The wonders of Wall Drug, South Dakota (in photos)

Have you stopped at Wall Drug, in Wall, South Dakota? If you've driven along I-90 in either direction, even hundreds of miles out, you probably have stopped. This fantastical roadside pit stop is absolutely worth a stop, or even a detour, to explore with the kids. I was lucky enough to meet the third and fourth generation owners of Wall Drug, which is still owned by the original Hustead … [Read more...]

Four family-friendly Ohio road trip destinations

If you are planning a road trip for your family, chances are you will not be alone on the highway. One survey released by a major travel company revealed that 35 percent of families take at least one vacation together annually, with some taking two or three trips per year. When it comes to popular destinations in America, Ohio often tops the list because of its family-friendly offerings, and there … [Read more...]

Two ways to ski backcountry terrain on your next ski trip

If you’re one of those skiers or snowboarders who looks up at the most distant peak from the chairlift and says, “How do I get up there?” or notes tracks in fresh powder and wishes you’d put them there, you may want to elevate your next ski trip to include a day of backcountry terrain. Or, if you have teens (16 or older) who are yearning to learn what AT or touring skiing is all about, it might be … [Read more...]

Southern California pit stop: Pioneertown

Pioneertown, California is located in the Morongo Basin of southern California's Inland Empire. If traveling from Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs toward San Bernardino or Los Angeles, Pioneertown will (almost) be on your way. And it's worth the slight detour. Located in the mountains overlooking the valley floor, Pioneertown began as an elaborate Hollywood set for Western movies. … [Read more...]

Where to stop in Medicine Hat, Alberta

Driving along the Trans Canada Highway 1 through Medicine Hat? Stop for lunch or dinner at Tino’s and stretch your legs at the Tallest Teepee in the World! Tino’s Drive In is located at 860 14 St. SW (right off the highway). You’ll spot it by the castle exterior. Why stop? We’ll give you over 100 reasons…we counted 120 milk shake flavors on offer! This old-school drive-in has every kind of … [Read more...]

Little America: a classic Wyoming travel center

If you find yourself driving on I-80 through Wyoming, you'll need a pit stop, and trust us, they're hard to come by. Your oasis: Little America, the somewhat odd rest stop complex with an even odder name. Located at exit 68 of I-80, Little America is the only show in miles, and it delivers: families can find a shaded playground, a few picnic tables, a large mini-market, a quick service dining … [Read more...]

The Dinosaur Place

1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike Oakdale, CT This stop was submitted by Karin Burgess of Mystic Country. Thank you, Karin, for your support of Pit Stops for Kids! Whether you're visiting Mystic, CT as a family or just passing through on I-95, The Dinosaur Place makes for a great pit stop complete with educational activities, fun and games, the chance to stretch your legs, and food. Along … [Read more...]

Cady Cheese Factory

126 State Road 128 Wilson, WI Quick: what's the first thing you think of when I say 'Wisconsin'? If you said 'cheese' and have plans to drive down I-94, then you're in luck! Make a pit stop at The Cady Cheese Shop and Factory to samples of over 20 varieties and flavors of real Wisconsin longhorn cheese, shop in their store, and learn about how cheese is made. Located a stone's throw of I-94, … [Read more...]

Tillamook Cheese Factory

4175 Highway 101 North, Tillamook, Oregon Located conveniently along scenic Highway 101 between the tourist towns of Cannon Beach and Lincoln City, the Tillamook Cheese Factory makes for a great pit stop and picnic lunch spot (1-2 hours max). You can take a self-guided tour of the production floor (viewed from above), then sample all the cheese you want (yes you read that right!). Definitely … [Read more...]

Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory

3810 Cypress Dr. Petaluma, CA If you look back with longing to your sticker-trading days, you won't want to pass up a stop at Mrs. Grossman' Sticker Factory in Petaluma, CA. Free one-hour tours run multiple times per day, and include a video, a guided tour of the sticker factory, a fun sticker craft, a visit to their sticker museum, where you can see every sticker Mrs. Grossman's has ever … [Read more...]