The harsh winter and unpredictable spring months are finally starting to melt away. As we ease into warmer weather and sunnier days, an increasing number of Yinzers are looking for new activities to fill their summer calendars with. Whether you are looking for a heart-pounding adventure or a special cultural event, Pittsburgh has everything you need for an unforgettable summer.
Check out these top 6 summer activities in Pittsburgh now and get ready to walk, drive, and pedal Pittsburgh and all of its unique attractions.
Pedal Pittsburgh Rivers on a Party-Filled Booze Cruise
Gather Your Friends to Pedal Pittsburgh and its Three Rivers on a Hot Summer Day
Looking for a new adventure to embark on with your friends and family? Join Pittsburgh Pedal Boats and set off on a trip down the Three Rivers. Up to 14 passengers can pedal the boat together while enjoying their favorite music and some beer (or wine). USCG licensed captains lead the way down the river as you soak in Pittsburgh’s breathtaking skyline and unbeatable views.
Since Pittsburgh Pedal Boats is BYOB, only guests that are aged 21 years or older can join. Passengers can bring a 36 oz pack of beer or an 18 oz bottle of wine. Before you go, don’t forget to bring some snacks and appetizers — staying out on the water can make you hungry!
Whether you want to throw a bachelorette party your best friend will never forget or you just want to get your friends together, Pittsburgh Pedal Boats offers the perfect booze cruise for your dream event.
Pick Your Own Fruit During the Harvest
Visit Your Local Farm and Pick Some Delicious Fresh Fruit
Soak in the summer rays as you leisurely pick your own fruit inside a scenic orchard. If you have children, take them with you! Picking fruit is a fun and easy family activity for bonding and learning more about nutrition and one’s impact on the environment.
The Pittsburgh area offers a variety of orchards for fruit picking, including:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Raspberries
Want the whole shebang? Check out Soergel Orchards. Comprised of multiple buildings designed for family activities, Soergel Orchards offers apple, strawberry, and blueberry picking along with a bakery, market, and Arsenal Cider taproom. Family members of all ages are sure to find an activity to their liking.
Soak in the Sun at Schenley Park
Grab a Blanket and Lay Out a Picnic Spread for a Day at the Park
Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks.
Found in the heart of Oakland, Schenley Park is the premier destination for people who need to get out of the house and just soak in the sun. Hike, run, or bike along the park’s scenic pathways with your friends and family. Over 456 acres of trails, woods, and attractions are situated in this popular park. If you plan on staying at the park for most of the day, bring a picnic basket and blanket for a laidback lunch.
Located nearby is the famous Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden. The garden encompasses 15 acres of land upon which a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens are situated. Feeling hungry? Swing by the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center for a quick snack.
Pandemic-Friendly Summer Activities
Following Social Distancing Rules Doesn’t Mean You Won’t Have a Great Summer
The COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily upended our way of living. As of now, many people are choosing to self-isolate or socially distance themselves from others. While some activities, such as going out on a walk or meditating, are easier to complete while social distancing, other activities, such as dining out, aren’t.
But don’t let this put a downpour on your summer plans. Thanks to advances in technology, it is easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family and keep yourself occupied. Check out these two pandemic-friendly summer activities below.
Host a Netflix Watch Party
At the moment, movie theaters and large gatherings are a no-go. But that doesn’t mean you can’t host a movie night with your friends. Netflix Party, a free extension for the Google Chrome browser, allows groups to remotely start and pause movies so everyone can watch it together. Included in the extension is a side chat bar where you and your friends can chat and discuss the movie together.
Take a Free Online Class
Prestigious universities and Ivy League colleges are currently offering free online courses. Take advantage of these courses to learn a new skill or study something you never had the chance to during college. Class Central offers a comprehensive list of courses currently available. Students can choose courses on subjects such including calculus, classical music, computer science, and history.
Learn a New Craft or Skill
Instead of commiserating about all the things you can’t do, try out all of the new activities you can do now that you have more time to practice them.
Try out these fun indoor activities you can do now!
- Knitting
- Drawing
- Crocheting
- Baking
- Painting
- Meditation
- Indoor Gardening
What new hobbies have you picked up during quarantine? Let us know in the comments below!
Summer is here — so take advantage of it! Pedal Pittsburgh and all of its gorgeous sites with Pittsburgh Pedal Boats this summer. To learn more about us and book your upcoming cruise, visit us online today.
