7-Day Family Road Trip from Toronto: Exploring Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and New York with Indian Parents and Kids

Day 1: Travel to Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Toronto

Begin your road trip early morning heading south towards Philadelphia to maximize your day. Ensure to have snacks and comfort stops planned.
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3:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Philadelphia and check into a family-friendly hotel like the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, centrally located for sightseeing and near the Indian community.
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4:00pm

Visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Philadelphia

Visit this beautiful Hindu temple that will resonate with your Indian parents and offer cultural insights for the kids; a peaceful start to the trip.
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6:00pm

Dinner at Sitar Indian Cuisine

Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine at Sitar, open until 10 pm, offering diverse vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes suitable for all ages.
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Day 2: Philadelphia Culture and Fun

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Reading Terminal Market

Visit this vibrant market to enjoy freshly made breakfast, with multiple options including Indian sweets and fresh juices.
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9:30am

Visit the Franklin Institute

Explore this renowned science museum that's fun and educational for kids and adults alike, open from 9:30am to 5pm.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Govinda’s Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful and nutritious vegetarian meal inspired by Indian flavors, open from 11:30am to 8:30pm.
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2:30pm

Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the ‘Rocky Steps’

Experience world art collections and a fun photo opportunity climbing the iconic steps, museum open until 5pm.
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5:00pm

Relax at Franklin Square Park Playground

Kids can enjoy the playground while adults relax in this historic square with beautiful views.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Tiffin Philly

Dine on delicious Indian street food-style dishes, perfect for sharing with the family.
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Day 3: Travel to and Explore Washington DC

Washington DC, USA on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast in Philadelphia before driving to Washington DC.
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9:00am

Drive from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Enjoy the scenic 2.5 to 3 hour drive south to the nation's capital.
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12:00pm

Check-in and quick lunch

Check into a centrally located family-friendly hotel such as the Residence Inn by Marriott near the National Mall, followed by a quick lunch at a nearby cafe.
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1:30pm

Visit the National Museum of Indian American Heritage

Engage with exhibits celebrating Indian American contributions and history, enriching for parents and educational for kids; check timing as it may vary.
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3:00pm

Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore fascinating exhibits of aviation and space exploration, very kid-friendly, open until 7pm on some days; verify specific times for your date.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Rasika West End

Celebrate authentic Modern Indian cuisine with family-friendly ambiance, a great dinner spot open until 10pm.
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Day 4: Washington DC Monuments and Fun

Washington DC, USA on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Start the day with fresh farm-to-table American breakfast options in a family-friendly environment, opens at 7am.
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9:30am

Visit the Indian Embassy Cultural Center (if open)

Explore Indian cultural exhibits and potentially attend events or spiritual sessions, check embassy schedules in advance.
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11:00am

Explore the National Mall Monuments

Walk around iconic monuments: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial which are inspiring for all ages.
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2:00pm

Lunch at Spice India Restaurant

Enjoy flavorful Indian cuisine with vegetarian options and kid-friendly dishes, open until 3pm.
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3:30pm

Visit the National Zoo

Spend an enjoyable afternoon with the kids at the Smithsonian National Zoo, home to pandas and many more animals; free entry, open 8am-5pm.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Café Tandoor

Relax with traditional Indian flavors in a family-friendly setting, open until 9pm.
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Day 5: Travel to New York City

New York City, New York, USA on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and prepare for the drive north to New York City.
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9:00am

Drive from Washington DC to New York City

Drive through scenic routes for approximately 4-5 hours, with planned stops for breaks and snacks.
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2:00pm

Check-in and quick lunch

Check into a family-friendly hotel near midtown Manhattan such as the Hilton Garden Inn, followed by a quick lunch at an Indian eatery close by.
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3:30pm

Visit the Hindu Temple Society of North America (Ganesh Temple)

A beautiful and serene temple to visit offering spiritual comfort for your Indian parents and a cultural experience for kids.
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5:00pm

Explore Central Park

Take a relaxing stroll or rent boats at the Central Park Lake; kids will enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces.
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7:30pm

Dinner at Saravanaa Bhavan

Savor South Indian vegetarian cuisine that is both authentic and kid-friendly, open until 10pm.
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Day 6: New York City Highlights

New York City, New York, USA on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Start your day with a convenient breakfast before sightseeing.
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9:00am

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Explore dinosaur fossils, the planetarium, and exciting interactive exhibits suitable for kids and adults, opens at 10am.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Bombay Palace

Enjoy a rich Indian lunch with diverse menu offerings and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
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2:00pm

Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Exciting military aircraft carriers and space shuttles that will fascinate kids and adults alike, open until 5pm.
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4:30pm

Walk along the High Line Park

Enjoy a scenic elevated park with gardens and city views – a relaxing activity close to evening time.
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6:30pm

Dinner at Junoon

Fine dining Indian cuisine with elegant décor, perfect for a memorable family dinner, open until 10pm.
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Day 7: Return to Toronto

New York City to Toronto on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast and check out from the hotel early to begin the journey back.
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9:00am

Drive from New York City to Toronto

Start your approximately 8-hour drive back home, planning breaks and lunch stops along the way.
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1:00pm

Lunch stop en route

Stop at a rest area or a family-friendly restaurant for a relaxing lunch break.
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5:00pm

Arrival in Toronto

Reach home safely completing a memorable family trip filled with culture, fun, and bonding.
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