Lately I’ve had such a yearning for an old-fashioned summer. Maybe it’s because I watch the world around us consumed with screen time and endlessly scroll through phones that I just can’t help but crave simplicity and presence. My attentiveness to my children while they’re young is so important to me.
As a work-from-home mom with my babes 24/7, I can definitely feel touched out at times with the day-to-day toll, so I really rely on those weekend adventures to unplug and unwind with the kids. We love the summertime and especially soaking in all the sunshine we can get. We’re no strangers to our weekend adventures, and these are just a few that I can personally endorse:
 | I absolutely loved this experience with my kids. I took them when they were just 2 and 3 and surprisingly, they did very well throughout the tour and it was just incredibly beautiful to see. The caverns are a site and the kids love the adventure of it all and the colors, of course! Make sure to bring a sweatshirt because the caves being underground are very chilly, even in peak summertime! I didn’t know to think of this and ended up having to buy my kids sweatshirts there so they didn’t get cold. Just a little over an hour's drive from Pittsburgh, this is one for the bucket list. |
We took the kids to see the Ohiopyle waterfalls the same day we did the Caverns. We made a day of it touring the waterfalls, the caverns, and the outdoor gardens tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater House. A day-trip with toddlers is totally do-able. There’s a cute lunch spot right near the waterfalls that is very family-friendly with lunch lego block entertainment for busy hands. The kids really enjoyed the outdoor tour of the Fallingwater house because it gave them plenty of space to run around and the trails were beautiful for us parents. |  |
This is our “quick getaway” in the South Hills just 15 minutes from Upper St. Clair in Peter’s Township. It’s a hidden gem with a stroller-friendly and bike-friendly walking path that circles around the lake. It is also a great place to walk dogs. The lake is beautiful and people use it to fish and kayak. We take the kids walking when we’re just cooped up or need a pretty change of scenery. It’s a ‘breath of fresh air’ quite literally and a great way to unplug.
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 | This is so much fun. I fell in love with kayaking recently and just being on the water in general. I love taking my kids out on the water whether it’s boating or kayaking. There’s something about water that’s always so tranquil. It refreshes you. Kayak Pittsburgh at the North Park Boathouse also offers water paddling or canoeing if you’d like to get the whole family in one boat. It does get busy, though, and I’d recommend coming early! After your kayak ride they have an Over the Bar Bicycle Café that overlooks the water. |
Hartwood Acres has a great outdoor garden that’s free to visit and view. The area is full of trails, meadows, stables, and plenty of places to hike or take a walk. Bring a picnic basket! The property itself is always a gorgeous site alone.
We go to the safari every year! It’s easy to navigate and walk through, especially with a double stroller. it’s smaller but the quality of the experience is so much cooler. The kids get to feed giraffes and a multitude of animals. Ok, ok, I get to feed a giraffe and my inner 8-year-old is always beaming over it.
We just visited the botanical gardens for the first time this year and I was pleasantly surprised with how equipped the outing was for kids. It had plenty to play with, including a sprinkler and sand box – what kid doesn’t love a sprinkler and sand box? It’s more of a walking spot and my only recommendation would be to make sure you’re going during a peak bloom season. We went during an off-bloom season and didn’t get to see as many flowers as I had hoped for. Even still, the kids loved the lands and running around with all they had to entertain kids. A truly beautiful property and I remember wishing I had my wedding there.
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I absolutely love this walking trail. It’s such a view. Afterwards, I always try to find time to pop into the Frick Museum, specifically the Car & Carriage Museum which is usually free. They have an assortment of old-fashioned cars to totally wow any car-obsessed kiddo.
Phipps is always a go-to stop on our spring list and Shenley Park rests just aside it. The park is perfect for walks, hikes, and offers a playground AND merry-go-round, any core memory for a kid. It’s scenic and open and a great stop after viewing the anticipated blooms of Phipps Conservatory.
From one mom to another, I hope our experiences inspire your next weekend adventure. Make sure to tag us in your photos and share your summer adventures.
