Best Places To Entertain Grandparents On A Budget In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is rich in cultural activities and offers museums, theaters, recreational and historical events for grandparents of all ages. There are a plethora of senior citizen discounts available in the Pittsburgh region, and it is prudent to inquire if there is a discount before purchasing tickets to any event. The discounts include special menus, a percentage off a meal or shopping purchase and reduced membership and tickets for entertainment.
Pittsburgh Public Theater
O'Reilly Theater
621 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 316-1600
www.ppt.org
Grandparents may enjoy a unique experience at the O'Reilly Theater, which is located in the middle of the Pittsburgh Cultural District. The Pittsburgh Public Theater offers a Senior Rush program for ages 62 and older to purchase tickets for all performances one hour before the scheduled event. This includes half off the regular price for any seat, and a special addition for handicapped seniors, who may need to have seats removed for a comfortable seating arrangement. The theater is an outstanding venue for extraordinary seating to view the astonishing performances. There is sufficient parking and a variety of restaurants nearby to ensure a memorable experience.
Kean Theatre
5847 Meridian Road
Gibsonia, PA 15044
(724) 444-5326
www.keantheatre.com
There aren't many things that come with a free tag, but make a jaunt to the Kean Theatre and you will be surprised to experience free movies each Tuesday and Wednesday. Grandparents may use the Governor's Circle in front of the theatre for an accessible drop-off to ensure a comfortable and safe entrance. The seating is arranged appropriately for any seniors who may need help with wheelchair preparations. Kean Theatre hosts live performances to experience Broadway and local talent along with a dinner theatre and a search for new talent. Free movies are a bonanza for grandparents and the Kean Theatre venue is a spectacular place to relax and enjoy the ambience of a theater event.
Related: Best Independent Movie Theaters In The Pittsburgh Area
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
1 Schenely Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 622-6914
www.phipps.conservatory.org
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a multi-faceted facility for grandparents and families to share an exhilarating experience through gardens, rooms, greenhouses, exhibits and perfectly manicured plants, flowers and seasonal displays. The vegetation and native plants make it feel like you are on a discovery to new destinations around the globe. Each room navigates in safe walkways that are handicap accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request. There is a shop available to purchase items and a cafe for fresh and healthy choices to refresh the senses after the magnificent adventure of the conservatory. Memberships may be obtained for the entire year and come with many benefits for seniors and grandparents, but the initial visit at Phipps Conservatory will inspire a return visit to explore a cultural masterpiece.
Soergel Greenhouses & Garden
2573 Brant School Road
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 935-1743
www.soergels.com
Soergel's is a one-stop place for all your garden supplies, gifts and lunch specials. Grandparents may visit several buildings to shop at the market, view Amish furniture, browse the gift barn, sample some vintage wine selections and make a final stop for a culinary delight at the deli counter for choices that are reasonably priced. Soergel's has a 10 percent discount for seniors on Mondays for purchases. There are handicapped parking spaces available in front of the market and Soergel's offers a carry-out service from the attendants for packages and supplies. Soergels is an acclaimed venue for seasonal events and festivals for families to play and experience the orchards, farm and promotional discounts at the various facilities.
Senator John Heinz History Center
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 454-6000
www.heinzhistorycenter.org
The History Center is located in the vibrant Pittsburgh Strip District, which is famous for historical, cultural and recreational opportunities. The admission for grandparents is at a reduced rate, and there are wheelchairs available upon request. Visitors with hearing or vision impairments are accommodated with interpreters and guide dogs to ensure a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Grandparents can enjoy the past exploits of their favorite players and teams at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, and then traverse the steps or elevators to share memories with the family on four floors of exhibits, innovations, history, inventions and sports highlights of the Pittsburgh region. The Fort Pitt Museum and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village facilities will re-open soon to enjoy an educational and historical experience, and just may prompt visitors to return over and over again.
Related: Best Places To Familiarize With Pittsburgh's Founding Fathers
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.
