Are you hoping to do a multi-state adventure but aren’t sure where to start? We just wrapped up a massive cross-border loop that took us through Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, and Michigan. This journey was the perfect mix of educational museums, high-energy city life, and relaxing southern charm. If you’re looking for a road trip that keeps both kids and parents happy, this is the itinerary for you.

We kicked off our journey with a 4-hour drive to Toledo, Ohio, staying at the Holiday Inn Express Toledo-Oregon. Toledo is a hidden gem for families—the Imagination Station is a world-class science center that kept the kids engaged for hours, while the Toledo Museum of Art and Glass Museum provided a beautiful cultural reset. After fueling up on delicious Lebanese grill at Souq, we headed south into the heart of horse country.

Horses and Southern Hospitality in Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, was our next stop, where we stayed at the GLō Best Western. You can’t visit this region without a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park. It’s an incredible sprawling facility where kids can see different breeds and learn about the state’s equestrian history. Before leaving the area, we spent some time at The Summit at Fritz Farm, which is a fantastic spot for outdoor shopping and a relaxed lunch before the long haul down to Georgia.

The drive to Atlanta took about five and a half hours, but it was well worth it. We opted for a spacious rental with a work and game station, which gave everyone much-needed room to breathe. Atlanta is a powerhouse of family activities. We hit the World of Coca-Cola to sample flavors from around the globe and spent a fascinating afternoon at the Fernbank Museum. For something truly unique, the Illuminarium offered an immersive digital safari that felt like we’d been transported across the world.

Foodie Finds and Music City Magic

One of the highlights of the Atlanta leg was the food scene. From the 24-hour comfort of Waffle House to the trendy stalls at Ponce City Market, we never went hungry. We even made time for a breakfast at the Flying Biscuit Café before packing up for Nashville. On the way out of the area, we took a slight detour to Rock City Gardens in Chattanooga, where you can “see seven states” from one lookout point—a view that blew the kids’ minds.

Nashville greeted us with neon lights and a stay at the Hyatt Place Downtown. We explored the stunning Gaylord Opryland Resort, which features indoor gardens and boat rides, followed by a walk down the historic 2nd Avenue. Dinner at The Stillery was the perfect way to soak in the Nashville vibe before we began our trek back north.

The Homeward Stretch: Cincinnati and Detroit

As we began our journey home, we stopped in Cincinnati, Ohio, staying across the river in Newport. The Cincinnati Museum Center is housed in a spectacular art deco train station and offers three different museums in one—an absolute must for road-tripping families. We also loved the tropical escape of the Krohn Conservatory before making our final drive to Detroit, Michigan.

Our final full day was dedicated to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn. It is one of the most impressive collections of history in the country, featuring everything from presidential limos to historic locomotives. We capped off the trip with a visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and a fun dinner at the Rainforest Café, which was the ultimate treat for the kids after so much time in the car.

Planning Your Road Trip Budget

A trip of this scale requires some planning, and we kept a close eye on our expenses to ensure we stayed on track. For a similar 8-day multi-state circuit, here is how our costs (as of 2024) broke down:

• Accommodation: $1,850 (This included a mix of hotels with breakfast and a larger rental in Atlanta).
• Attractions & Tickets: $625 (Covering all museums, LEGOLAND, and parks).
• Gas & Dining: $2,500 (Accounting for multiple tanks of gas and three meals a day for the family).
• Total: Approximately $5,000.

Traveling from Toronto down to the deep south and back was an unforgettable experience. While the 20+ hours of driving might seem daunting, breaking it up with science centers, horse parks, and immersive museums made it feel like a series of mini-vacations rolled into one. If you’re ready to see the best of the American Midwest and South, start packing—the open road is waiting!