Ever see a handmade sign for the world’s largest ball of yarn on the side of the road? What about a gummy candy factory? Stopping at unique roadside attractions with kids can be one of the best parts of a road trip. They break up the drive; give little (and big) legs a stretch; provide a chance to run around and expend some energy; and make for memories that you can’t find at Disney World or the beach (and you might even find some fun spots to stop on your way).
We always try to allow a little bit of extra time on a road trip to make a quick detour at the off-the-wall and unique roadside attractions. Spots closer to your house can also make great day trips. Instead of watching the same Friends episode for the sixth time (Yep, could I BE more guilty?!), why not visit the biggest waterfall in your state?
Locations can be as wacky as a giant pink elephant statue at a tire store or have educational, historical or geographic significance. Yes, we will stop at the sign that designates the Geographic Center of the United States in Kansas or the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet in Iceland. Public art and murals are also excellent spots to stop and take a pic. And, factory tours can make for an interesting and educational hour or two.
One of my favorite excursions was a last-minute trip to the tallest monument in Vermont while visiting friends in upstate New York. We had a flight at 3pm and instead of hanging out in the hotel and airport, we drove the rental car across the border and visited the Bennington Battle Monument, in Bennington, Vermont. Not only did my kids get a new state to add to their list, but we learned some great early American history while we were there. Did you know that the Battle of Bennington was considered to be the turning point in the Revolutionary War? Me, either. See? Instant benefit of finding a unique spot to spend a few hours.
And just about 45 minutes north of where we live hangs the world’s largest ball of paint. And yes, you can put on a layer yourself. Way back in 1977, Mike Carmichael put a coat of paint on a baseball, and just kept adding coat after coat. There are now more than 26,000 coats of paint on it and it weighs more than two tons.
How can you find these highway hangouts?
Atlas Obscura is a great resource and lists novel and unique places from the people who have visited them. What’s particularly good about this site is that it includes locations all over the world. Another fave is Roadside America, which has maps of all 50 states and their corresponding kooky and worthwhile spots to spend a day or just go snap a selfie. Factory Tours USA is a directory of where in the US you can watch people make everything from cheese to cowboy boots.
Next on our list? Yes, we will stop and See Rock City on our next trip south, and I can’t wait to check out some of the many highway highlights while driving along Route 66. Cadillac Ranch and spending the night in a wigwam? Sign me up! And, if things work out, we’ll also get to explore the Fire-breathing Dragon bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam before too long.
Whether you decide to take a quick detour to a pickle factory or check out the gorgeous building murals in Fort Smith, Arkansas, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime and bring a smile to your face. A keychain from the Corn Palace in South Dakota will always be a conversation starter. Plus, it helps kids see that there you can find beauty and fun in the most random and unique things. Truly, who would have thought that one of our favorite days was going to the Kazoo factory and museum in Beaufort, South Carolina?
What roadside attractions with kids do you recommend?
Joshua Hall
April 25, 2021 at 10:29 pmI’m guessing that when you recall your trips, you mark them by the oddities more than you do the destinations! I have the urge to rent a Winnebago someday and see as many of these attractions as possible!