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10 Fun Things To Do in the Mon Valley - PGH East Before School Starts

By Mandie Cohen August 5, 2025

The first day of school is right around the corner, but there’s still time for one last hurrah before backpacks replace beach towels. We’ve rounded up 10 fun, family-friendly activities happening across the Mon Valley and Pittsburgh East region this August that will help you make the most of summer break.

From local festivals to outdoor movies, this list has something for every family looking to squeeze in one more memory before the school bell rings.

1. Celebrate at the Washington County Fair

📍Washington County Fairgrounds
📅 August 9 - 16
Washington County’s biggest celebration of the year is packed with fun for all ages - music, games, carnival rides, food vendors, and so much more!
EVENT DETAILS

2. Catch a Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game

📍 PNC Park
📅 Sunday, August 11
Enjoy a day with the family in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh! Every Sunday home game, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a special theme just for the kiddos. Don't forget to check out the other fun family activities happening outside the park too.
EVENT DETAILS

3. Spend a Day at Pop’s Farmyard

📍 Monongahela, PA
Pop’s Farmyard, open only on Saturdays and Sundays, is the ultimate outdoor play spot for little ones! Pedal tractors, animal encounters, a huge playground, and more. Pop's Farmyard is perfect for one last summer adventure.
EVENT DETAILS

4. Catch a Free Outdoor Movie

Warm August nights are made for movies under the stars. Don’t forget your blanket and popcorn!
Here are the next 3 Movies happening before August is over:

Movies at the Mounds Park in Monongahela, PA - August 8
Movies at Monroeville Park - August 15
Movies at Penn Hills Community Park - August 22 

5. Enjoy a day at your local Farmers Market

Farmers’ markets are the perfect place to shop for healthy food, support local businesses, and enjoy a fun family outing. Whether you’re searching for organic fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, or delicious baked goods, the Mon Valley and Pittsburgh East areas have fantastic farmers’ markets to explore.
Check out a farmers market near you here. 

6. Spend the day at your local park!

Many local communities have great parks for your little ones to run around and have fun. Here's our top 5 here!

7. Pack a Picnic at Cedar Creek Park

This scenic park offers paved trails, a giant playground, and shaded picnic areas. It’s a great spot for a chill family day before school kicks into gear.

8. Go Back-to-School Shopping Locally

Support small businesses while checking off your supply list. Find cool clothes, accessories, backpacks, and more at shops in your neighborhood. Check our Back-To-School Guide here.

9. Take One Last Splash at Kennywood or Sandcastle

Don’t miss the late-summer discounts and lighter crowds. A full day of rides or water slides is a memory worth making before routines return.

10. Celebrate With a Sweet Treat

Wrap up summer with a trip to your family’s favorite local ice cream shop. Whether it’s a waffle cone, sundae, or banana split, it’s the perfect reward for a summer well spent. Check out our Ice Cream guide for the Mon Valley & Pittsburgh East.

🎒 Bonus: Don’t Miss Our Back-to-School Guide!

Get ready for the school year with our helpful Back-to-School Guide, packed with:

✅ First day of school dates
✅ Where to shop
✅ Haircut deals
✅ After-school activity ideas
✅ Local supply drives


Want more local family fun?
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