Under $100: Pittsburgh in the Winter

Winters are harsh in Pittsburgh, with temperatures often below freezing and snow pummeling the city. Staying active on a visit to the city can seem challenging, but the area provides plenty of activities to enjoy and things to do during the winter for reasonable prices. From roller- and ice-skating to sled riding and soup eating, check out the below list of inexpensive activities in the city.

There is no shortage of hills in Pittsburgh, and in the winter, there is no shortage of snow, so the city offers some excellent sled riding options. Purchase a cheap sled and head out to any of the following parks for a full morning of outdoor fun: Schenley Park, Dormont Park, Highland Park, Frick Park, Hartwood Acres Park, Blueberry Hill Park and Knob Hill Park.

Beat the cold and a grab a cup of hot chocolate at Mon Aimee Chocolat, serving different kinds of hot cocoa. Warm up with house-made hot chocolate with milk chocolate or spicy hot chocolate with a unique kick. A cup costs about $4.

PPG Place © Threerivers11 | Dreamstime

Through Feb. 28, the Plaza between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue transforms into the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place, a beautiful outdoor ice-skating rink. This year, the rink was replaced with a new larger ice rink for the 2015–16 season, measuring 67 percent larger than the famed Rockefeller Center ice rink and capable of accommodating 40 percent more skaters than previous years. Admission is $8 and skate rentals cost $4.

Schenley Skating Rink also offers outdoor ice-skating in the winter months, including public sessions as well as special events like family nights, adult-only nights and college discount sessions. Admission is $4 and skate rentals cost $2.50.

Warm up your hands and your belly with a cup of soup from Eat Unique, serving traditional comfort soups with a twist. A different hot and hearty soup is offered every day starting from $2.99, as well as cream of tomato with feta and basil, vegan garden chili and white chili.

© Edwin Verin | Dreamstime

The Wildwood Highlands is a popular entertainment and amusement center in the colder months, offering activities, rides, games and adventures for every age. Escape the harsh temperatures and go mini golfing, hop on a go-kart or check out the arcade. Attraction tickets cost $1 for one.

If laser tag and bumper cars aren’t your thing, but you still want to get your adrenaline pumping, check out a game at Steel City Roller Derby, Pittsburgh’s only all-female roller derby league. The organization’s 10^th season kicks off in January, and tickets cost about $5.

No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a stop at Primanti Brothers. While the chain is known for its piled-high sandwiches, the venues also feature basic and hearty soups for those cold days, including chili and vegetable soup for about $5.