Kayak, Bike, Connect: Pittsburgh Connections

Last Saturday, a group of 25 students gained a new, insightful perspective of the city that many of them will be calling home. As part of the orientation process, incoming Carnegie-Mellon University freshmen participated in our Pittsburgh Connections program.

Read more

Light of Life Ministries Kayak Extravaganza

On June 18, 2010, a group of wonderful people from Light of Life Ministries joined Venture Outdoors for a morning of kayaking on the Allegheny.  Our trip would take us on a journey up river to experience the city of Pittsburgh from a stunningly gorgeous perspective.  For many of our group members, this was their first time in a kayak.  Our guides are passionate and most importantly patient with all of our guests.  They love to relay the importance of proper technique and safety to every participant.  Almost all of our first time guests pick up kayaking within the first half mile on the water, and swear they will come back again. Read more

58% discount through OfferMint

Venture Outdoors, in association with OfferMint is excited to bring you a great offer for the Summer 2010 paddling and pedaling season at Kayak Pittsburgh. We’re also excited to announce an expanded fleet of kayaks and bikes available.

Buy now – this offer ends in 3 days.
Read more

Closing Day at Kayak Pittsburgh

Bring your coupons, passes or certificates; this Saturday is your last chance to use any Kayak Pittsburgh rebates valid in 2009 as the downtown loaction of Kayak Pittsburgh will close for the season on Saturday, October 31 at 5:30 PM.
Read more

Last days of paddling at Kayak Pittsburgh

Halloween is just 4 weeks away, which means we are down to our last few weekends of paddling in 2009! Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown will be open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays in October, but will close for the season on Saturday, October 31.

Read more

RADical Day Canceled at Kayak Pittsburgh

Due to river closures for Head of the Ohio, the RADical Day at Kayak Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 3 has been canceled and Kayak Pittsburgh will be closed.

Kayak Pittsburgh will be open on Sunday, October 4 at 10:00 AM.

It’s that time of year again, RAD days are popping up across the city. RADical days mean free admission at cultural assets such as museums, zoos and yes Kayak Pittsburgh! This Saturday, October 3 is the annual RADical Day at Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown. It’s your chance to kayak for free from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown is located under the 6th Street Bridge next to PNC Park (North Shore). No experience is necessary; you’ll receive a PFD and basic safety and paddling instruction.

RADicals Days are made possible by Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD)
The mission of RAD is to support and finance regional assets in the areas of libraries, parks and recreation, cultural, sports and civic facilities and programs. The District receives one-half of the proceeds from the 1% Allegheny County Sales and Use Tax and the other half is paid directly to the County and municipal governments by the State Treasurer.

Since 1995, the 1% County Sales tax paid by residents of and visitors to Allegheny County has resulted in a cumulative $1.97 billion investment in the region (through 2008).

Find out more about RAD

Venture Outdoors in Allegheny Commons all summer long!

Local nonprofit kicks off new programs and summer events in the North Side

(Pittsburgh, PA) – Kayak Pittsburgh has become a must-do for the Pittsburgh community’s summer recreation list, and now the excitement is growing with one more location at Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons. Open seven days a week, this unique, beginner-friendly destination is the perfect place to put a paddle in the water for the first time…or make it a regular part of your family’s summer routine. Offering scenic views of the downtown skyline from elegantly designed shallow lake, it’s ideal for families and beginners, either after work or on weekends.

“This year we are putting special emphasis on growing the diversity of the outdoors community to include even more people from urban neighborhoods through our new Kayak Pittsburgh location in Allegheny Commons and our Family and Community Programs initiative,” said Sean Brady, Assistant Executive Director of Venture Outdoors and North Side resident.
Read more

VO's Great Outdoors Week Activities

Receive 20% off all Venture Outdoors activities during Great Outdoors Week as a VO Member!

During the week following the Venture Outdoors Festival on Saturday, May 16, we have 18 programs scheduled that showcase all the great recreational opportunities Southwestern Pennsylvania has to offer. From kayaking to fishing to bicycling to hiking, you can do it all close to home!

Use the promotional code GOW2009 to receive a 20% discount when you register for any Venture Outdoors activity between the dates of Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, May 23.

Great Outdoors Week Activities:

Sunday, May 17
Grandview Scenic Byway Park Hike
Great Outdoors Week Bike Ride on the Great Allegheny Passage

Monday, May 18
Just Paddle
Beginner Paddle – North Park

Tuesday, May 19
PA Wildlife Center and Nature Trail Tyke Hike
Medicinal Plants Hike

Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday Wake Up Paddles
Hike and Eat Locally

Thursday, May 21
Perk-up Hikes
Sunset and Sushi Paddle

Friday, May 22
Happy Hour Paddle
Doggie Day Trek Lite

Saturday, May 23
Jay Walk in the Park and Aviary Tour
WYEP Urban Bike Tour
Hike and Wine and Cheese Boat Cruise

Sudany, May 24
Hydrobike Excursions
Natural Reflections
Day Trek at McConnell’s Mill

Introducing Family & Community Programs!

Beginning in May, Venture Outdoors and our Partners want to take you and your kids on fun, affordable outdoor adventures. We’ve launched an entire schedule of programs with the beginner in mind and have plenty of treats built-in! The fun kicks off at the free Venture Outdoors Festival, May 16 at Point State Park!

Read more

Great Outdoors Week Brings Venture Outdoors Festival

New Family and Community Programs initiative kicks-off

(Pittsburgh, PA – May 1, 2009) The Ninth Annual Venture Outdoors Festival, the region’s premier outdoor recreation event, will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009, rain or shine at Pittsburgh’s Point State Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year, the Venture Outdoors Festival will kick off the organization’s new Family and Community Programs initiative.

“The Venture Outdoors Festival itself brings together the numerous outdoor recreation groups of the region,” said Sean Brady, Assistant Executive Director of Venture Outdoors. “This year we are putting special emphasis on growing the diversity of the outdoors community to include even more people from urban neighborhoods through our Family and Community Programs initiative.”

The Venture Outdoors Festival, sponsored by UPMC Health Plan, is a free event where individuals and families can sample the many outdoor activities available in our region. The event features kayaking, biking, dragon boating, rock climbing, fishing and more. Participants can hone their skills or try these activities for the first time — with experienced instructors to provide guidance — and learn where to enjoy these activities all season long.
Read more

Next Page »