
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!
Biosphere 2
Kristy Pepping said: The University of Arizona Biosphere 2 researches global climate issues, with 5 ecosystems housed in a fully controlled environment. App-guided tours last a little over an hour. This is a great road trip pit stop if your kids are interested in science.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Shila said: Montezuma Castle is a five-story Native American dwelling built into towering limestone cliffs, viewable from a pleasant 1/3 mile loop trail. Entrance to the nearby Montezuma Well, located 15-20 minutes north, is free.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Kristy Pepping said: Don't miss this pit stop for kids who love dinosaurs when you're visiting Los Angeles! Remember them from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure? The park includes a dinosaur walk, dino dig, fossil panning and access to climb inside Mr. Rex all the way up to his mouth.
Cabazon, CAJelly Belly Factory Tour
Kelly R said: The Jelly Belly Factory offers one of the sweetest pit stops for kids! Self-guided tours include interactive exhibits and an elevated 1/4 mile tour lane with a view of the candy being made.
Fairfield, CABigfoot Discovery Museum
Kelly R said: Come with an open mind and check out this small museum in the Santa Cruz mountains that's chock full of Bigfoot evidence, lore and quirky memorabilia. Admission is free, but donations keep the museum afloat.
Felton, CACharles M. Schulz Museum
Nancy L. said: This museum celebrates Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, with a collection of the original comic strips, interactive experiences where guests can try their own hand at cartooning, and a theater where visitors can learn more about Schulz or enjoy some of the classic cartoons.
Santa Rosa, CATillamook Creamery
Kelly R said: Check out a farm exhibit that teaches how Tillamook's cows are cared for and milked, take a self-guided tour of the cheese factory, and stay for a meal or a scoop of ice cream.
Tillamook, ORPrehistoric Gardens
Kelly R said: There are 23 dinosaur replicas to discover on a self-guided forest tour at this fun coastal Oregon roadside attraction. It's cool to get a feel for how large these dinosaurs really were, as the models are designed true-to-life based on mounted fossil skeletons at some of the best dinosaur museums in the US.
Port Orford, ORPrimary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.