Five Fun (and Free!) Summertime Spots for Kids in Pittsburgh

Summer is a great time to make new memories as a family—and experiences outside of your regular routine can add valuable variety to your life! Checkout the five (free!) outdoor spots to explore in Pittsburgh below and take advantage of the sunshine.

Highland Park Super Playground

This playground in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Highland Park reopened last year after being reimagined and renovated. Decorated with new hidden mosaics, this park mixes outdoor play and art beautifully. The original park and new renovations have been a labor of love by the local community and it shows. The park houses swings, slides, jungle gyms, and climbing fixtures which enable endless playing opportunities. The structure is built from wood which extracts feelings of nostalgia from the parents who bring their children and remember the old park.

Round Hill Park

Round Hill Park is nestled in the hills in Elizabeth, PA. It is one of a kind as far as the Allegheny Parks go. Not only can your family enjoy playgrounds and a splash pad, but the park is a fully functioning farm! It is free and open to the public. The farm consists of several buildings to peruse and every farm animal you can think of—and a couple you might not expect! This park has so much to explore and a little something for everyone in the family.

Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve

If you are looking to enjoy Western Pennsylvania's flora and fauna, then hiking the trails at Beechwood Farms is for you. This family friendly reserve is an Audubon Society sanctuary and full of peaceful scenery and lively critters. There is no cost to enjoy the trails and if you keep an eye out you will see when they host events and activities for kids to learn more about the nature all around them! And—you can stop in the gift shop to see carter joey™ products in person!

Allegheny RiverTrail Park 

Pittsburgh is a city built on three rivers and there is no shortage of ways to enjoy them. Many of the cities parks find their homes on the rivers' banks. Allegheny RiverTrail Park (formerly Aspinwall Riverfront Park) is one of them. Stunning views of the Allegheny River are only one of the elements that make this park spectacular. The park houses a fishing dock, dog park, marina, native gardens, music venue, playground, bike loop, walking trails, and more. With indoor and outdoor event spaces, seasonal activities, and adult and children programs and events there is always something happening!

Soergel Orchards

This orchard in the North Hills holds more in store than most when it comes to family entertainment. They supply seasonal opportunities to enjoy a sunny day like hayrides, flower, pumpkin or berry picking. It is free to enjoy their grounds. Whether it's meeting their farm animals or exploring the wooden park, there is plenty for the family to do together. They even host free events like story time. The orchard also has a bakery, deli, gift barn, wine shop, and garden center. There is plenty to do and see no matter what time of year. 

We hope you enjoy these spots and others this summer. Now get out there and be active, not busy!