I would certainly try to avoid as much of I-95 as possible. Here are some ways to consider, in ascending order of usefulness but also complexity:

1. If you don't have and EZ Pass, get one. Ditto, GPS. Learn how to do the detour function.

2. Stay off I-95 in the area of the Maryland and particularly the Delaware tolls. There are parallel routes closer to the Bay. The Delaware tolls, which are still under construction, are a particular nightmare.

3. Avoid I-95 altogether in Maryland and Delaware by crossing the Bay at Annapolis and taking US highways to the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

4. Take the Jersey Turnpike rather than I-295. It gets less traffic because it has tolls.

5. Skip all the congestion on I-95-NJTP by taking the ferry from Lewes, DE to Cape May and following the Garden State Parkway nort.

I have no idea where you are going on Long Island, but whichever bridge you take, you will want to listen to the traffic reports on WINS AM 1010 every ten minutes. They are invaluable.

Finally, pack lots of snacks and playthings for the kids. The rest areas will be madhouses.

Many offices are closed on the 24th - so I think a lot of the traffic will be out of the way - with people having traveled on the night of the 23rd.

I would still avoid afternoon hours - from noon to 6 pm through the city and onto Long Island - so I would start very early - to try to beat those people still working on Friday.

Thanks for your suggestions! Commack area is where we are headed. So NYTRAVELER you think 24th Fri morning would be better than night of 23rd? That is what I was considering too.
Thanks!!

I would leave about 6 am on the 24 and you should be already on the island before those people who are working on the 24th leave the office at 1 pm. One of my SIL's B's does the same trip several times a year and he always does the very early am start. (Frequently the little kids will go back to sleep in the car from 6 to 8 and and then you make a quick breakfast stop).

Ackislander: Thank you for all the details! I appreciate all the tips and will have my husband look it over and see which suggestions fit us best. We are headed to the Commack area. Thanks again!