We Pittsburghers tend to fall into one of two categories: we either really love the madness of the holiday rush at the mall or we just dread driving up and down the aisles to find a parking space, only to go indoors and go elbow to elbow with other shoppers. Regardless of what category you fall in, we all deserve some fun time away from the mall this season. Here are seven winter attractions around Pittsburgh that will keep you away from those long lines at the mall. And even if the holiday season is over, these winter activities provide entertainment all season long.

1. Ice skate at Schenley Park Skating Rink
Tennis Courts, 10341 Overlook Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Facebook/Schenley Park Skating Rink
If you're looking for things to do in winter around Pittsburgh, ice skating is always a good option. Glide around the ice rink at Schenley Park for a relaxing winter adventure. Open daily, the skating rink also features a special Skate With Santa in mid-December, a Mascot Skate event at which you can ice skate with your favorite Pittsburgh area mascot, a Valentine's Day Skate, and more. If you want to avoid crowds though, you might want to skate on a day when there isn't a special event.

Visit the City of Pittsburgh website to learn more about the Schenley Park Skating Rink.
2. Go snow tubing at Hidden Valley Resort
1 Craighead Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Facebook/Hidden Valley Resort
Editor's Note: No information is currently available as to whether snow tubing will return to Hidden Valley Resort for the upcoming season.

One of the best ski resorts near Pittsburgh is Hidden Valley Resort and you can go snow tubing here! Spend your day zipping down the mountain for a thrilling winter adventure. Kids between four and nine must be accompanied by a parent on their downhill adventure. Days of operation currently depend on the snow, so make sure you call ahead to make sure the resort is open for tubing.

Visit the Hidden Valley Resort website for more information.
3. Explore Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Facebook/Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Magic: Winter Flower Show and Light Garden. Explore the botanical gardens, all decked out for the holidays before heading outdoors for the spectacular light show. The show goes on through early January.

Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to learn more.
4. Go dogsledding at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Nemacolin, 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Facebook/Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Tour the kennel at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, one of the best ski resorts near Pittsburgh, before embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Take a 30-minute tour of the kennel and then climb aboard the two-person dog sled for an enchanting ride around the resort’s property. Winter dogsledding is weather permitting.

Visit the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort website to learn more about dogsledding.
5. Visit Keystone State Park
1150 Keystone Park Rd, New Alexandria, PA 15670, USA
Facebook/Keystone State Park
The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park transforms into a winter wonderland, especially after a fresh snowfall. And, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy on a long winter’s day. Explore the park on cross-country skis; lace up your winter boots for an invigorating hike, or zip down hills on a sled. And you can also go ice skating on the lake when the weather permits. (Ice conditions are not monitored, so if you decide to do this, exercise extreme caution.)

You can read more about Keystone State Park on the webpage.
6. Climb aboard a sleigh for a ride at Dragon Run Forge & Livery
323 Porterfield Hill Rd, Cowansville, PA 16218, USA
Facebook/Dragon Run Forge & Livery
Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket aboard your sleigh at Dragon Run Forge & Livery. For a truly unique experience, reserve an evening sleigh ride where the horses will guide you through the snow by the glow of lanterns. This is one of the best family-friendly things to do in winter near Pittsburgh.

You can learn more about taking a sleigh ride at Dragon Run Forge & Livery in our previous coverage.
7. Go sled riding.
Flickr/Jessica
Whee!! Who doesn’t love sled riding in the winter? And, let’s face it. Pittsburgh’s got so many hills that are just perfect for sledding, especially after a fresh snowfall. What’s your favorite sled riding hill in Pittsburgh? Flagstaff Hill? Blue Slide Park at Frick Park? Or, another one?

Read our previous coverage to learn about a few incredible sled riding hills around Pittsburgh.

What other winter attractions near Pittsburgh do you enjoy, or do you prefer to stand in mall lines? If you’re up for a kids-free day, plan a visit to this winery near Pittsburgh that makes the perfect winter day trip destination.

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More to Explore

Winter Attractions Near Pittsburgh

Melissa M. | December 13, 2021

What else is there to do in winter near Pittsburgh?

Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or the great indoors, there is plenty to do in and around Pittsburgh. Here are a few ideas: 

  • If you enjoy a good bargain, how about visiting some winter flea markets in the area?
  • You can also explore a nearby cozy town like Cooksburg, Champion, or Bedford during the winter season. You’ll see that these towns have plenty to offer during the cold months.
  • Go ice skating at PPG Place.

What are some family-friendly places around Pittsburgh?

If you have kids, it’s a constant search to find something to do to keep them entertained, especially in the winter. In our post, 7 Kid-Friendly Places In Pittsburgh That Are Perfect For A Family Outing, you can read about the Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and a few other places you can take the kids throughout the year.

What are some of the worst winter storms in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has certainly seen its fair share of winter storms throughout the years. You can read about some of the worst ones in our post, It’s Impossible To Forget These 5 Horrific Winter Storms That Have Gone Down In Pittsburgh History.

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