Rejoice! Spring break is finally upon us. While some Penn Staters fly south for warmer pastures, the rest of us are heading home for a much needed break from the stress that will inevitably consume us once school resumes.

If you’re one of many students returning home to the Steel City, then you’re in luck — it’s way better than Philly and *gulp* New Jersey. Plus, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Pittsburgh, so even though there’s no beach in sight, you can still have a wonderful spring break. Take a break from all of the studying and homework (that you’re putting off, anyway) to check out some of the best things the city has to offer.

Cheer On The Penguins

The Penguins will take home ice at PPG Paints Arena twice next week, making it the perfect opportunity to catch the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions (and Olympic gold medalist Amanda Kessel’s brother) in action. The Pens host the New York Islanders this Saturday at 5 p.m. before taking on the Calgary Flames on Monday at 7 p.m. Tickets to both games are available here.

Play Some Golf

Pittsburgh’s 10-day forecast has the highs for the week ranging from the mid 4os-50 degrees — which, if we’re being honest, is warm enough. You can play the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park, Pittsburgh’s oldest public golf course and the only course within the city’s limits, for just $10! Yes, you read that right. It may not meet PGA standards, but you can’t beat the price or the view.

If it’s still too cold out for you to hit the links, then hit up the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center indoor driving range. Fun fact: The 100-yard dome offers the longest uninterrupted shot for an indoor driving range in the country. Now go swing your worries away.

Go See A Concert

Forget about the Penguins, the main event at PPG Paints Arena this week will be when Kid Rock takes the stage on Saturday, March 10. If you’re hoping to get wild, you can check also out the Insane Clown Posse at the Rex Theatre or Excision at Stage AE on March 7. Better yet, if you want to get, as Lil Jon would say, ‘crunk,’ then catch the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s Beethoven Concerto Cycle: No. 2 this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. You can find tickets to these concerts and more during break here.

Support the Arts

Use your return to Pittsburgh, a city with surprisingly more to offer than State College, as a chance to explore the abundant art scene. Take advantage of $10 student admission to the Andy Warhol Museum and view the life’s work of the Pittsburgh native/pop-art icon. You can also check out the current contemporary art installments at the Mattress Factory on the North Shore, which never fail to pique interest. If you prefer more traditional art, then make your way over to Oakland and visit the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Get A Wrinkle In Your Brain

You may not have class for a week, but don’t worry because you can still learn a thing or two thanks to all of the museums that the city has to offer. Discover tomorrow’s wonder at the Carnegie Science Center. Learn about Pittsburgh’s rich history at the Heinz History Center. Get your Revolutionary War fix at the Fort Pitt Museum. Check out the dinosaur skeletons at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Whatever you do, don’t forget about local gems such as the Frick Art and Historical Center.

Night Life

If you’re over 21, then the South Side is the place for you! The neighborhood is home to more than 80 bars and pubs, as well as my cousin, Stephen. You’ll have no trouble finding a good time here.

Enjoy Some Landmarks

Pittsburgh is full of picturesque landmarks. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Take in the city from the West End Overlook. Explore the unique shops and eateries in the Strip District. Enjoy an afternoon in Schenley Park or Point State Park. Nothing beats Pittsburgh in the spring time.

Get Donuts

Shhh. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Forget about Peace, Love, and Little Donuts and places that put ice cream in donuts. The best donut place in Pittsburgh, quite possibly the world, is Better-Maid Donut Co. in the West End.  Don’t believe me?  Try it for yourself and get back to me.  You better go early, though. They open at 6 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on the weekend, and they close when they sell out.

Did we miss anything? Leave a comment about your Pittsburgh plans for spring break!