What’s On Your Travel Bucket List? 6 Attractions and Ideas for Your Family Road Trip

My kiddo turned 10 last year, and it dawned on me that we have not tackled our travel bucket list! COVID came along and took away 2 years from our ability to knock out some of our ideas, but 2022 is a whole new year and we plan to tackle a few!

Do you have a travel bucket list? Any locations that you would love to go with your kiddos before they’re at the age where they’re over you?

We want to share our top 6 ideas and hoping this will help you plan your family’s dream trip!

1. The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon has been one of those places that I’ve always wanted to visit with my son. The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, measuring over 270 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep. The views, at any angle, is breathtaking! It is just such a beautiful and epic place, and I just know my son will love it.

2. Mount Rushmore

During the holidays, we visited Shady Brook Farm and saw their Holiday Light Show. If you’re in the TriState area, you may want to check it out. One of the aspects of the light show is Mount Rushmore. My son is always excited about seeing it, because he knows all of the presidents on Mount Rushmore. He honestly doesn’t believe that it is a real monument, so I look forward to having him witness it in person.

3. Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls is one of America’s greatest natural marvels, and one of those places that I will thoroughly enjoy. Did you know that there are actually 3 waterfalls? There is Bridal Veil Falls; American Falls; and the widest, Horseshoe Falls. I would rather be on solid ground to witness the beautiful falls, but the views must be absolutely amazing.

4. Train Across Canada

Okay, so this isn’t a road trip, but it is cross country even though it is across Canada. I have been to many of the cities in Canada; however, it would be amazing to knock out all of these cities on a 13-day train ride. The great part of this train ride is that you can get off, explore, and jump back on to head to the next stop. Also, there are hosts on the train ride to share stories about local history and will even book hotels and tours at every stop, if you’re interested. This should be an amazing trip for a family, and I can’t wait to be able to take advantage of this trip.

5. Mall of America

The Mall of America has been a place that I have wanted to go to since I was in my teens and just have never had the opportunity to go. Mall of America is located in Minnesota, and on a sprawling 90+ acres. It is massive! Our target areas to visit within the mall are as follows:

• FlyOver America, which is a beautiful flight simulation ride that gives an aerial tour of some of the great landmarks and regions throughout the United States. This is one of the first areas that drew me to the Mall of America, and I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.
• Nickelodeon Universe, which is an indoor Nickelodeon theme park with seven acres of attractions, entertainment, and dining options. You can meet the Nickelodeon characters, experience spine-tingling rides, visit unique retail shops and much more!
• Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, which has a 300 foot long open tunnel, rainforest with crocodiles and tarantula, giant sharks, and amazing stingrays and sea turtles. We love aquariums so this is definitely going to be a fun-filled place to visit.

6. Route 2 – Bangor, Maine to Seattle, WA

I would love to take this drive in the fall with the changing leaves and beautiful wooded areas.

To experience Seattle, with its expansive city skylines and amazing activities, including Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium, Cascade Mountains, Lake Chelan, and some amazing restaurants.

Idaho and Montana also has some amazing mountain views. North Dakota is filled with mostly rural terrain, while Minnesota’s Skyline Parkway allows you to drive 25 miles with water views. Lake Superior can be found in Wisconsin, while Lake Huron is in Michigan.

I have always wanted to visit Montreal, and I love that this is one of the stops on this route. Montreal is known for its beauty, culture, and legendary food scene.

Finally, there are stops in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

The number one tourist attraction in Vermont is Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, which offers tours, a gift shop, and of course, decadent scoops of frozen goodness. All I had to see was ice cream, and I’m planning to be there!

There’s a small town in New Hampshire named Jefferson, which has a Christmas-themed amusement park named Santa’s Village and numerous parks and hiking trails.

Acadia National Park is in Maine, and is sure to be one of the brightest spots on a trip full of wondrous experiences. There’s something here for everyone including 45 miles of historic carriage roads, 158 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels, sandy beaches, towering bluffs, mountains, tide pools, and more. Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is the highest spot on the eastern seaboard and a stunning spot to take in the sunset. It’s the perfect way to mark the end of your amazing journey.

Where are some places in the US that you’d like to add to your bucket list? Are there any that you’re excited about above? Share in the comments below.