• Q: Why is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania called a green city?
  • A: Pittsburgh is a green city because of its environmentally friendly city programs and its numerous parks.
  • Q: What does Emerald View Park offer?
  • A: Emerald View Park provides serene nature from the top of Mount Washington, just five minutes from Pittsburgh’s downtown.
  • Q: What activities are available at Riverview Park?
  • A: Riverview Park on the city’s North Side features trails for horseback riding.
  • Q: What can visitors do at Schenley Park?
  • A: Schenley Park offers a variety of activities for both visitors and locals.

Best Time to Visit Pittsburgh Parks

  • May to September – Warm weather, ideal for picnics, hiking, and outdoor activities.
  • June & July – Peak summer months with lively events and family-friendly fun.
  • April & October – Shoulder season offering mild temps and fewer crowds.
  • November to March – Cooler months with peaceful trails and occasional snow.
  • Late May – Perfect for enjoying blooming flowers and pleasant spring weather.

Unique Pittsburgh Parks

Allegheny Commons Park


Walk along historic paths, admire scenic lake views and peaceful greenery.

Allegheny Commons Park

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  • What is Allegheny Commons Park?
    • The Allegheny Commons Park, also known as West Park, is the city of Pittsburgh’s oldest park and encompasses a total of sixty-four acres.
  • When was Allegheny Commons Park established?
    • Established back in 1867, the park surrounds the Allegheny Center neighborhood in the North Side of the city.
  • How is the park divided?
    • The park consists of three different main sections: the Allegheny Commons Park East Park, the Allegheny Commons Park North Park, and the Allegheny Commons West Park.
  • Which section of the park is the largest?
    • The largest of these three parts is the West Park, which is home to the National Aviary.
  • What are some notable features of Allegheny Commons Park?
    • Allegheny Commons Park is known for its Lake Elizabeth, wide promenade, and mature canopy trees.

Allegheny Commons Park, 810 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Allegheny Landing


Enjoy riverside views, explore outdoor art installations in a unique setting.

Allegheny Landing

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  • What is Allegheny Landing?
    • Allegheny Landing in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a large green space located along the Allegheny River, featuring a boat launch area, sculptures, and plenty of spots for a picnic lunch.
  • Where is Allegheny Landing located?
    • Located between the bridges of 6th Street and 7th Street along the Allegheny River’s north bank.
  • When was Allegheny Landing founded?
    • The Allegheny Landing park was founded as one of the first modern riverfront parks in Pittsburgh in 1984.
  • What makes Allegheny Landing significant?
    • It was one of the first urban riverfront sculpture parks in the United States.
  • Why was the park created?
    • The park was created in recognition of the riverfront potential for incorporating arts and recreation in Pittsburgh within the urban landscape.

Allegheny Landing, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Dormont Park


Relax with family, enjoy playgrounds and picnic areas in a quiet space.

Dormont Park

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  • What is Dormont Park?
    • Dormont Park is a little over twenty-three acres in size and is home to tennis courts, basketball courts, a street hockey court, walking trails, horseshoe courts, picnic pavilions, a play area, a baseball field, and more.
  • Why is Dormont Park also called "Castle Park"?
    • Dormont Park is often referred to locally as “Castle Park” due to the popular children’s playground that is shaped like a huge castle.
  • What makes the "castle" playground unique?
    • The “castle” playground is built entirely out of wood and features towers for kids to yell from, bridges for running across, and alcoves for children to have fun hiding in.
  • What other play structures are available?
    • The playground also includes tires for climbing, swings, slides, monkey bars, and rings.

Dormont Park, 1801 Dormont Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, Phone: 412-561-8900

Romantic Pittsburgh Parks

Emerald View Park


Hike wooded trails, admire panoramic views of Pittsburgh’s skyline.

Emerald View Park

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  • What is Emerald View Park?
    • Established in 2005, the Emerald View Park stitches three historic parks together and is considered to be the premier spot for viewing the skyline of Pittsburgh.
  • How large is Emerald View Park?
    • The 257-acre park was established to combine the Grand View Scenic Byway, wooded hillsides, and the historic park areas of Mount Washington, Olympia, and Grandview.
  • What amenities and activities does the park offer?
    • Visitors will find surprise vistas, winding trails for hiking and biking, ball fields, sports courts, overlooks, playgrounds, wooded hillsides, and picnic areas throughout Emerald View Park.
  • Are there any special events at Emerald View Park?
    • During the summer season, free movies are often shown in the park each week as part of the “Cinema in the Park” program.

Emerald View Park, Bailey Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211, Phone: 412-682-7275

Fall Run Park


Walk along scenic trails, see a picturesque waterfall after an easy hike.

Fall Run Park

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  • What is Fall Run Park?
    • Fall Run Park, located just outside of the city of Pittsburgh in Glenshaw, may seem like any other park at first glance with its tranquil hiking trail and low foot traffic.
  • What makes Fall Run Park special?
    • For visitors who are willing to make a bit of an effort while at the park, an approximately one-mile hike rewards hikers with a surprising waterfall.
  • Why is the park called "Fall Run"?
    • The park gets its name of “Fall Run” due to being nestled within a small valley in which several streams empty out into the park, resulting in waterfalls.
  • What is the main highlight of the park?
    • The main waterfall along the hiking trail, the park’s focal point, features a roughly thirty-foot drop.

Fall Run Park, 187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, Phone: 412-486-9700

Frick Park


Explore wooded trails, enjoy nature-filled adventures perfect for a weekend trip.

Frick Park

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  • What is Frick Park?
    • Spanning across more than six hundred acres, Pittsburgh’s Frick Park is the largest historic regional park in the city.
  • What amenities can be found in Frick Park?
    • There are numerous amenities found throughout the massive park, such as baseball fields, extensive trails for hiking and biking that travel over wood slopes and through steep valleys, clay tennis courts, and playgrounds.
  • What educational and nature-focused attractions are in the park?
    • The Frick Environmental Center features many nature exhibits, and the park is home to Pennsylvania’s only public lawn bowling green.
  • What is a popular playground in Frick Park?
    • The famed Blue Slide Playground is especially popular with children.
  • What makes Clayton Hill special?
    • Clayton Hill within Frick Park is great for bird enthusiasts, as more than one hundred bird species have been spotted there.

Frick Park, 1981 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, Phone: 412-682-7275

Pittsburgh Parks for Families

Highland Park


Walk around the reservoir, admire peaceful gardens and seasonal blooms.

Highland Park

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  • What is Highland Park?
    • Visitors are welcomed to Highland Park by a Victorian-style garden, leading to one of the city’s many reservoirs, in addition to dog walking and running trails.
  • What recreational facilities does Highland Park offer?
    • Appealing to people of all ages, the park also boasts several sand volleyball courts, a bike track, a kiddie pool, a 50-meter swimming pool, and playgrounds.
  • What is one of the major highlights of Highland Park?
    • One of the major highlights of Highland Park is the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
  • What are some notable landmarks within Highland Park?
    • Reservoir No. 1 is a longtime icon of the park, along with the Reservoir Loop, which is a popular trail among joggers and walkers.
  • Are dogs allowed in Highland Park?
    • Dogs are also welcome in Highland Park, as long as they remain leashed.

Highland Park, 1467 N Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-1161, Phone: 412-682-7275

Mellon Park


Explore vibrant gardens, enjoy summer concerts and community events.

Mellon Park

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  • What is Mellon Park?
    • Mellon Park is located in the city’s Shadyside neighborhood and is considered by many to be a must-visit public space full of history.
  • What is Mellon Park well known for?
    • The park is well known for its stunning Walled Garden near the Phipps Garden Center and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
  • What is the history of Mellon Park?
    • Formerly land that was part of the estate of Richard Mellon, the park grounds were once home to Mellon’s sixty-room mansion, the city of Pittsburgh’s largest house.
  • Where can visitors park at Mellon Park?
    • Parking can be found in the parking lot on Shady Avenue.
  • What events take place at Mellon Park?
    • Mellon Park hosts many different events during the summer months, such as live music.

Mellon Park, 1047 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, Phone: 412-682-7275

Map:


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