VAMONDE Pittsburgh

Outdoor Activites in Pittsburgh

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Outdoor Activites in Pittsburgh

If you love nature, you can't miss this opportunity to explore it!

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Located in Schenley Park, this botanical garden is a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Henry Phipps founded the gardens in 1893 and gave them to the city with the purpose of educating and entertaining locals and visitors. There are various species of exotic plants (palm trees, orchids, succulents, and more), located throughout the fourteen rooms of the conservatory. The most beautiful part is the glass and metalwork that showcases the Victorian greenhouse architecture. 

For over a decade, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens have been well-known for promoting sustainable action through a healthy and preserved green space for future generations. There is even a community that you can join if you would like to expand the sustainable message and share ideas of how to contribute to creating a better world. There are Science Communication Programs, as well as spaces for networking available here.

The opening hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, Friday from 9:30 am to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday until 5 pm. Just keep in mind that some areas of the public garden occasionally close for private events. Price-wise, you would have to pay $11.95 for kids, $17.95 for adults and $16.95 for seniors. Whether you go during the week or during the weekend, just the fact that you will be in contact with nature will give you a great getaway. 

Information sourced from Wikipedia. Picture by Dllu on Wikipedia. Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

An awesome Instagrammanle spot that you can't miss!

Pittsburgh is one of those places that as soon as you arrive, you feel that the people are warm and they are great tourist guides because they are always willing to welcome you, to give you tips and to tell you about places to go. If you ever ask them, they would recommend Randyland, an art museum that showcases happiness. It has been ranked as one of America's most colorful public art landmarks. 

Randyland's owner is Randy Gilson, born in Homestead, Pennsylvania. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1982 and bought the land of what it would become Randyland in 1995. He used dumpster diving and upcycling to decorate his house with colorful murals and elements like flamingos, mannequins, and plastic dinosaurs. This place has become a touristic spot that people visit to take photographs of, and the best part: its admission is free. Engagement photos and professional modeling are some of the options that Randyland offers. They set everything up for you and you just have to show up!

Check out this video that shows you what Randyland looks like:

The most popular spots are The Psychedelic Staircase, The Mirror Wall, The Outdoor Murals and The Map of Northside. All of them are very different but they are definitely a personal expression of happiness through art. Just remember, if you want to visit Randyland, the operating hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. If you like this place, make sure to visit the gift shop. 

Information sourced from Wikipedia. Picture by steve loya on Flickr. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Randyland

A place for kids and adults where you will have animal encounters!

Ranked as one of the six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States, this place has become popular over the years for providing a great wildlife experience. It opened in 1898 after Christopher Lyman Magee made a donation of $125,000 for the construction of a zoological garden. In 1949, the Children's Zoo opened with playing areas and interactive exhibits. In 1967, the AquaZoo opened to the public. 

For more than a century, this place has been in Pittsburgh and it has gone through extensive renovations that led to what it is now. There is an Education Complex with a library and classrooms that have played an important role in conservation and education. There is also a Children's Farm where kids can pet different animals: kangaroos, deers, goats and much more.  The Zoo exhibits more than 4,000 animals that represent 475 species, including 20 threatened or endangered species.

The operating hours vary according to the season (Spring and Fall: 9 am to  4 pm, Summer: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Winter: 9 am to 3 pm). No matter which day of the year you go, make sure to be ready for an adventure where you will see Philippine crocodiles, clouded leopards, polar bears, hippos and much more. Before you head there, it would be useful for you to download the map from the website or get one at the entrance because the size of this place is really big and having a guide would be great. 

Plan your visit in advance and get your tickets.

Information sourced from Wikipedia. Picture by Blossom Vydrina on Flickr. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Largest municipal park in Pittsburgh, Frick Park is a historic place worth visiting. In 1919, Henry Clay Frick bequeathed his mansion to the city, as well as two million trust fund for maintenance for the park. In 1927, the park opened for the public and the Frick Art & Historical Center too. 

Known as Pittsburgh’s woodland park for its extensive trails throughout valleys and wooded slopes, this park is the perfect spot to escape from the noise of the city and connect with nature. Walking around and exploring or simply closing your eyes and meditating, will make your experience a relaxing one! However, there are some more things to do that you should know. A tennis court and a baseball field are available in case you want to play with your family or friends.

The trails at Frick Park are generally marked, and there are some maps located throughout the park that you will find useful during your visit. Whether you are a hiker, a biker or someone who is looking for a getaway, this place will be fun. If you would like to join athletic events, such as Pittsburgh Parks Championships at the tennis courts or "Run around the Square" (a 5K run), make sure to sign up! Find a community here that will share your interests. 

Information sourced from Wikipedia. Photo by Madison Nickel on Unsplash

Frick Park

Located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, PNC Park is a baseball park that has hosted important games since its opening in 2001. The space capacity of this place is for 38,000 people- most of them are die-hard fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It is a great sports venue because its location is ideal and it allows people to see the skyline of downtown. 

Make sure to get your tickets in advance because depending on the game, they sell out quickly and it's best to get closer seats to the field. If you would like to schedule a tour before the game, it is possible to do so. Between an hour and an hour and a half, you will be able to explore around and take pictures if you wish! 

If you are looking for food, there is plenty here. Burgers, BBQ, nachos, flatbreads, and sandwiches are just some of the options offered, as well as the classic hot dogs and beer. Pick out your favorite one and bring it to your seat for the show. Remember that every game has the availability to display messages on the screen. If you are going to propose or simply want to send a message for a birthday, this is the space for you! Just plan it in advance and they will set it for you. 

Information sourced from Wikipedia. Picture by Jon Dawson on Flickr. Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

PNC Park

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Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

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Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

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Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

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Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

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Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

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Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, 50 years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Jason Brammer

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

You might have already heard about a few of these destinations, consider this your local guide to the Wicker Park bars that are in some way (think hidden entrance) or another (think no address) -- secret.

Holiday Jones Hostel

Because we’re terrible at keeping secrets and because Wicker Park has too many cool off-the-beaten-track places to explore, Holiday Jones Hostel has created this adventure to give you the inside scoop on the best lounges, dive bars, and speakeasies to visit and pretend like you’re a regular.

Wicker Park's Best Kept Secrets

The story of public housing is the story of America. Explore the untold stories of people who created community across racial and economic divides and confronted social injustice.

National Public Housing Museum

​The story of public housing is the story of America. This tour, curated by the National Public Housing Museum, introduces you to the heart of Chicago’s Near West Side with its vibrant communities, diverse cultures, and history of activism and resistance. Explore fascinating sites where public housing residents built community across racial and economic divides, restaurants and bakeries that continue to create delectable food from various cultures and learn about overlooked and invisible stories about where people studied, organized, and confronted social injustice. We recognize this land as being indigenous, and we follow the lead of the first peoples who, despite massive genocidal violence, have never relinquished the struggle for land, water, culture, their people.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Near West Side and The Jane Addams Homes: Chicago's Ellis Island

The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities; avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far.

​The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities: ​avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far. The city's many newspapers, magazines, and literary journals have offered experience and exposure for aspiring writers. Programs at local libraries, bookstores, and cafes have connected writers with the reading public.

City of Writers

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Outdoor Activites in Pittsburgh

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Randyland

Randyland

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Frick Park

Frick Park

PNC Park

PNC Park

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