We have six beautiful kids ages 5;6;6;6;8;11 (triplets). We home-school them and came-up with the idea of a culminating event for the year to go from home (Orlando, Florida) to SanFrancisco and back this summer. However, money being tight, the only way we can afford it is to travel in our Toyota van and camp! We just bought a tent; sleeping bags; lantern;stove;etc.Any ideas out there on where to go, what to do,things to avoid ,etc???

I see you posted this in Jan.'09 and I just joined today...wasn't sure if you got your answers already. I am a mother of 6 as well and we just stopped homeschooling last year . I live in PA and we are driving cross country this summer to visit my brothers in Los Angeles, CA and stopping on the way over and on the way back. It is a 23 day trip. We usually travel 18 to 21 days because I am employed FT at 2 different jobs and a week vacation will not allow me to enjoy my kids. I think your idea to get out there and travel with the kids is a great educational tool. Of course camping is the best as well, although the car may be smelling by the 5th or 6th day depending on precipitation and mud. But what the heck, that's part of the experience. Have you booked your campsites yet? State parks are the best and sometimes the cheapest. There are other campsites that have more defined programs and activities for families but if you do you research and book early, you can probably mix and match and come up with a cool itinarary. Use the free programming at the state and national parks and make sure to get the special activities/booklets for the kids. Many parks have the junior ranger programs. Have you mapped out musuems, festivals and children's activities in all the states you are stopping over in?

Are you looking for camping spots along the way? Not sure what route you're taking, but if you stop in at Gulf Shores/Orange Beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast, there are some great camping spots there. My family loves camping there. If you're interested, check this web site for more information: www.thebeachiscalling.org.