10 Unforgettable Summer Road Trip Travel Destinations For Families
Road trips are cheap and convenient for families - but deciding where to go can be overwhelming.
Jorge Saavedra on Unsplash It’s summer, and the perfect time to think about taking a long road trip. Use your vacation time, take advantage of the three-month long summers for the kids and hit the road with your camping, boating or “hoteling” gear, if you prefer to spend your summer in air-conditioning.
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Regardless of their end destination, road trips offer you a unique sense of adventure that no other form of transportation can provide. If you have young kids, though, you may be hesitant to pack up the van. However, there are plenty family-friendly road trip destinations for your entire family to explore this summer.
Whether you want a quiet family excursion or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these U.S. destinations are perfect for families of all ages.
1. Yellowstone National Park.
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According to U.S. News, the best time to visit the park is from April to May, so consider making this place an early summer getaway destination. When you go, the weather is often warm enough for you to sleep outside, and you’ll likely be first in line to see Old Faithful erupt, right on schedule.
You can also peruse the beautiful hot springs, fish in the pristine Yellowstone lake and gaze at the Yellowstone Caldera — an active supervolcano!
2. Disney World (Orlando, Florida) or Disneyland (Anaheim, California).
Of course, Disney World and Disneyland offer families tons of things to do, and they’re not too far away from anyone in the U.S. with the two locations in Florida and California, respectively.
From interacting with Disney princesses and other well-known characters to riding thrilling coasters, you’ll never be bored.
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3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach, as anyone who’s visited can tell you. There’s Broadway at the Beach with shopping and outdoor concerts, light shows at the SkyWheel, stunning fish and exhibits at the Ripley’s Aquarium and so much more fun to be had at the seaside Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
Book your tickets to your favorite shows now, and soak up the sun rays and good times.
4. Atlanta, Georgia.
Legoland is a huge attraction for anyone with kids passing through Atlanta, but the fun doesn’t end there. Enter the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola museum, the Atlanta Botanical Garden or even Centennial Olympic Park to make some memories that will last forever.
Atlanta is a historic city with lots to do, so have fun traipsing the area with your family for the summer.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana.
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You probably know about Mardi Gras, but New Orleans is a hopping destination at any time of the year, especially the summer. You and your family will learn about the city’s culture firsthand at the French Quarter, listen to some soothing jazz at Bourbon Street, watch local artists paint and sell their works at Jackson Square and gawk at the mansions at the Garden District.
6. Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Although it’s known for its casinos, there’s plenty of family opportunities at the Steel Pier and legendary boardwalk. The Atlantic City Aquarium is bound to be a hit for your kids, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is stationed right at the boardwalk.
You can also take your family up in a 6-story tall elephant-shaped building named Lucy and enjoy the countless beaches, views and New Jersey wildlife. If you’re looking for history and culture, try the Noyes Arts Garage and the memorials.
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7. Cleveland, Ohio.
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The home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame offers unique kid-friendly opportunities for you to explore. You can (and should) go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but you can also visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to see the animals, the Cleveland Museum of Art to see the more than 6,000 pieces of artwork and one of the city’s 18 parks for some prime picnicking.
8. Sesame Place — Middletown Township, Pennsylvania.
This Pennsylvania theme park is filled to the brim with family-friendly attractions, and it’s only open for regular operating hours from April to October every year. You can spend so much time at this park, and everything is based on the lovable characters and places from Sesame Street! From dry rides to water rides, there will be something for every member of the family.
You should also plan to see at least one show in Elmo’s Theater or Abby Cadabby’s Theater.
9. Indianapolis, Indiana.
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The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-see with its interactive exhibits and beautiful planetarium! However, interested families can get a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well, which is home to the Indy 500.
Plus, many state and local parks like Fort Harrison State Park allow you to have some free fun outside.
10. Mall of America — Bloomington, Minnesota.
Located in Minnesota, Mall of America is an indoor wonderland. There’s plenty of shopping, restaurants and other places to keep older families entertained while the indoor amusement park (including the Nickelodeon Universe and Crayola Experience attractions) are ideal for younger visitors.
Though, things like the Escape Game and FlyOver America are great for all ages.
Meaghan Summers is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.