A Military Friendly Guide to Exploring Pittsburgh

Since coming to Pittsburgh just last Summer we've had to adjust to living in a different part of the country. Moving and traveling isn't new to us, but it does take a while to get adjusted to a new place to call "home." Our first Summer in Pittsburgh, though we had many days of great weather, was spent house hunting and exploring the area for the best neighborhoods and schools. This Summer we've been able to explore and enjoy a lot more of the city's outdoor activities. Many of which offer great military discounts;) Take a look at some of our favorites below!

• Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
The zoo offers FREE entry to any active duty military member everyday with a photo ID! While this is a great deal, it doesnt include the whole family. So we purchased a very reasonably priced Family membership for only $85. This includes 2 adults, and 2 kids and is good for one year from the purchase date. This is probably one of the places we visit the most. On a nice day, we pack our lunches and head to the zoo, our son loves it! It has more than paid for itself, considering single admission is $14! 

• Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
During the Summer months between Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Pittsburgh Children's Museum offers FREE admission to military families and up to four additional guests. This is part of the Blue Star Museum program that many museums nation-wide take part in. This is a great way to keep your kids busy in the Summer, and keep them engaged. Also a great way to check out museums in your area before choosing to buy those yearly passes.

• Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Another one of my son's favorites! He loves to see all the dinosaur bones and even dig for bones himself in the children's area. This museum also participates in the Blue Star program. They also offer great family memberships that include access to the Carnegie Science Center and the Andy Warhol Museum.

• Frick Park-Blue Slide Playground 

Out of the several parks that we've visited around Pittsburgh, this is one of the whole family's favorites. It's a great place to take the whole family including the dog. With a large off-leash area and several wooded trails, there are several options for exploring and hiking. My son's favorite part is the popular Blue Slide which he can slide down for hours. Unlike any other playground slide, this is great fun for all ages. Just dont forget to grab a piece of cardboard to sit on as you slide down. 

 

 

• Idlewild and Soakzone

We made our first trip here this Summer and the whole family had a blast! It's definitely a must for Western PA residents. Giant Eagle has some great sale days throughout the Summer, such as "buy one, get one tickets" and even a car load deal. Just pay $99 for a carload of up to 8 people to get in the park making it less than $15 per person! They also offer $8.00 off the regular admission price of $29 for Active Duty Military members. Don't just trust my opinion, Idlewild has been named "Best Kid's Park in the World" and "Best Park for Families" several years in a row!

 

• Triple B Farms

The local farms aren't just for the Fall. Triple B Farms, among many of the other local farms in Western and Central PA have great Summer festivals and Summer Day Camps for the kids. There is always fresh produce to pick yourself, or available for purchase in their market. Check their website for their harvest schedule and activities. Don't forget to come back in the Fall!

 

• Spray Parks

This is such a great way to cool off and have fun during the Summer, and the best part is that they're FREE! I grew up in the hottest, smallest, most rural desert valley of Southern California. And even though the beach was only an hour and a half drive away, I wish we had other ways to stay cool locally. There are several of these fairly large spray parks throughout the Pittsburgh area, and some just recently built. Pack a lunch, grab the sunblock and towels and spend your afternoon at the spray park. Check the Pittsburgh Citiparks website to find a spray park in your neighborhood.

• Baseball/Football Games 

You can't come to Pittsburgh without heading to a ball game of sorts. Whether you go to a Steeler's game at Heinz Field, or a Pirate's game at PNC Park you're bound to have a good time. PNC Park is a great family stadium and has a great view of the city. Not to mention the Pirates are currently in first place which should ensure a good game! As a Steeler's fan, I may be a little biased when I say there's nothing like going to a Steeler's game, but there really is nothing like going to a Steeler's game! Because tickets can get pretty pricey, I recommend checking StubHub or other ticket exchange sites to purchase tickets. We have found some great deals AND great seats, especially for pre-season games. 

*Just a reminder if you can't make it to a game, don't forget to check out the FREE Steeler's Summer Training Camps in Latrobe. Great opportunity to see the players practice up close, and possibly get some autographs. (My son got Troy Polamalu's autograph, yes I might be bragging a little) :) They also have several activities and games for the kids to play and enjoy. 

Whether you're a Pittsburgh native or just visiting the area, you can be sure to have a good time enjoying a few of our favorite activities just mentioned. We've only lived here a year, so we are always looking for new things to do and new places to explore! 

 

 

Do you have a favorite and inexpensive place to visit in Pittsburgh? Please share your favorites, I'd love to hear your feedback!