lisselav

My family (2 kids 6,8) plan to travel from NJ to Boston by car. Leave NJ July 26th and would like to be in BOS by July1 (although flexible) so that we can have a few days in Boston. (Leave BOS July5)

Initially planned to go to NJ - Niagara Falls (US side) - Boston; but have been scared aware reading opinions on other forums re: drive time. Family has never been to Falls or Boston.

Any suggestions on where to stop along the way? Ideally would like a place that would be relaxing, had nature activities, fun for kids, and easy. Don't want to have to coordinate tons of logistics. Have heard Lake George or Finger Lakes was good stop d

Any suggestions appreciated.

BigRuss

No matter where you are in Jersey, you shouldn't be more than 5 hours from Boston. That's a day's drive even if you're as far south in NJ as to be in the Philly metro area. From the furthest points of NJ to Niagara Falls, you're about 6.5 to 7 hours' drive away. From the closest points in NJ, you're still 5.5 hours from Niagara Falls.

It takes 7.5 hours from Niagara to Boston.

tomfuller

Save the Niagara Falls trip until you all have passports.
The Canadian side is better IMO.
If you are looking for a stop in between try either Mystic CT or Groton CT for the US Submarine Museum. There is a self guided tour through the USS Nautilus.

bachslunch

Good suggestions from tomfuller. In Mystic, consider seeing the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport, which is a fun and very full day.

Old Sturbridge Village might also make sense for both the kids and adults.

Ackislander

Your problem may be finding a place to stay in Boston over the 4th of July holiday. Boston hotels are always expensive and the 4th is a huge deal because of the Esplanade concerts and fireworks. If you could get in, the Marriott Long Wharf is a great place to stay that weekend with kids. All sorts of boats around, and a terrific pool. And I say this as a non-Marriott fan. Worth seeing Paul Revere's House nearby, not epworth seeing the Boston Teaparty Museum.

If you drive via 95, Mystic is a good place to stop and walk around, even if you don't go to Mystic Seaport. If you drive via 91, 84, and the MassPike, Sturbridge Village is good for the same reason. There is a Dinosaur State park on your route in Connecticut that is probably even better for that age group.

In Boston, the Science Museum has a lot for kids that age. The Harvard Natural History Museums are like museums used to be: jewels, stuffed animals, and the glass flowers. Nearby is Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage.

SusieQQ

You could stop at the US Submarine Museum and then head over to Block Island. Or go to Cape Cod. The National Seashore has bike trails all throughout and lots of other things to do there. We always went to Provincetown.

I disagree about Mystic. I tried taking my kids there and also some cousins from Germany and none of them had an interest in it.

lisselav

Thank you all for your suggestions so far. Hotel in Boston is already booked (near Prudential Center) for the 1st-5th so that's not a concern. We were just waffling on what to with 4-5 days of travel we have from NY to Boston. I'll look into the US Submarine Museum.

emalloy

If your kids are into theme parks with glitzy rides, then Mystic Seaport will not be for them. If they want to see how things were in the late 1800s with people demonstrating how ships are rigged, blacksmith makes items for use, coopers make barrels, or see historic ships being repaired (the Mayflower 2 is in the dry dock and being totally restored now) then it might be of interest.

The Mystic Aquarium is definitely one that most folks would find interesting with both outside and inside displays as well as training shows.

Both are not inexpensive for a one day trip. We've had memberships at both over the years and have engaged kids and grandkids, but we can go for a couple of hours and then back a few weeks later for a couple of hours so the kids don't tire out and can explore at a nicer pace. My experience at other museums of this type is that for kids you need to match their style.

One museum that is about 20 minutes from Mystic is the Native American Museum at Foxwoods Casino it is on the reservation but not part of the casino complex. Do check the hours they are open before you venture up.

SusieQQ

"If your kids are into theme parks with glitzy rides, then Mystic Seaport will not be for them"....

My kids enjoy all type of travel and have been all over the world, so don't jump to conclusions, emalloy!