11-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary from Pittsburgh to New York

Day 1: Explore Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pamela's Diner

Start your day with their famous stuffed French toast or pancakes, perfect for energizing a day of exploration.
Located in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, easily accessible by car or public transport.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Carnegie Science Center

Enjoy interactive exhibits and a planetarium, making science fun for the whole family.
A short 10-minute drive from Pamela's Diner.
USD20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Point Brugge Café

Savor delicious Belgian fries and mussels that will delight both adults and kids.
Drive approximately 15 minutes from the Science Center.
USD50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Phipps Conservatory

Relax amidst beautiful gardens and stunning floral displays—a perfect spot for family photos.
A 10-minute drive from Point Brugge Café.
USD18, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Melting Pot

Experience a fun interactive fondue dinner which is sure to be a hit with everyone.
20 minutes from Phipps Conservatory.
USD120, 2 hours
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Day 2: Relax in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

9:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Dust

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the Homestead Grays Bridge.
Drive 15 minutes from your hotel.
USD35, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Spend your morning exploring wildlife, perfect for a family outing.
About 20 minutes from Blue Dust.
USD20, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The OTB Bicycle Cafe

Grab a burger or salad and enjoy the relaxed vibe of this family-friendly eatery.
A 15-minute drive from the zoo.
USD45, 1 hour

3:00PM

Take a Funicular Ride on the Duquesne Incline

Experience breathtaking views of the Pittsburgh skyline from this historic incline.
About 10 minutes from the café.
USD5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Primanti Bros.

Savor their iconic sandwich stuffed with fries and coleslaw, a Pittsburgh classic!
Approximately 10-minute drive from the Incline.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art and Relaxation

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

9:00AM

Breakfast at Franktuary

Start your day with delicious gourmet hot dogs and creative breakfast twists.
About 10 minutes from your hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit The Andy Warhol Museum

Delve into the life and art of the famous Pittsburgh native, which the kids will surely find intriguing.
Just a short drive of 10 minutes.
USD20, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh

Experience a taste of Bavaria with family-friendly dishes and a lively atmosphere.
About 5-minute drive from the museum.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk and Play at Schenley Park

Unwind with a leisurely stroll or let the kids play in the park's playground.
Drive 10 minutes from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Take a Family Photo at Point State Park's Fountain

Capture beautiful family moments at Pittsburgh's iconic park.
A quick 15-minute drive from Schenley Park.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa Reyna

Indulge in flavorful Mexican cuisine with kid-friendly options.
Roughly 15-minute drive from Point State Park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Columbus

Columbus, Ohio

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Café at the Frick

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before setting off to Columbus.
Approximately 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Columbus

Drive to Columbus—a scenic 3-hour journey!
Head West on I-76, then take I-71 South.
Fuel costs, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at North Market

Explore various vendors for a casual family lunch experience with diverse options.
Located in the heart of Columbus, about 15 minutes from the interstate.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

This hands-on science museum has something for every family member to enjoy.
A short 10-minute drive from North Market.
USD22, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check into Hotel

Relax and unwind at your family-friendly hotel in Columbus.
Booking in advance strongly recommended.
USD200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Schmidt's Sausage Haus

Dig into delicious German sausage and decadent cream puffs at this family-friendly restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 5: More Columbus Fun

Columbus, Ohio

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katalina's

Enjoy their famous pancake churros for a unique breakfast treat.
Drive approximately 15 minutes from your hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Experience a day filled with wonderful exhibits and exciting animal interactions.
About 30 minutes away.
USD23, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek

Enjoy hearty American fare with farm-to-table freshness.
A 20-minute drive from the zoo.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory

Discover beautiful indoor gardens and a butterfly habitat loved by children.
About 15 minutes from the restaurant.
USD18, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hotel to Relax

Spend some downtime relaxing at the hotel or swimming in the pool.
Back to your hotel, about 15 minutes away.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Firebird Restaurant

Taste delicious Eastern European cuisine suitable for the whole family.
10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 6: Head to Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jae's Restaurant

Start your day with delicious traditional breakfast dishes.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Cleveland

Head to Cleveland, approximately a 2-hour drive.
Take I-71 North directly to Cleveland.
Fuel costs, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at West Side Market

Explore Cleveland's iconic market, filled with diverse cuisine and delightful snacks.
Drive about 10 minutes from your entry point to the city center.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

A great place for family fun, featuring dinosaur skeletons and hands-on exhibits.
Approximately 15 minutes by car from the market.
USD15, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore The Cleveland Botanical Garden

Stroll through stunning gardens and the tropical rainforest biome.
Drive 15 minutes from the museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Hotel Check-in

Settle into your hotel and prepare for a relaxing evening.
Choose an appropriate family-friendly hotel in the area.
USD200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Chickpea

Try delicious Mediterranean dishes, perfect for families wanting healthy options.
A short 10-minute drive from the hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Enjoy Erie

Erie, Pennsylvania

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Station

Dig into a hearty breakfast of pancakes, omelets, or their famous breakfast burritos.
Drive about 20 minutes from the hotel.
USD35, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Erie

A short, scenic drive to Erie, about 1.5 hours away.
Follow I-90 East to your destination.
Fuel costs, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Presque Isle State Park

Enjoy a family-friendly day at the beach with beautiful views and picnic spots.
About 15 minutes from entering Erie.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Sara's Restaurant

Savor delicious sandwiches and ice cream at this popular local spot.
Drive about 10 minutes from the park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Erie Maritime Museum

Learn about Erie’s maritime history through engaging exhibits and hands-on activities.
A quick 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD10, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Check into Hotel

Relax for the evening at a comfortable hotel in Erie.
Book in advance to ensure availability.
USD150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cove

Indulge in fresh seafood and views of the marina, offering a delightful family dining experience.
Less than a mile from your hotel.
USD85, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Buffalo Bound

Buffalo, New York

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Place

Enjoy classic breakfast staples like eggs Benedict and French toast.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Buffalo

A quick drive of around 1 hour to Buffalo.
Take I-90 East directly to Buffalo.
Fuel costs, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Buffalo Zoo

Explore animal exhibits and interactive experiences for kids at this historic zoo.
About 15 minutes from your stopping point.
USD12, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Anchor Bar

Taste the original Buffalo chicken wings in a fun and casual setting.
Only 10 minutes away.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Albright-Knox Art Gallery

A family-friendly art museum with a variety of exhibitions to inspire young minds.
Drive 10 minutes from the restaurant.
USD10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check into Hotel

Rest and recharge at your selected hotel in Buffalo.
Local options abound; book ahead.
USD150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Quaker Stake and Lube

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with a sports vibe while savoring their famous wings.
Drive 15 minutes from the hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Niagara Falls Adventure

Niagara Falls, New York

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Left Bank

Start your day with a full English breakfast in a charming setting.
Drive about 20 minutes from your hotel.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Niagara Falls

A quick trip of about 30 minutes to witness the stunning waterfalls.
Follow River Road to get there.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Niagara Falls State Park

Take in the breathtaking views of the falls and enjoy outdoor activities in a beautiful park setting.
Park your car at one of several lots for ease of access.
USD10 (parking fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Red Coach Inn

Enjoy a picturesque dining experience and classic American fare with views of the falls.
A quick drive from the park.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Experience the Maid of the Mist

Enjoy a boat ride that brings your family up close to the thundering falls.
Check in at the dock
USD30, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Cave of the Winds

Get drenched in the thrill of standing just feet away from the Bridal Veil Falls.
Easily accessible from the other park attractions.
USD20, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Buffalo Hotel

Relax and freshen up after a busy day.
Drive back to Buffalo, about 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Italian Eatery

Enjoy a family friendly pizzeria atmosphere with delicious pasta and pizza options.
Just 10 minutes from the hotel.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Rochester Discovery

Rochester, New York

8:00AM

Breakfast at Salena's

Indulge in homemade pastries and breakfast sandwiches at this local gem.
About 15 minutes from your Buffalo hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Rochester

A drive of about 1.5 hours will get you there.
Take I-490 East.
Fuel costs, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Strong National Museum of Play

An interactive museum perfect for kids, filled with exhibits on toys and games.
Drive about 15 minutes from downtown Rochester.
USD18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Feast on amazing BBQ in a fun and lively atmosphere that the family will love.
Roughly 10 minutes away.
USD65, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll Around Highland Park

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and let the kids enjoy some green space.
Just 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Rochester Museum & Science Center

Explore various exhibits and a planetarium—a fun end to your day.
Drive about 15 minutes from Highland Park.
USD15, 2 hours

6:30PM

Check into Hotel

Relax in the comfort of your hotel in Rochester after a busy day.
Book to ensure family-friendly services.
USD200, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Salvatore's Italian Gardens

Enjoy upscale Italian dining with a diverse menu suitable for everyone.
Drive about 20 minutes from the hotel.
USD90, 2 hours
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Day 11: Final Destination: New York City

New York City, New York

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel up at the hotel's breakfast buffet before hitting the road.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to New York City

A scenic drive of about 6 hours, plan for breaks along the way.
Take I-90 or I-87 directly to your destination.
Fuel costs, 6 hours

4:00PM

Check into Hotel in NYC

Settle into your selected hotel and recharge for an evening of exploration.
Choose a convenient location for family activities.
USD300, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Enjoy a fun dining experience with singing waitstaff in the heart of Manhattan.
Located a short walk from your hotel.
USD80, 2 hours

8:00PM

Times Square Exploration

Cap off your trip with a visit to the energetic Times Square—perfect for family pictures.
Just a short walk from the diner.
Free, 1.5 hours
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