Frick Park Off-Leash Exercise Area, Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, US

Frick Park is Pittsburgh's largest park, with more than 500 acres of sprawling woodland stretching from Point Breeze in the north, through Squirrel Hill to the Monongahela River at its southern tip. The park features extensive walking and biking trails, children's playgrounds, dog exercise areas, and an Environmental Center.Parking and transportation at Frick ParkFrom downtown, the 61B bus runs every 20 minutes to Forbes Ave., which passes through the center of Frick Park. Parking is usually available on side streets, and there's an off-street car park near the tennis courts on Braddock Ave.Best and worst time to goIn spring and summer Frick Park looks its best, with lush green foliage and blooming wild flowers. In the hotter months, the shady trails can be a great place to escape the heat. The park is open throughout winter as well, and features some good sledding spots, but be prepared for icy or muddy paths. Some mountain bike trails are inaccessible in winter.Admission to Frick ParkAdmission to the park is free, as are many of the public programs, walks and events held by the Environmental Center.Must see/do at Frick ParkOn a hot summer day, it's worth stopping to watch the action at the Hot Dog Dam. This fenced-off section of stream along the Tranquil Trail is where dogs owners congregate and their pets cool off with a dip in the stream.Other places to visit near Frick ParkThe Frick Art and Historical Center, near the northern-most entrance to the park on Reynolds St, includes the Frick Art Museum, a Car and Carriage Museum, the Cafe at the Frick, a gift shop, and extensive grounds. Tours are available of Clayton, the former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, who bequeathed Frick Park to the City of Pittsburgh in 1919.Insider tip for visitors to Frick ParkFor those with children, the Blue Slide Park, off Beechwood Blvd, is a popular stop. Local kids bring along pieces of cardboard for use on the famous blue slide — sitting on the cardboard gives a smooth, fast ride down the old concrete slide.Author's bio: Heather McCracken is a freelance journalist based in Pittsburgh, who loves exploring the city's bike trails and green spaces.