by Jessica Vernold

Created on: May 04, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Summer is approaching and soon the kids will be home for a few weeks. You know that you want to take a road trip this summer but maybe you aren’t sure where to go. If you need some more adventurous ideas than just visiting grandma in another state, here are some of the top road trip destinations.

The Grand Canyon. Everyone has to see it at least once. Driving out west to get there will be the memory of a lifetime. You can take historic route 66 and enhance the experience even more. Plan to stop at some route 66 restaurants or hotels. Williams, Arizona is just outside the Grand Canyon Park and offers accommodations and specialty stores and tours as well. Make sure you get that picture with the amazing back drop.

Don’t miss Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. It is on my personal list. If you have kids especially, they will appreciate seeing it in person rather than books. They also have a calendar of special events that you can take part in such as bands performing. You can take a guided tour and there are also national parks, forests and caves that you can explore while in the area.

Everyone in your party will love the allure and mystery of visiting Area 51. Make sure you plant the seeds before hand of all the legend and controversy. That will ad to the suspense and excitement. You won’t be able to get in since it is an air force base, but you can drive by and to get close, you will have to drive quite a distance on a remote highway in Nevada. There are two main viewing areas, the black mailbox which is actually white and Tikaboo Peak. You have to be careful not to accidentally wander in and get in trouble by watching for perimeter poles. Cameras and binoculars are prohibited so if you choose to take them, know that you are risking confiscation. Rachel is the closest town and there you can get directions on viewing points. The best part of this trip will be all of the road side attractions along the way. Try to hit as many of these as possible. Visiting a few websites before hand is advised.

Visiting Las Vegas will be more fun if you are without children but there is still plenty to do if you have the kids. Visit the Hoover dam. It offers tours and is quite a sight. Also there are several tours of the Mojave Desert with points of interest. Circus Circus hotel was designed with kids in mind and features a circus midway with performers and shows. It also features Adventuredome indoor amusement park. Some of the other casinos also have roller coasters and simulated rides and there are some kid friendly live shows as well as light and sound shows. You have to do your homework and plan what to see first. though.

On the other side of the country, there is Niagara Falls. There is entertainment and attractions on either side of it and of course tours at the site.

A final favorite would be a trip to the coast. Either the Pacific or the Atlantic Coast. Both are equally beautiful and unique and totally different experiences. So choose the one more convenient to you. Let the kids see the ocean, walk the beach and visit the many attractions at either place.

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