Hi everybody. I'm new to the forum and although I'm not new to road trips, I might as well be. I think my last trip was in college. Now I'm married with a 7 1/2 yo. I'd like to take her to California this summer. I have friends scattered from Venice to Cupertino so flying and renting a car would be fine I suppose except for the cost involved. Plus I'm thinking grand canyon, Indian reservations...on the way there. I'm looking for advice big time. Ruby, my daughter, is a Waldorf kid so she's not going to be watching videos in the backseat but she's easy to entertain and doesn't mind being in the car (we routinely drive 3 1/2 hrs to see family in Dallas, sometimes in the same day). Are there places to stop along the way for someone her age? My husband is working so it would just be us 2...is that safe? I really want to instill in her a love of the land and of road trips. I see it as a great way to bond with my daughter and to visit friends she's never met. I'm open to all ideas which is why I came here, to the experts! We have no date restrictions, was thinking July, and want to spend as little as possible (I will be packing a cooler). Thanks for reading...gratitude in advance for tips and advice!