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The sweet sound of April rain showers and smell of May flowers make for a wonderful time in Erie. Enjoy outdoor activities from singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at UPMC Park while catching an Erie SeaWolves baseball game — Double-A affiliate to the Detroit Tigers — to the opening of the Erie Zoo for the season or enjoying a walk along the 13 miles of walking path or 11 miles of hiking trails at Presque Isle State Park.

Those cooler spring days make for a great opportunity to check out local art galleries and museums. Or take your adventures to new heights and try scaling 50-feet of towering walls and conquering bouldering routes for all skill levels at ASCEND Climbing just a short walk from campus. After working up an appetite, check out the numerous tasty options at the Flagship City Food Hall or the diverse array of culinary options representing the melting pot of cultures in our area.

Spring around Erie offers both great indoor and outdoor activities.

The warm, summer months in Erie offer a plethora of fun activities, including spending your days exploring the seven miles of sandy beaches, scenic overlooks and the UPMC Sunset Music Series and other events on Presque Isle State Park, fishing or enjoying street festivals downtown, like Celebrate Erie. Play a round of 18 (mini golf that is) on Erie's Bayfront nestled in the numerous water-front dining options. You also cannot forget the thrill of amusement park rides followed by refreshing water adventures at Waldameer and Water World.

Explore Erie with ease by taking advantage of the bike rentals available at the Ã÷ÐǺÚÁÏ Recreation and Wellness Center for students, faculty and staff. Or take in all that Erie has to offer from different perspectives by boating or kayaking around the Bayfront and Presque Isle State Park or embrace breathtaking views from the rooftop dining options along the water.

Throughout these months, Perry Square, conveniently located kitty-corner from campus, buzzes with the presence of pop-up shops and food trucks, always offering new options.

Take in the beautiful fall foliage along the lake while driving through the Lake Erie Wine Country region or other surrounding parks like the Erie Bluffs State Park, pick fresh apples straight from the tree at a local orchard, get into the spirit by picking out a pumpkin that is perfect for carving and decorating or check out the different fall festivals in the region.

Experience thrills and chills as you navigate through haunted attractions and spooky hayrides (if you are into that kind of thing).

On those cooler fall days, curl up with a good book or take your studying off campus at one of the local coffee shops and cafes. Then catch the newest blockbuster release at the Cinemark Tinseltown movie theater by the Millcreek Mall.

Winter around here is not a time to hibernate. Hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts — such as Peek’N Peak Resort or Mount Pleasant of Edinboro — for skiing, snowboarding and tubing, explore cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails at local parks, experience the thrill of ice fishing on Presque Isle Bay or Lake Erie, and light up downtown during winter festivals such as holiday markets, ice sculpture festivals and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies. You can also lace up skates during the months of January and February and take a spin at the pop-up ice skating rink located on the east end of Perry Square.

Escape the cold weather by exploring indoor attractions like catching a show at the Erie Playhouse or Warner Theatre, cheer on the OHL Erie Otters hockey team, start your holiday shopping at the Millcreek Mall or enjoy swimming year-round at Splash Lagoon, one of the largest indoor water parks in the eastern United States. You can also travel back in time and immerse yourself in the history of Erie at the Hagen History Center situated just west of campus.