53 Must-See Roadside Attractions & Pitstops for Kids

Visit more than 250 animals and birds, learn about growing flowers and vegetables, experience a Kanza Indian encampment or a one-room schoolhouse, and take a stroll through Main Street to the fishing pond.

Kelly R said:  This smiling waterfront whale in Oklahoma is one of the most popular pitstops for kids along historic route 66. Originally a gift from a retired zookeeper to his wife, the concrete whale still welcomes families to explore and peek out of its portholes (though swimming is no longer allowed).

Kelly R said:  Don't drive through Tulsa without a pit stop at the Gathering Place, an incredible riverfront park in Tulsa with an amazing adventure playground that you have to see to believe. There are also gardens, water play, restrooms and multiple dining options.

Kelly R said:  This museum is a perfect pitstop for kids and adults who love The Wizard of Oz. It's filled with artifacts and memorabilia from the movies, musicals and books.

Kelly R said:  This Kansas State University gem is a memorable (and affordable) pitstop for kids who are into bugs! The zoo features live insect exhibits including giant cockroaches, scorpions, tarantulas and an observation beehive.

Kelly R said:  One of the most-photographed roadside attractions in the US, these statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe have loomed large in Bemidji since 1937. The lakefront location, visitor center and adjacent park make this a great pit stop for kids.

Kristy Pepping said:  The center of the US (contiguous 48) is located about two miles northwest of Lebanon, Kansas. If you are driving through the area, it's worth the pit stop for kids to sign the guest register and read notes left by past visitors.

Stephanie W. said:  The outside of this building is decorated with colorful corn cobs as murals that change yearly. Tours are free and it's open all year, making it one of the must-see pit stops for kids when you're visiting South Dakota.

Nancy L. said:  The River Walk is 15 miles long and such a fun thing to do in San Antonio. It is a public park so it is free to visit. There's a host of stores, attractions, activities and restaurants, so the amount of time and money you spend on your pit stop are up to you.

Kelly R said:  Snap a family photo at this iconic spot where a line of wildly-decorated Cadillacs are buried nose first in the ground. You can even bring spray paint to leave your mark while you're there.

Tim Ponisciak said:  What started as a simple drug store has grown to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in South Dakota! Make a pit stop for some homemade donuts, ice cream or ride the giant jackelope in the back! You really can't avoid the signs on your drive out to Mount Rushmore or when visiting South Dakota with kids.

Kristy Pepping said:  One of the best pit stops for kids who love cars, 39 automobiles are placed in a 96 foot circle that mimics Stonehenge.

Kristy Pepping said:  This quirky roadside attraction invites curious visitors to scan the sky for UFOs from its observation platform with 360-degree views of the San Luis Valley.

Shila said:  The blue sky against bright white gypsum sand dunes is a beautiful sight to see, whether you have time to linger for hours or just a quick pitstop. The park offers wide open space for family-friendly play and picnics, and you can even rent sleds at the visitor center!

Kristy Pepping said:  Take a pit stop at the world's best-preserved impact site, where a meteorite hit Earth 50,000 years ago. There are indoor and outdoor observation points, a 4D theater, and an interactive Discovery Center.