Our Kidsburgh team loves gathering expert advice about all things kid-related. And we know that often, the very best experts are other parents. Earlier this summer, we posted in the popular Facebook group Pittsburgh Moms Connect to ask local mothers for their thoughts on the very best parks and playgrounds in the Pittsburgh area.
Here’s what they shared with us:
Avonworth Community Park in Avonworth: Hannah Gerbeschacht points out that Avonworth Community Park (or “The Castle Park,” according to her 3-year-old) is one of the only wooden parks left in the area. Another mother, Eliza Russell, agrees that it’s a great spot: “Yes! This!,” she wrote. “I actually remember when it was built – it was such a big deal for the area at the time. I’m happy it’s still standing. Plus, there’s an awesome creek for exploring and an ice cream shop down the road!”
Avonworth Community Park photo courtesy of Meg St-Esprit.
Wightman Park in Squirrel Hill: With so much to do, many families love this large, inclusive park. Kayla Ross Romanoski is a fan because the park offers space to ride bikes and play ball. “The playground has plenty for my kids aged 2-7,” she wrote. “Great huge hill slide. Just a super great park.”
The only downside: Minimal shade during midday.
The moms we spoke with agree that shade definitely matters. No one wants their kids overheated or sunburned by the end of a park visit. Abby Noyce replied that “Wightman has morning shade, but not in the afternoon. Get out there before lunch!”
Marian Lain pointed out a few additional shady options at Wightman: “There’s a little bit of shade around the edges but mostly just for parents or kids on scooters,” she wrote. “There’s a path with benches. There’s also a covered area with picnic tables…. Just comparing this park with Liberty Green which has zeeeeero shade.”
Lain also appreciates that “it’s a something-for-everyone kind of park and has working bathrooms (when unlocked) and I’ve always found street parking there, despite it being in a busy neighborhood.”
A tip from Romanoski: “If the bathrooms are locked, there is also a well maintained port-o-potty there.”
Blueberry Hill Park photo by Sammi Heikinen.
Blueberry Hill Park in Franklin Park/Sewickley: This park got praise from a number of parents we spoke with. At 87 acres, this park has something for everyone, including three playgrounds (the Blueberry Patch is a favorite). You can check out Kidsburgh’s neighborhood guide to the surrounding area, then make a day of it.
And Sewickley’s War Memorial Park also got praise. It includes a nice creek for water play on hot days.
O’Hara Township Community Park in Fox Chapel: This is another disability-inclusive park that’s very popular with local families. Moms Eliza Russell and Robin Paisley both gave it praise for being a great spot. It has two different playgrounds, plus hiking trails, picnic shelters and more.
Photo of the slide sculpture at Aspinwall Riverfront Park by Yu-Ling Cheng.
Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall: This beautiful park is always a favorite among Kidsburgh readers. The giant sculptural slides are a huge hit, as are the water swings over the river. (Don’t worry, there’s a net below them!)
Adams Township Park in Mars: This Butler County park includes a “fun mini-water park for kids and playground,” says parent Michelle Bushee, and also has pickleball courts, baseball fields, paved walking trails and more. Dogs are welcome on leashes.
Northmoreland Park in Westmoreland County: Parent Lindsey DiFrancesca loves this “great natural destination playground,” she says. “It has a mix of standard playground equipment and unique features like a massive teepee, balancing branches, and mini houses. The playground is extremely clean and has plenty of shade, with covered picnic tables in the non-shaded area.”
Photo courtesy of Lindsey DiFrancesca.
Boyce Park in Plum and Monroeville: Many families love Boyce Park in the winter for skiing and other snow sports. But don’t miss it in the summertime. Lindsey DiFrancesca says this park is a favorite because “we love the rock climbing playground by the wave pool! It has typical playground equipment, plus rock climbing for kids and balance beams. There’s also a paved path for scooters, balancing bikes, and monster trucks, as well as a skateboard area.
The park also ticks all the boxes for a visit with kids: shade, clean restrooms and plenty of benches.
The splash pad at Founders Park is a welcome option on a hot day. Photo courtesy of Lindsey DiFrancesca.
NEW AND UPDATED FAVORITES: A parent posting under the name WillowLayne tells us that New Stanton Park has a wonderful playground and splash park, conveniently located right off I-70 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. And Founders Park in Greensburgh is another favorite.
Along with a nice splash pad area, Founders Park has a concession stand where
Concession stand snacks are available at Founders Park. Photo courtesy of Lindsey DiFrancesca.
We also heard praise for Chippewa Park in Beaver County, which isn’t new but now has a splash pad, and for Schenley Park‘s updated Anderson Playground which parent Abby Noyce described as “AMAZING.”
Anderson Playground in Schenley Park. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Parent Robin Paisley says Moon Park in Moon Township which has several playgrounds, is another “great option.” Kids can explore a “dino dig” sand pit. The playground near the Miracle League field “has an amazing space theme, is inclusive, but zero shade. There is another great playground next to a splash pad, which is great especially when they turn the splash pad off from 2 to 3 p.m. daily.”
Moon Park’s Dino Dig sand pit photo courtesy of Lindsey DiFrancesca.
Also earning love from local parents:
Highland Park
Casey’s Clubhouse and Wiltshire Park in Upper St. Clair
Foster Park in Ingram
Cranberry Community Park
Annie’s Field of Dreams in Fox Chapel