Traveling from DC to CT

[mamJms]

I'll be taking my 3 boys, ages 8 and under to CT... solo.
We've taken this trip every summer so I am familiar with the route but also know that it can be anywhere from 6-10 hours, depending on construction and traffic volume. Because I won't have a co-driver, I am looking to make this as painless as possible. My biggest concern is the time of day we leave in order to avoid, most if not all, rush hours. DC, BALTIMORE, PHILY, NJ and NY.

Would leaving at 2 or 3 am make the most sense?
Any free attractions/playgrounds along the way? 3 active boys really need to get their energy out.
All advice appreciated.

Driving from DC to Mystic, CT

~ MamaT

[njnorsky]

I'm assuming you're leaving during a weekday and that's the reason for the rush hour concerns.
I'd also suggest, if you're not already doing it, to take the Garden State Parkwy to I-87/287 and take the Tappan Zee Bridge, avoiding the George Washington Bridge and NYC completely.

In my opinion it might be best for you to leave around 6 AM. This would allow you to beat the DC and Baltimore rush hours and get you into the NJ/NY metro area traffic late morning / early afternoon depending on stops. You could also probably make it past Bridgeport, Stanford and New Haven by late afternoon prior to the evening rush. Taking the Meritt Parkway in CT, is another option.