Hip hip hooray! Spring has finally returned. And, with it comes sun-soaked days, warm breezes, and so many fun outdoor activities. What’s even better than spending time outdoors in the spring? How about all the free outdoor activities in Pittsburgh that will keep you busy all spring and summer long?
- Explore Todd Nature Reserve.
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania Take advantage of the warmer days and day trip to Todd Nature Reserve. The enchanting natural oasis spans 334 acres, dotted with hiking trials, wildlife, and tranquil streams. Bird lovers, bring your binoculars to view the field sparrows, hummingbird, and other birds that call the nature reserve home. Click here to read more.
Todd Nature Reserve: 347 Kepple Road, Sarver, PA 16055.
- Admire the artistic masterpiece Randyland.
Flickr/alamosbasement If you’ve not visited Randyland on the North Side, you don’t know what you’re missing. Created by artist Randy Gilson, the colorful, artistic home has become a favorite visiting spot of Pittsburghers and tourists. If you’re lucky, you might just run into Randy during your visit. Read more here.
Randyland: 1501 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
- Gaze at the stars at the Allegheny Observatory.
Wikipedia/Andrew S. Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park welcomes stargazers to join a tour of its facility on select days from April through October. The tour culminates, weather permitting, with visitors gazing at the nighttime sky through one of the observatory’s telescopes. Keep reading here.
Allegheny Observatory: 159 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214.
- Play free golf (and more!) at Buhl Farm Park.
Facebook/Buhl Farm Park Find plenty of family-friendly activities at Buhl Farm Park, about an hour from Pittsburgh. The picturesque park promises a plethora to do, such as a free nine hole golf course. Other popular activities include disc golf, a swimming pool, an ice skating rink, and a children’s butterfly garden. Read more here.
Buhl Park Farm: 715 Hazen Road, Hermitage, PA 16148.
- Hike along Dead Man’s Hollow.
Allegheny Land Trust Pittsburgh boasts an abundance of hiking trails. But, none is quite as mysterious as Dead Man’s Hollow in McKeesport. Embark along the trail that features an enchanted staircase, a darkened walking tunnel, and the ruins of a century-old factory. Click here to read more.
Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area: 3301 Liberty Way, McKeesport, PA 15133.
- Picnic by Cucumber Falls.
Flickr/Bobistraveling Spend a lovely day - or weekend - at Ohiopyle State Park, home to Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls. The state park also features Meadow Run Natural Waterslide, 80 miles of hiking trails, and lush campgrounds. Read more here.
Ohiopyle State Park: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470.
- Ride Meadow Run Natural Waterslide.
Flickr/Don Burkett While you’re at Ohiopyle State Park, zip down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslide (weather-permitting, of course). The epic natural waterslide will lead you along 300 million year old sandstone sheets. Some visitors have complained of getting bumps and bruises from the natural waterslide so be aware of those risks. Keep reading.
Ohiopyle State Park: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470.
- Swing back and forth at Sahli Nature Park.
Facebook/Sahli Nature Park Sit on old-fashioned swings, attached to tall trees, at Sahli Nature Park. Nestled within the forest, the 90-acre natural oasis promises plenty of sheer natural beauty. Visit a gushing waterfall. Walk over a footbridge. And, admire the ducks and geese floating on the pond. Sahli Nature Park also features an information center and a butterfly nursery. Click here for more.
Sahli Nature Park: 194 McKinley Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
- Spend the day at the beach.
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park Soak up the sun’s golden rays as you lie on the sandy beach at Raccoon Creek State Park. The 500 foot sandy beach leads into the cool water of Raccoon Lake. Swimming, boating, and fishing are all popular activities. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach or stock up on goodies at the concession stand. Read more here.
Raccoon Creek State Park: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
What are your favorite free outdoor activities in Pittsburgh? Click here to read about the nine best places to go in Pittsburgh this spring.
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Take advantage of the warmer days and day trip to Todd Nature Reserve. The enchanting natural oasis spans 334 acres, dotted with hiking trials, wildlife, and tranquil streams. Bird lovers, bring your binoculars to view the field sparrows, hummingbird, and other birds that call the nature reserve home. Click here to read more.
Todd Nature Reserve: 347 Kepple Road, Sarver, PA 16055.
Flickr/alamosbasement
If you’ve not visited Randyland on the North Side, you don’t know what you’re missing. Created by artist Randy Gilson, the colorful, artistic home has become a favorite visiting spot of Pittsburghers and tourists. If you’re lucky, you might just run into Randy during your visit. Read more here.
Randyland: 1501 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Wikipedia/Andrew S.
Allegheny Observatory in Riverview Park welcomes stargazers to join a tour of its facility on select days from April through October. The tour culminates, weather permitting, with visitors gazing at the nighttime sky through one of the observatory’s telescopes. Keep reading here.
Allegheny Observatory: 159 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214.
Facebook/Buhl Farm Park
Find plenty of family-friendly activities at Buhl Farm Park, about an hour from Pittsburgh. The picturesque park promises a plethora to do, such as a free nine hole golf course. Other popular activities include disc golf, a swimming pool, an ice skating rink, and a children’s butterfly garden. Read more here.
Buhl Park Farm: 715 Hazen Road, Hermitage, PA 16148.
Allegheny Land Trust
Pittsburgh boasts an abundance of hiking trails. But, none is quite as mysterious as Dead Man’s Hollow in McKeesport. Embark along the trail that features an enchanted staircase, a darkened walking tunnel, and the ruins of a century-old factory. Click here to read more.
Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area: 3301 Liberty Way, McKeesport, PA 15133.
Flickr/Bobistraveling
Spend a lovely day - or weekend - at Ohiopyle State Park, home to Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls. The state park also features Meadow Run Natural Waterslide, 80 miles of hiking trails, and lush campgrounds. Read more here.
Ohiopyle State Park: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470.
Flickr/Don Burkett
While you’re at Ohiopyle State Park, zip down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslide (weather-permitting, of course). The epic natural waterslide will lead you along 300 million year old sandstone sheets. Some visitors have complained of getting bumps and bruises from the natural waterslide so be aware of those risks. Keep reading.
Ohiopyle State Park: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470.
Facebook/Sahli Nature Park
Sit on old-fashioned swings, attached to tall trees, at Sahli Nature Park. Nestled within the forest, the 90-acre natural oasis promises plenty of sheer natural beauty. Visit a gushing waterfall. Walk over a footbridge. And, admire the ducks and geese floating on the pond. Sahli Nature Park also features an information center and a butterfly nursery. Click here for more.
Sahli Nature Park: 194 McKinley Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Soak up the sun’s golden rays as you lie on the sandy beach at Raccoon Creek State Park. The 500 foot sandy beach leads into the cool water of Raccoon Lake. Swimming, boating, and fishing are all popular activities. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach or stock up on goodies at the concession stand. Read more here.
Raccoon Creek State Park: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
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