Plan Your Boston to Washington DC Road Trip With Kids
The Boston to Washington DC road trip along the Northeast Corridor covers 440 miles of American history. This route passes through Hartford, New Haven, New York City area, Philadelphia, and Baltimore - each with excellent family stops. SmartStops helps you navigate this busy corridor with kids.
Route Stats
440 miles
Total Distance
7-8 hours driving
Drive Time
3-4 stops
Recommended Stops
9-11 hours (with stops)
Total Trip Time
Spring or Fall
Best Season
Recommended Stops with Playgrounds
Stop 1: Hartford, CT
100 miles from Boston • 1.5-2 hours from start
Elizabeth Park - Rose garden with playground areas
Shell, Mobil along I-84
Story and Soil, Starbucks
First major stop after leaving Boston. Beautiful park with well-maintained facilities.
Stop 2: New Haven, CT
140 miles from Boston • 2.5 hours from start
East Rock Park - Nature playground with hiking trails
Shell, Sunoco near Yale
Willoughby's, Blue State Coffee
Great for a longer break. Yale campus is walkable with kids, and nearby pizza is legendary.
Stop 3: Trenton/Princeton, NJ
280 miles from Boston • 4.5-5 hours from start
Princeton Community Park - Shaded playground with pond
Wawa, Quick Chek along US-1
Small World Coffee, Starbucks
Perfect lunch stop. Princeton's downtown is charming and walkable with family-friendly restaurants.
Stop 4: Philadelphia, PA
310 miles from Boston • 5-5.5 hours from start
Smith Memorial Playground - Historic adventure playground
Wawa, Sunoco throughout city
La Colombe, Starbucks
Consider an overnight here. Smith Memorial Playground is legendary - kids can spend hours exploring.
Stop 5: Baltimore, MD
400 miles from Boston • 7 hours from start
Patterson Park - Large playground with observatory views
Royal Farms, Wawa nearby
Ceremony Coffee, Starbucks
Last major stop before DC. Inner Harbor is great for a family dinner.
Tips for This Route
Best Time to Leave Boston
Leave very early (before 6 AM) or wait until after 9 AM. I-95 through Connecticut and the NYC area is brutal during rush hour.
Weather Considerations
Northeast weather is variable - pack layers year-round. Summer can be humid, winter may bring snow. Spring and fall are ideal for this trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
NYC-area traffic (I-95 through Connecticut to NJ) can add 2+ hours. Consider George Washington Bridge vs. Verrazano - check traffic apps. Budget extra time and money for tolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Boston to Washington DC take with kids?
Plan for 9-11 hours with stops. The drive is 7-8 hours without stops, but NYC-area traffic often adds 1-2 hours. Consider splitting over 2 days with a stop in Philadelphia.
Where should I stop between Boston and Washington DC?
Best stops are Hartford (1.5-2 hrs), New Haven (2.5 hrs), Princeton (4.5-5 hrs), Philadelphia (5-5.5 hrs), and Baltimore (7 hrs). Philadelphia's Smith Memorial Playground is exceptional.
How do I avoid NYC traffic on this route?
You can't avoid it entirely. Options: Leave very early (before 6 AM), go through NYC late at night, or take I-287 around NYC (adds distance but may save time). Check traffic apps before entering the NYC area.
Plan This Route in SmartStops
Get turn-by-turn directions to every playground and family stop along your Boston to DC journey.