Should we drive with toddlers?

[molly2004]

DH and I are driving with the kids (DS2 & DS2) to Ohio this summer from Boston for a family reunion. I want to drive without stopping overnight. DH says no, we need to stop for the kids' sake (that puts us at Rochester, NY).

Mapquest says it's about a 12.5 ride straight through. I know that going with kids will require lots of stops to run around, etc. So would it be realistic to plan on 15 hours for the ride? We'll be going June 30 through July 5; should I plan for more time due to holiday traffic?

If money weren't an issue, we should stay overnight somewhere. But as things stand, I can't find a decent place to stop. I have a hard time paying $90-100 a night for a motel (no luck with priceline or hotwire). I've even considered camping, but state campsites in NY state require a 2 night minimum.

What should we do? Help! I'm going crazy trying to figure this thing out. Help me help me!

 

[Samar]

If you're leaving at night, you might be able to eek out a straight drive but if they wake up, it's definitely better to stop. DH is anti-stopping but once the kids kept shrieking at each other for miles, I made him pull over to let them stretch their legs so they'd pipe down.

I don't have any hotel suggestions but if you can feed them dinner and change their diapers (if they're not potty trained) before heading out, I think you're good to go.

 

[ellenmiele]

I have always found it's better to travel at night, whenever possible. If your kids sleep well in the car and you think they'd sleep thru the night then definitely go at night - as long as you and your DH can take turns with the driving. There will be less traffic, it won't be so hot, you won't have to worry about sun glare, and it will probably take just about the time that mapquest says.