Reply to Half-way-ish

We're going to be riding from Pittsburgh to DC in the second half of April with our two kids (will be almost-2 and almost-4). Is there a good place to take a rest day half-way-ish? I know we could just hang around our campsite, but I'm wondering if there is anything in particular that our kids might find interesting to go and do.

Also, does anyone have any input on what the weather is generally like that time of year? How cold or hot does it usually get? I'm trying to look that info up on Google, but I thought that it might just be easier to ask people who are familiar with the area. (We'll be coming from MA, so we are well equipped if it will still be getting quite cool at night, but just want to make sure we bring the right gear.)

Your kids might be a little young for this and both towns are not close to half way but you could check out a Frostburg State or Shepherd University baseball/softball game. The schedules are posted on their school athletics page. I hope to do the trip in the fall and maybe see a football game. The actual halfway point is Oldtown. There is the School House Cafe and the The Irvin Allen/Michael Cresap Museum. Good luck!

The GAP and C&O are pretty remote in most places. I can't think of anywhere that is especially toddler-friendly. The more "civilized" places that fit your half-way criterion are Meyersdale, Frostburg, and Hancock although the last is more than half-way. Frostburg probably has the best selection of motels/hotels/eating places since it's a college town.
There is no usual weather in April. You're unlikely to encounter temperatures below 32 degrees or above 80, but it can be anywhere within that range with wind and rain possible. My advice would be to bring layers, including GoreTex, that will fit that range.

Thanks for all the input! I doubt they'd have the attention span for a sporting event, so maybe trying to find some small place to go out to eat, and maybe a playground?? (Any chance any of the small towns we pass through have playgrounds?) might be what we aim for. Just letting them run around and blow off some steam will probably be fine.

As for weather, I guess our best bet will be to monitor the weather predictions closely as we get ready to head down that way, and then bring layers that seem appropriate for what we might see. And yes, rain gear is always part of our layering system, even if just for wind protection.

Indeed the weather and trail conditions are quite variable in April as others have responded. Indeed, the temperatures can be quite varied as well as the amount of precipitation. As for a "halfway" layover, Cumberland, MD at mile 150 of the 334 mile trip is the most populated town on the trail between Pittsburgh and DC. There is a Fairfield Inn (one of the Mariott brands) immediately adjacent to the trail that might be a welcome respite from the trail at that point, especially if the weather has not been or is not ideal. There are a number of shops, restaurants, etc. within a few blocks of the Fairfield. It is a little pricey albeit perhaps not coming from MA.

In route to Cumberland from Pittsburgh there are a number of small, old coal mining villages through which the trail passes many of which have small playgrounds with swings, slides, etc. Most have some form of covered pavilions with benches that provide some shelter if rain is encountered. There are not as many opportunities nor are they in the same proximity to the trail itself along the C&O south of Cumberland.

The children may be most infatuated by the trains that parallel the trail over much of its distance. Unfortunately they run at night as well. :-)

There is a railroad museum in the abandoned train station right on the GAP in Meyersdale. It is probably perfect for 2 and 4 year olds. If I recall correctly, they even have at model train that runs around a track in a part of the museum. Meyersdale is a pretty good stop because there are some diners and, I think, an ice cream parlor, within a few blocks of the trail.

just don't plan on riding your bikes back up the hill in Meyersdale. lock them at the museum and walk down.

Just FYI - we'll be riding the last two weeks of April on the GAP and C&O with our 3 year old and a bunch of friends and family in tow plus Grandma driving the SAG wagon. We're staying in Cumberland for our rest day over Easter weekend. Got a room at the Hampton Inn. What bike set up do you have for the kids? Hope to see you out there!

I would suggest Cumberland which is where the Canal and GAP meet. The Musium at canal place is very kid centric and several places for kids to play.

Thanks for all the responses everyone, and sorry for my radio silence. It sounds like there are plenty of options for ways to keep my kids entertained. Really, at their ages it doesn't take much.

And to answer the question of what our setup is, we ride a tandem and pull the kids in a double trailer.

Fort FRedrick east of Hancock is a nice place to visit with reinactments. Too late for your trip but the 1st week of April is the Maple Syrup Fest in Meyersdale, Pa. The river views of kayakers from the bridges west of Ohiopyle, There are many other places that might thrill even a younger kid.