🚸5 Kid-Friendly Stops Along the Historic Route 66🚸
Families who seek an adventure while enjoying camaraderie with their kids, look no further! Explore the iconic Route 66 with your little ones. From stunning landscapes to unique cultural experiences, a road trip along this historic American highway will create unforgettable memories. Here are the five kid-friendly stops that you must not miss along the iconic Route 66.
🌵 Petrified Forest National Park🌵
Located in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest National Park is a geological wonderland with a unique landscape of petrified wood and fossils. It is also the only national park to have a segment of the original Route 66 running through it. The park offers an interactive Junior Ranger program that is perfect for kids to discover the natural wonders while learning about the environment and history.
Don’t forget to explore the trails and admire the magnificent painted desert and the petrified logs that date back to millions of years ago. Seeing the Crystal Forest is a visual treat for the little ones. Be sure to stop by the Rainbow Forest Museum & Visitor Center to take a closer look at fossils and learn from interactive exhibits.
🎨 Cadillac Ranch🎨
Based in Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch is one of Route 66’s most renowned attractions, featuring ten graffiti-covered and partially buried Cadillacs. This stop is an excellent way to break up a long drive and let the kids stretch their legs while creating their mini-masterpieces on the cars.
Be prepared with your spray paint and let your kids go wild with their creativity. You will be amazed by how engaging and interactive this stop can be.
🎟️ Route 66 Drive-In🎟️
Established in 1949, the Route 66 Drive-In theatre in Springfield, Illinois, is a historic cinema that offers a unique experience for movie fans. Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the starry skies while munching on some yummy snacks from the concession stand!
This stop is not only about the movie but the opportunity to experience the classic American pastime of watching movies under the open sky. It is also a perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the fun of the drive-in and create new family traditions.
🛣️ Meramec Caverns🛣️
Located in Stanton, Missouri, Meramec Caverns is an underground adventure that will make your kids go wild with amazement. The cave system is a marvel of natural beauty and is also a refuge for the lovable Looney Tunes character - Bugs Bunny.
Your kids can explore the depths of the cave system while experiencing the guided tours that showcase the stunning views of the caverns filled with unique rock formations and cavern life. Even on hot summer days, the caverns keep a stable temperature, so it’s a perfect location to beat the heat.
🍦 Ted Drewes Frozen Custard🍦
Route 66 also offers various food stops that are sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your kids’ desire for something cold on a hot summer day. One such famous stop is Ted Drewes’ Frozen Custard stand in St Louis, Missouri.
Ted Drewes has been serving up delicious frozen custard since the 1940s and is a must-visit stop along Route 66. With a variety of tasty treats available, your kids will have plenty of options to choose from. Don’t forget to try their signature treat - The Concrete!
🚸Conclusion🚸
Route 66 is full of surprises for families with children, making it an excellent way to create unforgettable memories with your little ones. From exploring the Petrified Forest National Park to indulging in some delicious Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, the legendary route offers a myriad of experiences that will cater to everyone’s interests. Pack up your car and gear up for a fantastic adventure!
