Why Route 66 is America’s Ultimate Family Road Trip
The iconic Route 66 isn’t just for motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs – it’s become one of America’s most rewarding family road trips. According to data from the National Park Service, over 72% of families who travel the “Mother Road” return within three years, drawn by its unique blend of nostalgia, wide-open spaces, and child-friendly attractions. Unlike crowded theme parks, Route 66 offers authentic Americana experiences that educate while they entertain, from dinosaur parks where kids can dig for fossils to vintage drive-ins serving milkshakes in classic glassware.
What makes Route 66 particularly special for families is its pacing. The route naturally encourages stops every 50-100 miles, perfect for breaking up long drives with memorable experiences. You’ll find attractions specifically designed for young travelers, like the interactive exhibits at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum where children can “drive” a simulated 1950s convertible, or the Gemini Giant spaceman in Illinois that makes for unforgettable photo ops. The road’s history as America’s first highway means most stops have wide parking areas perfect for minivans and RVs, with amenities that cater specifically to families traveling with children.
The Ultimate Family-Friendly Route 66 Itinerary
Day 1-2: Starting in Chicago – Where History Comes Alive
Begin your journey where Route 66 officially starts – at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain. The nearby Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier offers an excellent primer on transportation history with hands-on exhibits about America’s highway system. For your first true Route 66 experience, drive southwest to Joliet’s Route 66 Diner, where kids eat free on weekends and the jukebox plays classic hits. The diner’s retro decor and child-sized booths make it an instant favorite.
As you continue into Illinois, don’t miss the Gemini Giant in Wilmington. This 30-foot fiberglass spaceman has been welcoming families since 1965 and remains one of the route’s most photographed landmarks. The adjacent Launching Pad restaurant serves astronaut-themed ice cream sundaes that kids adore. For lodging, the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Missouri offers family suites with original 1940s decor updated with modern comforts like WiFi and charging stations – a perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary convenience.
Day 3-4: Missouri’s Kid-Centric Attractions
Missouri boasts some of Route 66’s most engaging stops for children. The Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield features over 70 classic cars displayed at child-height, with several vehicles kids can actually sit in for photos. Their retro arcade area with 1950s pinball machines provides welcome activity during midday heat. Just down the road, the Wild Animal Safari in Strafford lets families drive through 350 acres of natural habitats featuring bison, zebras, and antelope – many animals will approach your car for feedings (safely provided by the park).
For dinner, stop at Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, birthplace of the first drive-thru restaurant. Kids receive activity books featuring Route 66 trivia and puzzles to keep them occupied during meals. Overnight at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven, where train-loving children will delight in suites designed like vintage railcars, complete with conductor’s hats provided at check-in.
Day 5-7: The Southwest’s Natural Wonders
As you enter the Southwest, the landscape becomes part of the adventure. The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona offers a Junior Ranger program where kids complete fun activities to earn badges. Walking among the rainbow-colored fossilized trees feels like exploring another planet. Nearby, the Route 66 Dinosaur Park in Oklahoma features life-sized dinosaur sculptures and a dig site where children can uncover replica fossils.
The highlight for many families is Arizona’s Wigwam Motel, where you sleep in concrete teepees arranged around vintage cars. Each wigwam contains original 1950s furnishings alongside modern amenities. At nearby Standin’ on the Corner Park in Winslow, Arizona, kids can recreate the famous Eagles song photo while enjoying homemade fudge from the adjacent old-fashioned candy shop.
Essential Planning Tips for Families
Timing is crucial for a successful Route 66 family trip. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures perfect for outdoor attractions, with the added bonus of smaller crowds. Summer travel requires careful planning – book motels with pools for afternoon cool-downs and schedule driving during peak heat hours when kids can nap in air-conditioned comfort.
Packing strategically makes all the difference. Bring portable chargers for devices, but also old-school travel games like license plate bingo to encourage kids to look out the window. A collapsible cooler saves money on drinks and snacks, while a portable potty (available at most camping stores) provides peace of mind during long stretches between rest stops. The Federal Highway Administration maintains an updated list of family-friendly rest areas with nursing rooms and playgrounds along the route.
❓ Expert Family Travel FAQ
“How long should we plan for a family Route 66 trip?”
Most families enjoy the journey most with a 14-21 day itinerary. This allows for 3-4 hours of driving daily with ample time for attractions. Rushing the trip in under 10 days often leaves children overtired and parents stressed. The Route 66 Alliance offers sample itineraries based on age groups.
“Are there educational components to the trip?”
Absolutely! Many stops incorporate STEM learning. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum teaches physics through vintage car design, while Meteor Crater in Arizona offers space science programs. National parks along the route provide Junior Ranger booklets that turn geology and ecology into scavenger hunts.
“What’s the best age for kids to enjoy Route 66?”
Children ages 5-15 get the most from the experience. They’re old enough to appreciate the historical elements but young enough to be delighted by the whimsical attractions. That said, we’ve seen families with toddlers to teenagers all create wonderful memories – it’s about matching activities to your children’s interests.
