We were going to take the train between DC and NYC because we are traveling with a two year old and an 8 month old. However, because there are four adults the cheapest roundtrip price is almost $700. Even factoring in car rental, gas, tolls, parking for the one night we will be in NYC, DH hit the roof and is determined to drive. So I am wondering about some good pit stop ideas along the way to let the girls get out of their seats.

On the way up we will be leaving in the early morning so parks, beaches, even cemetaries are great ideas...just anyplace close to the route that they can run. On the way home we will be coming back on Saturday evening (leaving NY around 5 pm) so darkness is a factor as is the fact that malls (not my idea of a great time but for a toddler it provides great options) will be closed. Any ideas?

This is only a 4 hour drive - if it were me I would stop once for a meal, let the 2 year old run around a bit, and stuff everyone back in the car. Put the 2 year old to bed the night before in comfortable daytime clothing - sweats, shorts, etc. In the AM when you leave, just roll him/her into car seat and off you go - our kids would go hardly wake up and sleep for another hour or so when we did that. Stop for breakfast - I would not bother looking for malls, cemetaries or parks - just the food/restroom area at a random rest stop will do it. They all have at least a small picnic area that will work - obviously being careful because of the traffic. (I95exitguide.com is a good resource).

On the way south, halfway makes it 7 PM and malls are still open at that hour on a Saturday - but I would do the same in reverse, stopping for dinner.

There are no beaches that I know of along a reasonable NY/DC route. I would select the fastest, most direct route and just get it over with - it is not really that far. (And I am with DH on this one - if it were me with 4 adults and 2 little kids, I would also drive)

It's a pretty fast drive, about 4-5 hours depending on traffic. Once you cross into Maryland, there's a huge Chesapeake welcome centre with plenty of area to walk around.

The Jersey Turnpike stops work hard to keep bathrooms clean, and most have plenty of room to run around.

I would aim for the first stop, just over th Delaware Memorial Bridge, to break the trip in two.

Gas is significantly cheaper in NJ than in any of the surrounding states, something to remember on your way back south.

Not anyone's idea of perfect, but some of the rest stops, especially on the Garden State Parkway, have McDonald's indoor play areas set up. I think that's your best bet.

We've stopped at Havre de Grace, MD, quick from the exit to where the Susquehanna River joins the bay. There is a lighthouse and, as you head southward down a board walkway along the waterfront, a small maritime museum and then a pleasure boat marina. Adjacent to the marina is a sizeable playground.

We've also stopped at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE, and just wandered around their quad area (which I believe is called the South Green), and then eaten at Deer Park Tavern, a casual restaurant in an historic inn (the kids loved the popcorn machine which you can help yourself to).