About SmartStops
We're revolutionizing family road trips by combining smart routing technology with family-focused amenities to create unforgettable travel experiences.
Built by Parents, For Parents
We're not just building an app—we're solving problems we live with every day
We're a married couple with two kids, and we know firsthand the challenges of family travel. We road trip because it's more affordable than flying, and honestly, dealing with car seats at rental places is always a gamble—sometimes great, sometimes a nightmare. Renting from third-party platforms? Even more hit or miss.
So we drive. A lot. And like every parent who's ever heard "Are we there yet?" 45 minutes into a six-hour drive, we learned the hard way that the secret to successful road trips isn't about the destination—it's about the stops.
SmartStops came from our own frustration of juggling Google Maps, Yelp, random blogs, and frantically searching "playgrounds near me" while trying to keep kids entertained in the backseat. We built the tool we wished existed: one that finds parks first, then shows everything else we need nearby. If it makes our road trips better, we hope it makes yours better too.
Our Story
Why we decided to build SmartStops
We built SmartStops, a mobile app that solves one of the biggest challenges of family road trips: keeping everyone happy and energized during long car rides. The core insight came from realizing that cranky kids aren't really upset about the drive itself - they're frustrated from sitting still for hours without being able to move and play. And let's be honest, parents need their fuel too - the caffeine kind.
SmartStops flips the typical road trip planning approach. Instead of just finding gas stations along your route, it finds parks and playgrounds first, then shows you nearby gas stations with your preferred brands, plus restaurants and coffee shops for the grown-ups. This way, every fuel stop becomes a perfect opportunity for kids to run around and play while parents grab that essential coffee or a proper meal.
The app lets families plan routes around these multi-purpose stops - a playground for the kids, a Starbucks for mom's latte, dad's favorite gas station brand, and maybe a quick bite for everyone. It transforms necessary travel breaks into planned family activities that actually recharge both kids and parents, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
What started as a personal solution to our own family travel frustrations has grown into something that addresses a real gap in the market. Most travel apps focus on efficiency - getting from point A to B as quickly as possible. SmartStops focuses on making the journey better for families by prioritizing what everyone actually needs: kids need regular opportunities to move and explore, parents need decent coffee and real food, and families need breaks that leave everyone refreshed rather than more stressed.
How SmartStops Works
Four simple steps to transform your family road trip experience
Plan Your Route
Enter your destination, vehicle details, and travel preferences. Our smart algorithm calculates the most efficient route.
Find Gas Stations
Filter by your preferred brands (Costco, Shell, Exxon, etc.)
Discover Family Stops
Find parks, playgrounds, restaurants, and family-friendly amenities near each gas station stop.
Save Money & Make Memories
Enjoy optimized routes, fuel savings, and happy kids with planned breaks at fun locations.
Why Families Choose SmartStops
Designed specifically for families who want to make the most of their travel time and budget
Brand-Specific Filtering
Choose your preferred gas station brands to maximize your fuel rewards on every trip.
Keep Kids Happy with Playground Finder
Every gas stop becomes an adventure with our database of nearby parks, playgrounds, and family attractions.
Optimize Travel Time with Smart Routing
Our advanced algorithms consider traffic, fuel efficiency, and family needs to create the perfect route.
Family-Focused Trip Planning
Unlike other route planners, SmartStops is designed specifically for families with children, considering their unique needs.
Perfect For:
- Families with children ages 2-12
- Road trips longer than 2 hours
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Parents who want stress-free travel
- Frequent weekend travelers
Our Mission
At SmartStops, we believe that family road trips should be about creating memories, not stressing over logistics. Our mission is to transform every necessary stop into an opportunity for family fun while helping you save money and time.
We understand that traveling with children requires careful planning and flexibility. That's why we've built SmartStops specifically for families, combining the practical needs of fuel stops with the desire to keep everyone happy and engaged during the journey.
Ready to Transform Your Family Road Trips?
Join hundreds of families already using SmartStops