What are some of the best family-friendly vacation spots within driving distance?

[lrfox]

I'd skip Northern NE in April. Springs the worst time of year up there. It's "mud season," (though there are still chances for major storms) and lots of the businesses that cater to tourists aren't open. It may be boring for the kids. Some ski towns will be active still, but probably winding down this year unless winter gets serious in February and March. North Conway, Bethel, Maine, Stowe VT, and Lincoln NH are all great. Spring skiing is a fun atmosphere but the sticky wet snow is a challenge for beginners (and leg burning for experienced skiers).

Washington DC is one of our favorites because there's so much free stuff to do. It's really only a 6.5-7 hour drive (we always stop for Pizza in Manhattan to break it up) and there are enough hotels and vacation rentals to make it affordable. It's not outdoorsy like the mountains, but with the National Mall and the pedestrian friendly layout (and milder April weather) you'll find yourself walking a lot. DC isn't as overwhelming and crowded as New York or even Boston.

If you're really looking for outdoors, the beaches of Delaware or Maryland may be an option, you won't be swimming, but the weather in April will be a little more cooperative than Cape Cod which could still be a gamble at that point. Cape Cod may even be worth chancing, but again, you never know what Mid April is going to look like.

Also consider a place like Quebec City. It'll still be cold in April, but it's a beautiful place. Use the historic and gorgeous old city as a jumping off point for the region which is a natural gem. There are lots of Mountains, activities along the St Lawrence River and Montmorency Falls which is gorgeous.

[chicagoliz]

Originally Posted by lrfox

Washington DC is one of our favorites because there's so much free stuff to do. It's really only a 6.5-7 hour drive (we always stop for Pizza in Manhattan to break it up) and there are enough hotels and vacation rentals to make it affordable.

It's only 6.5 hours if you start the drive at 2AM on Sunday morning. It can easily be 9 hours. I used to do that drive all the time and I hated it. I'd also driven from DC to STL, which was 13 hours, but the drive was much less stressful and more pleasant overall. I used to say all the time I'd rather drive to St. Louis from DC rather than Boston as driving the whole Northeast corridor generally sucks.

That said, DC is a great option for April break. If you hit it when the Cherry Blossoms are out, there's nothing more beautiful. The weather is usually pretty good in April there, too.

I don't think any of the beaches from NJ to NC would be a great choice, especially with kids. It is still cold, and many of the local businesses are closed until May. If you're looking for seclusion and peace, they'd be great choices, but if you're looking for lots to do, I don't think they'd be good choices. Once you get even further south, the beaches are better options, but you're getting well over 6 hours there.