We will be in Friedrichshafen April 7-11, 2014. I am looking for day-trip ideas for a mom and 2 young teen girls. We will have access to a car. Thanks.
You might take a day trip on the ferry across the lake to Switzerland, and then take the short train ride to St Gallen.
Lindau, at a minimum.
http://www.bodensee.eu/?lang=2 has lots of information
First, be sure to see the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen. A day trip idea: visit Meersburg and then take the ferry across (either with the car or by foot) to visit Mainau Island. The gardens are beautiful and the butterfly houses are especially interesting.
Definitely the Zepplin Museum in Friedrichshafen. After that Mainau, Meersburg, and Lindau. All of these towns are linked by public transportation (most by boat, I think). One of the last places on the earth where I would feel it necessary to have a car.
Thanks for the ideas! Will check them out.