Family vacations are always fun, and I-95 passes by some great destinations, but finding things to entertain everyone along the way is crucial to pulling off an unforgettable family-friendly vacation. Take the whole family on this road trip down I-95 filled with lots of things to see and do.
Waterparks are great for families (kids can slide and swim to their hearts' content while parents can unwind with a good book in a beach chair) and the Aquaboggan Waterpark in Saco, ME is not too far off I-95. It has attractions appropriate for smaller kids and older teens, and is a great way to spend an afternoon!
Zoos are awesome, and so are amusement parks... so a zoo/theme park is bound to be a good time for everyone! Yorks Wild Kingdom offers paddleboats, mini golf, a petting zoo, family rides, snacks, and tons more. Whether you're just looking for a quick break while on the road to keep the kids entertained, or you want to wear them out, this is a great stop.
Nothing like a hike to keep kids from getting too antsy during long stretches in the car! Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, MA is loaded with history (in the form of a 19th century family home) and scenic beauty (pine forests, meadows of flowers, and easy trails). Bring along a picnic and make an afternoon of a trip here!
What kid doesn't love dinosaurs? What adult doesn't, either, for that matter? Connecticut's Dinosaur State Park features a trackway of preserved dino footprints and fossils, plus great interpretive exhibits about the creatures that once ruled the Earth and the formation of fossils!
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The Beardsley Zoological Gardens features all kinds of animals, from leopards and sloths to monkeys and snakes, and so much more. The keepers really care about the creatures, and have loads of fun facts about them, plus there's a carousel and some other fun little attractions here worth checking out!
A different way to see wildlife (other than a zoo) is to check out a place like Rye's Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Once part of a massive amusement park called Playland, it's now a natural reserve where birds and other native creatures can hang out. Lakes, fields, forests, and more are criss-crossed by trails, so you can spot animals as you hike along! This is a great place to get a taste of nature before I-95 takes you into New York City.
The Bronx Zoo is pretty famous (it's the world's largest urban zoo, after all) and it's definitely worth a stop if your kids are fans of animals. There are 600 different species here, so if you do visit, budget plenty of time and pick out a few of your family's must-see exhibits out on a map so you can go in with a plan and keep everyone happy!
Take the kids out to the ballgame! New York is a baseball town, and for many kids, seeing a game at Yankee Stadium is a special memory. The new ballpark still retains some of the historic look of old Yankee Stadium, but is super modern and features tons of cool amenities and features. Cheer on the Yankees and enjoy a hot dog!
This indoor amusement park in Staten Island has a little something for everyone. Kids and a play place for the little ones, laser tag and batting cages for older kids, and bumper cars and an arcades for anyone in between. Buy some tokens and set the kids free in here for an afternoon of fun!
Rutgers Gardens has tons of beautiful nooks and crannies to explore, but the Bamboo Forest is one of the coolest places to visit. Originally intended to be a winter home for honeybees, the bamboo took over and grew into a dense woodland, which makes for a cool hike. You'll have to remind yourself that you're in New Jersey and not some far-off locale!
You're going to have to find a few hotels to stay at during your trip down I-95, and CoCo Key is one of the most kid-friendly. That's because it's got a sweet waterpark attached! Slides, pools, splash pads and more, plus an arcade and some great onsite dining make this a great place to stay with the family.
As you make your way into Maryland, treat the kids to a chance to sit behind the wheel... on a Go Kart, that is. They have a junior track for the younger kids, a family track for everyone, and a drift track for the more adventurous, and you'll get to take 10 thrilling laps on whichever you choose. Plus there's an arcade and mini golf, so you can wind down the adrenaline before getting back in the car and on the road.
If your kids loved the Yankees game, then they'll probably love seeing an Orioles game at Camden Yards, too. Baltimore is another town that loves its baseball, and the crowd here is sure to add to the experience of watching an Orioles game! Plus, the adults can find Maryland specialties, like crab cakes, here.
Located right on the Chesapeake Bay, the National Aquarium of Baltimore is a must-see for families with kids. It's the third-largest aquarium in the US, so plan to spend some time here. Their dolphin shows are especially fun!
If you're traveling with picky eaters, diners can be a life-saver. The menus are almost always kid-friendly and the fun atmosphere, with tabletop jukeboxes and bright decor, is always entertaining. Plus, the menu at Silver Diner features classic American grub, but it's healthy and locally-sourced!
Treat the kids (and yourself) to something sweet at Carl's Ice Cream in Fredericksburg. It's a local institution for a reason: it's cheap and it's delicious! Ask for a swirl on a cone with sprinkles, or get crazy with a shake or sundae.
As far as theme parks go, Kings Dominion is one of the best. And, since it's just off I-95, if your kids are really into roller coasters, it's worth spending a day exploring. There are huge coasters with loops and drops, Planet Snoopy and Dinosaurs Alive for the younger kids, even a Splash City! If you have really little ones, there's a "family house" that's super quiet with changing tables, high chairs, even TVs and couches!
Donuts make perfect road trip snacks, so stock up at Sugar Shack in Richmond. Kids will love the candy- and sprinkle-topped donuts, and grown-ups will appreciate the full espresso bar with locally-roasted beans.
Introduce kids to soul food at Mama J's Kitchen. If you can't talk them into sampling catfish, candied yams and collards, they'll love the mac and cheese, fried chicken and cornbread. Everything here is delicious, and you really can't go wrong ordering any of it... but don't fill up so much that you don't have room for dessert, because their cakes and bread puddings are incredible.
As you drive I-95 further south, you'll only find more delicious and authentic restaurants. Emporia is home to Wilson's BBQ & Grill. It's only a few minutes off the highway and it might look humble, but their food packs major flavor. The Carolina-style pork sandwich is a must, as are all of the many sides. On weekends, you'll find a full bar and live music, too!
There's plenty of fun for the whole family along I-95! From New York City to small towns in South Carolina, the kids will get to experience all kinds of new and exciting things along the way.
