Many of us are a few weeks into Summer Break, and we still have two months of freedom ahead of us. By this point, your kids are probably getting a bit restless, and you just might be wondering what you can do without spending a fortune. Thankfully, there are plenty of free things to do in the Pittsburgh area this Summer!
My family is enjoying an unscheduled Summer, but we still want to enjoy summer activities. Thankfully, those activities are things we want to do, rather than have to do! With four kids, our outings can get very expensive, very quickly, so I’m a big fan of these ten FREE fun activities!
10 FABULOUSLY FUN FREE THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER
Burn off energy at a local playground.
There are so many fun playgrounds in the greater Pittsburgh area! One past summer, we set a goal to visit a different playground each week, and we found some new favorite playgrounds in the process. A trip to the playground is the simplest way to beat the summer boredom blues!
Get some exercise on a hiking trail.
Keeping kids active in the Summer is so important. Make it a fun activity by going on a family hike! (Bonus points for bringing along the family dog!) Spending time in the great outdoors can be relaxing and refreshing!
Cool off at the Water Steps.
The Water Steps is one of the best kept secrets in Pittsburgh! The Water Steps are located along the river, at North Shore Riverfront Park. Kids have so much fun climbing, wading in the pools, and jumping off rocks, plus the view can’t be beat! (Mom Tip: Make the kids shower when they get home!)
Have a picnic.
Make breakfast or lunch more exciting by packing it up, and enjoying it at a nearby park. Get the kids involved in choosing the food and drinks, and place everything in lunchboxes or a picnic basket. Take along a tablecloth or picnic blanket, and enjoy your meal outdoors!
Go to a free concert with your kids.
Music is good for the soul, so find a free concert in the area and plan to attend one with your family! (We love the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres!) Pack a blanket and some drinks and snacks, and enjoy some free entertainment!
Visit your local library.
Many local libraries have wonderful summer reading programs! My kids love going to our local library, which hosts fun events for children year round, and we make summer reading a priority. Making reading fun is key, and libraries host so many fun free events!
Take a walk with the kids at a walking path.
Enjoy some exercise and fresh air at a nearby walking path! Burning off energy outside can turn around any tough day. (We’ve frequently tested that theory!)
Splash around at a spray park.
Allegheny County has several free spray parks that are so much fun for kids! Our favorite one is at Deer Lakes Park, because it sits right next to an awesome playground. My family can easily spend hours there!
Attend a movie at a local park.
Several local parks are hosting movies in the park this Summer. It’s such a fun way to unwind with your entire family! (Here’s a schedule and locations.)
Take a trip to a nearby lake.
We might not be anywhere near an ocean here, but there are several lakes within driving distance. We love Moraine State Park, although a day trip to Erie can be fun, too. Spending the day at a lake can add a bit of excitement to summer break!
What are your favorite free things to do with your kids in the Summer? Share in the comments, so we can all learn from each other!
Stefanie blogs about life with four kids, a giant dog, and an extra chromosome at Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too. You can also keep up with her family’s adventures on Instagram!
