Best Things to Do in WashCo in the Winter and Around the Holidays

Kids off school and officially driving you crazy? Don't worry, we've got you. Below are just a few options to get kids of all ages up and out of the house and burning off some energy right here in Washington County. 

• Ironblast’s Game Zone - At last, a local favorite returns. Many locals and visitors remember Ironblast’s Game Zone’s former location at the Washington Crown Center fondly, and it’s with great pleasure we officially inform fans that the shop has returned to Washington County at a new Tanger Outlets location. Just like at the old location, Ironblast’s is heaven for gamers both new and old – the shop is loaded with tons of games, merchandise, toys and more, but the real fun is in the shop’s full arcade: Gamers can spend a whole day playing Nintendo, Xbox and PlayStation games, plus as a whole host retro arcade and pinball games.
• Roll R Way Donora - Roll R Way in Donora has been a beloved place to make family memories since it first opened in 1969. No matter your skill level on roller-skates, you’re going to want to strap on a pair of skates and get down once you hear the beat at this family-owned skating center offering a stacked schedule of themed skates and events. Glow Skate is among the most popular of events at Roll R Way, but in the past, the rink has offered everything from Taylor Swift night to 90s and 2000s Hip Hop night and even a TikTok skate night! P.S.: When at Roll R Way, don't skip the pickle sandwich. 
• Pennsylvania Trolley Museum – It’s not a trip to Washington County without a visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Kids (and adults) of all ages will forget all about boredom once they enter the museum’s main building, which is chock full of interactive exhibits, such as one where visitors can simulate driving a trolley. Then it’s on to the museum’s massive Trolley Display Building to explore dozens of real, fully restored trolleys from all eras. After that, take a 4-mile round trip ride on a real trolley, restored to as it was during the Trolley Era!
• Petite Street Play Studio / Liliput Towne Center – Younger kiddos will delight in all the fun Petite Street (formerly Liliput Towne Center) has to offer. This interactive play studio models a main street made up of custom playhouses that allow kids to explore, use their imagination and make new friends all afternoon long.

Photo credit: Roll R Way Donora

Sitting in the house can get a little stale when you've got family and friends visiting from out of town to entertain. Luckily, we've brainstormed a few of the best group and family activities that also give your visitors a nice tour of Washington County. 

• Duncan & Miller Glass Museum - When visiting downtown Washington, it should be impossible to skip out on a visit to the Duncan & Miller Glass Museum. You’ll forget all about the winter chill outside as you spend the afternoon exploring all the eras of the iconic Duncan & Miller Glass Company that was once said to employ at least one person from every household in the Washington area.
• Atomic Comedy Co. - Located in downtown Canonsburg, Atomic Comedy Co. is the newest player in the Washington County live entertainment landscape. From emerging acts to established comedians, this vibey, intimate venue is showcasing a variety of comedy that’s never been seen anywhere else in Washington County.  Live comedy shows are every Friday and Saturday, and the venue is even BYOB. To learn more and grab tickets to the next show, click here.
• Midtown Market – Just down Pike Street from Atomic Comedy Co. is Midtown Market, a multi-tenant retail concept gaining attention on social media for its varied offerings for the whole family. First, hit Major Mallard’s Duck Pin bowling for a few games before taking each other on in the all-new Midtown Arcade. While the kids play, adults can check out the seasonal beverage offerings at 1802 Distillery before the whole group grabs a hotdog break at M&P’s Coney Island. Follow it all up with a retro milkshake or ice cream at Joe’s Soda Shop by none other than the iconic Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop.
• Liberty Pole Spirits - Liberty Pole Spirits in the Meadowlands has won multiple awards for its groundbreaking efforts to revive and refine what was once America’s most prominent spirit, and one look at its distillery campus leaves no doubt that this family-owned distillery means serious business when it comes to preserving original techniques. Take a tour of the production facility and the only 5-story barrelhouse in the state before sitting down in the 18^th-century style Meetinghouse to sample all kinds of grain-to-glass spirits, sip on handcrafted cocktails, or tuck in to a delicious food menu inspired by Whiskey Rebellion-era tavern food.

Photo credit: Duncan & Miller Glass Museum

Even the most wonderful time of the year can be a little much, and sometimes you need a solo or quiet afternoon out with friends to re-center. From quiet coffee shops to retail therapy, however you prefer to relax, know you've got options in Washington County. 

• Little City Coffee – As a combined roastery, bookstore, and café, Little City Coffee in Monongahela is the perfect place to spend a chilly winter day in your own little bubble of sweet solitude. This cozy, locally-owned café has the perfect nostalgic coffeehouse vibe, and its stacked shelves mean you can spend the day in another world as you sip on your favorite espresso drink or tea from Little City’s huge menu. If you do end up bringing a friend, there’s even a huge collection of board games to play in between chapters.
• Salt of the Earth Spa & Wellness Center – Between holidays, you deserve a little R&R. Give yourself the gift of a relaxing session in a Himalayan salt cave at Salt of the Earth Spa & Wellness Center in McMurray. This wellness and energy boutique offers a variety of services, such as massages, energy healing, cellular energy healing, or halotherapy sessions in the salt cave (which is made up of a whopping 32,000 pounds of real Himalayan salt) to help drain stress from your body and mind.
• Hippies Modern Studio - Scenery Hill’s newest pottery and art studio is a must-visit during the cold winter months in Washington County. Hippies Modern Studio presents a day of winter fun with your family and friends as you all forget about holiday stress and throw yourselves into the ceramic arts. Learn to throw on the wheel or hand-build all kinds of pottery projects, sign up for a hands-on arts and crafts workshop, and browse all kinds of handmade and artisanal local goods in the adjoining gift shop.
• Tanger Outlets – We know you just did a bunch of shopping, but those in need of a little retail therapy might find great satisfaction in snapping up some post-holiday and clearance deals at Tanger Outlets. Take advantage of deals at stores like H&M, Coach, Nike, Columbia, American Eagle and Aerie, Kate Spade, Old Navy and more.

Photo credit: Salt of the Earth Spa & Wellness Center

If you're doing the winter season right, you're eating approximately 4 pounds of cookies on your own and not apologizing for anything, but eventually there comes a time when it might be nice to get moving and work some of the sugar off. Here are just a few ways to get up and active with your family and friends, and, bonus, they're all indoors:

• LevelUp Pickleball Club – If you’re looking for a new hobby in 2027, get a head start at LevelUp Pickleball Club. This all-new, state-of-the-art facility in Canonsburg is WashCo’s all new hub to play or learn pickleball. New players can take a class and learn the sport from a pickleball pro, while seasoned players can drop-in, rent a court, or enter a tournament on one of LevelUp’s 16 courts. Afterwards, grab lunch at the attached Baseline Bar & Grill, play darts, or check out the club’s golf simulator or secret speakeasy.
• Printscape Arena at Southpointe – It wouldn’t be a winter blog if we didn’t mention ice skating at Printscape Arena in Southpointe. Grab the kids and lace up for an afternoon out on the ice during public skate, or sign up for a class to learn to skate. Either way, you’re going to want to hit the attached Bubba’s Burghers & Beer afterwards for a burger break.
• Back Nine Golf Simulator – Would you believe us if we said you could play 18 at Pebble Beach without ever leaving Canonsburg? Having just opened a new location in Canonsburg, Back Nine Golf Simulator offers the chance to improve your game or learn golf even during the cold winter months. Step into any of Back Nine’s state-of-the-art simulators to practice your swing, improve your game, or take on your friends on some of the world’s most famous courses.
• 5^th Street Escape Room – You’re going to want to bring all your smartest friends and family for this one. Housed in an old bank building in Charleroi is 5^th Street Escape Room. Choose a unique room in varying levels of difficulty, solve puzzles, and use clues to escape rooms such as the Witches Stone, Santa’s Secret Vault, or the Meatlocker in either 60 or 90 minutes or less. Do you think you have what it takes to escape?

Photo credit: LevelUp Pickleball Club

The winter season is prime time to reconnect with those who matter most, and while lunch or coffee is great, why not propose an activity to your date or your friends? Below are just a few ideas of ways to get out of the house and spend a quality afternoon afternoon or evening with your favorite people. 

• Live Music at Santello’s – Santello’s in Washington has been taking both the restaurant and live entertainment scenes in Washington County by storm recently, making it the perfect all-in-one spot for a girls night or date night. Don’t skip out on ordering something from this spot’s menu of creative seasonal cocktails - such as the Sweater Weather Sangria, Cranberry Copper, or Pear & Proper - before checking out the huge food menu full of house-made favorites. Once you’ve eaten your fill, stay for an electric night of live music from acts like Ruff Creek, Bon Journey, Totally 80s, and more.
• Off the Wall Arts – A little arts and crafts night with your favorite people is one of the best ways to brighten dark winter days, especially since it’s BYOB at Off the Wall Arts in Charleroi. This locally-owned art studio offers pottery painting, guided painting classes and seasonal craft events. If you have a lot of friends with you, consider booking your very own private paint party to paint, sip and be merry all night long.
• Red Fox Winery – While summer is peak time for wineries, the fun at Red Fox Winery in Hickory hardly stops for a little cold weather. The winery has a full indoor space that’s host to wine tastings, live music events and even events like Drunk Trivia, bingo nights, and more. Beyond finding your new favorite wine while enjoying live music, you and your date can snack on house favorites like Bavarian pretzels, hot pepper cheese balls, or the winery’s famous flatbreads.
• Smokin’ Hot Candle Co - Three things are critical to surviving Pennsylvania winter: Warm slippers, good company, and a cozy candle in your favorite scent. Upon entering Smokin’ Hot Candle Co. in downtown Canonsburg, make a beeline for the scent wall and choose what speaks to you most, be it floral, fruity, clean, earthy, or dark. Then, pick container that’s all you before mixing your very own custom scent blend and pouring it. While you wait, Smokin’ Hot is BYOB – pour up a glass of your favorite adult beverage or spend some time exploring the other shops in downtown Canonsburg.  

Photo credit: Smokin' Hot Candle Co.