It happens every year. You get overly excited that summer is coming, and when it gets here, you waste it sitting around not knowing what to do. When you try to make plans and ask your friends where they want to go the conversations usually ends at "I don't know" or "I don't have any money." Don't fall victim to cabin fever this year, here is a list of of 20 different things to do this summer around the Pittsburgh area for under $20.
1. Summer Fridays At The Frick
Every Friday evening this summer
until September 2, you can enjoy live entertainment, activities and a
variety of dining options at the Frick Art and Historical Center. For a
full summer schedule check here: http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/visitor-informat.
Admission: Free
2. Mellon Square Summer Concerts
Live music every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the list of performers look here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/mellon-square-com.
Admission: Free
3. Cinema In The Park
Enjoy a free movie night at Arsenal Park, Brookline Memorial Park, Schenley Park, Flagstaff Park, Mt. Washington, Reservoir Drive, Observatory Hill, West End/Elliot Overlook or at Mellon Square. Dates vary by location, check the schedule here: http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/2016_CINEMA.
Admission: Free4. Stars At Riverview
A summer of incredible jazz music, every Saturday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Riverview Park. For a list of performers check here: http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/riverview-jazz-series
Admission: Free
5. Randyland
Randyland is the home of artist Randy Gilson, located in Pittsburgh's Northside. Visitors are welcome to explore the public art displays in and around the home.
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
6. Center For PostNatural History
The Center for PostNatural History is a museum of organisms that have been intentionally altered by humans.
Admission: Free
7. Picklesburgh
Pittsburgh pickle festival will go on July 15 and 16 from noon to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music and everything pickled.
Admission: Free
8. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Admission: Adult $15, Student $14, Children $11
9. Andy Warhol Museum
Admission: Adult $20, Students and Children $10
10. Explore Pittsburgh by bike
Every Saturday (weather permitting) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can go on a bike tour traveling on the cities riverfront trails while highlighting the cities landmarks, public art, bridges, history and more. Admission includes a bike and a helmet. If you prefer to ride solo, you can rent a bike for as little as $8 an hour.
Admission: $20
11. Go to a Pirates game
Admission: Ticket prices as low as $6.
12. Visit Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
Admission: Adult $16, Children $14
13. Citiparks Swimming
Spend a day by one of Citiparks' outdoor swimming pools.
Admission: $5
14. Mattress Factory Museum
A contemporary art museum and experimental lab featuring installations from artists around the world. Visit on Tuesdays for half priced admission.
Admission: Adults $20, Students $15, Kids under 6 are free
15. Photo Antiquities Museum
Admission: Adults $10 Students $8 Children 5-12 are free
16. Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
Admission: Adults $15, Students $6, Children under 5 are free
17. Kayak in Pittsburgh
Admission: $16 per hour
18. ToonSeum
A small museum dedicated to comic and cartoon arts.
Admission: Adults $8, Students $7, Children 6-12 $4, Children under 5 are free
19. Dependable Drive-In Movie Theater
Admission: Adult $8, Children $3
20. Steel City Indoor Karting
Pittsburgh's first all-electric indoor go-kart track.
Admission: One race is $19.99
Don't let "there's nothing to do" be an excuse for sitting on your couch all summer. Enjoy the weather because before you know it, it will be so cold out your nostrils freeze together when you try to breathe. Let every day be an adventure.