Forget Happy Meals: This Restaurant Can Be A Lifesaver On Road Trips With Kids

Let's face it, being stuck in the car for hours is hard for anyone, especially kids. But when the destination is worth the commute, all you can do is try to make the journey as enjoyable as possible. Any seasoned road tripper knows the right pit stops can make a world of difference. If the promise of a Happy Meal doesn't cut it for your kids, Cracker Barrel is a popular alternative with plenty of roadside locations to make your trip a little easier.

When you're on the road, the name of the game is keeping kids content for the long haul, and Cracker Barrel has one of the best kids' menus around. Mini chocolate chip or confetti pancakes, fried shrimp, mac and cheese, chicken fingers– there is plenty to choose from to cater to any kid. Plus, the extensive sides menu ensures you can put together a meal for even the pickiest eaters. Grilled cheese with a side of fresh fruit for kid one? Done. Eggs and bacon with lima beans and fried apples for kid two? Why not! Let your kiddos go nuts choosing their own meal while you fuel up on all-day breakfast and hearty Southern comfort foods.

The laid-back atmosphere is another win for the chain. Your wiggly (and even grumpy) kids will blend right into the family-friendly ambiance. Between the porch, the Old Country Store, and the dining area, the whole experience is a hit with kiddos (plus, parents say they can usually count on Cracker Barrel to have clean bathrooms). Play your cards right — or shall we say, your triangle game pegs — and you'll load the kids back in the car full, tired, and happy.

Of course, if the family is famished, it's best to head straight for the grub. But letting the kids get some fresh air out on Cracker Barrel's covered porch, even if there isn't a wait for a table, can help them sit still when it's time to eat. It might not be as exciting as a fast food chain's play place, but a worthwhile trade if you prefer the meal options (not to mention rocking in those rocking chairs helps regulate the nervous system for the whole family!) When it's time to eat, the Cracker Barrel Peg Game is a great way to keep kids entertained at the table, or let the kids play a game at the checkers table while you wait for your food — or so you can finish your meal in peace.

Then there's the Old Country Store. Let the kids pick out a treat for the road while you soak up a few moments of retail therapy. You'll also find a collection of unique toys, with some small toy and plushie options below $10. But you don't have to spend money in the store. Just let the kids test out the toy displays, or peruse the store online to make a scavenger hunt of items they can search for during your stop.

However, while many parents fondly remember Cracker Barrel as a given on road trips as kids, some report that the quality of both food and service has gone downhill in recent years. General reviews on the chain report consistency issues across locations. One parent said, "Growing up that was our go to family stop when traveling. Carried that on with my kids. ...[I] really hope it gets better because I have great memories."