Top 4 Family Road Trip Ideas

Vacationing with your family a fantastic way to bond, especially while your kids are still young. These are some of the most fun family road trips to build memories with your kids. 

1. Florida Keys Road Trip

Start in Miami where you can check out the Monkey Jungle and see 30 different kinds of monkeys before stopping by Everglades National Park to check out some reptiles. 

Other key stops along the way include Key Largo where you can check out dolphins and Islamorada, home to sea lions, sea turtles, and stingrays. Marathon is another stop you shouldn’t miss with its Turtle Hospital and guided rehabilitation tour. Your trip ends at Key West Florida where you can visit the Ernest Hemingway House and Key West Butterfly Conservatory.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is one of the best family road trips for lovers of natural landscapes. You can catch stunning vistas in both the spring and fall. The trip takes you from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are hiking trails and lookout points along the way where you can stop and enjoy nature’s finest scenes.

3. Route 66

Route 66 is one of the best family road trip ideas and covers a variety of historical buildings, roadside attractions, natural wonders, museums, and more. Family road trip ideas along Route 66 include: 

Chicago, Illinois

Stroll along Grant Park and Millenium Park or admire the architecture of Chicago by way of  river cruise. You can also stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk to explore the public gardens or sample the delicious food in nearby restaurants.

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is a beautiful place for history lovers. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Check out the Old State Capitol and take a refreshing walk in Washington Park Botanical Garden.

Sullivan, Missouri

Wildlife lovers will enjoy a visit to Riverside Wildlife Center while nature lovers can check out the views at Hilltop Lounge and Meramec State Park. Those traveling with younger kids can check out The Butterfly House and The Magic House Museum.

Carthage, Missouri

Stop by the Precious Moments Museum or, if you are a family of history buffs, the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum. Soak up the fresh air with a stroll through Carthage Municipal Park or Battle of Carthage State Park.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

See Tulsa River Park or catch a live show in one of the theaters. If you want to discover more historical artifacts, visit Gilcrease Museum. Science lovers can check out Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium.

Clinton, Oklahoma

Tour the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and stop by the Cherokee Trading Post to explore genuine Native American souvenirs. Families with younger kids can try the Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park.

Amarillo, Texas

Take some photos at the Cadillac Ranch and go back in time when you visit the Sixth Street Historic District. Nature lovers can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Tucumcari, New Mexico

Tucumcari is home to Mesalands Community College’s Dinosaur Museum—an attraction young kids will love. You can also check out Tucumcari Historical Museum for local exhibits.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Take a hot-air balloon flight over the city or mountain bike in the Sandia foothills. You can also kayak in the Rio Grande or stroll around Old Town for a glimpse of yesteryears.

Gallup, New Mexico

The Church Rock Trail is an easy climb for all ages and offers spectacular views. There are also hot-air balloons available and Summer Nightly Indian Dances at the McKinley Courthouse Square Plaza.

4. Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the best road trips with kids thanks to its easy access to beautiful beaches. It starts in Seattle and goes all the way to San Francisco, with attractions along the way including: 

Seattle, Washington

See the famed Space Needle from far away or make your way to the top for exceptional views of Puget Sound, the Cascades, and the Olympic Mountains. Visit Pike Place Market and indulge in some delicious treats.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Dip your toes in the water and stroll along the beach. If you have some time, you can have your packed lunch here. Remember to snap a photo in front of Haystack Rock.

Portland, Oregon

History buffs can visit Pittock Mansion and the Oregon Maritime Museum. Science enthusiasts will find many things to do in the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival (it’s free!).

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Rent ATVs and explore the sandy hills or go horseback riding. You can also go hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

Gold Beach, Oregon

Take a thrilling jet boat tour on Jerry’s Rogue Jets or hike the Cape Sebastian Trail for some inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean.

Eureka, California

Explore the Victorian homes in Historic Old Town, as well as the Morris Graves Museum and Clarke Historical Museum. Hike or bike around Sequoia Park Forest & Garden and enjoy the flowers and other wildlife.

Leggett, California

Drive through the Chandelier Tree. Stop by the Smithe Redwoods State Natural Reserve and explore its 60-foot waterfall. You can also go fishing and swimming in the Eel River.

Mendocino, California

Check out the Skunk Train that rolls through majestic redwood forests and lovely meadows. Walk through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens or spend some time at Glass Beach.

Santa Rosa, California

Take a walking tour and visit Santa Rosa’s art and historic district. Visit the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County or journey through Safari West and see herds of rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and more.

San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park are just a few of the many attractions San Francisco has to offer. Ride a cable car and experience the charm of this historic city. Hike Twin Peaks for outstanding views.

How to Plan a Family Road Trip

Involve Your Kids

When choosing a destination or route, make sure to include your kids in the planning process. Ask them where they would like to go and encourage them to do some research on their own. Family road trips are more fun if everyone is involved in choosing the stops.

Start Saving Early 

Going on a road trip takes careful planning and budgeting. You need to be prepared so you don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Start putting aside some money each week so you can save up for the trip and can enjoy the time with your family stress-free.

Do Your Research

You may be familiar with some stops along the way, but there is so much to discover. Research places online and in guidebooks and make advanced reservations for activities that require it. Some places also offer discounts if you buy tickets ahead of time.

Pack Smart

It can be tempting to overpack so you have everything with you, but you’ll end up with a cluttered car. Make sure to double-check the things you’re bringing and see if you really need them. You’ll want to take some things for your kids to do while traveling so they don’t get bored, but you also want to make sure they enjoy the views along the way.

Fun Things to Do on a Family Road Trip

Long car rides can be challenging. Here are some things you can do with your family so everyone has a good time:

• Listen to a family-friendly podcast
• Play the license plate game—see who can spot the most state license plates on your trip
• Play “I Spy”
• Watch a movie
• Do a scavenger hunt
• Have a sing-along

Road Tripping with the Family

Going on a road trip with the family can be a lot of fun and there are plenty of places for you to go. Make sure to involve everyone in the planning process and you’re sure to have a good time. Download the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts app to easily plan your overnight accommodations.