The US offers an array of road trip routes that are globally renowned for their expansive skies, breathtaking natural landscapes, and opportunities to meet new people. While many of these journeys captivate adults, they might not always cater to the interests and energy levels of younger travelers, who may have limited attention spans and less interest in lengthy drives focused on geography or history.
However, the country is packed with shorter, child-friendly road trips (and shorter day trips) ideal for young explorers. For example, Florida offers family-friendly adventures with attractions like the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Orlando’s theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios.
Gunther Mitsubishi carried out a survey of 3,000 families, asking them to identify the ultimate family-friendly road trips they aspire to experience this summer.
North Carolina had two trip routes voted among the most sought-after by families, including Charlotte to the Outer Banks arriving at #61:
A trip from Charlotte to the Outer Banks offers a mix of science, history, and coastal fun. Start in Charlotte with a visit to Discovery Place Science or the NASCAR Hall of Fame. On the way to the Outer Banks, stop in Greensboro to explore the Greensboro Science Center or the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. Conclude in the Outer Banks with activities like visiting the Wright Brothers National Memorial, exploring the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, or climbing the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
The second North Carolina trip routes include Raleigh to Wilmington, trailing at #111:
Traveling from Raleigh to Wilmington combines educational and coastal experiences. Begin in Raleigh with a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, or the Marbles Kids Museum. On the way to Wilmington, stop in Fayetteville to visit the Airborne and Special Operations Museum or the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Conclude in Wilmington with activities like visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, exploring the historic Battleship North Carolina, and enjoying the beaches.