With summer in full swing, many families are looking for fun and exciting ways to spend their time together. One of the most popular options is to take a road trip. There’s nothing quite like packing up the car, hitting the open road, and exploring new destinations with your loved ones. However, planning a kid-friendly road trip can be a challenge. It’s essential to find destinations that will keep everyone entertained, from the youngest child to the adults in the car. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing kid-friendly road trips near most major cities that will do just that. Here’s a list of ten of the best.
1. Great Lakes Seaway Trail
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile scenic drive that starts in just outside of Buffalo, New York, and winds its way along Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns, historic sites, and gorgeous natural scenery. Kids will love visiting Niagara Falls, exploring the Adirondacks, and checking out the lighthouses and maritime museums along the route.
2. The Pacific Coast Highway
Stretching over 660 miles from San Francisco to San Diego, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most iconic road trips. This route hugs the coast, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and beautiful beaches. Some highlights for kids and adults alike include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
3. Route 66
Route 66 is perhaps the most famous road trip route in America. Spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, this drive takes you through the heart of America’s west. Along the way, you’ll see classic attractions like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Kids will love the sense of adventure and history that comes with traveling Route 66.
4. The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a unique and beautiful destination, and a road trip through the islands is an unforgettable experience. Starting in Miami, you’ll travel down the Overseas Highway, which spans over 100 miles and crosses dozens of bridges and islands. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, wildlife viewing, and exploring charming seaside towns.
5. The Black Hills
The Black Hills of South Dakota are home to some of America’s most iconic sights, including Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. But there’s plenty more to see in this region, including the picturesque small town of Deadwood, the stunning Badlands National Park, and the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. Kids will love the opportunity to learn about Native American history and explore the great outdoors.
6. The Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is a scenic region that’s perfect for a family road trip. You’ll find charming small towns like Fredericksburg and Bandera, wineries and breweries, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Alamo in San Antonio or to explore the natural beauty of the Guadalupe River.
7. The Great River Road
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from Wisconsin to Louisiana, covering more than 2,000 miles. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic river towns like Dubuque, Iowa, and Natchez, Mississippi, and see beautiful natural scenery like the bluffs of the Driftless Area and the bayous of Louisiana. Kids will love the opportunity to learn about the Mississippi River and its role in American history.
8. The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches over 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina. This route offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and passes through charming towns like Asheville, North Carolina. Kids will love the chance to hike and explore along the way, and there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and camping.
9. The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is a historic route that covers over 2,000 miles from Missouri to Oregon. Although much of the original trail has disappeared over the years, there are still plenty of historic sites and museums along the way that offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by pioneers on this journey. Kids will love learning about this important piece of American history.
10. The California Gold Country
The California Gold Country is a beautiful region that’s full of history and charm. This area was the site of the gold rush in the mid-1800s, and there are plenty of museums and historic sites that tell the story of California’s past. Kids will love the chance to pan for gold and explore old mining towns like Columbia and Placerville.
In conclusion, taking a road trip with your family is a fantastic way to spend time together and create lasting memories. No matter where you live, there are amazing kid-friendly road trips near you that will keep everyone entertained. From the stunning coastal views of the Pacific Coast Highway to the historic sites along the Oregon Trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack up the car and hit the road!
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