Take the San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) out of Los Angeles, heading east to I-15.
Continue on I-15 north until you reach I-40. Take I-40 east to Arizona, stopping at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff for a guided tour and fun with interactive exhibits. The Museum of Northern Arizona is also here.
Follow I-40 east to Albuquerque. The many diversions here include the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and - always a favorite if the kids are in tow - the American International Rattlesnake Museum.
Stay on I-40 east to Amarillo, Texas, where you can ride the Texas Tornado at Wonderland Park, which also includes a miniature golf course and 30 other rides and attractions.
Continue on I-40 east to Oklahoma City. You won't want to miss the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center, which includes a Rodeo Hall of Fame and a collection of Western art, in addition to historic exhibits and artifacts relating to the pioneers and Native Americans.
Get on I-44 and head east into Missouri, taking I-70 outside of St. Louis. Consider a visit to the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo and the Gateway Arch, St. Louis' symbolic 630-foot gateway to the West.
Continue on I-70 east to Indianapolis, where racing fans can tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500. The Hall of Fame Museum here features winning race cars and other memorabilia. Tours are available when the track isn't in use.
Drive on I-70 east to Ohio. When you get to Columbus, visit Cosi Columbus, a huge interactive science center, the Columbus Zoo or the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden, which includes a 12,500-foot glass structure similar to London's Crystal Palace.
Stay on I-70 and continue to Pennsylvania and Maryland, then take I-270 south to just past Hagerstown. If the kids are along, stop at Rockville and see Imagine That, a wonderful children's museum with interactive exhibits and play centers.
Continue on I-270 south to I-495. It will take you to the heart of the nation's capital, home to the Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and much more.
