Anonymous wrote:I have done this drive with my kids (who are now 7 and 10) so, so many times. Be prepared that traffic alone can make this a 7-8 hour drive even if you never leave the car. We have taken alternate routes when traffic looks especially bad.
Otherwise, I agree with PPs, just drive as long as you can and stop at rest areas. There are places in northern Maryland, Delaware, and NJ.
+1 We've started doing this drive at 7 p.m., so the kids sleep through most of it...It's hard on us as parents, but it's easier than the traffic and the constant stopping.