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Best Fall Family Getaways In Pittsburgh

Family Enjoying Fall
(credit: Thinkstock)

The spectacular views and vistas in the Pittsburgh region are brilliant in myriad fall colors, and afford the opportunity to energize the family with a chance to experience the activities of area amenities. Recreation, education and historical pursuits abound for the entire family to experience the region's famous wildlife, outdoor adventures, mountain scenery, sports activities, parks and accommodations for a weekend with the best fall family getaways in Pittsburgh.

Cook Forest State Park
2808 Forest Road, Route 36
Cooksburg, PA 16217
(814) 744-8407
www.cookforest.com

A walk through a National Natural Landmark and the Forest Cathedral among the stunning foliage offers be an exhilarating experience for all family members. Viewing the plethora of trees and hiking on the scenic trails promises both an educational and healthy choice to explore the vast array of wildlife. The Clarion River offers fishing, canoeing, flat-water canoeing and a chance to relax nearby for a family picnic. Explore a series of events including an owl prowl, spotting deer, fishing at night and a fall foliage tour. Biking, hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts may enjoy the trails and vistas, and afterward, the family may visit the Sawmill Craft Center and Theater to purchase gifts and view craft demonstrations.

Related: Road Trip Rules — Prep for a Safe and Fun Road Trip

Idlewild Park
2582 Route 30 East
Ligonier, PA 15658
(412) 238-3666
www.idlewild.com/

Price: $29.99+ tax/free age 2 and younger

If you're looking for a family oriented adventure, Idlewild Park promises a treat for the whole family. The children may walk through Storybook Forest, and rides and attractions will keep the whole family busy all day. Children may weave their way through a fortress of hay bales, and try some interactive action along the way though late fall weather rules out the Soak Zone part of the park.

Ohiopyle State Park
124 Main St.
Ohiopyle, PA 15470-0105
(724) 329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/

Families looking for an adventure of a lifetime will have to look no further than Ohiopyle State Park. Water sports abound with whitewater boating that includes informative guides and instruction for kayaks and rafts. The Youghiogheny offers an exhilarating experience for all ability levels. There are a plethora of hiking and biking trails, and the fall season with all the brilliant colors will enhance the trek through the woods. Horseback riding, fishing, rock climbing, hunting and viewing the wildlife promise each family member a great time. Side trips to Kentuck Knob, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural designs and Fallingwater will entice kids toward historical and educational pursuits as well. The Great Allegheny Passage offers not only a healthy choice for hiking and biking, but also for backpacking and exploration of plants and fossils.

Seven Springs Resort
777 Waterwheel Drive
Seven Springs, PA 15622
(800) 452-2223
www.7springs.com

Click here for available packages.

Activities abound, and the choices are endless at Seven Springs Resort. Enjoy a slide down the mountain, frolicking in a maze of hay, wheeling in a bike park or soaring through a canopy of trees along the Laurel Highlands Ridgeline. A leisurely ride on a ski lift or exploring the indoor game center, miniature golf, bowling or skating will make sure all members of the family enjoy a vacation to remember.
 

Related: Best Scenic Drives Within 60 miles of Pittsburgh

Old Bedford Village
220 Sawblade Road
Bedford, PA 15222
(814) 623-1156
www.oldbedfordvillage.com

Price: $10 adults/$9 senior citizen/$5 age 6 to college/free children younger than 6

Visitors may travel through a moment in time and view how early Americans lived and worked at Old Bedford Village. Explore a settlement of homes and cabins for families to interact with volunteers who demonstrate crafts, candle making, weaving, spinning and woodworking skills. The volunteers stage a re-enactment of military, jury and colonial entertainment for an educational and historical adventure. Artisans demonstrate skills in baking, basket making and quilting.

Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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