If you're a college student like me, you're probably rejoicing that it's finally summer. Final exams are over, you've moved out, and you're settling back into life at home. I've been home for a little over a week now, and I've spent it mostly lying in bed, doing a few chores, and occasionally going out. Despite trying to keep busy, though, I can already feel the "I'm so bored there's nothing to do" mentality setting in. Don't get me wrong, I love relaxing and doing nothing, but some days I'm itching to do something. I don't want to have that bored mentality all summer, and I'm sure other people feel the same. So if you live near Pittsburgh, here's a list of some fun things to do this summer to kill your boredom.
1. Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
Located in Highland Park, it's a zoo and aquarium in one. There are 400+ species of animals, including over 20 endangered species, as well as restaurants, gift shops, and a playground for kids.
2. Strip District
The Strip is a neighborhood close to downtown Pittsburgh that contains markets, vendors, and one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, including the original Primanti Brothers. This unique place is home to the Altar Bar, a former church that's now a concert venue.
3. Sports Games
Hockey, baseball, and soccer are the sports that are currently happening in Pittsburgh. Since playoff tickets for the Pens might be a bit expensive, though, it might be a better option to go to a Pirates or Riverhounds game.
4. Shadyside
Walnut Street is the main point of interest here. There are tons of well-known stores, like Banana Republic and Sephora, as well as local shops. If you're hungry and enjoy a good grilled cheese sandwich, I recommend going to The Yard, which is a place that serves a variety of gourmet grilled cheeses.
5. Concerts
Countless bands and artists are coming to venues in Pittsburgh, such as Consol Energy Center, Stage AE, and First Niagra Pavilion, this summer. Check out the venues' websites for who's going where and go see a favorite band or artist live!
6. Oakland
When people think of Oakland, they often think of the University of Pittsburgh, as its campus is located there. Restaurants such as Pamela's Diner and The Original Hot Dog Shop are a must visit. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try the Conflict Kitchen, which serves food from whatever country the United States is in conflict with. The Cathedral of Learning, pictured center, contains Nationality Rooms that are interesting to visit as well.
7. Station Square and Mount Washington
Located across from downtown Pittsburgh, Station Square has many restaurants and attractions, such as the Fountain at Bessemer Court. You can take the incline up to Mount Washington, where you'll get a breathtaking view of the city, or take a Just Ducky Tour, a land and water tour of Pittsburgh.
8. National Aviary
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The National Aviary of Pittsburgh is the largest aviary in the country and contains over 200 species of various animals. There's a place inside where you can get a little cup of nectar and the birds pictured above will come sit on your hand or arm to drink it.
9. SouthSide Works
Tons of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater await you in the SouthSide Works. This modern complex is located on the opposite side of the river in the South Side of Pittsburgh.
10. Kennywood
Kennywood amusement park has been around since 1898, and it's one of my favorite places to go during the summer. There are six roller coasters and numerous other rides, too. They have fantastic food such as Potato Patch french fries, corn dogs, funnel cakes, deep fried Oreos, and lemonade.
11. Mattress Factory
Formerly Sterns & Foster's mattress factory, it's now a contemporary art museum located in the Northside of Pittsburgh. I've never actually been there, but it's definitely somewhere I want to visit.
12. Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located near Oakland. It contains 14 rooms inside, all with different themes and plants, as well as six sections outside.
13. Schenley Park
Also located in Oakland, the 456 acre park contains trails, woods, and fields. In the summertime, it's home to Cinema in the Park, where they screen outdoor movies on the lawn, like pictured above. For a list of movies and when they'll be shown, visit http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/cinema-schenley
14. The Point
The Point is the place where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers form the Ohio River. There's a park where people picnic and walk as well as the Fort Pitt Museum, which is a museum that used to be a British fort.
15. Carnegie Science Center
The Carnegie Science Center is located in the North Shore of Pittsburgh and is near Heinz Field and Rivers Casino. It's the most visited museum in Pittsburgh and contains four floors of all things science. One of its major exhibits is the Highmark SportsWorks, where science and sports come together.
16. Fallingwater
Also known as the Kaufmann Residence, Fallingwater is a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It's roughly 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, so it's over an hour drive. The house itself is built over a waterfall, and is a unique place I would love to visit someday.
Summer is all about catching up with friends, adventuring to new places, and trying new things. There are countless things to do in or around Pittsburgh, so why not go try one of them?
