⛳ Mini golf, cold treats & live music

Pittsburgh-area golf courses may be some of the best in the state, but not all of us are looking to walk miles over 9 holes – at least, not me. For my kindred spirits, I present an array of miniature golf courses to enjoy.

Forsythe Miniature Golf: This Carnegie spot offers a long menu of homemade ice cream sandwiches to munch on during your session. It also hosts “Sip N' Putt” on Thursday nights.

Kniess' Miniature Golf: Just off McKnight Road, you have the option to play one of two 18-hole courses. You can also hit up the arcade! Be aware: Kniess' is cash-only, and you pay per round.

Mars-Bethel Golf: The family-owned spot has some amazing structures to putt though. It also features a 9-hole course, soccer, cornhole, and chuckin' golf, a snack bar, and ice cream.

Bakery Square: The last “Putt & Play” of the summer is Aug. 12 in Bakery Square from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s free to play and open to all!

Westmoreland Museum of American Art: How often do you get to play golf in a museum? Putt-a-palooza, a 9-hole indoor mini-golf course, runs now through August 30. It’s open to all ages and each hole is based on different artwork in the galleries.

Enjoy a Food Festival

If you enjoyed Picklesburgh, the food portmanteaus continue: BaconBurgh returns to SouthSide Works on Aug. 30. In addition to more than 15 food trucks and vendors, I’m most excited for another mechanical bull that’s not a bull and the promise of an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile sighting.

If ice cream is your love language (mine too) then you’re due for a visit to the Great American Banana Split Celebration in Latrobe, the dessert’s birthplace, Aug. 22 and 23.

Jam Out(doors)

We’re not yet done with outdoor music! Allegheny County’s Summer Concert Series continues at South Park on Friday nights and Hartwood Aces on Sunday evenings. You can also check out Jam at Grandview in Mount Washington on Saturdays and enjoy Reservoir of Jazz in Highland Park on Sundays.

Some tips for maximum comfort: Bring a folding chair or blanket to claim your space. While there are local food and drink vendors, you can also bring your own spread: I love to prepare a mocktail in a cold thermos and pack Penn Mac meat and cheeses in a lunch box.

Shop Local

This month is Vintage Mixer Night at Phipps Conservatory on Aug. 20. You can shop every era amid Phipps’ whimsical Alice in Wonderland show! Vendors will be selling clothing, furniture, jewelry, and housewares. As someone building a personal Pyrex collection, I’ll be on the hunt for new-to-me butterprint-patterned dishes (hit me up if you have a tip).

Touch Grass — Or Trail or Forest

Take your four-legged child to Raccoon Creek State Park for a dog-friendly hike where they can become a certified “B.A.R.K. Ranger.”

If you’d rather stay close to home, then try an event from the Pittsburgh Park Rangers. From typical nature hikes to moon hikes, there are tons of great options. Plus, the city’s rangers also host kid-friendly programs and hikes for adults ages 50 and up.