Summer break is winding down, but the fun in Pittsburgh is far from over! As the back-to-school buzz begins, there’s still plenty of time to squeeze every last drop of joy out of these sunny days. Take the time to make memories inside and outside, whether in a local park or inside one of the city’s many museums. Just don’t let the final weeks slip away without giving the kiddos something exciting to talk about when they get back to school.
Last Minute Summer Activities for Before the First Day of School
Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
While the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is open year-round, one of the best times to go is at the end of summer. As the temperatures start to cool down a little, more animals come out to enjoy the weather. Make it family affair and add some excitement by making up a scavenger hunt for your trip. Have each child pick a type of animal that they look for and let the fun begin!
Frick Park and Blue Slide Playground
Over in the Squirrel Hill section of Frick Park, though all of the woodlands are gorgeous to explore in the summer, you’ll find Blue Slide Playground. Made famous by Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller, Blue Slide Playground features an iconic slide that runs along the ground of the hill. But, there are also swings, tunnels, and picnic tables for the adults available. Feel free to explore the rest of Frick Park for tennis courts, baseball fields, and the only public lawn bowling green.
Sandcastle
Having a waterpark right on the Waterfront in West Homestead is heaven for a city without beaches. Find the adrenaline of large water slides or take the day to relax in the lazy river. There’s something for all ages here, from a Mushroom Pool for the kids to the Mon Tsunami Wave Pool for the entire family. You’ll want to head to this adventure before the weather starts to cool!
Triple B Farms
Spend time out on the Triple B Farm whether it’s for a Movie Under the Stars event or just to work together as a family to gather ingredients for dinner. Acres of land to run around on hold plenty of fresh produce as well as animals for the kiddos to visit. Plus, Triple B Farms lets you pick your own fruit and flowers. In August, you can pick your own peaches, flowers, and sunflowers and capture some adorable photos in the process.
Children’s Museum Pittsburgh
Did you know that the Children’s Museum has an outdoor play yard, too? Take advantage of the Backyard as not only a place for the kids to play but also for the adults to take a breath. Let your children explore colorful tube play structures, play and pump water through statues, try out the musical swing set, and even dive their hands into pits of mud. It’s a hands-on kids dream whether you choose to hang outside or luxuriate in the AC and stay inside.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
65 acres of gardens and woodlands await your family at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Get ready for a day in the sun (with occasional walks in shady groves) as you look through bushes of blooms and beautiful woodland ponds. There’s even a Garden of the Five Senses where kids can directly engage with nature. Here they’ll climb on nets, dig in the sand, play on flower drums, and take a moment to pay attention to the sights and sounds around them.
Museum of Illusions
One of the newest museums in Pittsburgh, the Museum of Illusions features interactive exhibits that turn your world upside down (quite literally). Think outside of the box as you walk through tilted rooms, hold on tight in the vortex tunnel, travel on the ceiling, and even find yourself shrinking and growing. Make sure to bring your camera along to capture your children’s shocked faces at the surprises that await them.
Kennywood
Essential to Pittsburgh, Kennywood amusement park is a must at least once a summer. After all, what better way is there to end summer vacation than with a ride on the Phantom or Steel Curtain? Kiddieland is available for younger children but even older kids in high school will find themselves having fun on roller coasters and other thrilling rides. Plus, who can be sad when there’s a Golden Nugget double dipped ice cream cone or a serving of Potato Patch fries in your hand? We recommend going on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds while you still can.
Carnegie Science Center
The Carnegie Science Center is one of those kids’ museums that’s really for the adults too. As you try hands-on exhibits with your child, you’ll learn a thing or two about robots, your body, or the planets in outer space. Right now they have a Mental Health Matters exhibit where you can experience real life struggles such as neurosis-inducing noises or you can participate in activities to better your own self-care.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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