ONGOING
BIG LEAGUE SPORTS
Organized programs for kids include baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, and track and field. 412-488-8585 or www.citiparks.net.
BIKE PITTSBURGH
This cycling advocacy group sponsors a series of group rides and other events throughout the summer. 412-325-4334 or www.bike-pgh.org.
CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE
Group bike ride through the city. Last Friday of every month. Meet at 5:30 p.m., by the Carnegie Library dinosaur on Forbes Avenue in Oakland. www.pghcriticalmass.org.
CYCLING
Citiparks operates a half-mile oval biking loop along Washington Boulevard. Curves are banked, but the inner portions are flat, and make a good place for kids to learn. The track is also used weekly by the Allegheny Cycling Association (www.acaracing.com), and other groups for events throughout the summer. 412-255-2493 or www.citiparks.net
DISC GOLF
Schenley Park features an 18-hole "disc golf" course, and Carrick's Phillips Park has a nine-hole course created by high school students. For more information about the sport, and special events, check the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society Web site, www.pfds.org.
GOLF
Allegheny County operates 18-hole golf courses in North Park (724-935-1967) and South Park (412-835-3545). The county also sponsors tournaments for men, women and juniors, as well as two-person "scrambles." For tournament details call 412-835-3545 or www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/golft.aspx. The Bob O'Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park -- the only golf course inside the city limits -- charges $15 for 18 holes.. 412-622-6959 or www.thefirstteepittsburgh.org.
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
Weekly hare-and-hound-style running events held throughout the summer. Trails are semi-off-road and typically range between three and five miles, which check points, beverage stops, and the occasional false trail. 412-381-6709 or www.pgh-h3.com.
INLINE SKATING
Weekly skating events are held on the Eliza Furnace "jail trail" and the Washington Boulevard Cycling Track. The Three Rivers Inline Club also holds regular group skating events along city streets throughout the summer. 412-523-1582 or www.skatepittsburgh.com.
LAWN BOWLING
Open lawn bowling and league play, plus free lessons. Frick Park, Regent Square. 412-782-0848 or www.lawnbowling.net.
OUTSIDE ADVENTURES
A nonprofit, volunteer group that organizes activities including boating, fishing, biking and hiking trips. Instruction also offered. 724-230-0237 or www.outsideadventures.org.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES "BASEBALL"
Space constraints, and basic human decency, preclude us from featuring the home schedule for what could be a record-setting 17th consecutive losing season. But if you're still not ready to say, "It's over," you can check out the team's schedule at www.pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com.
PITTSBURGH SPORTS LEAGUE
Year-round adult co-ed sports, ranging from the tried-and-true, like basketball and softball, to dodgeball, broomball and "cornhole." Various city locations. 412-338-2133 or www.pittsburghsportsleague.net.
SKATEBOARDING
Go boarding at these city-run skate parks: McKinley in Beltzhoover, West Penn Park in Polish Hill, and Tuxedo Street in Sheraden. 412-255-2539.
SWIMMING
Citiparks pools are open June 13 through Labor Day. Programs include swimming lessons and swim teams. Call 412-323-7928. County pools are open June 6 through Labor Day. Purchase pool tags for the season or pay a daily entrance fee.
TENNIS
Regional tennis courts are open in Frick, Highland, McKinley, Mellon, Schenley and West parks. Summer programs include camps and lessons. 412-244-4188.
THREE RIVERS ROWING
With facilities in Millvale and Washington's Landing, Three Rivers Rowing offers classes and tournaments for anyone interested in kayaking, rowing, or dragon boating. 412-231-8772 or www.threeriversrowing.org.
VENTURE OUTDOORS
Venture Outdoors sponsors hundreds of outdoor events at dozens of area parks, including family fun walks, beginner-to-advanced sessions in hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and much more. 412-255-0564 or www.ventureoutdoors.org.
THROUGH MAY 24
Great Outdoors Week. Sponsored by Sustainable Pittsburgh and other groups, Great Outdoors Week (which began on Friday, May 15) offers a range of hikes, bike outings, boating events and other activities all around town. Many events have fees. 412-258-6646 or www.greatoutdoorsweek.org.
THROUGH MAY 29
Grant Street & Mellon Square Walking Tour. A walking tour of Downtown Pittsburgh's distinctive architecture conducted by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Fridays at noon. Free. 412-471-5808 x527 or www.phlf.org.
MAY 23
WYEP and Venture Outdoors Urban Bike Tour. WYEP hosts Rosemary Welsch and Mike Canton lead a bicycle tour along Pittsburgh's riverfront trails. Bike rentals are available through Venture Outdoors for $8. Tour starts at 1 p.m., at Riverfront Park, Millvale. Registration is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. 412-255-0564 x21.
MAY 24
Mutt Strut. Animal Friends celebrates Memorial Day with a group dog walk and festival at Riverfront Park, on the North Side. www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org.
MAY 28-30
Allegheny County Marbles Tournament. A lifetime of training comes down to this: Kids 14 and under compete in the ancient art of aiming small glass balls at each other. Allegheny County Courthouse courtyard, Downtown. 412-260-7278.
MAY 30
Pittsburgh Passion vs. Connecticut Crushers. Pittsburgh's women's football team plays at Newman Stadium in Wexford, Pa. www.pittsburghpassion.com.
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. A 5K and 1K walk, beginning at Heinz Field, to raise money for local nonprofit organizations that provide health and human services. 412-544-2130 or www.walkforahealthycommunity.org/west.
JUNE 5-26
Revitalizing Fifth & Forbes Walking Tour. A walking tour of Downtown Pittsburgh's distinctive architecture conducted by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Fridays at noon. Free. 412-471-5808 x527 or www.phlf.org.
JUNE 6
National Trails Day. Help improve trails in the Hill District's Kirkpatrick Park on this national outdoors holiday. Supplies and refreshments will be provided. 412-255-0564 x29 or www.ventureoutdoors.org/activities.aspx.
JUNE 6-SEPT. 26
Yoga in the Park. Yoga classes held for $5 each at the SouthSide Works on Saturdays. www.bys-yoga.com.
JUNE 7
Greenfield Glide. A 5K cross-country run-walk through Schenley Park. 412-422-8885 or www.greenfieldglide.com.
JUNE 12
Riverview Park 5K Fitness Run/Walk. An evening run along wooded, winding North Side path. 412-255-2493 or www.riverview5k.com.
JUNE 13
Walk Now for Autism Pittsburgh. Held at Heinz Field, this event benefits Autism Speaks and features family-friendly booths and activities. 412-367-4571 or www.walknowforautism.org/pittsburgh.
Rudolph's Run. Walkers and runners are invited to take part in this 4K race in Schenley Park to raise money for Oakland Catholic High School's George Rudolph Scholarship Fund. 412-682-6633 or www.oaklandcatholic.org.
JUNE 20
Rachel Carson Trail Challenge. Hikers are given one day -- the Saturday nearest to the longest day of the year -- to traverse the 34 miles of the Rachel Carson Trail. Register online for $55 until June 5; $70 until June 17. www.rachelcarsontrails.org/rct/challenge.
Family Outdoor Festival. Rock climbing, geocaching, music and food provided by Venture Outdoors. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Frick Park. www.ventureoutdoors.org.
JUNE 20-28
Bob O'Connor Summer Tennis Classic. Held at courts around the city, and in memory of the city's beloved late mayor, this tournament is open to kids and adults of varying ages and skill levels. 412-244-4188 or www.tennisinpittsburgh.com.
JUNE 21
Panther Hollow Challenge. The Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club promises that this 10K/5K trail run in Schenley Park will be rugged and challenging. 412-496-2204 or www.thegreaterpittsburghroadrunnersclub.com.
JUNE 27
Dormont Dash. Just in time for the borough's Centennial Celebration, the Dormont Dash returns. The course is a 5K through the "mild rolling hills of Dormont." 412-207-8245 or www.dormontdash.webs.com.
JULY 1-31
Learn-to-Swim Program. In July, the four county park swimming pools offer free swimming lessons for ages 5 and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. No registration required; call the county park closest to you for details or www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/swim.aspx.
JULY 3-31
Penn-Liberty Cultural District Walking Tour. A walking tour of Downtown Pittsburgh's distinctive architecture, conducted by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Fridays, noon. Free. 412-471-5808 x527 or www.phlf.org.
JULY 5
Dragon Boat Races. Teams from around the world compete in traditional Chinese boats. North Shore Riverfront Park. For more information (or to get into a boat yourself), check www.threeriversrowing.org.
JULY 11-19
Paul G. Sullivan Championship. A tennis tournament for players 16 and up, now in its 89th year at Frick Park's clay courts. 412-244-4188 or www.clayfricktennis.org.
JULY 25
Run for Roch. A 5K run through Mt. Washington in memory of Mt. Washington native, long-distance runner Roch Furguiele. 412-488-0912.
Family Outdoor Festival. Rock climbing, geocaching, music and food provided by Venture Outdoors. Free. Mellon Park. www.ventureoutdoors.org.
JULY 26
Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race. Bike, run, and swim or paddle the Allegheny to prove your physical awesomeness in one of three races, including a "sprint" triathlon (new for 2009). Proceeds benefit Friends of the Riverfront. www.pirahna-sports.com/Race45.aspx.
AUG. 7-28
Fourth Avenue & PPG Place Walking Tour. A walking tour of Downtown Pittsburgh's distinctive architecture conducted by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Fridays at noon. Free. 412-471-5808 x527 or www.phlf.org.
AUG. 8
Brookline Breeze. A 5K race, 5K fitness walk and one-mile fun run are followed by Brookline's third Annual Community Festival (featuring music, a petting zoo and other activities). 412-571-3222 or www.brooklinebreeze.com.
AUG. 14-23
Bike Fest. Annual 10-day series of ride, tours, races, workshops, parties and events with a focus on urban bicycle culture, organized by advocacy group Bike Pittsburgh. 412-325-4334 or www.bike-pgh.org.
AUG. 15
Pleasant Hills 5K Race. An out-and-back course in Mowry Park, the Pleasant Hills 5K – as its name implies – has something for beginners and serious runners. 412-418-8701 or www.pleasanthillscommunityday.com.
AUG. 19-22
Pogopalooza 6. It promises to be four days of "extreme pogo" action, when athletes from around the world descend on Pittsburgh for the sixth annual Pogopalooza. Various locations throughout the city. www.pogopalooza6.com.
AUG. 22
Run Around the Square. A 5K run/walk (accompanied by a shorter 1.5-mile event) in Regent Square that also features musicians and themed water-stops. 412-422-6562 x5 or www.runaroundthesquare.com.
AUG. 29
Baker Trail UltraChallenge. Not for the faint of heart, this is a 50-mile ultramarathon through uncompromising terrain. Relay teams of up to five members are allowed. Registration, through Aug. 14, is $65 for individuals; $150 per relay team. www.rachelcarsontrails.org/bt/ultrachallenge.
Family Outdoor Festival. Rock-climbing, geocaching, music and food provided by Venture Outdoors. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Allegheny Commons. www.ventureoutdoors.org.
SEPT. 4-25
Bridges & More Walking Tour. A walking tour of Pittsburgh, bridges conducted by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. Fridays at noon. Free. 412-471-5808 x527 or www.phlf.org.
SEPT. 12
IKEA-Montour Trail Half-Marathon. Starting at the IKEA of Robinson Township parking lot, the race makes a quick drop to parallel the more scenic Montour Run. 412-956-4364 or www.mtchalfmarathon.com.
SEPT. 20
Junior Great Race. A one-mile fun run for kids 12 and under (there's a "50-yard trot" and a "diaper dash" for pint-sized Sebastian Coes) along Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Point State Park. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com.
SEPT. 27
Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race. This 10K race and 5K run has become a celebrated Pittsburgh institution, with a race course through city neighborhoods and ending at Point State Park. Registration required: $18 through Sept. 5, $25 thereafter. 412-255-2493 or www.rungreatrace.com.
