Planning a family adventure on the open road? America offers incredible road trip experiences designed for travelers of all ages. From stunning national parks to coastal highways with plenty of kid-friendly attractions along the way, these family road trips create unforgettable memories while showcasing the country's diverse landscapes and attractions.
There's something magical about packing up the car, creating the perfect playlist, and hitting the open road with your family. America's diverse landscapes offer the perfect backdrop for memory-making adventures that everyone from toddlers to teens will enjoy. The best family road trips balance stunning scenery with interactive attractions and feature plenty of opportunities to stretch legs and explore.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an epic cross-country journey, these family-friendly road trips provide the perfect mix of natural wonders, educational experiences, and pure fun. We've highlighted routes with reasonable daily driving times, frequent stopping points, and destinations that spark wonder in travelers of all ages.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Appalachian Mountain Magic
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway connecting Virginia and North Carolina offers one of America's most scenic drives through the Appalachian Highlands. With a 45-mph speed limit and countless overlooks, this road trip is perfect for families who want to take their time enjoying mountain vistas.
Start in Shenandoah National Park before meandering south past attractions like Grandfather Mountain with its famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Kids will love exploring the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals and spotting wildlife throughout the journey. Don't miss Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest, a natural 60-foot water slide that's a guaranteed hit with children.
Plan for 5-7 days, staying in family-friendly towns like Boone, Blowing Rock, and Asheville along the way. The parkway is especially spectacular during fall foliage season but offers year-round beauty.
Pacific Coast Highway: California Dreaming
California's iconic Highway 1 provides an unforgettable coastal journey. While the entire route spans over 600 miles, families can enjoy a more manageable 5-day trip focusing on the central coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Begin with San Francisco's family favorites like Pier 39 and the Exploratorium before heading south to Santa Cruz's famous Beach Boardwalk. Continue to Monterey's world-class aquarium and tide pools at Point Lobos. The drive through Big Sur delivers breathtaking ocean vistas and opportunities to spot elephant seals at Piedras Blancas.
As you continue south, enjoy beach time in Pismo Beach before exploring Spanish missions in Santa Barbara. End your journey with some family fun in Los Angeles, perhaps visiting Universal Studios or exploring the California Science Center.
Utah's Mighty 5: National Park Paradise
Utah's five national parks - Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands - create an otherworldly road trip experience that will leave children awestruck. This 10-14 day journey showcases some of America's most unique landscapes.
Begin at Zion National Park, where families can wade through the Virgin River in The Narrows or take the more accessible Riverside Walk. At Bryce Canyon, children will marvel at the strange hoodoo rock formations that resemble a forest of stone.
Capitol Reef offers kid-friendly hikes and the chance to pick fruit in historic orchards (seasonal). Arches National Park delivers exactly what its name promises - over 2,000 natural stone arches, including the famous Delicate Arch. Nearby Canyonlands provides stunning vistas with minimal hiking required.
Consider breaking up the driving with stops at dinosaur museums and petroglyph sites that offer fascinating glimpses into prehistoric times. The parks are busiest during summer, so consider spring or fall for milder temperatures and smaller crowds.
Great Lakes Circle Tour: Freshwater Wonders
For families seeking a road trip off the beaten path, the Great Lakes Circle Tour offers a refreshing alternative to coastal or mountain journeys. The complete route around all five Great Lakes spans over 6,500 miles, but families can enjoy segments like the Lake Michigan Circle Tour (1,100 miles) in 7-10 days.
Starting in Chicago, head north through Wisconsin's charming lakeside towns and the stunning Door Peninsula. Cross into Michigan's Upper Peninsula to experience Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with its colorful sandstone cliffs. Continue through Michigan's famous Sleeping Bear Dunes where kids can race down massive sand mountains.
The route features numerous lighthouses, maritime museums, and plenty of beach time along what locals call America's "Third Coast." Don't miss family-friendly Mackinac Island (car-free and famous for its fudge) and Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park near Muskegon before returning to Chicago.
Florida Keys Overseas Highway: Tropical Island Hopping
The 113-mile Overseas Highway (US Route 1) from Miami to Key West offers a unique driving experience as you hop from island to island across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. This tropical road trip can be completed in 3-5 days with plenty of time for aquatic adventures.
Begin with a visit to Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park before heading south to Key Largo. Here, families can snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the US. Continue to Islamorada for the Theater of the Sea marine mammal park and the History of Diving Museum.
In Marathon, visit the Turtle Hospital to learn about sea turtle conservation. As you cross the Seven Mile Bridge, children will be amazed to be literally driving over the ocean. Reach Key West to enjoy activities like the Key West Aquarium, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, and family-friendly beaches. Don't miss the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square!
Route 66 Highlights: Historic Americana
While the complete Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica spans 2,448 miles, families can enjoy highlight sections of this historic highway for a taste of classic Americana. A 5-7 day trip focusing on the Arizona and New Mexico segments offers the perfect introduction.
Start in Albuquerque, New Mexico, visiting the interactive Explora Science Center before heading west. Stop at quirky attractions like the Petrified Forest National Park and the famous Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, where families can sleep in concrete teepees.
Continue to Winslow, Arizona (made famous by the Eagles song) to stand on a corner, then visit Meteor Crater, a massive impact site that fascinates children. The Grand Canyon makes a perfect detour before rejoining Route 66 for stops at the historic town of Williams and nostalgic Seligman with its preserved roadside architecture.
End your journey in wild west Oatman, Arizona, where wild burros roam the streets, before completing the trip in Kingman. Throughout the journey, encounter vintage diners, trading posts, and colorful characters keeping Route 66 history alive.
Olympic Peninsula Loop: Pacific Northwest Adventure
Washington's Olympic Peninsula offers an incredible diversity of landscapes in a manageable 3-5 day family road trip. The 330-mile loop around the peninsula showcases temperate rainforests, wild beaches, and mountain vistas.
Beginning in Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island before heading west to the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend. Continue to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park for easily accessible mountain views before exploring the magical Hoh Rainforest with its moss-draped trees that feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
The western side of the peninsula features wild Pacific beaches where kids can explore tide pools and watch for whales (seasonally). Don't miss Ruby Beach with its sea stacks and driftwood or the chance to soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs. Complete the loop by driving along the southern edge of the peninsula along Hood Canal.
This road trip offers numerous short, family-friendly hikes and the chance to see diverse wildlife from Roosevelt elk to bald eagles. Consider staying in the historic Lake Crescent Lodge or camping at one of the many family-friendly campgrounds throughout the national park.
Black Hills and Badlands: South Dakota Exploration
South Dakota's Black Hills region packs an incredible amount of family-friendly attractions into a relatively small area, making it perfect for a 4-6 day road trip with minimal drive time between major sites.
Start at Badlands National Park, where the otherworldly landscape and fossil beds captivate children's imagination. Continue to Wall Drug, a roadside attraction that's grown into a massive complex of shops, activities, and its famous free ice water.
The Black Hills offer attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park with its Wildlife Loop Road where you'll likely encounter the park's famous begging burros. Sylvan Lake provides a perfect swimming spot, while the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail offers family-friendly biking through stunning scenery.
Underground adventures await at Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument. Don't miss the town of Deadwood for Wild West history and the unique Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, where kids can observe an active paleontological dig site.
Great Smoky Mountains: Natural Splendor
America's most visited national park forms the centerpiece of this 5-7 day family road trip through Tennessee and North Carolina. The Great Smoky Mountains offer accessible wilderness experiences perfect for all ages.
Begin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a family-friendly town with attractions like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Ober Gatlinburg's aerial tramway. Spend several days exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where highlights include the Cades Cove Loop Road (perfect for wildlife viewing), the Mountain Farm Museum, and family-friendly hikes to Laurel Falls and Clingmans Dome.
Continue to Cherokee, North Carolina, to learn about Native American culture at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Oconaluftee Indian Village. For thrilling family fun, spend a day at Dollywood theme park in nearby Pigeon Forge or go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.
This region offers abundant opportunities for spotting black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. The parkway connecting the two states provides spectacular mountain views with frequent overlooks for stretching legs and taking photos.
Grand Canyon Road Trip: Desert Wonders
The Grand Canyon serves as the spectacular centerpiece for this 7-10 day southwestern road trip through Arizona and Utah. This journey combines one of America's most awe-inspiring natural wonders with fascinating desert landscapes.
Start in Phoenix, heading north to Sedona's red rock country where families can enjoy easy hikes like Bell Rock Pathway or Pink Jeep Tours for off-road adventures. Continue to the Grand Canyon's South Rim, spending at least two days exploring viewpoints and hiking part of the Rim Trail or the family-friendly Bright Angel Trail (just to the first rest house for younger children).
From there, visit the Navajo Nation's Monument Valley, where towering sandstone buttes create an iconic western landscape. Continue to Page, Arizona, to marvel at Antelope Canyon's swirling slot canyons (guided tours required) and the horseshoe-shaped bend of the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend.
Complete your journey with a visit to Lake Powell for water-based recreation before returning to Phoenix. Throughout the trip, numerous Native American cultural sites and educational centers provide context about the region's rich indigenous heritage.
Acadia and New England Coastal Journey
The rugged coastline of New England provides a perfect setting for a 7-10 day family road trip culminating at Maine's spectacular Acadia National Park. This journey balances natural beauty with charming coastal towns and plenty of maritime history.
Begin in Boston, exploring the city's Revolutionary War sites along the Freedom Trail and the excellent Boston Children's Museum. Head north to Salem for witch history before continuing to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with its Strawbery Banke living history museum.
In Maine, stop at Portland's working waterfront and the interactive Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Continue along the coast to Camden and Rockland, where families can enjoy lighthouse tours and possibly a windjammer sailing experience.
The journey culminates at Acadia National Park, where highlights include driving the Park Loop Road, climbing the ladders and bridges of the Beehive Trail (for families with older children), and exploring tide pools at Bar Harbor. Don't miss the chance to search for wild blueberries on park trails in late summer or watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton: Wildlife Spectacular
America's first national park and its dramatic neighboring mountains combine to create an unforgettable 7-10 day family road trip through Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer wildlife viewing opportunities and natural wonders that captivate visitors of all ages.
Begin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, exploring Grand Teton National Park's stunning mountain scenery. Take a boat across Jenny Lake before hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Wildlife spotting along the park's main roads often yields sightings of bison, elk, moose, and possibly bears.
Continue north to Yellowstone, spending at least 4-5 days exploring the park's distinct regions. Witness Old Faithful and the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring in the geyser basins. Explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its dramatic waterfalls, and spend time wildlife watching in the Lamar and Hayden Valleys.
Throughout the journey, ranger-led programs provide excellent educational opportunities for children. Consider staying in historic park lodges or family-friendly campgrounds. Early morning and evening offer the best wildlife viewing, while midday is perfect for exploring geothermal features.
Frequently Asked Questions About 12 Unforgettable Family Road Trips Across America (2024 Guide)
What's the best road trip for families with young children?
The Great Smoky Mountains road trip is ideal for families with young children due to its relatively compact area, abundance of easy hiking trails, and family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Blue Ridge Parkway is another excellent choice with its slower pace, frequent overlooks, and numerous kid-friendly activities along the route.
How should we prepare our vehicle for a family road trip?
Have your vehicle fully serviced before departure, checking tires, fluids, brakes, and air conditioning. Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, basic tools, and first aid supplies. Consider a roadside assistance plan if you don't already have one. For longer trips through remote areas, a paper map and extra water are essential backups to digital navigation.
What are the best times of year for these road trips?
For mountain routes like Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smokies, late spring through fall offers ideal conditions, with spectacular foliage in October. Desert trips like Utah's Mighty 5 and Grand Canyon are best in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate. Coastal routes can be enjoyed year-round, though summer offers the best beach weather.
How can we keep kids entertained during long drives?
Prepare a mix of entertainment options including audiobooks related to your destination, regional music playlists, and travel games like license plate spotting or road trip bingo. For younger children, small new toys revealed at intervals work wonders. Educational apps about national parks or regional wildlife help build excitement about upcoming destinations.
Are these road trips suitable for RVs and larger vehicles?
Most routes accommodate RVs, but some have restrictions. The Pacific Coast Highway has narrow, winding sections challenging for larger vehicles. The Blue Ridge Parkway has some tunnels with height restrictions. Always check park websites for vehicle length restrictions at overlooks and campgrounds. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Great Lakes Circle Tour, and Black Hills routes are particularly RV-friendly.
What wildlife might we see on these road trips?
Yellowstone and Grand Teton offer spectacular wildlife viewing with bison, elk, bears, and wolves. In the Great Smokies, watch for black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The Olympic Peninsula features Roosevelt elk, black bears, and marine wildlife like seals and sea otters. The Black Hills are famous for bison, pronghorn, and the begging burros of Custer State Park.
