The Best Summer Road Trips With Kids

Summer is the perfect time for family road trips. Whether you’re looking for a fun and adventurous trip, or just a laid-back vacation with your kids, there are tons of great road trip destinations that can provide plenty of fun and unique experiences. From scenic drives through beautiful countryside, to exploring vibrant cities, here are some of the best summer road trips you can take with your kids.

Exploring National Parks

Death Valley National Park – Death Valley is a great place to explore with kids. With its dry heat and stunning landscapes, Death Valley offers an incredible variety of natural attractions. Your kids can explore the desert landscape, visit sand dunes, and even take a drive through Badwater Basin. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the park, as well as camping and other outdoor activities.

Yosemite National Park – Yosemite is one of the most picturesque national parks in the country. With its towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite is a great place to explore with your kids. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and even rock climbing. Your kids can also explore the park’s unique wildlife, including bears, deer, and coyotes.

Yellowstone National Park – Yellowstone is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. With its expansive geysers, hot springs, and incredible wildlife, this park is an ideal destination for an unforgettable road trip. Your kids can explore the park’s amazing geothermal features, take a hike through the forests, and even visit the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Exploring Historic Cities

Boston, Massachusetts – Boston is a great city to explore with your kids. With its rich history and vibrant culture, there are plenty of things to do in Boston. Your kids can explore the city’s many museums, take a tour of the Freedom Trail, or even take a ride on the famous Duck Boat. There are also plenty of parks and outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Boston Common or exploring the Charles River.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Philadelphia is another great city to explore with your kids. From the iconic Liberty Bell to the vibrant art galleries and museums, there are plenty of unique attractions to explore in Philadelphia. Your kids can also explore the city’s historic sites, such as Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Philadelphia Zoo or spending an afternoon at the Franklin Square Park.

Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. is the perfect destination for a family road trip. With its many monuments, museums, and historic sites, there are plenty of things to do in D.C. Your kids can explore the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and even the Smithsonian Museums. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as biking through the National Mall or visiting the U.S. Capitol.

Exploring Beautiful Beaches

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Myrtle Beach is the perfect beach destination for a family road trip. With its wide sandy beaches, beautiful boardwalks, and plenty of fun attractions, Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the beach, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or even visit the SkyWheel. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as fishing, kayaking, and parasailing.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Cape Cod is a great place to explore with your kids. With its stunning beaches and beautiful scenery, Cape Cod offers plenty of fun activities for families. Your kids can explore the beaches, take a boat tour, or even visit the Cape Cod National Seashore. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as fishing, kayaking, or even whale watching.

San Diego, California – San Diego is a great place to explore with your kids. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and plenty of attractions, San Diego is an ideal destination for a family road trip. Your kids can explore the city’s many beaches, take a tour of the USS Midway Museum, or even visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as biking, surfing, or sailing.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Rocky Mountain National Park – Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best outdoor destinations for families. With its breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, this park offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Your kids can explore the park’s trails, take a scenic drive, or even take a ride on the steam train. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as camping, fishing, and even horseback riding.

Grand Canyon National Park – The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the United States. With its stunning views of the canyon, this park is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the park’s trails, take a scenic boat ride, or even take a helicopter tour. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, camping, or even white water rafting.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – The Great Smoky Mountains is another great outdoor destination for families. With its stunning mountain views, this park offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Your kids can explore the park’s trails, take a scenic drive, or even take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as camping, fishing, and even horseback riding.

Exploring Theme Parks

Disney World, Florida – Disney World is one of the most popular theme parks in the world. With its iconic attractions, characters, and rides, Disney World is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the park’s many attractions, take a ride on the famous Space Mountain, or even meet their favorite Disney characters. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as exploring the Magic Kingdom or visiting Epcot.

Universal Studios, Florida – Universal Studios is another great theme park to explore with your kids. With its many thrilling rides and attractions, Universal Studios offers plenty of fun for families. Your kids can explore the park’s many attractions, take a ride on the famous Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, or even explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Universal CityWalk or taking a ride on the Universal Express.

Six Flags, California – Six Flags is a great theme park to explore with your kids. With its many thrilling rides, attractions, and shows, Six Flags offers plenty of fun for families. Your kids can explore the park’s many attractions, take a ride on the famous Superman: Ultimate Flight, or even take a spin on the Goliath. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the water park or taking a ride on the SkyScreamer.

Exploring Amusement Parks

Cedar Point, Ohio – Cedar Point is one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States. With its many thrilling rides and attractions, Cedar Point offers plenty of fun for families. Your kids can explore the park’s many attractions, take a ride on the famous Millennium Force, or even take a spin on the Top Thrill Dragster. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the water park or taking a ride on the Giant Wheel.

Kennywood, Pennsylvania – Kennywood is a great amusement park to explore with your kids. With its many thrilling rides and attractions, Kennywood offers plenty of fun for families. Your kids can explore the park’s many attractions, take a ride on the famous Thunderbolt, or even take a spin on the Jack Rabbit. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the water park or taking a ride on the Racer.

Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey – Six Flags Great Adventure is another great amusement park to explore with your kids. With its many thrilling rides, attractions, and shows, Six Flags Great Adventure offers plenty of fun for families. Your kids can explore the park’s many attractions, take a ride on the famous Kingda Ka, or even take a spin on the Nitro. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the water park or taking a ride on the SkyScreamer.

Exploring Zoos and Aquariums

San Diego Zoo, California – The San Diego Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States. With its many exotic animals and attractions, the San Diego Zoo is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the zoo’s many attractions, take a ride on the Skyfari, or even visit the Koalafornia Adventure. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Polar Bear Plunge or taking a ride on the SkyRide.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California – The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world. With its many sea creatures and exhibits, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the aquarium’s many exhibits, take a ride on the Otter Express, or even visit the Giant Kelp Forest. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Shark Lagoon or taking a ride on the Sea Otter Experience.

Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska – The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the United States. With its many exotic animals and attractions, the Henry Doorly Zoo is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the zoo’s many attractions, take a ride on the Skyfari, or even visit the Wild Kingdom Pavilion. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Cat Country or taking a ride on the Sky Safari.

Exploring National Monuments

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota – Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic national monuments in the United States. With its four presidents carved into the mountain, Mount Rushmore is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the mountain’s many trails, take a scenic drive, or even take a helicopter tour. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the visitor center or taking a hike around the mountain.

Statue of Liberty, New York – The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic national monuments in the country. With its iconic statue and stunning views of the New York skyline, the Statue of Liberty is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the statue’s many trails, take a scenic boat tour, or even take a helicopter tour. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the crown or taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry.

National Mall, Washington, D.C. – The National Mall is one of the most iconic national monuments in the United States. With its many monuments and memorials, the National Mall is a great place to explore with your kids. Your kids can explore the mall’s many trails, take a scenic bike ride, or even visit the Smithsonian Museums. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Lincoln Memorial or taking a ride on the National Mall tram.

Conclusion

There are tons of great summer road trips you can take with your kids. Whether you’re looking for a fun and adventurous trip, or just a laid-back vacation with your kids, there are plenty of unique destinations that can provide plenty of fun and unique experiences. From exploring national parks and historic cities, to visiting beautiful beaches and exploring the great outdoors, there are plenty of great road trips you can take with your kids this summer.