We're travelling from CT to Dewey Beach, DE via the Jersey Turnkpike. With two kids (10 & 5) in tow i'm looking for a stop to break up the trip. Any suggestions or hidden points of interest, good lunch/dinner spots, etc. that can be recommended? Even if it's in the obvious choice, Philadelphia - any great kid-friendly spots (I don't think the bell is going to cut it...)

Thanks!

What route are you taking? If you take the NJ Turnpike all the way to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, you will not go by Philadelphia... it would be out of your way. It is a strange part of 95. If you follow signs for 95 coming South you usually go over the Del-Mem Bridge and skip Philly, but if you follow signs for 95 going North it usually takes you right by Philly.

As for stops, I am here in DE an don't have a lot to offer. The most popular place I know of for kids is Red Robin, just off exit 3 in Delaware. It is a chain, obviously, but it is usually crowded with families enjoying their burgers. Other than that I don't have much to offer. I make the ride from Wilmington to Boston about 6 times each year and rarely get of the Turnpike.... just relying on rest areas if I need them.

One other tip is to try and fill the tank while in NJ. I find they usually have the cheapest gas prices between DE and MA... not always, but most of the time. I avoid the CT gas prices with a fervor. At least along 95, they are pretty high!

Enjoy your trip! I hope this was at least slightly helpful!

How about that sculpture park in Hamilton NJ?

It would be a big change to your route, but you could take US 9 instead of the turnpike all the way down to Cape May and then take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry over to DE. Then you'd have lots of options--Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Wildwood, Cape May--and the Ferry itself is a break. Or you could take 55 from the turnpike to Cape May. That goes by Millville and you could visit the WheatonArts glass blowing place:

http://www.wheatonarts.org/about

I agree with the Cape May - Lewes Ferry. It's really fun. (At least I thought so.)

Thanks for all those tips! The turnpike alternative sounds infinitely more interesting.

I will look up the details of the ferry - we're leaving on Thursday...I assume it's not crazy crowded and getting on won't be a gamble?

Again, thanks for those tips! I knew I could get great input here

I also highly recommend the ferry, it's a great ride. They do have a web-site and take reservations, which is probably a good idea for the summer. If you get there early, Cape May is a wonderful town to explore.

Have fun!

Thanks again for the ferry suggestion! The online booking was easy and our new travel route took us to Ocean City for a few hours. The kids enjoyed the boardwalk and rides and it broke up our trip -as did the ferry ride. We saw dolphins along the way and had a great dinner in Lewes - pizza at Half Full (does that sound right?) As I anticipated, it made the long day of driving much more enjoyable - thank you!

Thanks for reporting back Fuzzbo!!!