13 Best Family Road Trips to Take with Kids

Family road trips give everyone a chance to unplug and enjoy time together. There is something exciting about packing up the car and heading out on the open road. You can make memories that kids will talk about for years. Take a look at these ideas to help you plan your next family adventure.

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Pacific Coast Highway, California

The Pacific Coast Highway offers one of the most scenic drives in the country, stretching along California’s coastline. Starting from San Francisco and heading south to Los Angeles takes about 6 to 8 hours without stops. Families can enjoy beach stops, tide pools, and even elephant seals near San Simeon. There are also kid-friendly attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The route passes through small towns and state parks, perfect for stretching legs and enjoying picnics. Kids will love spotting sea otters, playing on sandy beaches, and visiting the famous pier in Santa Monica. Rest stops with ocean views help break up the drive. Bring snacks, sun hats, and plenty of water for a relaxed road trip.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia

This scenic drive winds through the Appalachian Highlands, linking the Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park. The drive from Asheville to Roanoke takes around 5 hours, not counting the many stops you might want to make. Families can enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and kid-friendly visitor centers along the route. There are also chances to see wild turkeys, deer, and mountain views.

The pace is slow and peaceful, which makes it easier to travel with young kids. Stop by the Blue Ridge Music Center or the Folk Art Center for cultural breaks. Picnic areas and short nature trails make good spots for meals and playtime. It is a relaxed drive filled with nature and quiet moments.

Route 66, Illinois to California

Route 66 is a classic American road trip filled with quirky stops and roadside attractions. Traveling the full route from Chicago to Santa Monica can take several days, but shorter sections near major cities are perfect for families. Kids will love the odd museums, giant statues, and old-school diners along the way. Popular stops include the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Route 66 Museum in Oklahoma.

You can plan stops around fun motels and drive-in theaters to keep the ride exciting. Many spots offer photo ops and fun snacks to break up the trip. Drive for a few hours each day and let kids explore at each stop. This route makes the journey itself just as fun as the destination.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone offers geysers, wildlife, and wide-open spaces perfect for family exploring. It is about a 5-hour drive from Salt Lake City, making it manageable for a long weekend. Kids can spot bison, elk, and possibly even bears from safe distances. Popular attractions include Old Faithful and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Junior Ranger program is great for keeping kids engaged during hikes and walks. You can take scenic drives and stop at picnic areas throughout the park. Campgrounds and lodges give families flexible places to stay. Always bring layers since the weather can change quickly.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee to North Carolina

The Smokies are known for their misty views, gentle trails, and family-friendly activities. From Knoxville, it is about a 1-hour drive to reach the park’s main entrances. Families can enjoy short hikes to waterfalls and scenic drives through the forest. Cades Cove offers a chance to spot deer, bears, and wild turkeys.

There are several visitor centers with exhibits designed for kids. During summer, there are guided programs and crafts for children. You can bring bikes for loop rides or go tubing in nearby rivers. It is a peaceful and fun place to slow down and explore nature.

Badlands and Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

This route takes you through the alien-like rock formations of Badlands National Park to the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore. From Rapid City, it is about a 1-hour drive to reach the Badlands. Kids can explore fossil exhibits, walk boardwalk trails, and enjoy ranger programs. Mount Rushmore adds a touch of history and fun with its evening light shows.

The nearby town of Keystone has mini golf, candy shops, and small museums. Custer State Park is close and has wildlife drives with bison herds. These stops break up the drive and keep kids entertained. Try to visit in late spring or early fall for cooler weather.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a classic family trip with plenty to do and see. It is about a 6 to 7-hour drive from New York City, making it a good weekend escape. Families can ride the Maid of the Mist boat, visit the Aquarium, and walk along the observation decks. The falls themselves are exciting for all ages.

At night, the falls are lit with colorful lights, which is a fun sight for kids. The area has lots of walking trails, souvenir shops, and easy places to eat. You can also cross into Canada if your passports are ready. Be prepared to get a little wet, especially near the base of the falls.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

This national park is about a 2-hour drive from Denver, making it easy for a short trip. Kids can explore lakes, spot elk, and take part in the Junior Ranger program. The scenic Trail Ridge Road offers amazing views with several spots to pull over. Bear Lake is a popular, family-friendly hiking area.

Summer is the best time to visit since many roads close in winter. The town of Estes Park nearby has kid-friendly shops and food stops. Wildlife is often visible from the road, so bring binoculars. Cooler weather and mountain air make it a refreshing break.

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches is filled with massive rock arches and red rock trails that feel like a playground for kids. From Salt Lake City, it takes around 4 hours to reach the park. Families can walk short trails to see Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock. There are many flat paths that are safe for younger children.

Early morning is the best time to visit due to the heat. Moab is nearby and has good places to eat, rest, and explore. Bring lots of water and sun protection for the whole family. The scenery is unique and makes a lasting impression.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia combines forest trails, ocean views, and rocky shores in a peaceful setting. It is about a 3-hour drive from Portland, Maine. Families can explore tide pools, ride bikes on carriage roads, and hike easy trails like Jordan Pond. Sand Beach offers a place to relax and let kids play.

Bar Harbor is nearby with restaurants, ice cream shops, and casual walks. You can take a scenic drive up Cadillac Mountain for great views. Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit. The park has activities for kids of all ages.

Lake Tahoe, California to Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a great road trip destination filled with mountain views and lakefront fun. From Sacramento, it takes around 2 hours to drive to the lake. Families can enjoy swimming, paddle boating, and short hikes around the shore. In winter, there are snow parks and sledding areas for kids.

There are plenty of public beaches with easy access and picnic spots. South Lake Tahoe has shops and casual restaurants for family meals. You can rent bikes or just enjoy a walk along the lakeside trails. The area has activities in every season.

Florida Keys, Florida

The drive through the Florida Keys offers ocean views, sunny skies, and fun stops for kids. From Miami to Key West takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by car. Along the way, you can stop at aquariums, beaches, and outdoor museums. The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the highlights of the drive.

Kids can snorkel, look for fish, and enjoy ice cream stops in small towns. There are many beach parks that are perfect for a rest. Dolphins Plus in Key Largo offers hands-on programs for kids. This road trip feels like a tropical getaway without leaving the country.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon offers amazing views, safe lookouts, and family-friendly hiking options. From Flagstaff, it is about a 1.5-hour drive to the South Rim. Families can walk the Rim Trail, visit visitor centers, and watch the canyon change colors at sunset. The Junior Ranger program keeps kids engaged during the visit.

Nearby towns like Williams and Tusayan have food, lodging, and fun stops for kids. Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds. You can even take a short train ride from Williams to the canyon. Be sure to keep kids close at viewpoints for safety.

Road trips are a great way to bond as a family and explore new places at your own pace. Kids enjoy the excitement of travel, and parents can relax knowing the fun starts as soon as the car pulls away. Each route brings something special to the experience.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.