Family Road Trips With Epic Views: Three Itineraries Kids And Parents Will Love
Family road trips turn miles into memories. Windows down, snacks packed, and a flexible plan in hand, you can stitch together mountain vistas, historic towns, and beach sunsets without long days in the car. Each itinerary below keeps daily drive times to roughly four hours or less, and includes family friendly stops plus ideas for where to stay so everyone rests up for the next leg.
Colorado Family Road Trip
Hot springs, red rock wonders, and a giant sandbox under starry skies
Start in Denver
Ease into the elevation with city fun before heading for the hills. Tour Hammond’s Candy Factory for sweet souvenirs, climb through the Adventure Forest at the Children’s Museum of Denver, and graze your way through the Dairy Block where hidden music features add a playful twist. Settle into a family vacation rental in Denver to kick things off.
Stop 1: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Drive time from Denver: about 1 hour 13 minutes
Towering crimson spires make Garden of the Gods feel otherworldly, and the paved, wide trails are perfect for little legs and strollers. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for golden light and wide open views. If you linger in town, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets you hand feed giraffes or ride the scenic chairlift over the exhibits.
Where to stay: Choose a colorful, historic family rental in Colorado Springs for character and convenience.
Stop 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park
Drive time from Colorado Springs: about 2 hours 30 minutes
Roam wave after wave of sand at this Dark Sky Park, one of Colorado’s best places for stargazing. In early summer, bring swimsuits for Medano Creek as it flows through the dunes. Sleds or sand boards turn the hills into a giant playground.
Where to stay: Crestone sits about 58 minutes away and offers eclectic adobe style homes with fenced yards and space for alfresco dinners.
Stop 3: Glenwood Springs
Drive time from Great Sand Dunes: about 4 hours
Break up this longer but gorgeous drive with a leg stretch at Twin Lakes or a bite in Leadville. In Glenwood Springs, head to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for cave tours, family rides, and an alpine coaster you control. Soothe tired muscles at Glenwood Hot Springs, then stroll to Chocolate Moose Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet finish.
Where to stay: A cozy cabin with big windows and mountain views delivers that home away from home feel.
Stop 4: Breckenridge
Drive time from Glenwood Springs: about 2 hours 15 minutes
Find Isak Heartstone, the friendly 15 foot wooden troll tucked in the trees, then choose winter fun like ski lessons, sledding on Fraction Drive, or a gondola ride for big views. In warmer months, hike to waterfalls and alpine lakes and wander Main Street’s shops. Warm up at Cabin Coffee with a Texas Turtle cocoa.
Where to stay: Unwind in a spacious cabin with forest views and a hot tub, perfect after a few days on the move.
End in Denver
Circle back to Denver to wrap your loop and start dreaming up the next one.
South Carolina Family Road Trip
Palmetto lined paths, lighthouse sunsets, and Lowcountry bites
Start in Charlotte, North Carolina
Walk the grounds at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, grab Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, and hunt for street art murals before hitting the road.
Stop 1: Hilton Head, South Carolina
Drive time from Charlotte: about 3 hours 48 minutes
Hilton Head means classic beach days. Coligny Beach offers swings, gazebos, and a splash pad, and the island’s 60 miles of bike paths make exploring a breeze. The Sandbox, an interactive children’s museum, lets kids “pilot” a plane. Cap the night with a sunset cruise, photos at Harbour Town Lighthouse, and seafood with a view at Hudson’s, which has a menu for ages 12 and under. After bedtime, toast with local spirits from the island’s first craft distillery.
Where to stay: Choose an updated family home with open layout and an inviting deck for slow mornings.
Stop 2: Charleston, South Carolina
Drive time from Hilton Head: about 2 hours
Cobblestones, pastel facades, and the famous homes of Rainbow Row set a dreamy scene. Start at Miller’s All Day, then visit Waterfront Park’s pineapple fountain. Shop King Street and stop at Candlefish for custom scents. Make time for the Angel Oak, a fairytale tree said to be the oldest east of the Mississippi. For foodie favorites, try Gospel Brunch at Halls Chophouse, oysters and fried chicken at Leon’s, and a box of biscuits from Callie’s.
Where to stay: Stay near Isle of Palms Marina for easy beach days, or choose Kiawah Island for a quieter resort vibe.
Stop 3: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Drive time from Charleston: about 2 hours
Unwind on 60 miles of shoreline. Huntington Beach welcomes pups for salty splash sessions, and the retro Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum offers unlimited play by the hour. Stroll The Market Common for boutiques and dinner at Tupelo Honey, a Southern favorite from a James Beard semifinalist.
Where to stay: Pick a cheerful, budget friendly home with pool access near the coast.
End in Charlotte
Return to Charlotte for one last city stroll and a comfy family rental before heading home.
Midwest Family Road Trip
Theme park thrills, lake days, and a sky high arch
Start in St. Louis, Missouri
Ride the tram to 630 feet inside the Gateway Arch, then taste toasted ravioli at Zia’s and frozen custard at Ted Drewes. Wander The Loop for shops and music before your first leg.
Stop 1: Branson, Missouri
Drive time from St. Louis: about 3 hours 48 minutes
Branson blends high energy shows with Ozark scenery. At Silver Dollar City, brave record setting wooden coasters, splash down a raft ride, or cool off at the 13 acre water park. Browse decades of memorabilia at the World’s Largest Toy Museum, ride the Branson Ferris Wheel for city views and a nightly light show, then slow things down with a paddle on Table Rock Lake or a lookout stop at the 165 Scenic Overlook.
Where to stay: Choose a family friendly condo with a small patio and community pool close to top attractions.
Stop 2: Kansas City, Missouri
Drive time from Branson: about 3 hours 15 minutes
Cue the barbecue. Line up at Arthur Bryant’s and use the local BBQ app to plan a tasty tour. Marvel at Union Station’s chandeliers and visit the planetarium, traveling exhibits, and giant screen movies. Kids will love the city replica at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. On your way back, run through City Market for flowers and fresh produce.
Where to stay: Find a family home with a private yard for lemonade afternoons and a dining room for takeout feasts.
Stop 3: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Drive time from Kansas City: about 2 hours 35 minutes
See the shoreline from the water on a pontoon or runabout, then head underground at Bridal Cave. Hike to castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park and finish the night with games back at your rental and pies from Pappo’s.
Where to stay: Pick a lake area home with outdoor space so the kids can play between adventures.
Trip Tips For Happy Miles
Keep drive days short by starting early and stopping for scenic picnics. Stock the car with snacks, audiobooks, and roadside games. Book family vacation rentals with kitchens, laundry, and outdoor space so you can reset between stops.
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