171 Things to do in SWPA

Adventures & Roadtrips trips in South West Pennsylvania

Rollercoasters, Fall Farms, History, Museums, Parks, Record Stores, Thrift Stores, Hiking Trails, Ice Cream, Petroglyphs and other randomness.

Things for families to do around Pittsburgh on a budget.

SWPA Day Trips and Adventures by County

“PEE-AYY”

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, lovingly known as “PA” by residents and close neighbors. The second state added to the Union. All three founding documents (Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution) were written and ratified here.

Pennsylvania was first state for many cool things:

First modern super highway
First public zoo
First baseball stadium

Jump in the Line

My entire life, as a West Virginia native; I’ve lived on the Mason-Dixon line. I’ve never lived in Pennsylvania, but I’ve worked out the Pittsburgh region for many years.

27 tell-tale signs you’re an Expert Delivery Driver Courier

“South West Pee-Ayy”

Making deliveries around SWPA for over a decade; I’ve explored just about every township and borough.

Adventures and Roadtrips within two hours of Pittsburgh

This list-article solely focuses on the Pittsburgh area and the SWPA region. This list was carefully crafted and curated; with families and budget in mind. Most everything on this list is kid and dog friendly! I’m Frugal.. So, everything is mostly pocketbook-friendly, too!

I love helping people, and the best way to help yourselves.. is to Find an Adventure!

Things to do in Allegheny County Pennsylvania

Pitaland
- My favorite Pittsburgh “restaurant”. Bring naan and baklava home with YINZ!
Settlers Cabin Wave-Pool
Pittsburgh Glass Museum
- Free and Open to the public.. Learn a new thing and try “Glass Class”!
National Flag Foundation
Bicycle Heaven
- World’s largest bicycle museum and bike shop!

Fort Pitt Block House
- The oldest building in Pittsburgh
Canton Avenue
- At 38% grade, this is the steepest street in the US. Come in October and watch the Bicycle Race!
Gravity Hill
Kennywood
Sand Castle Waterpark
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Phipps Conservatory
- Pittsburgh’s INDOOR botanic garden and glasshouse
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Walk the flowers and fauna OUTDOORS.
National Aviary
- The only free-flight Aviary in the USA.
Gateway Clipper
- Riverboat cruises starting around $30. Check out the Haunted Riverboat Cruise this year!
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Yes.. There are actual T-Rex fossils to see here!
Center for PostNatural History
- An interesting museum on experiments done by humans.
Museum of Illusions
Andy Warhol Museum
The Nationality Rooms
- 31 Rooms to explore and discover international cultures.
Dependable Drive In
USS Requin Submarine Tour
Bayernhoff Museum
- An electic museum with secret passages and hidden doors.
Heinz History Museum
- It’s Pittsburgh’s “people museum”.. Be sure to see the ACTUAL SET from Mr. Roger’s!
Fort Pitt Museum
- Get right to the point of French Indian war history. Beginning 09/01/2025: children ages 17 and under visit free.
Frick Car & Carriage Museum
Red White and Blue Thrift
- On Rt. 51..If you are brave for deals, prepare for crowds. CASH ONLY!
Meadows Frozen Custard
- A classic central PA treat, now with locations near PGH
Western PA Sports Museum
American Indian Center
- The Pow-wow is held in September.

Randyland
- Come look at all the eccentricity! Your eyes will take it all in. And it’s FREE!
ASCEND Indoor Rock Climbing
Tour Ed Mine Museum
Neville Roller Drome
- The largest roller rink in PA!
Frick Park
- Check out the famous Blue Slide Playground!
Pinball Perfection
- Over 350 pinball machines, from as early as 1930. Come for the museum, stay and play!
Fun Slides Carpet Skatepark
Zone 28
- It’s like Dave & Busters, but with more square footage!
Johnny Angel’s Ginchy Stuff
Trundle Manor
- Pittsburgh most unique Private Home Tour
St. Anthony’s Chapel
- The largest collection of religious relics outside of the Vatican. As well as particles of the true cross in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Pins Mechanical
- Duck Pin Bowling with FREE arcade
McConnells Mill
- Hiking near PGH with waterfalls and scenic beauty.
Depreciation Lands Museum
- Go back to the 1700’s and experience early-settler life!
Neighborhood Flea
- First & Second Sunday’s of the month. May-Oct.
Millie’s Ice Cream Factory
- Take a tour and learn about the ice cream making process. And taste all the samples! Ages 8+.
Pierogies Plus
- Best pierogis I’ve ever had! Get a sampler and try a Polish feast. Closed weekends.
Construction Junction
- The place for your next DIY project. Used building materials GALORE!
IKEA
- Go for the Swedish meatballs, play “house” in all the rooms. My go-to place for killing time near the Airport.

Things to do in Beaver County Pennsylvania

Raccoon Creek State Park
- Excellent pricing on Boat Rentals: $40 p/hour for mini pontoon, or $14 p/hr for kayaks. They’ve got Hydrobikes, too!
Fossil Cliffs

Old Economy Village
- Walk through the village of German separatist, awaiting the second coming of Christ in 1830’s America.
Windmill Ice Cream
- An old fashioned stand with 25+ soft serve flavors AND mini-golf!
Police Station Pizza
- Served Ohio Valley style with cold-cheese.
Anderson’s Candies
Buttermilk Falls
- A 40ft waterfall to go chasin’.
Air Heritage Aviation Museum
- FREE museum with older and modern aircrafts and warplanes.
Oram’s Donuts

Things to do in Mercer County Pennsylvania

Avenue of the 444 Flags
Kraynaks
- “Your store for all seasons”.. Come for Santa’s Christmasland in December!
Cool Spring Ranch
- A MAJOR Fall-fun-farm destination with 12 acre corn maze and 40 feet mountain slides!
Keystone Safari
Pymatuning Deer Park
Pymatuning Spillway
- “Where the ducks walk on the fish”! PA’s second most popular attraction. Behind the Liberty Bell.
Sundance Arena Rodeo
- Indoor heated rodeo arena with almost weekly events. Tickets average $20 for adults, $10 for kids.
Guthrie Theater
- Live shows and events in this old 1927 theater.
Zombageddon
- A tractor-drawn hayride where you shoot zombies with paintball guns!
Skydive PA
- Kick it off your bucket list! Packages starting under $300.
Big Dog RC
- Indoor and Outdoor remote control car tracks and racing.
Buhl Park
- The only FREE 9 hole golf course in the US!
Springfield Falls

Things to do in Greene County Pennsylvania

Ryerson Station
- Come way out in the boonies for budget camping and WATERSLIDES!
Warrior Trail
- This 67-mile Native American trail starts in Greensboro, and goes to Moundsville.
High Point Raceway
- Motocross racing with tier-day pricing and camping. Average about $25 for adults, $10 for kids.
Hungarian Smokehouse
- The best jerky and meat sticks out in the boonies.
Fredericktown Butchershop
- The best deals on fresh meats in SWPA!
Enlow Fork Wildflower Walk
The Cherry Door
- Small town thrift store in Waynesburg with big-time bargains!
Shield’s Greenhouse
- THIS is the place to buy flowers in the Spring! Go get lost in the beauty, talk to the staff, and come home with a bargain.
Mon View Roller Rink

Things to do in Fayette County Pennsylvania

Get a Hobby
- The most fun store in SWPA. Lots of Lionel trains for sale!
Mill Street Merchants
- A grocery store owned by “Gabes”. I’ve found the best deals here!
Friendship Hill Historic Site
- Explore the 1780 estate of Albert Gallitan; US Treasurer and financier of Louisiana Purchase. Plus 7 waterfalls!
Laurel Caverns
- See the lights, hear the Hallelujah Chorus in this cave system!
Haunted Hills Estates
- Come in October for the best/”scariest” haunted house in the area (IMO). Come weekends in December, February, and March for CHR-VAL-PAT fears!
Ohiopyle
- Near Laurel Caverns. A great place for a day trip! Hike & Get ice cream. Or book a rafting excursion. Or check out the FREE natural waterslides!
Connelsville Canteen
- The only WWII museum in SWPA.. and there’s a model train village.
Dawson Opry (aka Bullskin Opry)
- Live music with FREE admission. Save your cash for homemade pies and chili dogs in the basement!
Jumonville Cross
- An excellent steep (but paved) short hike on a mountain top, to a 60ft tall cross. You can see three states, and seven counties from here.
Sheepskin Trail
- 34 mile stretch from Pt Marion to Dunbar.
The Glades Festival Grounds
- Local and Regional live music and camping. You and your family will be gleaming and glad to be at The Glades!
Silence of the Lambs House

The Natural Waterslides in Ohiopyle State Park: Everything You Need to Know to Visit

Things to do in Butler County Pennsylvania

Playthings
- “The world’s coolest toy store”

Lake Arthur
- 42 miles of pristine shoreline.. $40 for 4 hour kayak rental.
Mars Area History
- Kids can visit Fridays and ride the Shortline Train!
Harmony Museum
- Go in November for the German Christmas market.
Mines & Meadows ATV Park
- Rentals, day passes, mine exploration!
Jennings Prarie
- The only protected prairie eco-system in PA.
Baldinger’s Candy Store
Lernerville Speedway
- Dirt track with cheap admission for the entire family!
Moraine State Park
- Hike the “Sunken Garden” trail!

Johnstown’s 36-ft. animated Christmas tree & village is “One of the 15 Best Holiday Light Displays in the USA”

Things to do in Cambria County Pennsylvania

Johnstown Flood Museum
- Be sure to stop at Salvatore’s Pizza during your jaunt to Johnstown!
The Ghost Town Trail
Yellowdog Village
- Explore an entire abandoned mining town, and go INSIDE old homes!
George’s Song Shop
- The oldest record store in America.. “If you can’t find it here..it doesn’t exist”
Staple Bend Trail
- The very first Railroad tunnel in the US.
Johnstown Inclined Plane
- The world’s steepest! Come up to the top; there’s views, a café, and a museum.
Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum
- Train watchers paradise with multiple tunnels!
Rock Run Recreation
- ATV/OHV playground in the Coalfields with daily rates.

Things to do in Indiana County

Frost Entomological Museum
- With over 10,000 species on display: this is the BUG MUSEUM!
Hoodlebug Trail
Jimmy Stewart Museum
Bob Atsa My Pizza
- 85 cent slices and the vibes of 1985! Superb pizza 👌
Smicksburg Country Store
- Smicksburg is a little Amish Paradise!
Hilltop Baptist Church
- See the tallest cross in PA! (108ft tall)
Buttermilk Falls
- In New Florence; you can hike behind the falls!
Ghost Town Trail (Nanty Glo)
- The section between Black Lick and Nanty Glo is a coal junkyard.

Things to do in Washington County Pennsylvania

Meadowcroft Rock Shelter

Petroglyphs in Pennsylvania

Trax Farms
- The market is great any time of year. Also great fun in the Fall!
PA Trolley Museum
Mingo Creek Pirate Playground
Trader Jack’s
- Largest indoor/outdoor flea market in SWPA. Open on Saturdays/Sundays.
Nemacolin Castle
- 3rd oldest castle in the US. $15 for tours. And.. There’s Christmas tours! And.. There’s ghost tours, too!
Brownsville Drive In
Chuck E. Cheese
Turtle Twist
- Ice cream cones served out of an ACTUAL ice cream cone!
Little Lake Theater
- Local performing arts out of Canonsburg. Excellent Christmas plays here!

Sarris Candies
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
- Home of the candy buffet
Gabby Market
- My favorite meat market in SWPA!
Washington Wild Things Baseball
- Take me out to the ball game! Tix as low as $5 on select matches.
Browns Orchards & Cider

Community Aid Thrift Store in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, is America’s largest thrift store

Things to do in Armstrong County Pennsylvania

Hells Hollow Falls
Renshaw Farms
- Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, hay bale slides, peddle tractors, petting zoo, ALL THE FALL FUN!
Roaring Run Trails
Scott’s SCUBA
- SCUBA training and diving excursions right in SWPA!
Crooked Creek Horse Park
Fox’s Pizza Pitcairn
- The OG first location of Fox’s.

Things to do in Lawrence County Pennsylvania

The Cheese House
Hillview Manor
- Take a tour of “The Lawrence County home for the Aged”, at this abandoned (maybe haunted) facility.
Warner Cascade Theater Museum
- The very first Warner Brothers theater in the us
Volant Mills
- A quaint little shopping village with oddities and antiques. Go in December for the cookie crawl!
Quaker Falls
Apple Castle
- Apples by the bushel or peck. Delicious jams, jellies, bakery, deli, bulk foods. That kinda place!
MP Coney Island
- No slaw here. But really good chili dogs!
Living Treasures WILD Animal Park
- Over 500 animals; photo encounter and feeding opportunities!

Things to do in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania

Idlewild & Soakzone
Historic Hannastown
Lamp Theater
- Lots of great tribute bands come here!
Big Mac Museum
Palace Theater
- A 100 year old swanky theater in Greensburg. Lots of great shows here!
Compass Inn
- Take a tour of this stagecoach stop along historic Rt 30
The Ligonier Diamond
- It’s like, “Little Gettysburg”! Lots of shops, markets, and eateries in downtown Ligonier.
Seabase Family Fun Center
Overly’s Country Christmas
- A Christmas time family-fun experience with trains, tunnels, and mini villages.
Living Treasures Animal Park
- Yes.. You can feed the animals here!
Kerbers Dairy
- Over 25+ unique flavors of hand dipped ice cream.
Cedar Creek Gorge
Mister Rogers Grave
- Fred Rogers was buried in Latrobe, PA

Things to do in Somerset County Pennsylvania

Flight 93 Memorial
- The new building is a fully-interactive 9/11 museum. See the remnants, hear the calls.. It’s quite an experience.
Somerset Viaduct
Wolf Rocks
Quecreek Mine Rescue Site
- “9 for 9!” See and touch that yellow chamber from 2002 World News headlines.
Jones Mill Run Dam
- So much to do at Laurel Hill State Park!
Jennerstown Speedway
- Races every Saturday from May to September. Family Friendly pricing.
Brant Maple Farm
- From sap to syrup! Tour the farm on a hayride, and see the entire process done.
Best Way Pizza
- Square slices of perfection!
Somerset Discount Variety
- The most random “junk” store, with crazy low prices.