Spring will be here before you know it and Mother Nature almost certainly has some surprises left for us this winter, but that doesn't mean you have to wait inside for the rest of the season. Fortunately, when the inevitable snow comes, you'll have plenty to do. Check out these nine best things to do in the winter near Pittsburgh.

1. Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink - 10341 Overlook Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Okay, so, technically you don't need snow to go ice skating at Schenley Park. It does add a bit more ambiance to the experience, however, wouldn't you say? Schenley Park Ice Rink hosts skating sessions every day with times varying daily and several special events throughout the season, including Mascot Skate, Disco On Ice, and Valentine's On Ice skating. A visit to the Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink is one of the most fun things to do in winter in Pittsburgh.

Visit the Schenley Skating Rink webpage for more information.

2. Seven Springs Mountain Resort - 777 Water Wheel Drive, Champion, PA 15622

Discover a magical winter oasis at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, just a little over an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. Fall in the snow and make snow angels, hit the ski slopes, or go snow tubing. If you want to stay inside the cozy resort, you'll enjoy amenities such as a pool, hot tubs, roller skating, bowling, a gaming room, and mini golf. This is the best ski resort near Pittsburgh you have to visit this winter!

Visit the Seven Springs Mountain Resort website for more information.

3. Boyce Park - 790 Center Road, Plum, PA 15239

Hit the slopes on skis or an inner tube at Boyce Park in Plum, a convenient alternative to Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The sprawling park offers winter hiking and snowboarding as well. If you don't know how to ski or snowboard, lessons are also offered but must be booked ahead of time.

Visit the Boyce Park webpage for more information.

4. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - 1001 Lafayette Drive, Farmington, PA 15437

If you're looking for additional best ski resorts near Pittsburgh, look no further than Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Embark on a unique adventure when you visit Nemacolin Woodlands Resort which is located less than an hour and a half from downtown Pittsburgh. One of the highlights of winter at the resort is the opportunity for guests to take a traditional dog sledding tour. A team of huskies will take you on a whirlwind 30 minute ride (preceded by a half an hour tour of the kennel). Nemacolin Woodlands also offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing.

Visit the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort webpage for more information.

5. Moraine State Park - 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, PA 16051

Journey just 45 minutes outside of downtown Pittsburgh to one of the area's most spectacular state parks. Moraine State Park transforms into a winter wonderland each year with an abundance of activities, including ice boating, ice fishing, ice skating, cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and winter hiking near Pittsburgh. Plan to visit Moraine State Park during the Annual Winterfest, a free family-friendly event that is slated for the beginning of February. Guests will enjoy such outdoor activities as ice carving, wagon rides, cross country skiing, and hiking.

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Moraine State Park in the winter.

6. Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens - 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Enjoy a burst of spring anytime of the year when you visit Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Plan, however, to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening, between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. through the end of January to experience a winter tradition: Festive Nights of Winter Lights. Stroll through the outdoor gardens that will be illuminated by spectacular LED lights! It's one of the most magical things to do in winter in Pittsburgh.

Visit the Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens webpage for more information.

7. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - 7340 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Watch - and snap photos - as the adorable penguins of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium march along the zoo's pathway, much to the delight of the zoo's guests. But, hurry, the penguin marching season only lasts from early December through the end of February. The penguins strut their stuff every Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, at 11:30 a.m. It's one of the most endearing things you'll see this winter!

Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium webpage for more information.

8. McConnells Mill State Park – Portersville, PA 16051

For some of the best winter hiking near Pittsburgh, head to McConnells Mill State Park just 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. This gorgeous park turns into an outdoor lovers dream every winter. Bring your sled along to enjoy some of the area's best sledding. Pack your hiking gear and hit the trails on a picturesque winter hike. Or, tour the old grist mill.

Visit the McConnells Mill State Park webpage for more information.

9. Dependable Drive-In - 549 Moon Clinton Road, Moon, PA 15108

Catch a double feature - yes, even in the winter! - at the retro Dependable Drive-In. Wrap yourself in cozy blankets, sit back, and watch a movie or two this season. Of course, no trip to the drive-in is complete without a visit to the snack bar to stock up on such goodies as popcorn, hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, nachos, cotton candy, and ice cream treats. It's one of the most nostalgic things to do in winter near Pittsburgh!

Read our previous coverage to learn more about Dependable Drive-In.

These are among the best winter destinations in Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond). What else would you add to the list? If you enjoy the outdoors, you'll also want to lace up your boots and embark on the eight best winter hikes in the Burgh.