C.G.
Hi E.,
My husband and I take our kids on the very same road trip you are planning every summer. I have a 11 year old boy, and twins that are 5. We have made this trip since the 11 year old was one. So, speaking from experience this is what we do. The dvd is great but since your little one can't handle the headphones you will have to put it thru your radio and listen to Barney and other shows to keep sane. You will have to do this until they are about 3 or 4 but its worth it. Also, lots of snacks some healthy and some that are crunchy like goldfish, cheezits etc. Water bottles, sippy cups work well. Stop about every 2 and a half hours to stretch your legs and let them run around. We find rest areas are perfect to get some energy out. We do McDonalds for almost all meals just for convenience and we know what we are getting.
We also play lots of I spy. We also say find the animals in farm country.
My husband and I keep track of other states license plates. We write them down on a paper and see how many we see on I-35. We trade drivers every stop to keep from getting overtired.
We go I-35 to Wichita, KS. Toll road to Emporia, KS. Go around Kansas City on I-435 as I-35 is a nightmare in city center to drive. Drive to Hwy 152 to get on I-35 again and that is a much better drive. Continue on I-35 until you get to Minneapolis.
We leave July 8. We have stayed in Wichita, Emporia and Olathe KS, Cameron, Missouri. Depending on what time you start out depends on where to spend the night.
We aren't getting an early start so we probably will be staying our first night around Wichita, KS. When we do get a morning start we try to get to Cameron, Missouri.
Hope this helps and you have a good trip. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
C.