Kids’ energy levels don’t fade when hot weather hits so don’t let the heat keep you indoors! Parents – grab a seat on a shady park bench and let the kids get some energy out without getting sunburnt. Check out this handy list of where to find shaded playgrounds around Pittsburgh.
Shaded Playgrounds in Pittsburgh
Pleasant Kingdom Playground : 410 East Bruceton, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236
This large wooden playground in Pleasant Hills is a great playground for hot weather. Not only is it very shaded, there’s also water features and a sprinkler system to stay cool. There’s plenty of shade in the surrounding area as well.
North Park Black & Yellow Playground : Hemlock Dr, McCandless Township, PA 15101
Three Playgrounds – one is completely shaded, one is partially shaded and the other has large canopies that provide shade on the playground. There are also a couple sets of swings and outdoor fitness equipment (for ages 14 and up). This playground is also located right next to the North Park Pool.
Dan Cohen Playground at Mellon Park : 6539 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Merry-go-round, toddler playground, full size playground, swings and a sprinkler park. While only some of the playground is shaded, the water features are completely shaded.
Aspinwall Riverfront Playground: 285 River Avenue, Aspinwall PA 15215
While this unique bronze playground may get a little hot in some areas, most of the playground is shaded by nearby trees during the summer months. There are plenty of trees, it just depends on what time of day for how much shade is actually on the playground itself.
Blueberry Patch Playground: Blaine’s Way, Sewickley, PA 15143
The only shaded feature of this playground (but it’s a very fun one) is the giant sandbox at the Blueberry Patch Playground. There are also two really great, but not very covered, playgrounds.
Anderson Park aka The Dinosaur Playground: 101 Panther Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
We absolutely LOVE this playground for so many reasons… shade being one. There’s a large dinosaur playground structure that’s shaded as well as a nearby castle playground that’s partially shaded.
Blue Slide Playground at Frick Park: Beechwood Blvd & Nicholson St , Pittsburgh, PA 15217
This infamous, multi-tier playground area is home to a few play structures including the must-try “Blue Slide.” The upper and lower levels of this playground are mostly shaded by substantial trees and the openness usually provides a great breeze.
Wiltshire Park : McMurray Rd & Wiltshire Road, Upper St Clair, PA 15241
Wiltshire Park is spread out over a large area and provides plenty of fun for kids of all ages. It has a partially shaded playground, merry-go-round, swings, sandbox, small creek and jungle gym seal that sprays water!
North Park Boathouse Playground : 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101
Near the North Park Boathouse visitors will find three playgrounds just past the parking lot. Two out of three of these playgrounds are completely shaded. There are plenty of slides and swings throughout the park and a pathway lined with benches and seating.
Kids Kingdom at Avonworth Community : 498 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15237
Nestled next to a nearby treeline, Kids Kingdom is a huge, wooden playground that offers kids swings, slides, teeter-totters and plenty of shade.
Dormont Playground aka “Castle Playground” : 1694 Dormont Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Another large wooden playground, often referred to as the “Castle Playground,” has tons of large trees that provide partial shade to certain parts of the playground.
More Cool Tips for Hot Days
- Go earlier in the day
- Pack plenty of water… or even popsicles
- Beware, some playground equipment exposed to the sun gets HOT
- Bring spray bottles (for kids AND slides)
- Find a park or playground with water play features and plenty of shade