Kidsburgh Neighborhood Guide: Explore Ambridge

Photo above courtesy of Heather Hicks.

Here at Kidsburgh, we love introducing families to parts of the Pittsburgh area that they haven’t explored before. Along with our guides to Oakmont, Crafton and the Franklin Park area, I’m glad to share with you this guide to my hometown, Ambridge! 

My name is Felicity, and I have lived in Ambridge my entire 16 years of life. While Ambridge is a small town, there are many hidden gems in and around the area. In this neighborhood guide, you’ll discover the many eateries, local businesses, public spaces and events that are housed by Ambridge and fostered through its community.

Welcome to Ambridge, home of awesome ice cream, Old Economy Village and much more!

Eat and Drink

Caffe Nero, 1219 Merchant St.

What you’ll find there: Caffe Nero is one of Ambridge’s newest restaurants, having opened in 2024. The dining room is always cheerful with colorful decor and a welcoming staff who you can talk to for hours. Their menu has a variety of options, from breakfast sandwiches and coffee to pastries and ice cream. You could sit there all day in their spacious dining room or at their outdoor tables, sipping on  an iced caramel latte and munching on a savory egg, ham and cheese breakfast sandwich.

One thing I love: The pastry options change depending on the season/holiday. For Memorial Day, they offered red, white and blue vanilla cheesecake. The creaminess of the cheesecake mixed with the glaze on the surface was the perfect combination of flavors. If you love themed foods and vibrant atmospheres, visit Caffe Nero. From die-hard black coffee fans to those who enjoy over-the-top flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone!

Fermata Brewing Company and Black Dog Wood Fired, 918 Merchant St./916 Merchant St.

Want to order pizza, but eat it somewhere with live music? The dynamic duo of Black Dog Wood Fired and Fermata Brewing Company are the perfect solution! These establishments reside next to each other. Black Dog Wood Fired has a variety of pizza options along with appetizers, such as whipped ricotta with bread and salad. They also have a gelato bar with rotating flavors depending on the week or month. For customers who want a calming, minimalistic atmosphere, the inside of Black Dog Wood Fired is wonderful. But some people would much rather eat savory pizza and sweet gelato while listening to local artists in a louder, more chaotic atmosphere. That’s where Fermata Brewing Company comes in! 

Fermata Brewing Company holds open mic nights every two months and has scheduled performers almost every day of the week. While they’re technically a brewery, children are welcome and can check out the back of the establishment, where there’s an assortment of games set up for them. Fermata allows customers to bring their own food inside and offers a variety of drinks, including alcohol, Pepsi products and free water. These businesses are two of my favorite places in Ambridge to enjoy others’ talents while enjoying some great food!

Ice Cream Therapy, 400 Merchant St.

Ice Cream Therapy may have the tallest ice cream you’ll ever see. A soft-serve-only ice cream shop, Ice Cream Therapy (a.k.a, “4th St. Ice Cream”) has some of the best ice cream in Ambridge, according to locals like myself. Their menu is rich with options and flavors. You’ll find milkshakes, soft-serves, shaved ice, sundaes and more — including nachos. Plus, their so-called “small” soft serve is at least a foot tall.

Ice Cream Therapy looks pretty simple on the outside, but their ice cream and community outreach more than make up for it. The owners know their customers’ names and take time out of their workday to chat and catch up with neighbors. They’re so in touch with the community that they put up a basketball hoop in the lot for the local kids who enjoy shooting hoops while waiting for their frozen treat. If you want ice cream the size of your head served by smiling faces, Ice Cream Therapy is the place for you.

Places To Visit

Iorfido Memorial Park Splash Pad/Fitness and Wellness Park

This section of Ambridge is perfect for people of all ages! Iorfido Memorial Park Splash Pad and the Fitness and Wellness Park are directly across from one another. 

It can be difficult to keep kids entertained and cool on a hot summer day, so the splash pad is the perfect solution. With many different structures spraying cold water out of their spouts, children and even adults are sure to cool off and have fun in the sun. And if you’re not a fan of the water, attached to the splash pad is a playground with all of the fixings: slides, a climbing wall and much more.

The Fitness and Wellness Park is another great feature. Many people don’t have a gym membership and instead work out at home. When the heat rises, though, it can be nice to get a change of scenery from your living room or basement gym. Equipped with pull-up bars, ab-benches and other equipment , the Fitness and Wellness Park has everything you need for a great body-weight workout. You can also bring your own equipment, if you’re looking to add weights into your routine. The Fitness and Wellness Park and Iorfido Park Splash Pad are ideal for the summer, but you can visit in spring and fall as well.

Old Economy Village, 270 16th St.

Old Economy Village is a treasure in Ambridge that you have to visit at least once in your life. This historical village has been around since 1824 and includes 17 historic buildings. Surrounding these buildings are luscious gardens with an array of flowers and other greenery. Old Economy Village regularly holds activities for families and is available for touring Friday through Sunday from April to December. Hours vary depending on holidays and events.

This historical site is a great way to educate children and families about local history and how people used to live during earlier times. It gives you perspective and raises awareness of traditions and cultural aspects that may still be upheld today. If you find yourself in Ambridge, take a stop at Old Economy Village to learn more about the glue that holds our town together.

Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center, 399 Maplewood Ave.

Photo courtesy of Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center

Are you or someone you know creative and love to craft? Bella’s Wishes Creative Arts Center is the place for you!

This spunky new business is perfect for children and adults who enjoy art and learning how to create it. Bella’s offers group or individual classes where customers learn how to paint, sculpt, etc. Not only is this ideal for a winter indoor activity, it’s also a great option for those who aren’t outdoor people during the summer.

Bella’s also has a cafe and outdoor seating, giving parents a spot to relax while their child is in class. Their menu changes based on the season/holiday, and their treats are as creative as their artwork. Who wouldn’t want to munch down on a bundt cake while painting?

Upcoming Events

Fresh Year, Fresh You! 

Aug. 10, 2025 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Students in 6-12th grade are invited to Ice Cream Therapy in Ambridge for free food, free hygiene products, free haircuts, free nails, etc. This is a perfect back-to-school activity for students looking for a fresh new look or to meet some new friends!

Shoot Hoops Not Guns

Aug. 24, 2024 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Shoot Hoops Not Guns is a community event aimed at connecting youth in the Ambridge area and promoting positive, non-violent activities. This event will take place at the 11th Street basketball courts, next to the Ambridge Borough building. Many local businesses participate and provide complimentary food and drinks, free haircuts, games, a DJ, and a basketball tournament.

Ambridge Farmer’s Market

Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

The Ambridge Farmer’s Market showcases local businesses and allows customers to buy their products in a fun, outdoor setting. This is a great family outing, and there’s a park next to the lot where it takes place for children to play while they wait.