Planning a family road trip can feel like juggling a circus, but with the right tools and a few hacks, it can be a fun adventure for everyone. In our last blog post, we shared step-by-step how we planned our road trip from Kansas to Alaska. In this blog, we’ll share how we planned fun activities along the way! 

Here are six travel hacks for how to plan road trip stops for your family:

1. Pinterest: Your Go-To Inspiration for Road Trip Fun

You might think Pinterest is just for home décor or DIY crafts, but it’s still a huge resource for road trip planning. It’s packed with creative ideas and family-friendly activities for every destination imaginable. Type in your route and see what hidden gems and quirky spots pop up. Search for travel boards dedicated to families, road trips, or your specific route and let Pinterest inspire your trip.

After I find inspo on Pinterst, I like to look into those locations further.

2. Google Maps: Your High-Tech Travel Buddy

Google Maps is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a fantastic tool for finding highly-rated activities and stops along the way. Here are two tricks that will come in handy:

  • Explore Nearby: When you’re approaching a new city or town, open Google Maps and use the “Explore” feature. This will show you local attractions, restaurants, and family-friendly spots based on ratings and proximity.
  • Save Lists: You can create custom lists on Google Maps with all your potential stops, so you’re not constantly searching for something to do. If you come across a great playground or a fun attraction, simply save it to your list to keep things organized!

3. ChatGPT: Your AI Travel Assistant

Planning road trip activities has never been easier with ChatGPT by your side! Here are five ways to use this handy AI tool to design the perfect trip:

  1. Find Hidden Gems: Ask ChatGPT for lesser-known spots along your route that kids will enjoy, like quirky roadside attractions, parks, or kid-friendly museums.
  2. Plan Fun Pit Stops: Need to break up long driving days? Ask ChatGPT for creative suggestions on where to stop every 2-4 hours based on your route.
  3. Kid-Friendly Restaurant Suggestions: Ask for restaurant recommendations that will be perfect for your kids, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal.
  4. Educational Stops: Want to mix in some learning? Ask for stops with historical significance or natural beauty that’ll teach your kids something while keeping them engaged.
  5. Tailored Activities: Tell ChatGPT about your kids’ interests and get suggestions on stops that will align with what they love—whether it’s animals, art, or the great outdoors.

4. Facebook Groups: The Community Connection

Facebook groups can be a goldmine for finding personalized recommendations from other families. Here’s how to use them to your advantage:

  • Join Travel Groups: There are countless family travel groups where people share their favorite spots and experiences. Just search for your route or specific stops along the way and ask for advice.
  • Local Groups: Join local city or state groups in the areas you’re traveling through. Locals will often know about the best parks, hidden gems, and fun activities that won’t show up on traditional travel guides.

5. Trust Your Gut

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by recommendations from travel bloggers or influencers who have their own list of “must-see” stops. While it’s tempting to try everything, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t sound fun for your family, skip it! Not every must-see attraction is a must-see for you. Customize your trip based on what will genuinely excite your family, not someone else’s.

6. Don’t Over-Schedule: Flexibility is Key

Road trips are an adventure, and the best adventures often happen when you leave room for the unexpected. Don’t pack your schedule too tightly or book every second of the day. Sometimes the best memories come from spontaneous decisions, like hanging out at a local playground or discovering a cool restaurant. Keep things flexible, have a backup plan, and most importantly—don’t stress if everything doesn’t go perfectly.

By using these tips, you’ll be well on your way to planning a family road trip full of exciting, kid-friendly activities.

Just remember—it’s all about having fun and enjoying the journey together!