Summertime is here in Allegheny County, and if you’re like most older adults, you’re looking for ways to enjoy all that summer has to offer. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of summer activities in and around Pittsburgh to choose from, many of which make excellent day trip ideas for seniors. Here at Friendship Village of South Hills, we’ve narrowed down some of the best activities for seniors looking to experience the fun of the Pittsburgh area in the summer.
The Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh
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 Outings for Seniors – Summer Festivals
Attending local festivals with friends can be an enriching experience and remains a favorite among summer activities for seniors near Pittsburgh. The city boasts a myriad of unique events, each of which caters to different interests. Below, you’ll find a quick roundup of several of the city’s notable summer festivals.
Art & Musical Entertainment for Seniors
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. 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, funk, blues and soul.
Culinary & Dining Events for Seniors
Want to find a new favorite dining location? Put Pittsburgh Restaurant Week on your calendar. This biannual celebration showcases various dining options across the city. During the summer, restaurants present new offerings, discounted meals, and featured drink specials throughout the week.
Enjoy international cuisine? From May through September, Pittsburgh hosts several globally-inspired culinary events, including Greek food festivals, Little Italy Days, The Pittsburgh Taco Festival, and the city’s annual Irish Festival. Other favorite culinary events include the annual Picklesburgh celebration downtown, an homage to all things pickled that spans three days and features live music, artisan foods, local entertainment, and a giant flying pickle balloon.
Other Fun Summer Activities for Seniors Near Pittsburgh
Festivals aren’t the only way for seniors to stay busy this summer. The Pittsburgh area features a multitude of attractions and places for seniors to visit.
Pittsburgh Attractions and Places for Seniors to Go
From indoor museums to parks and outdoor gardens, there’s no shortage of attractions to visit in Pittsburgh. Looking for a kid-friendly summer activity to do with your grandchildren? Be sure to check out the city’s curated list of family fun ideas, known as “Kidsburgh,” that can be entertaining for all ages.
Indoor Summer Activities for Seniors Near Pittsburgh
The city of Pittsburgh is rich with cultural attractions, and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are among the area’s best. 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
For those with a passion for the performing arts, Pittsburgh offers an array of historic venues like the Benedum Center for Performing Arts, which hosts Broadway musicals, concerts, and performance groups. Love craft brews and creative cocktails? Pittsburgh is home to over 60 unique breweries to try out.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Seniors Near Pittsburgh
Another way to enjoy the area this time of year is to take a day trip to local attractions. Here are some great ones!
Outdoor Attractions
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, 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.
Outdoor Experiences
Baseball and summer go hand in hand, and a Pittsburgh Pirates game can be a great experience even if you’re only a casual baseball 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.
Experience the local history and enjoy new views of the surrounding skyline with a one-of-a-kind excursion. The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour allows guests 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.
Find Even More Things for Seniors to Do Near Pittsburgh
If you or someone you love is looking to enjoy an upscale and connected lifestyle, Friendship Village of South Hills may be just what you’re looking for. Located about forty minutes from Pittsburgh, you’ll find welcoming neighbors with whom to share your adventures and a community filled with amenities and events. 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 each day.
Contact us or schedule a tour to discover more about what life is like at Friendship Village of South Hills.
