Harkins, James D DDS

Spend some time exploring the outdoor jewel of Pittsburgh’s North Side. Riverview Park offers an extensive network of trails through its dense woodlands and dramatically steep hills for hikers, joggers, and the occasional horseback ride. Riverview is also home to the Allegheny Observatory, a space-themed playground, a visitor’s center, a swimming pool, ball field and many picnic areas.

Travel back in time at the Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Featuring different themes each weekend they are open, this festival strives to provide a unique experience each visit. Whether you are there to meander through the artisan’s marketplace, watch a jousting tournament or slay a dragon, there are plenty of activities for people of all ages and walks of life.

People of all ages will marvel at nature’s wonders while visiting the National Aviary. One of the nation’s only free standing aviaries, this huge aviary contains some of the most incredible birds you will ever see, from hummingbirds the size of your thumb to Condors with a gigantic 10-foot wingspan to the flightless African penguins and more.

Escape the noise of the city and spend some time outdoors at Frick Park. Stretching from Point Breeze down to the Monongahela River, this woodland park offers extensive trails, a large bird population, tennis courts, baseball fields and the only public lawn bowling green in Pennsylvania. If you are visiting during the winter, bring your sled to take advantage of the steep hills.