Pittsburgh Summer Play Opportunities

There’s quite a bit going on in Pittsburgh this summer that is really rather difficult to keep track of it all! But fear not, we’ve done some curating of events, and we’ve organized it for you right here in this brief news post. Check out what we found happening around the city, but know that our lists do not claim to be extensive, all encompassing, or absolute in any way shape or form. They’re just to get you started, to get your gears churning, to get you to say, “Hey, that’s where I want to be to beat the heat,” or “That’s the kind of music that speaks to my soul, so that’s where you’re going to find me when the sun sets.” Check out our lists, then tell your friends, your family, your neighbors, and pack a lunch to make it a whole thing to remember.

The summer months can be brutal. Between the humidity, high temperatures, and AC unit petering out on that day it's scheduled to be ninety degrees, there’s no better place to go than a spray park. If you’re into beating the heat wearing your bathing suit, we’ve got a great list of all the spray parks around the city. Playing in the water is a great way to activate your senses as well as your imagination, so we’re big promoters of this type of fun. But, hey– on top of that sporty bathing suit, you’re going to need a pair of thrifty shades. And we’d be remiss if we didn’t remind you to bring along your sunscreen!

Click here to find open Spray Parks in Pittsburgh for playful experiences to beat the heat.

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So you’re into music? You’re into that communal jamming experience? Lucky for you, live music isn’t a thing of our memories anymore. It’s back in full action, blooming like Monet at Phipps, even. There’s loads of free concerts going on around Pittsburgh this season. Here are just a few options we found for you to get you back into the music scene before the leaves start falling from trees.

• Free Concerts in Allegheny County 

• Free Classical/ Jazz Concerts in Pittsburgh  

• Free Concerts in South Park and Hartwood Acres 

Request Play Materials

Is your organization hosting an event later this spring or into the summer that could use a little something extra to make it more playful and unique? Here at Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, we house an array of interactive games and equipment that might just be what you’re looking for to bring an extra layer of fun to the day. We’ve got oversized games like Connect Four, checkers and Yard-zee, we’ve got hula hoops (some of them even light up), and so much more! If you’re interested in checking out our collection of games and interactives, follow the link to Playbox Sign Out Form. We’re sure you’ll stumble upon something that’s sure to bring the fun!

Membership with Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative

Does your organization believe in the power and importance of play for youths and adults alike? Does your organization think there needs to be more space created for people to play? Does your organization want to get connected with other people and organizations who share a similar passion for playfulness? If you internally stated yes to more than one of these rhetorical questions, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative wants you to sign up for membership. The process is quick and straightforward. Simply check out our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and if your organization is interested in signing on, we can send you a DocuSign version of the document. Just pick the tier you’d like to participate within, and just like that, you and your organization become an official member. Feel free to send inquiries or requests to playfulpgh@tryingtogether.org.

There’s multiple tiers to choose from for maximum flexibility. We know that there’s a lot going on within your organization, and we’re all feeling the stretch for capacity. That’s why we’ve designed the MOU to be as inclusive as possible. You’ll notice each tier comes with responsibilities that build off of each other, so feel free to select your membership status based off of what you and your organization have time for. We can’t wait for you to pull up your seat at the table!

Membership with the Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative is filled with benefits! You get to connect and network with other organizations working to elevate and promote play and playful opportunities around the Pittsburgh region. We can help elevate your events through our social media and newsletters. There’s the opportunity to collect some sweet swag like t-shirts, fanny packs, and water bottles. And most importantly, we get to work together to help make Pittsburgh a more playful place to live. Check out the MOU for a comprehensive list of benefits.

Ultimate Play Day 2022 Recap

We are thrilled to report that Ultimate Play Day at Liberty Green Park this year was an outstanding success! With over 200 people in attendance, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, along with other organizations, engaged kids, their families, and the community in playful and interactive activities. The weather was picturesque, and everything went off without a hitch. We would like to extend GIGANTIC thank yous to the organizations who helped make the day full of fun: CitiParks, Remake Learning Days, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, COTRAIC EHS & Greater Hazelwood Family Center, Zero Fossil, Venture Outdoors, Trying Together, Temple Ohav Shalom Center for Early Learning, Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library & Playspace, and SLB Radio. Thank you so much for joining us on our day of play, and if you couldn’t join us this year, we’re looking forward to having even more playful vendors and activities next year! Stay tuned. 

Feel free to check out the video of Ultimate Play Day to either get a quick visual review or to relive the magic. Don’t forget to share with your friends. If you want to be kept up-to-date on events, emails, and all things play, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Sign Up To Volunteer At Ultimate Play Day

Do you want to be a part of Ultimate Play Day 2022, but are unable to facilitate a playful activity?

Consider signing up for a volunteer role at the event! Volunteers should provide their name, organization, contact number, and email, and select the role they would like to have. For questions or concerns, please reach out to playfulpgh@tryingtohether.org.

There's a wide variety of committees to choose from for this event, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Would you prefer to ensure the success of the event by helping set up or take down tents and signs? Or do you see yourself more as a steward of the earth? If so, you might consider taking a lead role when it comes to compost and recycling. Maybe communication is more your style. In that case, you might be a photographer’s shadow. No matter your passion or interest, there’s something for you!

Sign Up To Be A Playful Vendor

Do you have an interest in facilitating an interactive and playful activity during Ultimate Play Day? We are looking for organizations and individuals with creative flair and a connection to the community. If this description fits you and your organization, don’t hesitate to join us! Simply fill out this survey with your playful idea to become part of Ultimate Play Day. 

We are asking for an interactive activity that fits into one of our highlighted modes of play:

• Nature Play (play that occurs with natural objects);

• Dramatic Play (play where participants take on different characters, costumes, and roles);

• Word Play (games that involve writing, word association, or making language playful);

• Board Games (classic games like checkers, chess, and shoots and ladders);

• Imagination Play (anything is possible with this form of play); and

• Art Play (creative play that involves self-expression and artistic mediums). 

To sign up, please complete this form. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out at playfulpgh@tryingtogether.org. We’d be more than happy to assist, brainstorm together, or answer any questions you might have! 

Thanks for being part of the Ultimate Play Day in an impactful way!