Our Family Road Trip on Route 66: Three Weeks, One RV, Endless Memories
We had been dreaming about it for years: packing the kids into an RV and following the legendary Route 66 from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. We are a family of five – my husband, myself, and three energetic kids aged 12, 9, and 6 – and we wanted an adventure that would give us both freedom and unforgettable experiences. Three weeks later, we can confidently say: it exceeded every expectation.
Booking the RV and Planning the Trip
We rented our RV through RVLIFE, and honestly, that was one of the best decisions we made. We chose a mid-sized motorhome with enough space for the kids to have their own little corners, a functional kitchen, and plenty of storage for our camping gear and travel essentials. The kids were thrilled—they immediately claimed the bunk beds as their “forts.”
Planning our route was a breeze with Roadtrippers. We could map out the historic Route 66, find quirky roadside attractions, and discover hidden gems along the way. What we really loved was that Roadtrippers allowed us to plan “star excursions”: staying in one town for a night or two and taking short day trips to explore nearby national parks, small towns, and unique sights. This way, we weren’t constantly packing and unpacking, and the kids had time to play and explore each stop properly.
Week 1: Illinois to Missouri
Our trip started in Chicago. Before leaving, we spent a morning at Millennium Park. The kids loved the shiny “Bean,” and we tried Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza (it was great!).
Driving the RV through Chicago streets was a little stressful at first, but once we were out on the open highway, the excitement kicked in. The first few days were all about small Illinois towns—Pontiac, Joliet, and Bloomington. Pontiac had a hidden gem: the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum. The kids loved seeing the old cars, neon signs, and memorabilia. I think we spent longer there than we had planned—kids begging to take photos with every single display.
Missouri was next. Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, was charming. We stayed two nights at a local RV park. From there, we did short day trips to nearby attractions, including the Route 66 Car Museum. Our kids loved pretending to be time travelers in the vintage cars, and we enjoyed relaxing evenings at the RV park, cooking meals together and swapping stories around a little campfire.
Week 2: Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico
Oklahoma felt like a mix of wide-open skies and classic Americana. Tulsa’s Art Deco architecture was a hit for us adults, but the kids were more excited about murals and quirky sculptures scattered along the highway. Staying at a family-friendly RV park allowed us to enjoy evenings under the stars, and we even met a few other traveling families.
In Amarillo, Texas, we had a blast at the Cadillac Ranch. The kids eagerly sprayed paint on the buried Cadillacs, and we all got messy in the process. It was chaotic, colorful, and one of those moments that instantly becomes a family memory. A short detour took us to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where we hiked and had a picnic. Seeing the massive canyon walls made us all pause in awe—and the kids actually hiked without complaints, which was a small miracle!
New Mexico was a total change of scenery. Albuquerque had charming streets and colorful markets, and the kids were fascinated by the adobe-style buildings. We spent a day driving to Santa Fe, exploring the art galleries and historic plazas. Every evening, our RV became our cozy base, parked at scenic RV parks where the kids could run around while we relaxed.
Week 3: Arizona and California
Arizona was full of magic and history. Holbrook’s Wigwam Motel was straight out of a storybook—our kids were thrilled by the idea of sleeping in a teepee (even though it was just for photos). Flagstaff was our gateway to the Grand Canyon, and no words can capture the awe of seeing it for the first time. The kids were glued to the edge, marveling at the layers of rock and the vastness of the landscape.
Seligman was another highlight—a town frozen in time with diners, gift shops, and colorful signs. The kids loved it, and honestly, so did we. Petrified Forest National Park gave us a mix of hiking, history, and some much-needed downtime from driving. By the time we reached Barstow, California, the kids were pros at spotting historic neon signs and quirky roadside attractions.
Our final stop was Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66. Standing there, looking out at the Pacific Ocean, we felt an incredible mix of joy, nostalgia, and accomplishment. Three weeks on the road had flown by, but every mile was filled with laughter, new experiences, and family bonding that we’ll never forget.
Tips for Families Planning a Route 66 RV Trip
- Plan star excursions: Stay two nights in one place and take short day trips to nearby attractions. This keeps kids happy and reduces constant packing.
- Let the kids participate: Give them a say in choosing some stops—they’ll be more engaged and excited.
- Pack entertainment and snacks: Long stretches are inevitable; games, audiobooks, and healthy snacks make life easier.
- Book RV parks ahead: Especially near popular sites, reserving spots via RVLIFE avoids last-minute stress.
- Document the journey: Encourage kids to keep a mini travel journal—it’s fun and helps capture memories from their perspective.
Traveling Route 66 by RV gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, the flexibility to make spontaneous detours, and the comfort of having a “home” on the road. Using RVLIFE to rent the RV and Roadtrippers to plan our stops made everything much smoother.
Three weeks, countless memories, hundreds of photos, and a few inevitable squabbles later, we returned home with hearts full and stories to tell for years. Route 66 isn’t just a highway – it’s a journey, a classroom, and a playground for families ready for adventure.