Neat-o things to see and do in the greater Pittsburgh area,
from a Natrona-Heights-centrist viewpoint, and posted as an
answer to the question, "So, is there anything to do there if
we come and visit?"
This is an unsolicted endorsement for Salsgiver, for your ISP if you live anywhere near Natrona Heights. They have AWESOME service and uptime. I used them for many years, even after I moved.
Natrona Heights from Ridge Road. Heights Plaza is in the background.
Carlisle St., Cambridge St., etc. from Ridge Road. The row of stately elms along Carlisle Street is in the center of the photo.
An absolutely delightful park with rides from the turn of the century as well as modern rides and roller coasters. Highly recommended. About 50 minutes from Natrona Heights. $14 each (adults and children) for a one-day pass.
Pittsburgh Zoo
Nice little zoo. Now with a place for kids to climb and play. About 20 minutes from Natrona Heights.
Idlewild Park
A water park and amusement park; very young might enjoy Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and some of the fairy tale stuff; about 1-1/2 hours from Natrona Heights.
Sandcastle
Another water park, near Kennywood; about 1 hour from Natrona Heights. NBT
Caddy Shack
About an hour from Natrona Heights in Donegal, go carts and miniature golf; possible stop on trips to and from Eastern PA. NBT
The Climbing Wall
Indoor rock climbing, kids too. 7501 Penn Ave., 247-7334. NBT
Miniature Golf
Spiffy one in Plum. NBT
Parks, walks, cruises, scenic locations
Beechwood
Nature trails and discovery room, plus small shop with Audubon Society stuff. Free! 25 minutes from Natrona Heights.
The Inclines
Two inclines take you to the top of Mt. Washington overlooking the heart of the city where the three rivers converge. Recommended if you're in the vicinity of Station Square. $2.00 round trip. 35 minutes from Natrona Heights.
Gateway Clipper Cruises
Tool up and down the rivers. The Lollipop Cruise is a good choice. 35 minutes from Natrona Heights in South Pittsburgh near Station Square.
Pumpkin Picking
Farm 15 minutes north of Natrona Heights, October.
Todd Sanctuary
Another Audubon Society delight. Many trail to hike. Pond has peepers in the Spring. 15 minutes north, in Sarver, across from the 356 Cinema.
Baxter Park
A three mile hike, steep hills and a fantastic view of the river from a bluff overlooking Freeport. Might be a bit muddy if it has rained a lot recently. Ten minutes north. (Not far from Lyndon's Deli.)
This is a really neat restaurant, but it's fun to shop for furniture there as well. Scandinavian simplicity. 45 minutes from Natrona Heights, not far from the airport.
Border's Bookstore
Near Ross Park Mall. Great collection: kid's books, adult books, nerd books (Internet!), audio collection, sofas, coffee, and dessert. We usually do the Olive Garden restaurant either before or after. Don Pablo's (also right there) is good too. 50 minutes from Natrona Heights. There's now a smaller Border's down in Monroeville; closer, but not as nice.
Shops at Station Square
Lots of shops, see brochure. South Pgh, 35 minutes.
Museums, Educational stuff
Tour-Ed Mine
Thirty minute tour of coal mine, 10 minutes from Natrona Heights. $5 adult, $2.50 child.
1800's era farm house preserved in its original condition (one of only 10 left in Allegheny County). Many turn-of-the-century artifacts on display during their June Strawberry festival.
Carnegie Natural History Museum
Dinosaur bones, art collections, dead birds, incredible rocks and gems. Discovery room is highly recommended; 10am-4pm in summer (get there early). Carnegie Science Museum—Omnimax theatre ($4.25 extra), a real submarine ($3.50 extra), and decent permanent exhibits for various ages including live birds and reptiles. The miniature train exhibit from October-April is a must-see. $5.75 adult, $4.25 child.
Meticulously restored diner right out of the 50's—inside a cycle shop! Good sandwiches and a real soda fountain. [Hey Doug, remember cherry cokes?] Near Natrona Heights.
Italian Oven
Excellent and sometimes unique Italian dishes. Strombolis are quite good, white (onion) pizza for a change of pace. Reasonably priced, kid friendly. Go walking through the graveyard next door afterwards (really, it's cool!). In Lower Burell, 10 minutes from Natrona Heights.
Spaghetti Warehouse
Excellent classic Italian food and wine (lasagne, manicotti, etc.) reasonably priced. Antique decor, including a trolley car in one of the non-smoking sections. South side of Pgh, about 35 minutes from Natrona Heights.
Ikea
This is a really neat furniture store, but we go there for Sunday brunch too. Incredible Swedish meatballs, pies for dessert. $5 each adult, less for kids. 45 minutes from Natrona Heights, not far from the airport.
Lyndon's Deli
Unique sandwiches, bottled sodas, candies. Philadelphia hoagie is a favorite. Only problem--no nice, nearby place to eat your food (the deli is part of a BP station). 10 minutes from Natrona Heights in Freeport.
Clementines
A basic family restaurant with fast service and killer pies for dessert. 13 minutes in Lower Burell.
Cooper Station
A nice, basic family restaurant. Model train runs around the room overhead. 17 minutes north in Sarver.
Dingbats
Good Sunday brunch, ~$10 adults, young children free. 20 minutes down in Fox Chapel