Route 66: A Kid-Friendly Vacation Adventure

Often, when people think of Route 66 and its appeal to families, they might dismiss it outright due to its degraded state and the potential for monotony on a long road trip. However, with a bit of imagination and planning, Route 66 can be a thrilling adventure for kids and parents alike. This article explores the reasons why Route 66 can be a fantastic vacation destination for families, including its numerous tourist attractions and roadside experiences.

(download) Is Route 66 Really Kid-Friendly?

Many might argue that Route 66 is not inherently kid-friendly, as much of the road has been repurposed or is in various states of disrepair. This can indeed make it challenging to keep kids engaged and entertained during a road trip. However, with a few strategic stops and activities, families can transform the journey into a memorable experience.

Planning for Family-Friendly Route 66

One of the biggest challenges on a Route 66 trip is the monotony of driving for extended periods. To combat this, consider planning your route to include frequent stops at interesting sites. These can be roadside attractions, historic landmarks, or themed experiences such as the unique hotels and points of interest along the way. For instance, you might visit the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, where you can swim in the natural swimming hole, or explore the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, for a unique sleeping experience.

Route 66 as a Living History Lesson

While the main route may be challenging, the allure of Route 66 lies in its history and the stories it tells. To make the trip engaging for kids, make connections between the historic sites and real-life characters and locations from popular culture, such as the Disney Pixar movie Cars. For example, you can visit the location that inspired the Sally character or see the buildings that inspired the character Ramone. Exploring the history and symbolism behind these sites can add depth and excitement to the journey.

What to See and Do on Route 66

There are countless attractions worth stopping at along Route 66. Visiting the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest can provide a range of outdoor activities for kids, such as hiking and exploring. Staying in unique or historic hotels, such as the Wigwam Motel, can create memorable experiences. Additionally, visiting museums and driving through quirky attractions like the World's Largest Ball of Barbed Wire can keep kids engaged and entertained.

Personal Experience: A 11-Day Route 66 Adventure

After taking a 5-year-old on an 11-day end-to-end trip down Route 66, we discovered that the journey itself is an adventure, and every stop is an opportunity for learning and fun. Our child, now in high school, still fondly remembers this trip. We made the most of our time by including numerous stops at unique sites and exploring the history and culture of the American West. Visiting Sally’s Diner, the Cozy Cone Hotel, and learning about the inspiration behind various characters in Cars made the trip a blast for both of us. The experience of seeing the actual locations and meeting people associated with these sites added a new level of excitement to our journey.

Conclusion: Making Route 66 Family-Friendly

While Route 66 may not be the most straightforward route for a family vacation, with careful planning and the right stops, it can be an incredible adventure. By incorporating historical and cultural attractions, quirky roadside stops, and unique accommodations, you can turn a potentially long and boring journey into a series of exciting and memorable experiences. Whether you choose to explore the history of the route, enjoy family-friendly attractions, or simply take in the American landscape, Route 66 offers a wealth of opportunities for a truly unique and entertaining family vacation.