Pittsburgh-Area Hidden Gems, Attractions On The Cheap

PITTSBURGH,None — Gas prices are relentless, budgets are tight and getting away for a vacation might seem unrealistic.

Channel 11's Jennifer Abney has discovered some hidden gems in the Pittsburgh area for those of you looking to do fun things for free.

One of the biggest secrets Abney uncovered is that you can get into Kennywood for $10 with a Buddy Pass. If you go after 5 p.m. or purchase a pass at Giant Eagle grocery stores, you will also save $10.

From Visit Pittsburgh, a family of four can get a one night stay in a hotel, four tickets to three major Pittsburgh attractions such as Kennywood or The Pittsburgh Zoo. Once you add a $25 gas card you're getting the package for $187.

The Allegheny Observatory is another popular choice you can enjoy for free. On Thursdays and Fridays, the observatory offers free tours from 8 to 10 p.m. as long as you call ahead.

Observatory manager Louis Coban said the views of the planets are unforgettable.

"If we get a clear night and one of the big planets are up there, Jupiter or Saturn, they'll have to duct tape their socks on because we'll actually blow your socks completely off," said Coban.

We found another freebie, if you know the right day and time to go.

"From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Mondays you can tour the jail for free. Within that jail is a museum," said Craig Davis, vice president of sales and marketing for Visit Pittsburgh. "A tour guide will give you a peek at the life of an inmate in the 1800s at the old Allegheny County Jail."

When it comes to big screen entertainment, we found a couple of options. The first won't cost you a dime, it's Cinema in the Park. Eight Pittsburgh parks host the event from June through August. You can even bring your own picnic.

"Parks rotate out, so you can find a family-friendly movie in one of the parks," Davis said.

For less than a dollar, try the Carmike Maxi Saver 12 in West Mifflin. You can catch a movie for $0.99 anytime.

If touring the city is on your to do list, by bike or foot, Abney found several ways to do it for free.

Finally, if the water parks don't fit your budget this summer, you can swim at one of the Citiparks pools for less than $5 a day. The city's two new spray parks are free.

The Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation offers free tours, but only on Fridays from noon until 1 p.m. and only during May through October.

If you can't make that free tour, there's one you can do at your leisure.Download a one-hour mp3 walking tour of the downtown area. These tours were created and recorded by Robert Morris University students and are available in 10 languages.

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For more information on all of the above mentioned tours and freebies, visit these websites:

LINK: Community Bike Program

LINK: Downtown Walking For MP3 Players

LINK:Free Things To See and Do In Pittsburgh

LINK: Free Friday Tours

LINK: Pittsburgh CitiParks Swimming, Water Parks

LINK: Old Allegheny County Jail Museum Self-Guided Tours

LINK:Free Things To Do In Pittsburgh

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