Though
my family and I always take advantage of all the city has to offer, nothing
compares to the adventures we have had on the road—cost-effective, easy (and
pleasing!) endeavors.
We took our first big four-wheeled trek out West when our three boys were only
2, 3 and 11 years old. You never know what’s going to happen when you hit the
road— something always does—and the memories sure do stick around. Here’s a
list of our favorite travels.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
DRIVE TIME FROM NYC: 3 Hours
For
those with a serious sweet tooth, this is the road trip for you. A great
starting point is Hershey‘s Chocolate World.
While admission is free, there are a few ticketed packages your family can
choose from in order to include some or all of the various attractions, from
the Hershey’s Really Big 3-D Show (complete with samples!)
to the Hershey’s Chocolate Tasting Adventure.
Looking for a treat sans the wrapper? Chocolate
World also has a few scattered bakery stops where you can buy freshly baked
chocolate chip cookies, brownies and cupcakes.
Then,
you’ll need at least two days to take in the neighboring Hersheypark. While
one section is home to coasters of all thrill levels, the other side boasts an
impressive water park with a kids splash area, water slides, wave pool and a
boardwalk.
Before
entering the park, be sure to stop by one of the measuring stations where your
child’s height is determined and bright, easily visible wristbands are handed
out. This “errand” tees up your entire day by indicating which rides are
appropriate for the smaller set.
Oh,
and don’t leave without trying a deep-fried Kit Kat bar!
Niagara Falls, New York
DRIVE TIME FROM NYC: 7.5 Hours
Over
the years, Niagara Falls has
improved quite a bit—debuting cleaner park areas for picnics and well-organized
lines for attractions. If you only do one thing when visiting Niagara, ride
the infamous Maid of the Mist for up-close
action, blue poncho included.
My advice, especially when traveling with little ones, is that you arrive
either early or late in the day in order to find parking close to the falls and
to avoid standing on unbearably long lines. Luckily, they allow groups to break
up, so that one person can stand on line while the others wait elsewhere with
the kids.
And if you’re willing to break bedtime just this
once, the falls are also a sight to behold at night.
Williamsburg, Virginia
DRIVE TIME FROM NYC: 7 Hours
Talk
about a great family destination! My kids go nuts over Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, a European theme park where Elmo abounds and a new
indoor/outdoor coaster, all about the autobahn, launches riders this season.
While
older and taller kids enjoy thrill rides such as the Griffon and the Loch Ness Monster (you won’t believe the loops!),
little ones can spend most of their time in the Sesame Street Forest of Fun,
cooling off in the water area and taking pictures with their hosts Elmo, Ernie,
Bert and Cookie Monster.
History-loving families will also enjoy the sights and
activities of nearby Colonial Williamsburg, where broods can learn about
everything from the Revolutionary War to handmade bricks. Kids gravitate towards
the war re-enactments, battle scenes and observing the soldiers set-up in camps
along the lawns in the center of town.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
DRIVE TIME FROM NYC: 1.5 Days
This
was the first road trip my family ever took together. With drives through
cities such as Chicago, Madison as well as Minneapolis—you are bound to have
an endless to-do list of family fun, including a stop to check out the Jolly
Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN and the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. And let’s not forget
about the breathtaking Black Hills, the Badlands and Mount Rushmore, all in South Dakota.
When
you finally arrive in Wyoming, you’ll realize that Yellowstone in and of itself is
full of natural beauty and wildlife that can take you days to get through. Don’t
miss the Mammoth Hot Springs as well as the famous geyser, Old Faithful.
For
camping, I highly recommend the KOA Campsite in Yellowstone, where amenities such
as warm breakfasts and laundry are available, as well outdoor campsites and
fire pits for s’mores. Just beware—temperatures, even during the summer months,
can go as low as 30 degrees at night. So bundle up!
Carol Cain blogs about her travel and food adventures in New York City and beyond at NYCityMama.com.
