NJ to Ohio with a 3-year-old

[rjps]

I will be moving in the beginning of April, which will include a drive from Northern NJ (basically the beginning of I-80) to Columbus, OH. My 3-year-old will be coming with me. I want to break up the trip into two days with some attractions spread across the drive. Places where he can run around would be best. Does anyone have any suggestions of places to stop that are near the highway between those two places?

Thanks!

Rebecca

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Places to stop and relax are quite common along America's highway system, and you should have no difficulty finding places similar to those listed in that link no matter which way you go. In particular, you can drop into almost any small town and find a playground that your child will enjoy. You have your choice of two basic routes: I-80 to west of Youngstown, OH and then I-76/I-71 to Columbus; or else I-78 to Harrisburg, PA, I-81 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) to New Stanton, PA, and then I-70 to Columbus. I've driven both and would think that the I-80/I-76/I-71 routing would be more to your liking, as it is a bit more rural, has no toll roads, and should be a bit easier to follow. Half way on the two routes would be around Du Bois, PA on I-80 or Bedford, PA on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. In either case, two days will allow for a very leisurely drive with plenty of time out to walk and Plax in the parks along the way.

AZBuck

[evrogen]

I will be moving in the beginning of April, which will include a drive from Northern NJ (basically the beginning of I-80) to Columbus, OH. My 3-year-old will be coming with me. I want to break up the trip into two days with some attractions spread across the drive. Places where he can run around would be best. Does anyone have any suggestions of places to stop that are near the highway between those two places?

We moved from Northern NJ to Columbus in April, too...(joking with family that Ohio's not far...it's just 'out 80' a bit) with a 4 and 1 year old. We left in the late afternoon and stopped every two hours or so until the kids fell asleep. We just looked for rest areas with room to run and picnic. I hope you're enjoying the Columbus area!