I like the idea of visiting some national parks in the same trip. Ever since my 4th grader got a year long pass for national parks last fall, she has been on my case to take her to Grand Canyon.Not sure the route you are going to take, but thats a great idea. It was a boring drive last year. I did Lafayette, In to La Junta, Co in one day. A nearly 1100 mile slog in 17 hours exactly. I took I74>I72>hwy36>I70 till Colorado then branched off to La Junta. Usually I just take I70 all the way from Indy, but wanted to change it up a little last year. The reason for the crazy day 1 miles was I wanted to get out there early to hit some National Parks and I only had limited days off work so I didn't want to spend all my time driving. I spent a few days at Great Sand Dunes NP and Mesa Verde NP before HIH8 started. Was worth the long haul!