Summer's days may be quickly fading but there's still plenty of time to get outside and make your summer epic. The following outdoor bucket list for Pittsburghers promises a little bit of everything that our beautiful city has to offer: Excitement, adventure, relaxation, and good, old-fashioned fun.
1. Picnic by a waterfall.
Pack lunch and head to Ohiopyle State Park where you can picnic near the splendor of Cucumber Falls or the nearby Ohiopyle Falls. Or, if you're not up for the drive to Ohiopyle, visit Fall Run Park in Shaler where a stunning waterfall awaits at the end of a one mile hike.
2. Zip down a natural water slide.
Slide into the cool water at Ohiopyle State Park, where the natural water slide will take you roaring with the current. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the natural water slide but, be forewarned, you may end up with a few bumps and bruises as a result of your adventure.
3. Take in a movie under the stars.
Forget the air-conditioned movie theater this summer and head to the drive-in instead. Evergreen Drive-In in Mount Pleasant and Dependable Drive-In in Moon promise a good, old-fashioned night of fun under the stars, complete with a double-feature and plenty of goodies.
4. Kayak down the river.
Glide down the river on a kayak from Venture Outdoors. Kayaking, which can be mastered pretty quickly, promises beautiful views of the city from the three rivers and the opportunity to make every moment of summer count.
5. Stroll, hike, or bike the Great Allegheny Passage.
Hit the Great Allegheny Passage for a few miles, a few dozen miles, or take the trail all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. The Great Allegheny Passage is only one of the many trails in the Pittsburgh-area that beckons hikers, bikers, and even photographers.
6. Launch your boat from the Point.
Boaters love hitting the river during the summer, often congregating near Point State Park. Not a boater? Not a problem. Ride your bike. Take a stroll or dangle your feet in the fountain to cool down while enjoying summer at the Point.
7. Take a walk on the wild side at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Stroll through the Pittsburgh Zoo then, when you need relief from the heat head into the PPG Aquarium, where you'll come face-to-face with some of Pittsburgh's most popular residents. Zoo members also receive special benefits, including regular Members Only evenings at the zoo.
8. Climb aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet.
Let someone else do the driving as you lounge on one of the Gateway Clipper Fleet's ships. Watch as the Pittsburgh skyline passes you by – with sunlight beaming off of the Steel City or as the moon soaks the skyline. The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, and holiday cruises.
9. Take me out to the ballgame...
Nothing says summertime like a Buccos baseball game. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the summer breeze (or the undeniable humidity) while cheering on the black and gold.
10. Watch the sunset atop Mount Washington.
Just about everyone can agree that the views from atop Mount Washington are pretty awesome, right? Watch the sun set from the observation deck on Mount Washington or from your seat at one of the popular mountaintop restaurants like Altius, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, or Isabella on Grandview.
11. Go golfing.
Fore! Golfers have plenty of choices when it comes to public golf courses in the Pittsburgh area. But, if golf isn't really your game, why not try the more relaxing yet abundantly entertaining miniature golf?
12. Ride a coaster.
Kennywood's open! But, before long, fall will dawn and Pittsburgh's favorite amusement park will be but a memory (except for Fright Nights and Kennywood Lights) until next spring. Climb aboard the Jack Rabbit. Eat Potato Patch fries. Indulge in a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. Kennywood certainly deserves a spot on any Pittsburgher's outdoor bucket list.
13. Soak up the sun at a water park.
Sure, we're a pretty long hike from the closest beach but that doesn't matter when Sandcastle Water Park lies right in our backyard. Soak up the sun's rays. Slip down the slides. Float down the lazy river. Just enjoy a carefree day outdoors because that's what a bucket list is all about.
Are you ready to get started on the outdoor bucket list for Pittsburghers? After your outdoor adventure, check out one of these eight restaurants with incredible rooftop dining in Pittsburgh.
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