Photo: kali gonzalez
Photo: Christine Gerner
Photo: Diana Barrick
Riding Meadow Park
★4.5(129 reviews)FreePlayground
🕑 1.5-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Younger children enjoy the playground equipment in a safe, enclosed setting, while older kids can take advantage of the sports fields for soccer, baseball, or frisbee games with friends.
About
Riding Meadow Park is a welcoming neighborhood gem in Fox Chapel that offers the perfect mix of structured play and open space for families. With well-maintained playground equipment, sports fields for active kids, and plenty of room to spread out a picnic blanket or kick a ball around, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick afternoon outings to extended family gatherings.
Highlights
- ✓Well-maintained playground equipment suitable for various ages
- ✓Open sports fields for soccer, baseball, and active play
- ✓Plenty of green space for picnics and running around
- ✓Safe, neighborhood setting with 4.5-star rating from families
- ✓24-hour access for flexible visit times
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring your own sports equipment - the open fields are perfect for soccer balls, footballs, or frisbees
- 2.The park is open 24 hours, making it great for evening play when temperatures cool down in summer
- 3.Pack a picnic and use the open spaces for a family meal outdoors - there's plenty of room to spread out
- 4.Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience, as afternoons and weekends tend to draw more neighborhood families
- 5.Bring bikes or scooters - the paved areas and paths are great for younger riders to practice
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early evenings offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor play, while summer evenings are perfect for letting kids burn energy before bedtime.
What to Know
This is a free public park open 24 hours daily with parking available on-site. There are no food vendors, so pack snacks and water, especially during warmer months.
Seasonal Notes
The park is accessible year-round and open 24 hours daily. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, while summer can be hot during midday. Winter visits are possible but playground equipment may be cold or snow-covered.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby Fox Chapel Plaza (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Atria's Restaurant & Tavern with a kids menu, or grab quick bites at Panera Bread or Chipotle for easy post-park meals.
More Activities Near Fox Chapel
Museum
Fox Chapel Area High School
Free
This small local history museum at Fox Chapel Area High School offers families a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Fox Chapel community through hands-on exhibits and educational displays. It's an ideal quick stop for families looking to combine local history with a teachable moment, especially those with school-aged children interested in how their community evolved over time.
Adventure
Kittanning Pike
Free
Kittanning Pike offers a scenic, paved route perfect for introducing kids to biking or enjoying leisurely stroller walks through the charming Fox Chapel area. This well-maintained trail connects neighborhoods with gentle terrain, making it accessible for even the youngest riders with training wheels or balance bikes. It's an ideal spot for families looking to get outside together without venturing far from suburban conveniences.
Adventure
Trillium Trail
Free
Trillium Trail offers families an easy, peaceful woodland hike through the heart of Fox Chapel, perfect for introducing little ones to nature. The gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make it ideal for stroller-pushing parents and new hikers alike, while seasonal wildflowers,especially the namesake trilliums in spring,create magical learning moments about local ecosystems.
Park
O'Hara Township Community Park
★4.8Free❤️175
O'Hara Township Community Park offers families a peaceful escape into nature right in the Fox Chapel area. With its gentle walking trails winding alongside a babbling stream, fishing spots for young anglers, and plenty of natural exploration areas, this scenic park is perfect for families looking to unplug and enjoy the outdoors together.