It seems like everyone in Pittsburgh is looking for ways to get out of the house this winter! Fresh air is good for the soul - not to mention it helps to get the wiggles out of the kids! Macaroni KID South Hills is committed to finding your family fun right in your backyard, and has put together a parent's guide to outdoor winter activities for the whole family! We really try and focus on venues closest to the South Hills of Pittsburgh, but occasionally we'll suggest crossing a river or two for a great find. As a mom, I know how far my littles will survive in the car, so I try not to recommend any place I wouldn't drive my own family to! Does your family have a favorite winter spot in the 'Burgh that isn't listed? We'd love to hear about it! Email emilyp@macaronikid.com with any suggestions you may have!
****Please be sure to check with venue to confirm times as well as any COVID-19 guidelines that may require you to purchase tickets in advance***
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING
One of my favorite winter memories as a kid was taking ice skating lessons and going to open skate at the South Park Ice Skating Rink. Located on Corrigan Drive in Bethel Park, the NHL-sized rink and skate trail is open from November 18, 2021 to mid-March 2022 (weather and conditions permitting). Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, several restrictions and operational changes may be in effect during the season South Park Ice Skating Rink offers so many great options at the rink, be sure to check out their upcoming 🏒 Hockey is For Everyone Day: Public Skate. Here are some other great places in Pittsburgh to get your skate on:
South Park Ice Skating Rink, South Park | WEBSITE
New in 2022! Winter Ice Rink at South Side Works | southsideworks.com/ice-rink
The Rink at PPG Place, Downtown | WEBSITE
Schenley Park Skating Rink, Schenley Park | WEBSITE
North Park Ice Skating Rink, Allison Park | WEBSITE
Nemacolin, Farmington | WEBSITE
INDOOR ICE SKATING
I know I said this was for outdoor activities, but can you really list the outdoor rinks without following up with the indoor ones? I couldn't bring myself to do it! Plus, some kids (and adults) like to skate but prefer to do it indoors and that's ok ;)
Spencer Family YMCA, Bethel Park | WEBSITE
Ice Castle Arena, Castle Shannon | WEBSITE
RMU Island Sports, Coraopolis | WEBSITE
Ice Center, Mt. Lebanon | WEBSITE
Printscape Arena, Southpointe | WEBSITE
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SNOW TUBING
This is sure to be a huge hit for kids of all ages and adults alike! My husband took our 4 and 8-year-old to Boyce Park this winter, and they had an absolute blast!
Boyce Park, Plum | WEBSITE
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion | WEBSITE
Hidden Valley Resort, Hidden Valley | WEBSITE
Nemacolin, Farmington | WEBSITE
DOWNHILL SKIING & RIDING (SNOWBOARDING)
Pre-pandemic, Ski PA offered free Snow passes to children in 4th and 5th grade. They have determined this program was no longer working in a way that could be managed in post-pandemic operations and have since eliminated the program. While local ski resorts run different deals through the season, you can always check out Ski PA for Affordable Family Options.
Boyce Park, Plum | WEBSITE
Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion | WEBSITE
Hidden Valley Resort, Hidden Valley | WEBSITE
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
South Park Golf Course offers cross country skiing. You can plan your train route by downloading the Parks Trails Mobile App HERE. MORE INFO: WEBSITE
Venture Outdoors, Pittsburgh | WEBSITE
SNOWSHOEING
Venture Outdoors, Pittsburgh | WEBSITE
Boyce Park | WEBSITE
SLED RIDING
Macaroni Kid South Hills has put together a great list of the best sled riding hills in the 'Burgh. You can check them out HERE.
GOLF & MINI GOLF
Fun Fore All, Cranberry | WEBSITE
Fun Fore All has outdoor mini golf open every day, weather permitting. If you are lucky enough to get there in December and early January, you can check out their Holiday Lights Mini Golf where their two golf courses are transformed into a gloriously illuminated winter wonderland!
South Park Golf Course, South Park
South Park Golf Course is open year round for golf, weather permitting. For more info, check the website.
Mt. Lebanon Golf Course
If you're looking for more family fun, check out our daily events calendar HERE to find out what is happening in your part of town today! Subscribe HERE to receive our FREE e-newsletter to get the latest family fun happenings in the South Hills delivered right to your inbox each week!