Must-See Roadside Attractions & Pitstops for Kids

Kristy Pepping said:  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.

Kelly R. said:  Kids (and adults!) can experience cool John Deere machines up close, learn about what they do, and try out interactive hands-on exhibits.

Kristy Pepping said:  This epic roadside attraction is worth a pit stop with kids when you have a few hours to spare. The original house (built as a weekend retreat) has grown into a complex filled to the brim with amazing curiosities like the world's largest carousel, a 200-foot sea creature, a doll house room and automated music machines.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Kids studying the Civil War will get a kick out of visiting the home where General Grant lived prior to becoming President. Today, the home is decorated to look as it might have back in the 1860s.

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  View the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, and borrow a pitchfork to pose for your own family picture while you're there! There is an exhibit gallery in the adjacent visitor center.

Kristy Pepping said:  Search for diamonds and other gemstones at this ancient volcanic crater where the policy is "finders, keepers!"

Hannah Scott said:  Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is a hidden treasure tucked away just outside Kansas City. You'll discover endless possibilities for exploration, including a butterfly garden, turkey coop, dairy barn, water play area, fishing pond, farm animals, duck pond, blacksmith shop, mining camp, wagon rides, and more (if you can believe it!)

April 1-October 31

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.

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!