It’s a holiday weekend! Declare your independence by getting in some outdoor time before the big bangs begin. Celebrate your freedom from the indoors with a fun activity and a fireworks display near you.
Don’t be shy! Try hiking in a park you’ve never been to or kayaking on the three rivers. Do something active before settling down to watch the fireworks display of your choice.
Below is a list of suggested outdoors activities and the nearby firework displays:
Downtown
Want to avoid the rush downtown? Go early and have some outdoor fun in the sun before snagging an ideal spot to watch the show.
Outdoor Activities:
Take an exciting kayak trip onto the three rivers courtesy of Kayak Pittsburgh. Visit http://www.kayakpittsburgh.org/
Take an incline up to a little known gem called Grandview Park. Explore the trails of this relatively new park located on Bailey Avenue on Mt. Washington. This may be a great place to watch the fireworks, too!
Fireworks Display:
City of Pittsburgh: Starts at 9:35 p.m. over the Allegheny River at Point State Park.
North Hills
Outdoor Activities:
Check out Kayak Pittsburgh at North Park – Paddle, row or canoe your way through dozens of water lilies while watching a blue heron glide gracefully over the lake. A perfect spot for beginners and non-beginners alike. http://www.kayakpittsburgh.org/
Hike the famous Rachel Carson Trail and pay tribute to the woman who launched the contemporary environmental movement by warning of the dangers of indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides and their potentially adverse affect on human health and the environment. Drive halfway around the North Park pool and look for the Rachel Carson Trail sign. For more information, visit http://www.rachelcarsontrails.org/.
Firework Displays:
Hampton: only on July 3rd 10 p.m. at Hampton Community Park.
Oakmont: Fireworks at dusk at Oakmont Country Club on Hulton Road.
South Hills
Outdoor Activities:
South Park offers a variety of natural and man-made outdoor distractions – check out the VIP recreation center on Corrigan and rent a bike for $5 an hour or body surf in the wave pool. Don’t forget to watch the buffalos roam or pay a visit to the Allegheny County Gardens. For more information visit http://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/spfac.aspx.
Ready for adventure? Explore the extensive hiking trails traversing wetlands, swamps and open fields in the Boyce-Mayview Park in Upper Saint Clair. Check it out at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/info/hikeforhealth/06-boycemayview.aspx.
Firework Displays:
Bethel Park/Upper St. Clair: 9:40 p.m. in Port Authority parking lot at South Hills Village
Brentwood: 9:30 p.m. in Brentwood Park
Dormont: Dusk at Dormont Park
Mt. Lebanon: 9:30 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Park
Scott: 9:31 p.m. at Scott Park
West Mifflin: 9:30 p.m. at Kennywood Park
West Hills
Outdoor Activities:
Cruise onto the Panhandle Trail at Walkers Mill station on two feet or two wheels and challenge yourself to this 29 mile trail that joins the Montour Trail. Pace yourself and enjoy the creek and quarries you’ll discover along the way. To learn more, visit http://www.panhandletrail.com/.
Wildflowers and Mineral Springs, Oh My – See them both at the Raccoon State Park. The park boasts one of the most diverse stands of wildflowers in our part of the state and is home to historically significant mineral springs. For directions and more information, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/raccooncreek.aspx#recreation.
Firework Displays:
Canonsburg: 9:30 p.m. at Canon-McMillan High School
Crafton: 9:30 p.m. at Community Park on Steuben Street
Moon Township: 10 p.m. at Moon Park
Robinson: Fireworks at dusk at Burkett Recreation and Sports Complex on Park Drive
Monroeville/Westmoreland County
Outdoor Activities:
- Kiss the pavement at the Boyce Park’s 3 "B"s Action Park. Board, bike or blade your way into the holiday weekend. To learn more, visit http://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/fees/3bs.aspx.
- In the mood for food? Check out the Arts & Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park. Eat great food, listen to good music and shop the many arts and crafts on display. When you’re done, don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll around the two lakes – it beautiful and relaxing, http://www.artsandheritage.com/.
Firework Displays:
Monroeville: 9:30 p.m. at Monroeville Mall
Laurel Highlands
Outdoor Activities:
Take a photographic journey of Meadow Run as photographed by New York photographer, Fritz Kinzel. The exhibit is currently on display at the Fallingwater Visitor’s Center. Call ahead to take a tour of Fallingwater itself and explore a truly extraordinary feat of architecture. http://www.fallingwater.org/
Firework Displays:
Indiana: 9:30 p.m. at Mack Park Fairgrounds
Latrobe: 9:30 p.m. at Legion Keener Park
Ligonier: 10 p.m. at Idlewild Park
Butler County
Outdoor Activities:
- Take a holiday guided hike with a higher purpose at McConnell’s Mill State Park. Learn about conservation while exploring beautiful Hell’s Hollow. Check out www.iConservePA.org for hike details.
- Cool off with a swim in Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Wind surfing is a popular pastime at the park and boat rentals are located nearby. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/moraine.aspx#recreation
Firework Displays:
Ellwood City: Fireworks on Sunday, July 5 at 10:15 p.m.
Zelienople: Parade at 11 a.m. Concert at 8:15 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. at Community Park
Whichever activity and fireworks you choose, be safe and have a happy Independence Day! |
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