Once upon a time isn't just for the kids. No matter our age, we can still believe in the magic of fairy tales, if only for a brief moment. Pittsburgh's fairy tale park, which boasts a super playground for the kids, offers plenty of charm and activities for kids and adults.
Drink in the simple beauty of flowers and a flowing fountain when you first arrive at Highland Park. The lush park offers the opportunity to hike, bike, swim, and play volleyball.
Admire the tranquility of the gem of the park. The reservoir has provided safe, clean water for Pittsburghers since 1879.
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Stroll through the lush green park, stopping to admire the enchanting footbridge and greenery.
Meander along a grassy path, under the canopy of trees, as you explore the park that has been part of the Pittsburgh landscape since the 1800s.
Stop to smell the flowers as you approach a fairy tale setting that will have you longing for the simple, carefree days of childhood.
Watch the kids play on the wooden castle of what is known as Highland Park's Super Playground.
The super playground features an old-fashioned tire swing, traditional swings, and slides.
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Enjoy a leisurely picnic at one of the sheltered picnic tables or sit back and relax as the kids exhaust themselves with imaginative play.
Children of all ages will find plenty to do at one of Pittsburgh's most popular playgrounds.
Highland Park welcomes guests all year around from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. while the entry garden remains open 24 hours a day.
What park do you consider Pittsburgh's fairy tale park?
There’s A Beautiful Rose Garden Hiding In Pittsburgh And It’s So Worth A Visit
Renziehausen Park in McKeesport, Pittsburgh, features one of the top ten rose gardens in the United States, offering a peaceful retreat with over 2,000 flowers.
Rose gardens in Pittsburgh bring beauty and peaceful moments into our lives. The big city and its suburbs hold so much natural charm that it's easy to miss some of the gems. Did you know, for example, that one of the top ten rose gardens in the United States is right here in the Pittsburgh area? Next time you're looking for a relaxing way to spend an hour or two, head to this beautiful rose garden near me.
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Tucked within the City of McKeesport, Renziehausen Park - or simply Renzie Park to locals - sprawls across 200 lush acres.
It has access points along Eden Park Boulevard.
Within those lush acres, is the largest rose garden in Western Pennsylvania.
At three acres, the rose garden boasts more than 2,000 flowers when in full bloom.
Planted and cared for by volunteers, many with the Garden Club of McKeesport and the Pittsburgh Rose Club, one of the best rose gardens in Pittsburgh is free to visitors.
Stroll through the three acres of blossoming roses, and while roses may be the main attraction, they aren't the only flowers in this garden.
You'll also find perennials and an herb garden.
Stop to admire the butterfly garden, sit alongside the tranquil pond, or relax in the garden's picturesque gazebo.
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With plenty of benches and even a swing, we are encouraged to sit awhile and take in the pretty blooms.
While it is not required, it is beneficial to lean in for a closer look and actually smell these extraordinary roses.
Discover more about this lovely space on the Renziehausen Park web page. Did you know about this quaint garden in Pittsburgh? Share your experience in the comments below!
Pittsburgh's bursting with so many hidden gems that when we discover a new one it's kind of like Christmas morning. Give yourself an unforgettable gift with a visit to one of the best botanical gardens in Pittsburgh. However, that's just the beginning of the magical moments that await at the sprawling, secluded botanical garden that will make you feel as though you've stepped straight into a fairy tale.
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Start your magical adventure among nature at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden at the Visitor Center. There, you'll pay your admission fee and receive a map of the 452-acre botanical garden.
There's ample parking at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, hands down one of the best gardens in Pennsylvania.
Got an ice-cold bottle of water? Smartphone charged (for photos)? Off we go! Use your map to decide where you'll explore first.
If you're like me and like to just go where the path takes you, you can do that, too. While I took a map during my visit to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, my kiddo and I just kind of meandered along one path, veered off of it if we saw something that interested us, and explored that way.
Stroll along the shaded paths that will take you to Bookworm Glen, a magical fairy garden that will delight adults and kids of all ages.
If you've been searching Google for "botanical gardens near me," you've found a bucket list-worthy one.
But, first, take a moment to visit the life-sized bird's nest. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be a bird, have a seat on one of the eggs before taking photos.
The bird's nest is the perfect opportunity to snap photos and selfies. It really is as big as the photo shows, too.
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After that, hike up a small hill that will take you to Bookworm Glen, a series of adorable fairy houses, all under the shade of the towering trees around it.
We visited on a hot summer afternoon, and the garden wasn't very busy at all. If you're looking for a bit of quiet, you'll likely find it here.
Visit the kid-sized cabin overlooking Bookworm Glen, too, where the kids can sit down and read one of its books.
You probably don't want to attempt to go in the cabin if you're claustrophobic. It really is made for the littles.
One of the best gardens in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden exudes fairy-tale vibes, right down to the footbridge that looks as though it's leaped from the pages of an old-fashioned storybook.
The footbridge crosses over the lotus pond. You can walk over the pond on the footbridge, or have a little fun by hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone, where you'll likely see at least a few dragonflies flittering about. We chose the stepping stones.
Ready for a breather? Sit down on one of the numerous benches strategically placed throughout the garden before continuing your exploration.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is open all year. It also hosts a variety of programs for children, families, and adults as well as summer camps for kids.
Have you been to Pittsburgh Botanic Garden? Do you agree it's one of the best botanical gardens in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! After a day of exploring, you'll probably be pretty hungry. Head over to Ritter's Diner, an old-school diner in Pittsburgh, for a scrumptious meal. If you want to experience more of the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania, follow one of the best hiking trails in Pittsburgh.