Please share some road trip ideas from Northeast NJ, for a total of about 8-10 days, maybe 1-2 days more depending on location. We have 3 kids ages 9, 6 and 2. We are planning to leave weekend of Dec. 18th as kids break starts. I was thinking FL initially but it is an awful long drive of 1290 miles…not sure. Any ideas?
Thanks
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
NJ to FL is not a long drive considering its a 10-12 days long trip. You can stop at Raleigh NC which is decent stopover town
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
Another kids friendly location near you is great wolf lodge. It's and indoor water park resort, and one is in Boston area . Your kids are going to love it , but that would only be 2-3 days worth of stay
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
I drive back and forth between Chicago and Edison couple of times a year and also between Chicago and Orlando. Between Illinois and NJ, the drive is bit boring but has some nice views in PA after PA its just plain. I say going to FL will be better as once you are in Carolina's snow chances will go down considerably.
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
I am thinking of FL ....and while it is doable in 10 days...not sure. We don't want to to Disney (not until daughter is at least 3), so not sure what else to do. It seems it may be too cold for enjoying beaches....I checked weather in Destin. Tampa seems ok, but is water warm enough to enjoy?
TLK - Have you done this drive? Is it doable with just one night stopover or do you recommend 2 nights on the way?
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
Afro, I have done from Detroit to Orlando, Seattle to L.A., and even Detroit to Austin. All the times, we did with one night stopover, and every time we had our young daughter(s) with us.
If you are not planning to hit a theme park or beaches, then you can go to a resort, if it fits in your budget. We have stayed in 'swan and dolphin' as well as 'Marriott world resort' in Orlando, and both are very family friendly resorts.
You can also try 7 springs resort in Pennsylvania, but at this time of the year, it will just be winter activities like skiing.
You can also do D.C. Plenty of places to go around, and hey, who does not like D.C.cupcakes! :D
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
Not to give any new ideas about for fun Amtrak is amazing as well. We recently did Amtrak from Chicago to Ielin NJ with train change in DC. It was 26 hour ride in quite comfortable cabin. Some of the outstanding views by lake erie etc. We have 3 year old and 5 year old and they absolutely had a blast. Taking Amtrak to Fl would be pretty cool I would think. Some food for thought.
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
Thank you for your help. We have decided to visit Chicago by road, with a pit stop in Cleveland OH. Even though it is cold, I am looking forward to the family time. I considered the rail option, so don't have to pay an arm and a leg for parking everywhere in chicago. We like the convenience of being able to stop when we want for a stretch and see things along the way. Now I need to figure out hotels that have free parking :)
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
Thank you for your help. We have decided to visit Chicago by road, with a pit stop in Cleveland OH. Even though it is cold, I am looking forward to the family time. I considered the rail option, so don't have to pay an arm and a leg for parking everywhere in chicago. We like the convenience of being able to stop when we want for a stretch and see things along the way. Now I need to figure out hotels that have free parking :)
Free parking would not be any problem anywhere other than Chicago, even in Cleveland you will be fine.
Re: Need Road Trip ideas from NJ
Yes Cleveland was fine. It was downtown Chicago where either hotels don't have parking, or they charge $55 plus a night for parking. We ended up staying in Oakbrook, and it wasn't too bad a drive to downtown.