53 Must-See Roadside Attractions & Pitstops for Kids

We're pinning all of the best road trip pitstops for kids on this interactive map! Parents brake for these quirky, unique and fun roadside attractions perfect for a quick stop to let off energy, recharge for the next leg of the trip, maybe even restock on those road trip snacks.

Zoom in on the map to see what gems you can find along your next family road trip route, and add any great travel pit stops for kids you discover to the list as well!

We're all about collecting travel recommendations directly from regular parents, so check out more family travel lists for inspiration, and add your reviews too!


 

    Field of Corn

    Pin

     (11.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    This art installation in Dublin, Ohio arranges 109 human-sized concrete ears of corn into neat rows as a nod to the area's farming history.

    Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums

    Pin

     (95.9 mi)

    Price

    $13+/adult, $5+/child

    Tim Ponisciak:  If your kids are learning about the US Presidents, check out the Rutherford B. Hayes Center, and let them get acquainted with one of America's lesser known presidents. This is a great place to stop if you are driving along the Ohio Turnpike (perhaps visiting Cleveland with kids).

    Albanese Candy Store and Factory

    Pin

     (313.2 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Kristy Pepping:  If you're in Northern Indiana (perhaps coming or going from a Chicago visit), make a pit stop at the Albanese Factory Outlet for a peek at how the candy is made, including their famous gummi bears.

    Luray Caverns

    Pin

     (325.4 mi)

    Price

    $32/adult, $16/child

    Nancy L.:  Take a tour to uncover the history and geology at the heart of this beautiful limestone creation, still growing at a rate of one cubic inch every 120 years. Additional attractions include an adventure rope course and a garden maze - great to burn some energy while on the road!

    World's Largest Things Collection

    Pin

     (348.4 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Kelly R:  The quaint one-stoplight town of Casey, IL looms large with a collection of enormous objects, many of which are certified as the world's biggest. You'll find a larger-than-life wind chime, working mailbox, teeter totter, mousetrap and much more scattered around town.

    World of Little League Museum

    Pin

     (425.8 mi)

    Ages

    $8/adult, $4/child

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Celebrate the history of little league baseball and softball at the World of Little League Museum. Check out hundreds of memorabilia and artifacts as you tour the venue while engaging in interactive and fun exhibits including special exhibits focused on the World Series.

    Wonderful Wizard of Oz Playground

    Pin

     (436.8 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Watkins Regional Park is home to a destination-worthy Wizard of Oz playground. Families can walk the yellow brick road, explore Dorothy's farm house and the Emerald City, spin in the poppy field, and slide down ruby slippers. The park also has a carousel, train and mini golf.

    Haines Shoe House

    Pin

     (440.5 mi)

    Time

    First day of Spring-October

    Price

    $5/person (age 6+)

    Kelly R:  Built in the 40s by a shoe salesman as an advertisement, Haines Shoe House is the perfect pit stop for families headed through Pennsylvania. Tour the five-story house and enjoy an ice cream shop serving local scoops.

    Lincoln Home

    Pin

     (459.9 mi)

    Price

    $2 parking

    Kristy Pepping:  If your road trip takes you through central Illinois, take a free guided tour of President Lincoln's home, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years.

    Al Johnson's

    Pin

     (460.5 mi)

    Time

    Goats late May-mid October

    Molly Weber:  If you're in Door County with kids, plan a pit stop at Al Johnson's to check out the goats grazing on the restaurant's grassy roof. Visit when you're hungry to enjoy Swedish favorites served by employees dressed in traditional garb.

    Taughannock Falls

    Pin

     (477.3 mi)

    Price

    $9/vehicle

    Yoli B:  Taughannock Falls is a 215 foot natural waterfall that is surrounded by 400 foot cliffs and mature trees. It is amazing to experience anytime of the year, but if you have a chance go in the fall...it is breathtaking!

    Ave Maria Grotto

    Pin

     (479.7 mi)

    Price

    $10/adult, $7-8/child

    Kristy Pepping:  Located on the grounds of the St. Bernard Abbey is an amazing collection of 125 miniature reproductions of religious and secular buildings, lovingly constructed by one of the Abbey's monks of stone, cement and donated objects.

    Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

    Pin

     (514.7 mi)

    Time

    April 1-November 30

    Price

    $10/adult, $7.50/child

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Travel via mine car 300 feet into the earth to explore a restored hard coal mine. You'll be guided on a 1 hour walking underground tour to learn about the mining experience.

    Steamtown National Historic Site

    Pin

     (517.0 mi)

    Price

    Free admission, $6 train rides

    Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  One of the best pit stops for kids who love trains, learn about the history of steam locomotives through exhibits, film, and up-close experiences. For a small fee, you can also hop on a short train ride!

    Laumeier Sculpture Park

    Pin

     (522.3 mi)

    Price

    Free

    Kelly R:  A beautiful park with plenty of room to wander and check out 70+ large-scale works of art, including a giant eyeball.

Primary photo:   Upparent

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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