Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Train at a Glance
If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip that’s both fun and hassle-free, then look no further than Pittsburgh. My family recently took a train ride from Altoona to Pittsburgh, stayed at the lovely Drury Hotel, and explored the best the city has to offer. From lush gardens to dinosaurs, cable cars, illusions, and delicious local eats, we packed our day with adventure and lasting memories. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can do the same. This is a great day trip itinerary. We did this trip super fast since we have a 9 year old with us. We had a 9 year old, 12 year old, and three adults with us.
Getting There: Amtrak from Altoona to Pittsburgh
Our journey started bright and early at the Amtrak station in Altoona. If you’ve never taken the train from Altoona to Pittsburgh, I highly recommend it—especially if you’re traveling with kids. The roughly two-hour train ride was a breeze. We enjoyed scenic views of the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, and it was so much easier than navigating through traffic or worrying about parking in the city. We got to see the fall colors and the Altoona curve, where the train tracks make a u shape around the mountains. The journey gave us all a chance to relax, play some games, and get ready for the fun ahead.
Travel Tip: Bring snacks, a few activities for the kids, and maybe download a couple of games or movies. They do have a food car on the train called the Pennsylvanian.
Staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel – Perfect for Families
Upon arriving in Pittsburgh, we headed straight to the Drury Plaza Hotel, located conveniently in downtown Pittsburgh a short walk from the train station. We bring our clothes in backpacks. The Drury is a great choice for families—it’s clean, spacious, and welcoming. What stood out to us immediately was the friendly staff and the overall family-oriented vibe. They had popcorn when we got there.
We loved how much value the Drury Hotel offers. With a complimentary hot breakfast and evening snacks (which included hot items like chicken and soup), we saved a lot on meals. The Drury Hotel in Pittsburgh was a Federal Reserve. I recommend the 6th floor room, the corner room is the best! They have pull out beds too.
Travel Tip: If you’re staying at the Drury, make sure to take advantage of their breakfast dinner before you head out for the day. It’s hearty and a real money-saver, especially when feeding so many people.
First Stop: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Our first stop was the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens—and it was the perfect way to start our day as it opened the earliest. This botanical garden is a peaceful retreat from cold rainy weather. The tropical plants and seasonal flowers were stunning, and my kids were fascinated by the interactive exhibits in the Discovery Garden, where they could learn about plants and nature.
The conservatory offers a great balance of beauty and education. As we wandered through the various rooms, from the Palm Court to the Desert Room, we all felt transported to different parts of the world. It’s such a relaxing place, and we could easily have spent more time there.
Travel Tip: They only have butterflies when it is warm because they can’t heat the room properly in the winter months.
Second Stop: Carnegie Museum of Natural History – Dinosaurs Galore!
Our next adventure took us to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, where the real stars of the show were the dinosaurs! This museum is a must-visit for any family, especially if you have kids who are curious about the natural world. The dinosaur exhibit is one of the best we’ve seen, with life-sized skeletons that amazed both the kids and us adults. We spent hours marveling at the fossils, ancient artifacts, and various exhibits on wildlife, ecosystems, and human cultures.
The interactive nature of the museum made learning fun for the kids, who were excited to spot everything from towering T-Rex skeletons to sparkling minerals. It’s not just about dinosaurs, though—the museum has something for everyone. There was an art museum connected to with the price.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! The Carnegie Museum is massive, and there’s a lot to see.
Third Stop: The Incline – A Pittsburgh Classic
After our museum visit, we took a short drive to the Incline. If you want to see Pittsburgh from a new perspective, this is the way to do it. The Incline is a historic cable car that climbs to the top of Mount Washington, offering spectacular views of the city and its iconic three rivers.
The incline itself feels like stepping back in time, and once we reached the top, the views were breathtaking. We paused to take a few family photos, with the sprawling city skyline as our backdrop. It’s an experience both kids and adults can enjoy.
Travel Tip: We got a lyft to the top and only went down to the bottom.
Fourth Stop: Museum of Illusions – Fun and Mind-Bending
Next on our agenda was the Museum of Illusions, a hands-on museum where nothing is quite as it seems. From optical illusions to interactive puzzles, this museum was a hit with our entire family. The kids loved the exhibits that made them question their senses, and we all had a good laugh trying to figure out how the illusions worked.
This museum offers a lot of photo ops, and it’s an excellent spot for kids and parents alike to engage their minds in a fun and playful way. It’s a unique experience that we would definitely recommend to other families visiting Pittsburgh.
Travel Tip: The helpers there were really nice and took some fun family pictures for us. Our kids even smiled for real!
Lunch at Primanti Brothers – Pittsburgh’s Iconic Sandwiches
We headed to Primanti Brothers, a Pittsburgh institution known for its massive sandwiches stacked with fries and coleslaw right inside the sandwich. My husband even found some gluten free options too. Loaded fries.
Travel Tip: Primanti Brothers is a must-visit, but keep in mind that the sandwiches are huge! If you’re traveling with little ones, you might want to share.
Back to the Hotel – Pool Time and Relaxation
After a full day of exploring, we headed back to the Drury Hotel, where the kids finally got to enjoy the indoor pool they’d been asking about all day. It was the perfect way to wind down before bed. The pool was clean, well-maintained, and a great way for the kids to burn off any remaining energy before calling it a night. They had a hot tub too!
We all slept soundly after such an eventful day, and waking up to a hearty breakfast the next morning was the perfect way to end our trip.
Why Pittsburgh is the Perfect Family Day Trip
Overall, our day trip to Pittsburgh was a hit with the whole family. From the scenic train ride to the diverse attractions and delicious food, we loved every minute of it. Pittsburgh is a city full of history, culture, and family-friendly activities that make it a great destination for a quick getaway. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or just having fun, Pittsburgh has something for everyone.
Have you taken your family on a trip to Pittsburgh? What were your favorite spots? Let me know in the comments below.
