How To Spend Summer Days At 4 Breathtaking Pittsburgh Parks!

The City of Pittsburgh goes by many names. Some call it the Steel City, the City of Three Rivers, or even the City of Champions. All these names have been appropriately given by the people who call Pittsburgh home.

One other name that we think should be added to that list is “Park City.” A lesser-known facet of Pittsburgh is its many historic, forested parks. Once rooted in the steel industry, our city has strived to restore its other roots, its many gorgeous natural estates, and vast woodlands.

Whether you want to enjoy a Friday night at an outdoor concert, meet up with friends for a pick-up frisbee match, or a morning walk with your pup, there’s always a park close by. Mellon Park, Frick Park, Highland Park, and Schenley Park are all wonderful opportunities to be outdoors this summer and they’re all around 10-minutes from Franklin West apartments. Let’s take a sneak peek into Pittsburgh’s best-kept secret.

Mellon Park

When you need a little green and gorgeous gardens, Mellon Park has you covered. This park is rich in history. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy reports the original estate belonged to Richard Beatty Mellon and was once known as the largest house in Pittsburgh with 60-rooms. 

Unfortunately, that home is gone now, but the biggest park attraction, the Walled Garden, is still standing. It’s been the center of countless photo opportunities and a perfect place to watch the stars like Ann Katharine Seamans, who now has a famous memorial at the Walled Garden. 

Read more about Ann’s Memorial and more Mellon Park experience here. 

Mellon Park has plenty of features like vast fields, playgrounds for the kiddos, a spray park, tennis, and basketball courts as well as a pavilion with several picnic tables perfect for a family outing. It’s also known to hold several events during the summer months like Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch.

Photo credit to Jeremy Marshall from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Mellon Park page

Frick Park

Much like Mellon Park, the Frick Park is an estate that once belonged to wealthy Pittsburgh native, Henry Clay Frick. Stretching from northern parts of Point Breeze all the way down to the Monongahela River, the Frick Park has around 106 acres of land. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy reports the Frick Park opening as a park in 1927 after it required more land. 

The Frick has a wonderful spread of outdoor and indoor activities, truly having something for everyone. If you want to go on a long hike, this park is the perfect getaway with extensive woodland trails. The park also features the famous Blue Slide Playground, red clay tennis courts, baseball fields, and much more. 

We can’t forget to mention the Clayton Mansion and Museum. Take a tour through the very home the Clayton family once lived in and become mesmerized by the architectural and designs from the 20th century. You can also visit the art museum! 

Today, the art museum is hosting a fabulous exhibition called A Sporting Vision. Click here for The Frick’s $5 off A Sporting Vision special offer ticket 

Photo from The Frick Pittsburgh Facebook page

Schenley Park & Plaza

Schenley Park is one of Pittsburgh’s most extensive and beautiful parks. The park’s 456 acres was donated land from Mary Schenley and now contain trails, woods, and many attractions. 

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Eat’n Park Hospitality Group teamed up in 2001 to restore the Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center and in 2005 the City of Pittsburgh rehabilitated Phipps Run Stream. If you love a good hike, Phipps Run Stream doesn’t disappoint.

You could spend a few hours every day at Schenley Park experiencing something new. There’s the Bob O’Conner Golf course for any golf enthusiast. The Schenley Oval Sportsplex where you will find ice skating in the winter, summer sports during warm months, and take a dip in the pool when the summer sun gets too hot. 

Plus, Schenley Park hosts big annual events like the famous Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure! The amazing Phipps Conservatory is also near Schenley Park, which we don’t believe we have to sell you on. The gorgeous garden at Phipps is one all Pittsburghers know about!

Photo credit to Joe Serkoch from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Schenley Park page

Highland Park

A sanctuary reminiscent of the Victorian era, Highland Park is the quintessential an urban oasis. This reservoir has provided drinking water to Pittsburgh since 1879 according to Pittsburgh Park Conservancy. It’s open space and beauty makes it a popular location for picnics and joggers for the iconic Reservoir Loop or Entry Garden. 

Highland Park features Victorian-style gardens with fountains and benches, a bike track, swimming pool, and sand volleyball courts. If you are looking for a fun-filled Saturday with the kids, consider fishing in Carnegie Lake and exploring The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, one of only six zoo and aquarium combinations in the country as reported by Next Pittsburgh. 

If you’re up for an awesome Friday night out after a long work week, don’t miss out on the Pittsburgh Zoo’s “Summer Safari” special fundraising party. Learn more about the event here.

Photo credit to Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Highland Park page

Whatever your plans are this summer, be sure to get out to one of these spectacular woodland areas! Go out on an impromptu hike with nature or visit the park’s website if you’re looking to plan out your visit! Summer is almost over, don’t spend it indoors.