Best Playgrounds In Pittsburgh
The fall season is the perfect time to unwind and make a trip to the playgrounds of Pittsburgh and neighboring communities. A playground offers a wide variety of activities and it's more than sliding boards, swings and jungle gym bars. There are a host of obstacle courses and destinations that the children may enjoy in all sorts of body positions and gyrations. An extra added feature is that the playground's topography may include all members of the family for recreational and fitness pursuits.
North Park
Pearce Mill Road
Allison Park,PA 15101
(724) 935-1766
www.alleghenycounty.us
Take a hop, skip and a jump to North Park, one of the Allegheny County Parks, for a fun-filled day of playground activities that may be a favorite stop during the summer season. The playground's colors are similar to the yellow and black of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the sense of involvement on the apparatus contains an assortment of swings, slides, ladders and tunnels that are also suited for children with disabilities. There is a comfortable, spongy and safe landing area to help the children land safely and that includes the adjoining equipment for smaller children. There is an abundant parking area that leads to a fenced-in entrance to protect the children from traffic. If the family wants to get a soothing respite from hot weather conditions, then there is a swimming pool within walking distance of the playground.
Pine Community Center
100 Pine Park Drive
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 625-1636
www.twp.pine.pa.us
The Pine Community Center offers a wealth of recreational choices and the children's and pre-school playgrounds are set up safely and age appropriate. The apparatus is colorful and pleasing for the children to engage in an obstacle course, funnel slides and climbing activities that are arranged at different levels for a safe landing. There are swings at each end of the play area that accommodate the posted age groups. The park is well kept and clean and there are plenty of parking places near the play area. Families have the opportunity to enjoy the wide open spaces of the park and try their skills in a game of frisbee, sand volleyball, baseball, basketball or walk the hiking and nature trails.
Frick Park
Nicholson St.
Squirrel Hill, PA 15217
(412) 682-7275
www.pittsburghparks.org
Families looking for activities in the green spaces of Pittsburgh have to look no farther than the Blue Slide playground in Squirrel Hill and Frick Park. It is a perfect blend of the environment and recreation for children to experience the thrill of using their favorite sliding device and attempt to navigate the famous Blue Slide. The playground has a tall, blue climbing apparatus, swings, slides and a castle to traverse. Even with all the blue colors, the amazing view of the city as families walk, hike, bike and play is a special event to remember and return to over and over again.
Related: Best Bike Trails Around Pittsburgh
Highland Park
Reservoir Drive and Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 682-7275
www.pittsburghparks.org
Located near the Pittsburgh Zoo is the Super Playground in Highland Park, which is part of the the Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory where the children will be welcomed by a wooden playground structure that has a myriad of tunnels, slides, ladders and places to hide. There are places to crawl, jump, swing and explore around, through and between hidden gems of pretend play within the playground area. There are opportunities for children to join their family to swim, hike, bike or participate in recreational activities or enjoy the spectacular views of the park. The playground area is a special place to spend a day and it has something for everybody along the walkways, reservoir, cycling track or hiking trails.
Pleasant Kingdom
410 E. Bruceton Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
(412) 655-3300
www.pleasanthillspa.com
Children and families wanting relief from the sweltering heat and humidity need to scurry to Pleasant Hills, as the name implies, for a pleasant playground experience. The playground looks like a scene from a fairy tale and the castle-like appearance may make that a reality. To make things even better, the playground is shrouded in shade and the park is immaculate and very well kept. After a day at play, the children can absorb the spray from the sprinklers to cool them off after a day of crawling and climbing through the playhouse. There are picnic benches and shelters available for a special lunch or get-together after a day of fun and imagination.
Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
