My wife, 18 month old daughter, and I are going to visit several battlefields/historic areas in October: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Harpers Ferry. We plan to drive up by the main highways via Richmond but return through the Shenandoah Valley area. My tentative plans are to spend 1 1/2 days in the Fredericksburg area, close to 2 days around Sharpsburg/Harpers Ferry, and at least two at Gettysburg.

My questions are:
1. Does this itenarary work? Am I giving enough time to each place (I just don't know how long it takes to see these sites in at least some detail)?

2. Other than Kings Dominion (at which we may stop for half a day), are there any other things in those areas that my 18th month old?

3. How are the trails around the battlefields? Will I need a backpack type carrier for my daugther, or can I get by with a stroller in many situations?

Hi, Dan,

I'm no expert on this, but I did visit Gettysburg twice. The first time was with my oldest daughter, who was maybe two or three then. We hired a private guide to help us tour in our car. It was OK, but not great, and my daughter was bored senseless the whole time. We didn't hike; we just took the tour, visited the museum and went home.

The second time was adults only, and it worked out much better. We hired a private guide again, and the guide we got was sensational -- Mike Phipps. You might ask for him when you reserve your guide. The tour was about half of a day.

Kings Dominion is a typical amusement park, so activities for young kids are somewhat limited. But they have a water park that your daughter should love, so bring your swimsuits.

Of the battlefields on your itinerary, I've only been to Gettysburg. My kids were pretty bored during the battlefield tour (we did the audio tape). They were then ages 8 and 10. The museum there was good but you will probably have trouble enjoying it with an 18 month old. There are many places along the tour to get out of the car and walk so you would probably manage fine with her there. I think you could manage a stroller but personally I would prefer the backpack. As to other things in Gettysburg- we stayed at the Quality Inn and they had a pool (outdoor was open but they had an indoor pool as well). Also took a carriage ride- touristy but fun for the kids. I also remember ads for some sort
of miniature horse farm. It could be the biggest tourist trap ever, but usually with a toddler you don't have to worry that they'll be too critical. Good Luck!

Sharpsburg battlefield is actually well done and understated compared to Gettysburg. You will enjoy it.

Kings Dominion is not a place for an 18 month old baby. October will be cold, too cold, for bathing suits. There is not alot there for an 18 month old to enjoy. You don't finish question 2, so I'm not sure what you're asking.

Dan
Many years ago we did this trip. Some places only need a couple of hours. The Park Service does a good job of presenting the battlefields. A stroller will do (you may of course want to hike into the remote part of the battlefields)
I would add Appomattox to your list. A good plan is to base in Richmond for many of the Battlefields (Petersburg is good too) then head up to Gettysburg via Anteitam. (don't forget Manassas too).
There is lots to see at Gettysburg and if you want to see some Pennsylvania Dutch it's nearby.
How much time do you have? I would say except for Gettysburg (2 days minimum), all the sites can be seen in a few hours. Your time will be spent getting from place to place.
Avoid the interstate highways if at all possible. You will be traveling in some of the most beautiful countryside around.
Avoid Kings Dominion (if it's open).
Good luck.

Thanks for the information. I guess I didn't finish #2. I did it during lunch, and my wife called in the midst of it. We probably won't go to Kings Dominion. I have been there at least three times many years ago. We may visit Hersheypark in Pennsylvania. Actually, I think my daughter will enjoy most of the trip, but possibly spending so much time riding. She is an extremely inquisitive little girl and absolutely loves being outside, so I think she will enjoy most of it. Museums - maybe not. My wife can take her outside for a while, since she is not into history as much as me. Probably will save Manassas for another trip, but if I have time I will include it on this one. Already went to Appomattox and the Richmond battlefields a few years ago.

Any opinions on Hersheypark or any other child-friendly attractions near Gettysburg or Sharpsburg?

There is a very understated cavern within ten minutes of Sharpsburg. Within twenty miles or so is Harpers Ferry, a very scenic and historic town. It was site of John Brown's uprising in 1859 (Brown was captured nearby by Colonel Robert E. Lee and eventually hanged nearby, I believe). Harpers Ferry was also site of a very important Stonewall Jackson envelopment which resulted in the capture of 13000 Yankee soldiers. Near the site of the Sharpsburg battlefield, a Southern sympathizer has just bought a large parcel of land dedicated to the memory of the Army of Northern Virginia. Mammoth statues of General Lee and General Jackson are in the works. One warning about this part of Maryland. It is undergoing great change and is part of the suburban sprawl that is part of Washington DC's rural landscape.

Hershey Park is wonderful. It is an "older" amusement park next to the Hershey Factory (by all means go on the factory tour). It is not huge but has enough to occupy you and is great for little kids. Other things to do in the area are Penns Dutch/Amish museums etc. It's a big tourist area.

Great information guys. Just what I was looking for. Looks like we got lucky with Hershey Park. It is generally closed when we are going but will be open in the evening for a couple of nights or so, and we can stop in at the zoo beforehand. I am taking a bag of film for the trip and hope to write up a photo travelogue for my Web site when I return.