Monroeville, Pennsylvania: 10 Fun Things To Do Near This Suburban Gem

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Monroeville, Pennsylvania (Allegheny County)

If you’re looking for things to do in and around Monroeville, PA, you’re in luck. This suburb just east of Pittsburgh blends easy shopping and dining with parks, history, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re visiting friends, coming for a medical appointment at UPMC East, or just passing through on the Parkway, Monroeville makes a great base for exploring the eastern side of Allegheny County. Below are 10 fun things to do near Monroeville that work for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

1. Explore the Monroeville Mall (and Its Movie History)

You can’t talk about Monroeville without mentioning the Monroeville Mall. It’s the heart of town and, for movie fans, a bit of a legend.
  • Why go: Shopping, people-watching, and a taste of local pop culture.
  • Fun fact: Parts of the classic horror film Dawn of the Dead (1978) were filmed here.
  • What to do: Shop major brands, grab a pretzel or coffee, and stroll the mall like a local.
If you enjoy movie trivia, it’s fun to walk around and imagine how the mall looked back in the late ’70s. Some long-time residents still have stories about being extras in the film.

2. Step Back in Time at the Monroeville Historical Society & Old Stone Church

For a small town, Monroeville has a surprisingly rich history. The Monroeville Historical Society keeps that story alive through historic buildings and local events.
  • Visit the Old Stone Church, which dates back to the early 1800s.
  • Check out the nearby McGinley House during open-house events.
The buildings aren’t always open daily, so it’s smart to check their website or Facebook page before you go. If you like local history and old architecture, this quick stop is a nice break from the usual chain stores and traffic lights.

3. Get Outside at Boyce Park

Just a short drive from Monroeville, Boyce Park is one of Allegheny County’s best spots for four-season outdoor fun.
  • In winter: Go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing on the park’s slopes.
  • In summer: Enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, ball fields, and a wave pool.
  • All year: Great for walking the dog or a simple nature walk.
The park covers more than 1,000 acres, so you can easily spend a full day here. If you’re traveling with kids, the tubing hill and wave pool are usually big hits.

4. Discover Local Wildlife at the Monroeville Public Library Grounds & Nearby Parks

The Monroeville Public Library isn’t just a place for books. The grounds around it, and nearby neighborhood parks, are peaceful spots to slow down for a bit.
  • Take a short walk on the paths around the library campus.
  • Watch for birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer.
  • Stop inside to grab a book or use the quiet reading areas.
If you’re on a road trip and need somewhere calm to regroup, a local library and its surrounding green space can feel almost like a mini-retreat.

5. Catch a Show at the Monroeville Convention Center

Right next to the mall, the Monroeville Convention Center hosts all kinds of events year-round. You might find:
  • Craft shows and holiday markets
  • Comic cons and pop culture events
  • Outdoor, home, or RV shows
  • Specialty expos and festivals
Events change often, so it’s worth checking their calendar when you’re planning your trip. One weekend you might find a sports card show, and the next there might be a huge craft fair.

6. Play a Round (or Two) at Local Golf Courses

If you like to golf, Monroeville and the surrounding area offer several options within a short drive. Popular nearby courses include:
  • Murrysville Golf Club (just east of Monroeville)
  • Boyce Park Golf Course (a smaller, public course)
  • Nearby private clubs in the eastern suburbs (if you have access)
On a sunny day, there’s something relaxing about playing 9 or 18 holes with rolling western Pennsylvania hills all around you. Even if you’re not a serious golfer, a par-3 or public course can make for a fun afternoon.

7. Visit the Nationality Rooms & Museums in Nearby Pittsburgh

One major perk of staying in Monroeville is how close you are to downtown Pittsburgh—usually about 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. A few favorite stops in the city:
  • Cathedral of Learning & Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Museum of Art
  • Point State Park, where the three rivers meet
You can spend the day exploring museums and then head back to Monroeville for easier parking, quieter hotels, and plenty of dinner options.

8. Take the Kids to a Local Family Fun Center

Monroeville and the surrounding eastern suburbs have several family-friendly play spots that are perfect for burning off energy. Depending on what’s open during your visit, you may find:
  • Indoor playgrounds and bounce house centers
  • Arcades and laser tag
  • Mini-golf or bowling alleys
If you’re traveling with children, these places can save the day when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Many are located near the mall or along the main business strips, so they’re easy to reach from any Monroeville hotel.

9. Enjoy Local Food, from Diners to International Eats

One of the best things to do near Monroeville is simply…eat. Because it’s a busy suburb, you’ll find a wide range of options. You can try:
  • Classic diners serving big breakfasts and comfort food.
  • Italian restaurants with hearty pasta and pizza.
  • Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Mediterranean spots tucked into shopping plazas.
  • Local bars and grills for wings, burgers, and a beer while you watch the game.
If you like trying a little bit of everything, Monroeville’s mix of chain restaurants and local gems makes it easy to find something that fits your taste and budget.

10. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Eastern Suburbs

Sometimes the best “attraction” is simply the area itself. From Monroeville, you can take a relaxed drive through nearby communities like:
  • Murrysville – rolling hills, parks, and small-town charm
  • Wilmerding – historic industrial architecture
  • Oakmont – pretty streets and a famous golf course, just a bit farther northwest
Roll down the windows, turn on some music, and enjoy western Pennsylvania’s winding roads, especially in the fall when the leaves turn bright red and gold.

Planning Your Visit to Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Monroeville works well as a base if you want:
  • Easy access to Pittsburgh without staying downtown
  • Lots of restaurants and shopping close by
  • Simple drives to parks, golf courses, and family attractions
Most major hotel chains have locations in or near Monroeville, and the area sits right along the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Parkway, which makes road-tripping straightforward.

What Would You Add?

Have you spent time in Monroeville, PA or the surrounding towns in Allegheny County?
  • Do you have a favorite Monroeville restaurant?
  • Is there a park or hidden gem you think visitors should see?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—your local knowledge can really help other travelers planning their trips. And if you found this guide to things to do near Monroeville, Pennsylvania helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It might be just what someone needs when they’re searching for ideas in this part of western Pennsylvania.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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