If you love ferns, trees, flowers and plants, this is one place you just can't miss. The Phipps Garden Center comprises various beautiful outdoor and indoor gardens. The Outdoor Gardens are divided into aquatic gardens, medicinal gardens, the Japanese Courtyard and the Discovery Garden. The Indoor rooms, on the other hand, consist of the Dessert Room, the Serpentine Room and the Tropical Fruit and Spice Rooms. The center also houses a restaurant, a gift boutique and a horticulture education center where seminars, workshops and discussions are held. Check the website for more details.

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is responsible for this enthusiasm-filled event. There is not a minute spent in boredom here. You and your kids will be occupied in a lot of contests and competitions. Make a scarecrow, find that needle in a haystack, enjoy the live performances or simply sip apple cider, the choice is yours. You can also stuff yourself with candy apples or take part in the other arts and crafts demonstrations on the venue grounds. What's more, all of this comes free! Did anybody say apple jams? Check website for next years dates and times.

This "Best Local History Museum Award" winning institution is perched firmly at the renovated site of a 90-year-old freight station. The exhibits, paintings, artifacts and photographs displayed here reflect the shaping of the local community. A 40-foot high mural wall is covered with breath-taking works. An annual rotating exhibit puts the spotlight on each of its treasures, thus educating visitors of its significance. Memorial Day, Garrison Day and the Fourth of July witness special celebrations, parades and sales organized by the museum. A walking tour is also conducted, which covers a few major historic buildings in the area. Famous local personalities also get sections devoted to them, with memorabilia specific to their work and lives. Though admission is free, donations are welcome. Check the website for details.

Looking for a break from the daily routine? Head to this entertainment zone, located near Allegheny County's North Park. The venue offers a variety of activities for all age groups. Be it go-karting, miniature golf, bumper boats, tubing, water games or lazertag, it's all here! Kids can take joy in the rides at Kiddie City, or head to Woody's Den for their share of fun. Several other events and even birthdays can be organized here.

This sports center is part of Robert Morris University and home to RMU Colonials ice hockey team. Built in 1998, the place hosts a gamut of activities-figure skating, golf, athletic training, fitness center, public skating, and of course, ice hockey. While visitors can come for recreational purposes, RMUISC also offers training and instruction. The place rents out the premises for corporate and kiddie parties.

Located on Stratmore street, the Open Door Youth Outreach Center is a community center where children and youngsters can play and pray together-the place not only offers recreational programmes, but also an opportunity to study the Bible. Additionally, the center concentrates on infusing basic moral values in kids and provides financial as well as emotional backing to people in need. Check the website for further information.

Get a glimpse of 19th century Pennsylvania. This oddball of a museum consist of five acres of land in the Hampton Township, on which are constructed an old pilgrim log cabin, a single room schoolhouse from the 1800s, and a pioneer-day blacksmith shop. A wagon house, complete with tools and a Conestoga wagon itself, is also open to exploration. Wander through the on-site herb-and-dye garden or walk into the adjoining building to participate in one of the various programmes organized there. While at it, you can glean nuggets of information from a costumed guide, as you tour this site which seems to be stuck in history.

Located a half-hour drive from Pittsburg, this family-oriented amusement park is one of the oldest in the country. Originally a picnic ground, it currently houses loads of action-filled activities for kids and the young at heart. In the SoakZone you will find interactive sprays, a children's pool, water curtains, water slides and many such exciting ways to drench yourself. For some family fun, there's the interactive trolley ride. There's also the Jumpin' Jungle, the Hootin' Holler', the Raccoon Lagoon and more to treat you to a wild and exciting time. For ticket information and other details, check the website.

As you walk into the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you feel like you've been transported to another world. The lush green trees and plants create a pleasant and calm atmosphere. The administration also encourages a wide variety of programmes teaching various eco-friendly methods to preserve the environment. It also offers grants to students wanting to pursue their studies in botany and other related fields. Check the website for more details.

Located in the historic side of Pittsburgh, this aviary has a treasury of beauty in store. Come by to enjoy wild life in the lovely woods of North Pittsburgh. This place houses more than 600 rare and endangered species of birds. Witness various flight atriums, bird-related exhibits, and demonstrations. Take a break from your TV set and get your children along to do some real bird-watching and learn more about nature and these lovely creatures.