We recently drove through Wyoming (aaand Nebraska, aaand Colorado) via the I-80 on our spring break road trip out West. We’ve made the drive many times, but had a bit more time this trip (thanks/no thanks to some winter road closures). For context, we have three energetic kids and their ages range from 2-7.
Road trips with children aren’t always easy, but we’ve found some sanity-saving tips and tricks on these long drives that have really helped. If you haven’t already, find yourself some excellent children’s podcasts! Another big tip is making your stops count, and I’m here to help you do just that.
Here are 3 PLACES we stopped in Wyoming along Interstate 80 that I’d highly recommend to anyone with toddlers, preschoolers, or elementary aged kiddos.
1. Little America Travel Center & Playground
First and foremost, we need to talk about Little America.
If you’ve ever driven through Wyoming on the I-80, chances are high that you’ve seen the zillions of billboards advertising the Little America Hotels & Travel Centers! If you missed them, you had to be blindfolded or sleeping because they appear approximately every 5 seconds.
But I’m not even mad about that because this stop is completely worth your time- kids or no kids.
There are several different Little America hotels throughout the Rocky Mountain West, and two in Wyoming along the I-80. One is found in the town Little America (near Green River on the Western side of the state) and the other is in Cheyenne (all the way on the Eastern side).
If you DO have kids, I highly recommend stopping at the western Green River location:
INTERSTATE 80, EXIT 68
LITTLE AMERICA, WYOMING, 82929
Why, you ask? A few key reasons.
#1- The playground. It’s right next to the gas station so you can’t miss it. It’s right next to some picnic tables, and the perfect place to let out your kids’ energy while you wait for your…
#2- Food from the deli. The breakfast items are great (fluffy pancakes, breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches) and for lunch you can find all kinds of burgers/fries, sandwiches, or salads/sides. There’s a decent amount of indoor seating too in case the weather isn’t great. High chairs, too!
But the actual best thing to get at Little America is the…
#3- soft serve ice cream comes for 75c. each. The portions are generous and the ice cream is so creamy. Our whole family shared one, but I could also easily down my own– they are so refreshing! And the final thing you don’t want to miss before you leave is the…
#4- clean and spacious bathrooms! These are a major step up from your typical terrifying gas station bathroom stalls.
Here’s the official website for the Travel Center.
2. Sinclair Dinosaur Playground
Next, let’s make our way east across the state. Here in the middle of the state you may find your kids need another break.
Enter: the Sinclair Dinosaur Playground (Bob’s Park), located right off the freeway!
Sinclair Oil Corporation is a famous American petroleum brand that has significant history here in Sinclair, Wyoming. Since 1976 it’s been the headquarters for this green-dino-branded co. You’ll drive past the oil refinery on your way out- which is kind of unique and historic and fun to point out!
There’s also bathrooms and a train car parked that kids can climb up on. The train car was pure magic for my preschooler.
Directions (coming from the West):
Take exit 219 toward Sinclair
0.5 mi
Continue on Lincoln Ave. Take WY-76 E to Union Ave
2 min (0.7 mi)
Destination: Bob’s Park
I-80, Sinclair, WY 82334
3. Cheyenne Train Depot Museum
Finally, let’s stop in Cheyenne!
The Cheyenne Train Depot Museum ended up being such a fun outing for my family (ages 7, 4.5, 2). I wasn’t sure how kid-friendly this museum would be, but it was pretty great.
There’s a miniature model train that runs along the ceiling, a large working baggage scale you can hop on and off, and plenty of pretend trains to sit in/play make believe. My personal favorite display case held adorable food menus (children and adult) for the dining cars from trains back in the hey day.
The highlight for my kids? There’s a lobby area at the back of the first floor (by the staircase) that houses a large table full of wooden train sets to play with. There’s even a smaller toddler table with more wooden trains. My kids could’ve stayed there forever.
We finished out this Cheyenne stop at the McDonald’s play place nearby, which was a big hit (2535 E Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY). The location was clean and the workers were friendly!
That’s it!
Where does your family like to stop along the I-80?? Have you been to any of these places?
I’d love to hear in the comments!
Cover Photo by Engin Yapici on Unsplash
