Mixed Age Sports & Spirit Squad (3-days)

Day 1: Sports, Recreation & Interactive Learning

Pickleball at Ascent Pickleball 🏓 | Morning

Start the trip with an energetic session at Ascent Pickleball, where students will learn about the physics of ball movement, angles, and strategy while playing this fun, fast-paced sport.

Lunch & STEM Fun at The Turn Club ⛳ | Afternoon

Head to The Turn Club for lunch, which offers a variety of meal options. After eating, students can experience TrackMan golf simulators, learning how technology and data analytics enhance sports performance.

Visit to Frank’s Card World 🃏 | Mid-Afternoon

After lunch, stop by Frank’s Card World, a must-visit for collectors and gaming enthusiasts. This shop specializes in sports cards, trading card games (TCGs) like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, and memorabilia. Students can explore the value of collecting, the mathematics behind card rarity, and the strategic thinking involved in competitive card games.

UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex 🏥 | Evening

Wrap up the day with a visit to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, where students will see how STEM plays a role in sports medicine, physical therapy, and biomechanics. They’ll learn about cutting-edge rehabilitation technology and training techniques used by professional athletes.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh North Shore 🏨

An all-suite hotel located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s North Shore, making it a convenient stay for visitors exploring the city’s top attractions. The hotel offers spacious suites with separate living areas, mini-fridges, and microwaves, making it ideal for student groups.

Key Features:

Prime Location – Within walking distance of PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium, Carnegie Science Center, and Heinz History Center
Free Hot Breakfast – A great start to the day with a variety of options
Indoor Pool & Fitness Center – Perfect for relaxing after a day of activities
Complimentary Wi-Fi – Ensures students stay connected
On-Site Parking & Shuttle Service – Convenient transportation for the group

Day 2: Behind-the-Scenes STEM & History

Acrisure Stadium Blitz Tour 🏈 | Morning

Start the day with a behind-the-scenes tour of Acrisure Stadium, home to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Groups will explore the locker rooms, FedEx Great Hall, and the Terrible Towel Wall, learning about stadium architecture, turf management, and the role of sports technology.

Lunch at North Shore Tavern ⚾🍽️ | Midday

After the stadium tour, enjoy lunch at North Shore Tavern, famous for its Steak on a Stone experience and its Pittsburgh Pirates-themed atmosphere. This spot offers a great mix of local flavors while celebrating the city’s baseball culture.

Hands-On Exploration at Kamin Science Center 🔬🚀 | Afternoon

Next, engage with hands-on STEM exhibits at the Kamin Science Center, including:

Robotics & AI displays
Highmark SportsWorks, where physics meets athletics
The USS Requin submarine, an interactive experience in naval engineering and sonar technology

Heinz History Center 🏛️ | Late Afternoon

Explore Pittsburgh’s industrial and sports history at the Heinz History Center, featuring:

The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
Pittsburgh’s Innovations Exhibit, showcasing local contributions to engineering, medicine, and technology
Interactive exhibits highlighting the region’s impact on American history

Dinner at Primanti Brothers 🥪 | Evening

A classic Pittsburgh-style dinner at Primanti Brothers, where you can enjoy the famous sandwiches stacked with fries and coleslaw—a perfect way to celebrate the city’s culture and history!

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure in the Laurel Highlands 🌿🏞️

Departure for Laurel Highlands & Outdoor Recreation 🚍 | Morning

Head southeast to Laurel Highlands, a scenic region known for its outdoor activities, parks, and natural beauty.

Activity Options:

Ohiopyle State Park 🌊 – Students can explore the science of whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River, hike trails to observe geology and ecosystems, and visit Cucumber Falls for a hands-on look at erosion and natural water systems.

Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright Homes) 🏡 – An architectural and engineering-focused visit to Fallingwater, a world-famous home designed over a waterfall, where students will learn about structural engineering, sustainability, and organic architecture.

Laurel Caverns ⛏️ – A guided tour through Pennsylvania’s largest cave, where students will explore geology, cave formations, and underground ecosystems.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort 🎿 – A visit to Seven Springs for outdoor recreation such as alpine slides, zip-lining, or a mountain hike to explore altitude’s effects on ecosystems and weather patterns.

Picnic or Local Dining in the Laurel Highlands | Lunch
🧺🥗

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch in Ohiopyle or a meal at a local restaurant, embracing the region’s outdoor dining options.

Visit the Ohiopyle State Park Visitors Center, where students will:

Engage with interactive exhibits about the region’s geology, ecology, and whitewater hydrology.
Observe the Youghiogheny River Gorge and learn about watershed conservation and environmental impact.
Explore the history of Ohiopyle and how it became a hub for outdoor recreation and ecological preservation.