They even throw special sessions each month specifically for adult beginners, kids, as well as women and transgender persons.
Bad Sauna
If you’re really looking to get hot, hot, hot then a sauna will throw you right into the heat. This process of steam showering benefits your body and mind, especially in the winter time. At Bad Sauna you can book a public or private appointment that can include music, essential oils, or guided sessions. Plus, ASCEND is right next door so you can easily head between buildings.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo Courtesy of National Aviary
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