Lace up your bowling shoes and head over to Arsenal Bowling Lanes, where a fun time is just waiting to be had by all. Whether you are a serious bowler or are just looking for a fun way to unwind, this is the right recreation spot for you. This bowling alley has modern equipment but a cool retro Cheers look, complete with a fully stocked bar!
Be prepared for an intense hiking experience as you start the Baker Trail. The trail originally extended from Aspinwall to Cook Forest State Park but has recently been expanded to include Allegheny National Forest. This 141-mile recreation trail features nine campsites but no signs. Those interested in hiking or backpacking either sections of or the entire trail should purchase a detailed trail-guide.
Have a blast at Games N’ At. This arcade and party emporium offers a wide variety of games to choose from. Play classic video arcade games, show off on the shooting games or play your favorite XBOX 360 game on the Internet access consoles. You can also really kick it old school and take your game over to the pool tables, ping-pong, pinball, air hockey, foosball and bubble hockey areas.
Get wild at Idlewild Park and Soak Zone, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Take a ride on a "Classic Coaster," travel to the top of the Ferris wheel or test your nerves on the Tilt-A-Whirl. Once you have sampled the traditional amusement park rides, head over to the Soak Zone to cool down with some water recreation during the summer months.
Paddle out onto the water at one of Kayak Pittsburgh’s three convenient locations: downtown, Lake Elizabeth and North Park. Admire the architecture or try to spot urban wildlife Downtown; bring the whole family out to the shallow Lake Elizabeth, or test the water as the newly opened North Park. Beginners to water sports and recreation are welcome!
Head to the suburbs for a visit to Kennywood. One of the oldest and most beloved amusement parks in America, Kennywood has charmed and thrilled the young and the young-at-heart for over 110 years with fun rides and attractions. Take a ride on one of the historic roller coasters, let the children rule at Kiddieland, splash through the water rides, and much more!
When the weather starts to get cold, lace up your skates and head over to the Rink at PPG Place. Open to the public, this ice skating rink is the perfect place to show off your talent. First time skater? Never fear. The rink has room for skaters of all skill levels.
Bikers and hikers will love the Montour Trail. Part of the Great Allegheny Passage that stretches from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., this particular section consists of a multi-use non-motorized recreational rail-trail near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. New sections are being added each year, so expect the 40-mile trail to continue growing.
Advanced water sports enthusiasts and whitewater rafters can challenge themselves at the famous Youghiogheny River Gorge. Hailed as "the birthplace of whitewater rafting," these rapids can be found in Ohiopyle State Park, about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Warm up on the milder Class I and II whitewater like Ramcat, Flipper and Fast & Clean before attempting the churning Class III and IV rapids like Dimple Rock, Double Hydraulic and River's End.
Let your competitive side show at the Pittsburgh Paintball Park. Battle other teams in a full sized arena, complete with a multitude of obstacles and artificial grass. You are welcome to bring your own sports equipment or rent from the facility. Call ahead to make a reservation or join in open play on Sunday.
See the Pittsburgh Penguins tear up the ice with hard-hitting sports action in the Consol Energy Center. These Penguins have been known to soar, taking home three Stanley Cups and numerous titles and championships. Come cheer on this professional ice hockey team, and show your support by wearing black, gold and white!
Come cheer for the Bucs! Watch the Pittsburgh Pirates knock the ball out of the field. Members of the Major League Baseball and winners of five World Series titles, the Pirates are also age-old rivals of the Philadelphia Phillies despite being in different leagues. This sports rivalry dates all the way back to the Pirates origin in 1887.
Sports fans, show your support for the Pittsburgh Steelers when you enter Steeler Nation! This professional football team has won more Super Bowl titles than any other AFC or NFC team and shares a record for the most Super Bowl appearances with the Dallas Cowboys, with whom they also share a rivalry.
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.
Take a plunge down 14 of the wettest, wackiest, wildest waterslides in the world at Sandcastle Water Park. Not up for heart-pounding thrills? Head to the lazy river, where you can enjoy a slow ride around the park, or relax in the world’s largest hot tub while the children play at Wet Willie's WaterWorks or splash in the Tad Pool. There's no shortage of water attractions at this park.
Visit what Travel + Leisure named one of "America’s Coolest City Parks" in 2011. Schenley Park borders the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Mellon University campuses, and is filled with people taking advantage of the park’s 450 acres of trails, woods and attractions—from an ice rink in the winter to outdoor movies in the summer.
Let your competitive side show at the Steeltown Paintball. Battle other teams in a full sized arena, complete with a multitude of obstacles and artificial grass. You are welcome to bring your own sports equipment or rent from the facility. Call ahead to make a reservation or join in open play on Sunday.