Best road trip vacations for kids

(EndPlay Staff Reports) - Summer road trips aren't about choosing the perfect destination; they're about enjoying the journey. No matter where you're located, there are all sorts of family-friendly trips to be taken within driving distance.

Here are some starting points for choosing your next trip:

East-coast fun: No matter where you are in New England, there's adventure to be had. Take a drive to the Children's Museum in Easton, Mass ., which is housed in an old fire station. Admission is only $6 and parking is free. Not in New England? Check out the Association of Children's Museums to find a family-friendly museum near you.

American's Main Street: The National Park System asserts that Route 66 is "holds a special place in American consciousness and evokes images of simpler times, mom and pop businesses, and the icons of a mobile nation on the road." Route 66 starts near Chicago and works its way west, finally ending in Los Angeles. While traveling the entire highway might be out of the question, there are a number of journeys to be had on the road. Check out the Cozy Dog Drive Inn – the birthplace of the corn dog – in Springfield, Ill.; spend the night at the Chelsea Hotel in Oklahoma; visit the Glenrio Historic District in Texas and more.

Cheer for the home team (even if you're away): Even if you're not a sports fan, a day at the ball park can be a fun, family-friendly summer tradition. No matter where you are, there's a minor league stadium within a few hours' drive. Check out MLB.com for more info about teams, games and more.

Take a trip back in time: Get a history lesson while on the go. Consider traveling to one of the country's many National Heritage Areas. The National Parks Service has dedicated a handful of areas across the country where visitors can take a walk back in time. Check out National Heritage Areas for more information.