If you’re looking for an adventure with your family, there’s no better way to hit the road than with a trip along Route 66. The route stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, taking you through eight states and some of the most iconic landscapes and towns in America.

So, get ready for a journey through stunning scenery, quirky roadside attractions, and a whole lot of Americana. Here’s our ultimate family-friendly Route 66 road trip itinerary.

🌃Day 1: Chicago🎆

Start your journey in the Windy City, Chicago. Spend the day exploring the city’s museums, parks, and attractions before setting off on the road trip. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Navy Pier and Millennium Park, two of the top attractions in the city.

Image Description: A panoramic view of the Chicago Skyline, with skyscrapers and the Chicago River.

📍Day 2: Springfield, Illinois🎡

On your way out of Chicago, stop by the Route 66 welcome center and get your kicks on the iconic Route 66 start sign. The first pit stop should be in the capital of Illinois, Springfield. Explore the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, as well as the Cozy Dog Drive-In.

Image Description: A photo of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

🌵Day 3: St. Louis, Missouri🌉

Your next stop is St. Louis, Missouri, where you’ll find the famous Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top of the arch for a stunning view of the Mississippi River and the city. After that, head to the City Museum where you can spend hours exploring the unique exhibits, including a life-size whale to climb through.

Image Description: A photo of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

🎡Day 4: Branson, Missouri🎢

Branson, Missouri, is a fun-filled destination for families with a Walter Cronkite Memorial, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, and the Silver Dollar City theme park. The park has roller coasters, water rides, and live music shows that will keep you entertained all day long.

Image Description: A photo of the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri.

🍁Day 5: Ozarks Scenic Byway, Arkansas🏞️

As you head into Arkansas, be sure to take the scenic drive through Central Arkansas on the Ozarks Scenic Byway. The route takes you through rugged mountains, pastoral landscapes, and charming small towns. Stop for lunch at the Low Gap Cafe in Pelsor before you continue the journey.

Image Description: A photo of a winding road through the Ozark Mountains.

🏜️Day 6: Tulsa, Oklahoma🌵

The largest city on Route 66 in Oklahoma is Tulsa. Visit the interactive Children’s Museum, the Tulsa Zoo, and the Philbrook Museum of Art. For dinner, head to the Blue Dome District for some delicious barbecue.

Image Description: A photo of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma.

🐎Day 7: Oklahoma City🐄

On your way to Oklahoma City, stop by the Round Barn in Arcadia, a unique structure that dates back to 1898. In the evening, go to the Stockyards City District where you can watch a live rodeo, enjoy some slow-smoked barbecue at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, and browse the Western wear shops.

Image Description: A photo of the Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma.

⛰️Day 8: Amarillo, Texas🌵

As you enter Texas, stop by the Cadillac Ranch, a roadside attraction where 10 Cadillacs are stick up in the ground. In Amarillo, stop by the Big Texan Steak Ranch, where you can challenge yourself to finish a 72-ounce steak in an hour and earn yourself a place on the Wall of Fame.

Image Description: A photo of the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

🏜️Day 9: Santa Fe, New Mexico🏜️

As you leave Texas, you’ll enter the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. Your first stop should be in Santa Fe, a city where Spanish, Mexican, and Native American cultures blend. Visit the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously inhabited government building in the US.

Image Description: A photo of the historic adobe buildings in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

🎨Day 10: Albuquerque, New Mexico🌅

Albuquerque is known for its dazzling sunsets, hot air balloon festival, and southwestern cuisine. Visit the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and take a ride on the Sandia Peak Tramway.

Image Description: A photo of the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

🌮Day 11: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona🏜️

The Grand Canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list. Take a helicopter tour or simply stroll along the rim for breathtaking views. This is definitely a highlight of any Route 66 road trip itinerary.

Image Description: A photo of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

🏜️Day 12: Flagstaff, Arizona🌵

The last stop of the road trip is Flagstaff, where you can take a hike to the Walnut Canyon National Monument, explore the Lowell Observatory, and enjoy some local craft beer at the Historic Brewing Company.

Image Description: A photo of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

With this ultimate family-friendly Route 66 road trip itinerary, you’ll hit the most iconic stops and attractions along one of America’s most famous highways. Pack up the car, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! 🚗🛣️

A photo of a road sign that reads "Route 66" with a map of the route below it, surrounded by a sunset sky.