Family Road Trip for New Yorkers

-By Brie Latini

Our car is the chariot that leads my family to adventure. If there's a place to go, we use our four wheels to get there, and there is nothing we enjoy more than a one-day road trip. My husband, Pete, and I have a four year old son, PJ, so a perfect day is one that is full of adventure but still ends in our own beds!�

One of our favorite day trips is a visit to the Liberty Science Center. Located just off of the NJ Turnpike in Jersey City, NJ, the Liberty Science Center is tucked into the lovely Liberty State Park and offers 300,000 square feet of opportunities to learn, build, imagine and dream. While a science museum might sound overwhelming, the LSC offers exhibits for learners as young as two and as old as?well, a mom or dad! The exhibits are ever-changing, so you can visit a number of times and see something new each visit. �With a caf� and a gift shop, you can fill your belly and shopping bags as well as your brain!�

The LSC is a short drive if you live in the North Jersey/NYC area, but if you are from the Philadelphia/South Jersey area, the drive is about an hour and a half. Delaware residents and routes from the west will enjoy a two-hour ride. I promise that it's worth the trip, but here's a few tips to make sure your ride is safe and enjoyable:�

1. Goodness knows that my GPS and I are BFF's, but when I have never been to the area I'm heading towards, I make sure I look over the directions before we head out. Even though the GPS will read them to me step-by-step, I prefer to look them over in case there is a confusing bit, or worse, the GPS is way off (which happens!).�

2. If you don't have an EZ Pass, have the money for tolls within easy reach, or designate a passenger to have the money ready when a toll approaches. This will help avoid scrambling in your purse or wallet and keep your attention on the road.�

3. Print out the map of the Liberty Science Center (or whatever your destination might be) and pre-choose what exhibits and sights you really want to see or would consider skipping. See if there are any lives shows and think about when you would attend them. IF you have babies or small children, perhaps mark down where the bathrooms, changing stations, and nursing rooms are.�

4. Also use that maps to assess parking. Make sure you have a safe place to park your car, and make sure to account for any parking fees and have cash available.�

For more information, visit www.lsc.org. Have a great trip!�