[JRTJH]

I certainly agree that a WalMart parking lot is not the environment I'd want my kids or grandkids "running around to blow off steam" after being cooped up in the back seat for most of the day. For me, almost any campground would be better than turning them loose to "play in traffic"....

That said, you might do some research for community sponsored, county run campgrounds along your route. Usually they have minimal camping hookups (if any at all) but almost always are in a city park or a county park complete with play grounds and facilities for children. I'm thinking along the lines of all the "tourist park" facilities in the UP and in many LP communities. While some cost as much as private campgrounds, many are only $10 or $15 a night, close to town (shopping, dining) and have things for kids to do without playing in traffic.