Must-See Roadside Attractions & Pitstops for Kids

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.

Tracy Snyder Molina said:  The Carle collects and celebrates picture books and illustrations from around the world. Spend an hour or two exploring the rotating art exhibitions, reading library and hands-on art studio, and enjoy a picnic on the museum grounds.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The site of the winter encampment during the Revolutionary War is home to Washington's headquarters, a beautiful memorial chapel, soldiers' huts and much more. It's easy to spend a day enjoying miles of trails, ranger-led tours, living history experiences and a renovated Visitor Center. If you're short on time, a drive along the tour loop can be done in as little as 20 minutes.

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.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Pack a baseball and your gloves for a catch as you explore the beautifully-maintained grounds of the classic sports movie. Home tours are offered for a fee, but make sure to book those in advance.

Kelly R. said:  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.

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!

Nancy L. said:  Wander among over 30 bronze statues celebrating Dr. Seuss' beloved characters at this sculpture garden located outside of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. If you have time for more than a quick stop, don't miss the museum itself. Paid admission gets you entry to all 5 Springfield Museums in the complex.

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:  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.

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.

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  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.

Molly Weber said:  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.

Goats late May-mid October

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.