Author: Nick Wharton / Source: Wise Bread
Road-tripping is a great American tradition, and while some people are hesitant to hit the road with their family in tow, with the right planning, they can be an unforgettable way to spend a vacation. The magic ingredients for a great family road trip include short distances between stops, an abundance of awesome sights, and some captivating entertainment for the kids.
Whether you’ve got a single day, a whole week, or longer, there’s a road trip out there for you and your family. With short drives between fun-filled activities and breathtaking scenery along these routes, you can be sure there won’t be any, “Are we there yet?” from the back seat. (See also: How to Take a 7-Day Cross Country Road Trip for $350 or Less)
1. Acadia Park Loop
The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile route and the main road for navigating the stunning Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Begin at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center and take your time navigating the largely one-way road and stop regularly at your leisure along the way. You’ll find picturesque views of lakes, mountains, ocean scenery, and beaches, and the kids will love exploring these landscapes.
2. Utah’s Scenic Byway Highway 12
Though the drive along this 122-mile road can be completed in just a few hours, it’s a much better idea to dedicate a few days to it to really appreciate it. Also known as “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway,” it takes in the Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, as well as the Escalante Petrified Forest, Kodachrome Basin, and Anasazi State Park along the way. There’s an overwhelming amount to see and do.
The road is also completely captivating, supplying a lookout over the surrounding rugged landscape, providing you with endless “I-spy” subject matter.3. Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Grand Teton
This is a well-worn route that is usually completed over the span of a week, and packs a cultural punch like no other. Starting at the cliffside presidential statues of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, you then continue onto the famous Yellowstone Park, which is spread out over Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Spend a couple of days here exploring the famous sites like Old Faithful, and spotting the abundant wildlife with the kids.
Then take the short nine-mile drive south to Grand Teton National Park, where you can spend another couple of days marveling at the fabulous mountain ranges and enjoying picturesque hikes. (See also: 10 Most Breathtaking Day Hikes in the U.S.)
4. Route 66
Possibly the best known of all American road trips, Route 66 is where you’ll find everything from retro diners to vintage neon road signs. But despite this, or perhaps because of this, it’s a fun and exciting trip to undertake. The entirety of the 2,448-mile route runs from Chicago to Santa Monica, and would be an ambitious undertaking for even the most organized of families.
However, there are no rules against picking a portion to enjoy, and a choice section is the…
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