School's out, kids are home and families are looking for things to do over the summer. For clans of all ages and sizes, the greater Pittsburgh area offers great recreation and daylong getaways.

	Daniel Marsula, Post-Gazette Click on illustration for larger image. Related article Summer fun: Some camps still have openings

Make the most of your summer months by visiting several recreational and theme parks and attractions within driving distance.

If you're the wilderness type, Western Pennsylvania is home to a plethora of outdoor recreation. Take a trip to Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette and Somerset counties to experience white-water rafting. White Water Adventurers Inc. caters to people with varying levels of experience, from a calm cruise down the Youghiogheny River to a whipping, white-water adventure. Choose from a variety of vessels to take to the water, including traditional rafts and inflatable kayaks. Visit wwaraft.com or call 1-800-WWA-RAFT for more information.

More family-friendly outdoor adventures can be found at McConnells Mill State Park. Located about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh in Lawrence County, the park boasts 11 miles of trails for hiking and climbing and repelling walls -- for experienced climbers only. Nearby Moraine State Park in Butler County features 7 miles of bicycle trails. Beach bums can enjoy some sun and relaxation at Moraine's swimming beach.

For those city folk wishing to get away to the wilderness, Venture Outdoors (412-255-0564; ventureoutdoors.org) provides opportunities for the beauty of nature. Dedicated to bringing outdoor recreation to the area, this not-for-profit organization offers kayaking, backpacking, hiking, nature walks and more -- right from Forbes Avenue in Downtown. Check the Web site for special upcoming events.

Summer is the perfect time to take a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in Highland Park, and now visitors can enjoy the recently installed polar bear exhibit, up close and personal. Water's Edge allows you to watch polar bears from the glass-enclosed Underwater Polar Bear Tunnel. Be sure to see the zoo's newest sea otters in Sea Otter Cove, also part of Water's Edge, through the large viewing windows.

If it rained for your school's Kennywood Picnic Day this year, make it a point to visit the park at some other time this summer. Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, includes two new rides for 2007: Cosmic Chaos, a giant UFO flying saucer that spins riders in circles, located next to the former Guest Services Building; and S.S. Kenny, a tugboat ride for the whole family, located in Kiddieland.

Or make a splash at Sandcastle Waterpark, West Homestead. Don't forget Idlewild Park in Ligonier; its newest ride, Flying Aces, allows the rider to take control of the flight. And remember your Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew cans: A can with entry to any of the three parks receives $5 off daily admission any weekday during the summer season.

Movies are a great summer pastime, and what better way to celebrate film and fun than an outdoor flick? Take the family to Dive-In Movie Sunday nights at Sandcastle. Enjoy fun films such as "RV" and "Happy Feet" from the Mon Tsunami Wave Pool every Sunday at 6 p.m. from July 1 to Aug. 12.

Comcast Cinema in the Park offers free flicks on some of Pittsburgh's beautiful greens. Movies are shown at Flagstaff Hill, Grandview Park, Riverview Park, Arsenal Park, Brookline Memorial Park, East Liberty and West End-Elliott Overlook. Check the times and movies and other citywide events at www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/parks.

Athletes young and old can practice their sports skills at the Schenley Oval Sportsplex in Schenley Park. This new facility features an all-rubber track, two long-jump pits, sports turf soccer field and high jump area. And play a round of disc golf afterward at the 18-hole Disc Golf Course in Schenley Park.

Those with a taste of classical music can visit the lawn of Shadyside's Mellon Park Rose Garden Sundays until Aug. 12 for Bach, Beethoven and Brunch. Delight yourself to the classical sounds of local music groups from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

So suit up, get out and climb, swim, hike and ride your way to a fun-filled summer the kids soon won't forget.