10 Fun Things To Do Near Plum, Pennsylvania (Allegheny County)
Looking for *low-stress, fun things to do near Plum, PA*? Whether you live in Plum or you’re just visiting family in the Pittsburgh area, this corner of Allegheny County is full of parks, trails, and hidden local spots that don’t always show up in the big travel guides.
This guide keeps things simple, local, and family-friendly. Most places are within about a 30-minute drive of Plum, so you won’t spend your whole day in the car.
1. Chill Out At Boyce Park – Ski, Tube, Hike & More
Boyce Park is one of the easiest and best places to visit near Plum. It’s a short drive south and feels like a mini getaway from the suburbs.
You’ll find:
- Winter fun: a small ski hill, snowboarding, and snow tubing
- Summer fun: hiking trails, ballfields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters
- A wave pool (at nearby Boyce Park Wave Pool in the summer)
If you’ve ever wanted to try skiing or snowboarding but didn’t want to drive all the way to the big mountains, Boyce Park is a friendly place to start. The hills aren’t huge, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Kids, beginners, and people getting back into winter sports will feel right at home.
Tip: On a clear fall day, walk one of the ridge trails and look out over the rolling hills. You’ll forget you’re just outside Pittsburgh.
2. Explore Nature At Harrison Hills Park Along The Allegheny River
Head north from Plum and you’ll hit
Harrison Hills Park, one of Allegheny County’s underrated gems. It sits on a bluff above the Allegheny River and offers wide, sweeping views you might not expect this close to the city.
What you can do there:
- Walk peaceful wooded trails
- Enjoy river overlooks perfect for photos
- Let the kids loose on playgrounds
- Pack a picnic and relax in the shade
If you like bird-watching, bring binoculars. The mix of river, woods, and open fields makes this park popular with local birders.
It’s a great “reset” spot when life gets noisy. Park the car, walk to one of the overlooks, and just listen to the wind and the river below.
3. Take A Scenic Drive To Oakmont & Stroll Its Charming Downtown
Just west of Plum,
Oakmont feels like a small movie-town main street. It’s an easy drive and a perfect half-day trip.
Along Allegheny River Boulevard you’ll find:
- Local shops with gifts, clothes, and home décor
- Cozy cafés and coffee shops
- The famous Oakmont Bakery (yes, the line is worth it)
You can walk the main strip, grab a coffee, and do a little window shopping. In the summer, many spots put out outdoor seating, and the town feels alive but not overcrowded.
If you love golf, you probably already know Oakmont Country Club is one of the top courses in the country. While it’s private, just driving by gives you a sense of the course’s history and prestige.
4. Get Moving On The Westmoreland Heritage Trail
If you enjoy walking, running, or biking, the
Westmoreland Heritage Trail is a must-do near Plum. The trail runs through communities like Murrysville, Export, and Saltsburg, and parts of it are just a short drive from Plum’s eastern side.
Why locals love it:
- Crushed limestone surface that’s easy on the knees
- Mostly flat, family-friendly distances
- Pretty views of creeks, woods, and small-town scenery
Bring your bike, stroller, or just some good walking shoes. If you’re training for a 5K or just trying to hit your daily steps, this is one of the best safe, car-free places to do it near Plum.
I’ve seen everything on this trail: parents teaching kids to ride, couples walking dogs, and serious cyclists knocking out long-distance rides. There’s room for everyone as long as you share the path and stay aware.
5. Spend A Day At Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
When you’re based in Plum, one of the biggest perks is how close you are to
Pittsburgh without actually being in the city. In about 20–30 minutes, you can be at the
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, which is one of the top family attractions in western Pennsylvania.
Highlights include:
- Big cats, elephants, and primates
- A full aquarium with sharks, rays, and tropical fish
- Kid-friendly exhibits, petting areas, and seasonal events
Try to arrive earlier in the day, especially in the summer, when animals are more active and temperatures aren’t too high. Wear comfy shoes—this place is bigger than it looks on the map.
If you’re planning a weekend in Pittsburgh, pairing a visit to the zoo with a quiet evening back in Plum is a nice balance of busy and calm.
6. Discover Plum’s Own Parks: Larry Mills Park & Pleasant Valley Park
You don’t have to leave Plum to find green space. The borough has several parks that locals love for everyday fun.
Two good ones to check out:
- Larry Mills Park: ballfields, walking paths, and a laid-back neighborhood vibe
- Pleasant Valley Park: trails through woods, creeks, and open fields
Pleasant Valley Park can feel surprisingly wild for being so close to homes and roads. If you just need a 30-minute walk after work or a simple place for the kids to burn off energy, these Plum parks hit the spot.
Think of them as your “backyard escape” when you don’t want to plan a big outing.
7. Catch A Show Or Event At The Monroeville Convention Center
Just south of Plum,
Monroeville is one of the main commercial hubs east of Pittsburgh. Tucked beside the mall is the
Monroeville Convention Center, which hosts events all year long.
Depending on the weekend, you might find:
- Travel shows and outdoor expos
- Comic and pop culture conventions
- Craft fairs and home shows
- Collector events and hobby meet-ups
If you enjoy browsing booths, chatting with vendors, and discovering new hobbies, it’s worth checking the schedule before your trip. Pair a convention visit with dinner at one of Monroeville’s many restaurants, then head back to the quiet of Plum.
8. Go Shopping & Dining At Monroeville Mall
Speaking of Monroeville, the
Monroeville Mall is still one of the largest malls in the region and a classic rainy-day option near Plum.
You’ll find:
- Big-name retail stores for clothing, shoes, and tech
- Food court picks plus sit-down restaurants nearby
- Seasonal events, kids’ activities, and pop-up shops
If you’re visiting family in Plum over the holidays and realize you forgot a gift, this is where you go. It’s also a convenient base if you want to do some shopping, grab a meal, and maybe catch a movie, all without driving all over the county.
Fun fact for movie fans: Monroeville Mall is famous as a filming location for George A. Romero’s cult classic “Dawn of the Dead.”
9. Walk Or Bike Along The Three Rivers In Downtown Pittsburgh
When you’re staying in Plum, don’t skip the chance to see downtown Pittsburgh. It’s usually under a half-hour drive unless traffic is heavy, and the views are worth it.
One of the easiest, most relaxing ways to enjoy the city is on the
Three Rivers trails:
- Walk along the North Shore past the stadiums and riverfront parks
- Cross one of the famous yellow bridges for skyline photos
- Bike from Point State Park along the rivers on flat, paved paths
If you time it right, you might catch a Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins crowd adding energy to the area. Even if you’re not into sports, the buzz in the air on game days is fun to experience once.
For Plum residents, this is the perfect reminder that you live near one of the prettiest mid-size cities in the country—without dealing with city prices or noise every day.
10. Take A Day Trip To Ohiopyle State Park
Want something a bit bigger and more adventurous? From Plum, you can reach
Ohiopyle State Park in about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. It’s not exactly “right next door,” but it’s totally doable as a day trip and very popular with people from Allegheny County.
At Ohiopyle you can:
- Hike to waterfalls like Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls
- Raft or kayak on the Youghiogheny River (guided trips available)
- Bike the Great Allegheny Passage trail
- Relax by the river and enjoy the mountain air
If you’ve been cooped up all winter in Plum and nearby suburbs, that first warm-weather trip to Ohiopyle feels like a reset button. Pack a cooler, load up the car, and make a full day of it.
Planning Your Plum, PA Adventure
Plum, Pennsylvania may not be the first place that pops up on national travel lists, but that’s part of its charm. You get:
- Quiet neighborhoods and local parks
- Easy access to Allegheny County’s best green spaces
- Short drives to Pittsburgh attractions, shopping, and dining
It’s a great home base if you like a mix of small-town calm and big-city options. You can spend one day hiking at Harrison Hills or Boyce Park, the next day at the zoo or downtown, and another just wandering Oakmont’s main street and sipping coffee.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Plum-Area Spots
If you live in or near Plum, you probably have your own go-to places—maybe a hidden trail, a favorite local restaurant, or a park your kids beg to visit.
I’d love to hear from you.
- What are your favorite things to do near Plum, PA?
- Any local-only tips visitors should know?
Drop a comment with your suggestions, stories, or questions about traveling around Allegheny County and the Plum area. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a visit to western Pennsylvania.
The more we share, the better the travel experience becomes for everyone.
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