Summertime is here in Allegheny County, and if you’re like most older adults, you’re looking for ways to enjoy all the summer has to offer. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of summer activities in and around Pittsburgh to choose from, especially if you’re looking for a day trip. However, here at Friendship Village of South Hills, we’ve narrowed down some of our top choices.
When to Visit the Pittsburgh Area
If you’re looking to take part in activities for seniors in the Pittsburgh area, some of the best months to visit are mid-June through mid-September. Allegheny County offers plenty of events and attractions available all season long, meaning you’ll find ample ways to stay engaged and active.
Pittsburgh Summer Festivals to Attend
For more than 60 years, the Three Rivers Arts Festival has been held in Pittsburgh each summer. This 10-day celebration features musical, dance and theater performances in addition to art and film exhibitions. This celebration of the arts features world-class artists across disciplines and is free to the public.
Music lovers have a wide variety of summer festivals to choose from in Pittsburgh. From the Pittsburgh Blues and Roots Festival to the Deutschtown Music Festival, your summer will be full of great music from an assortment of genres. Also be sure to stop by Downtown Pittsburgh during the Pittsburgh Black Music Festival to celebrate the heritage of black music. This festival features themed days dedicated to jazz, gospel, hip-hop/R&B and even funk, blues and soul.
Want to find a new favorite dining location? Put Pittsburgh Restaurant Week on your calendar. This biannual celebration showcases the various dining options across the city. During the summer, restaurants showcase new offerings, discounted meals and feature drink specials throughout the week.
Other Summer Activities Near Pittsburgh
Festivals aren’t the only way to stay busy this summer. The Pittsburgh area features a multitude of attractions to experience. The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offer guests 23 distinct gardens, a 14-room glass house and more than 15 acres to explore right in the middle of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium features 77 acres of parkland, which includes enough exhibits to fill an entire day. More than 4,000 animals across 475 different species give guests ample opportunity to view creatures from around the world, including 20 species considered endangered or threatened.
For a laid-back day on your own, take a trip to Deer Lakes Park. Featuring fishing, trails and the Wagman Observatory, the park offers the perfect destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
More Things to do near Pittsburgh
Even if you’ve experienced the festivals and attractions, you’ll have barely scratched the surface of things to do in this exciting area. Here are more great summer activities for seniors to fill out your day trip itinerary.
Take a Tour
Experience local history and enjoy new views of the surrounding skyline with a one-of-a-kind excursion. The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour gives guests the opportunity to climb aboard a riverboat to see the Steel City from a new perspective. This 90-minute tour down the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny rivers highlights interesting stories from the city’s past.
Explore a Museum
The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are among the area’s top attractions. Founded in 1895 as the Carnegie Institute, these museums have continued to expand for more than a century. Find collections covering history, science and art throughout the spacious halls of these four museums:
- The Carnegie Museum of Art
- The Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- The Carnegie Science Center
- The Andy Warhol Museum
Catch a Baseball Game
Baseball and summer go hand in hand, and a Pittsburgh Pirates game can be a great experience even if you’re only a casual fan. With a wide selection of game dates, theme nights and beautiful views of the city, America’s pastime is a timeless way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Find Even More to do at Friendship Village of South Hills
If you or someone you love is looking to stay busy during retirement, Friendship Village of South Hills may be just what you’re looking for. Located about forty minutes from Pittsburgh, you’ll find a welcoming community of neighbors with whom to share your retirement years. Friendships later in life play a key role in aging well, and our active community will give you the opportunity to meet other adults looking to make the most of their golden years.
Contact us or schedule a tour to discover more about what life is like at Friendship Village of South Hills.
