Taking kids to a national park isn’t just about seeing amazing sights – it’s about watching their eyes light up when they spot their first bison or earn their first Junior Ranger badge. But let’s be honest: not all parks are created equal when it comes to family-friendly features.
I’ve visited several national parks with friends and family who have kids and I’ve learned that the right park can make the difference between happy campers and total meltdowns.
From easy trails and accessible viewpoints to nearby ice cream shops (hey, sometimes you need backup plans), some parks just get what families need.
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Note that I didn’t just choose parks at random for this list. I evaluated each national park against the ten criteria I describe in my article about What Makes National Parks Kid-Friendly.
Table of Contents
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Getting around Yellowstone with kids is a breeze thanks to its well-maintained roads and boardwalks. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly paths that even little ones can handle – from short walks near Old Faithful to flat trails around the colorful hot springs.
The park’s safety setup is top-notch, with clear signs and helpful rangers leading programs throughout the day. Kids go crazy for the bubbling mud pots and shooting geysers – especially Old Faithful’s regular shows. Just pack layers since the weather can change quickly!
Your kids will love becoming Junior Rangers at the visitor centers, where they can check out hands-on exhibits. When night falls, gather around for ranger-led campfire talks and stargazing sessions. During the day, keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, and maybe even bears (from safe spots, of course!).
For meals and rest, you’ve got options – grab a table at one of the many picnic areas or head to West Yellowstone for restaurants. You can stay right in the park at family-friendly lodges or campgrounds, many with special areas just for kids to learn and play.
➡️ Plan your trip with a Yellowstone National Park Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide (free)
➡️ Get a Yellowstone Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina)
The Smokies make family trips super easy with paved paths and the stunning Cades Cove Loop Road. Kids love the Laurel Falls Trail – it’s just right for little legs and leads to a beautiful waterfall. You’ll find clear trail markers and rangers keeping an eye on things throughout the park.
Step back in time with your family at old mountain homesteads and working mills. The weather’s best in spring and fall, but pack light layers since mountain temps can change quickly. Your kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge while learning about local plants and animals at the visitor centers and exhibits.
As evening comes, join ranger-led walks and listen to stories around the campfire. Keep your camera ready – black bears often show up, and in early summer, the magical synchronous fireflies put on an amazing light show. When you’re hungry, head to nearby Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge for family restaurants.
Stay at family-friendly campgrounds or hotels close by. The park has lots of perfect picnic spots, and kids can splash around in designated river wading areas on hot days.
➡️ Read More: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Great Smoky Mountains Kids Activity Book (ages 5 and up) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
3. Yosemite National Park (California)
Getting around Yosemite Valley is a snap with free shuttles and smooth paths. The kids will love the easy walks to Mirror Lake and Lower Yosemite Fall – both trails are perfect for small feet and give you amazing views of those famous granite cliffs.
You’ll spot clear signs and friendly rangers everywhere you go. Want to really get the kids excited? Sign them up for rock climbing lessons made just for little ones. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall – winter can bring lots of snow to some areas.
The kids can earn Junior Ranger badges while checking out the nature centers and joining ranger walks. When night falls, look up! The park offers awesome stargazing sessions and evening talks under the stars. During the day, keep watch for deer, coyotes, and tons of birds.
Need a break? Head to Mariposa for family-friendly restaurants. You can stay right in the park at national parks for families or campgrounds that cater to families. Pack a picnic lunch – there are beautiful spots everywhere to spread out a blanket. Don’t miss the hands-on exhibits at the Yosemite Museum – kids love them!
➡️ Read More: Yosemite National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Yosemite National Park Kids Activity Book (ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
4. Acadia National Park (Maine)
The Park Loop Road makes getting to all the cool spots in Acadia super easy with kids. Little legs will do great on the Jordan Pond Path – it’s flat and goes around a beautiful lake. You’ll always know where you’re going with the well-kept trails and bright markers.
Kids go wild for the carriage roads – they’re perfect for family bike rides. When the tide goes out, head to the rocky shore to check out tidepools full of sea creatures. Summer brings perfect weather, but fall shows off with amazing red and orange leaves.
Stop by the Sieur de Monts Nature Center where kids can get hands-on with fun displays. As the sun sets, join ranger talks or catch occasional music shows under the stars. Keep your eyes open for seabirds swooping overhead and seals playing in the waves!
Bar Harbor’s just minutes away with plenty of family restaurants. You can camp in the park or stay at kid-friendly inns nearby. Pack a lunch – there are gorgeous ocean-view picnic spots everywhere. Don’t miss Sand Beach where kids can splash in the waves and build sandcastles!
➡️ Plan your trip with an Acadia National Park Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Acadia National Park Travel Guide (free)
➡️ Get an Acadia National Park Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
5. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The South Rim’s paved walkways and free shuttles make seeing this amazing canyon a breeze with kids. The Rim Trail is perfect for families – it’s flat enough for strollers and has safety rails at all the lookout spots. Rangers keep watch and lead fun programs throughout the day.
Kids light up at the chance to become Junior Rangers, take mule rides, or check hands-on displays at visitor centers. Hit the trails in spring or fall when temperatures are just right – summers get really hot here!
Stop by the Geology Museum where kids can touch real rocks and join ranger-led programs about the canyon’s layers. After dark, look up at some of the clearest night skies around during special stargazing events. Watch for California condors soaring overhead or elk grazing near the paths.
When you need a break, head to nearby Tusayan for kid-friendly restaurants. You can stay at lodges right on the rim or camp at family-focused sites. There are plenty of shaded picnic spots with bathrooms nearby, and don’t miss the special viewpoints where kids can use telescopes and touch display models!
➡️ Plan your trip with a Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Plan your trip with a Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim) Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide (free)
➡️ Get a Grand Canyon Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
6. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Taking the family through Rocky Mountain National Park is simple with lots of scenic pull-offs where you can spot wildlife right from your car. The trails around Bear Lake and Sprague Lake are perfect for kids – they’re flat and easy to walk, with clear signs pointing the way.
Your little ones will love going horseback riding or joining wildlife watching trips to spot elk and bighorn sheep. Summer brings perfect weather for hiking and playing, though you’ll want to skip the harsh winter months.
Kids get excited about earning their Junior Ranger badges and joining ranger talks about the park’s animals and plants. When the sun goes down, gather around for campfire stories and amazing stargazing programs – the night sky here is incredible!
Need a break? Estes Park is right next door with plenty of kid-friendly hotels and restaurants. Stay at one of the family-focused campgrounds or lodges in the park. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by one of the gorgeous mountain lakes, and don’t miss the fun discovery zones set up just for kids at the visitor centers.
➡️ Read More: Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Rocky Mountain Kids Activity Book (Ages 8-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
7. Zion National Park (Utah)
Free shuttle buses make seeing Zion’s red rock wonderland a snap with kids. The Riverside Walk, Pa’Rus Trail and Emerald Pools/ Kayenta Trails are perfect for families – they’re smooth and easy-going with plenty of spots to rest. You’ll find clear trail markers and helpful rangers all along the way.
Kids love splashing in the shallow parts of the Narrows during summer, and there are beginner-friendly climbing spots for little adventurers. Plan your trip for spring or fall when temperatures are just right for hiking and playing outdoors.
The nature center pulls kids in with fun exhibits, and they’ll get excited about ranger talks about the park’s plants and animals. After dark, join astronomy nights to see stars light up the canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for desert bighorn sheep bouncing along the cliffs!
Springdale’s just minutes away with kid-friendly restaurants and hotels. Stay at the park’s family-focused lodges or campgrounds – they’ve got everything you need. You’ll find clean picnic areas with bathrooms throughout the park, and the visitor center has special hands-on spots just for kids.
➡️ Plan your trip with a Zion National Park Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Zion National Park Travel Guide (free)
➡️ Get a Zion National Park Kids Activity Book to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
8. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Getting around Olympic is easy with scenic drives that take you straight to amazing beaches and forests. The Hoh Rain Forest and Ruby Beach trails are perfect for kids – they’re gentle walks with clear paths and rangers nearby to help if needed.
Kids go crazy for tidepooling at the beach where they can spot starfish and tiny crabs in the rocky pools. Summer brings the best weather for playing outside and hiking under the towering trees. The visitor centers pull kids in with cool displays about rainforests and local wildlife.
➡️ Best Tidepools in Olympic National Park
When night falls, join in on campfire programs where rangers tell stories under the stars. During the day, keep watch for deer tiptoeing through the forest and playful otters splashing in the streams. Port Angeles is close by with plenty of family restaurants and hotels if you need them.
You can stay at family-friendly campgrounds or cozy cabins right in the park. Pack a lunch to enjoy at oceanfront picnic spots or deep in the mossy forest. The visitor centers have special stations just for kids where they can touch and learn about the park’s plants and animals.
➡️ Plan your trip with an Olympic National Park Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Olympic National Park Travel Guide (free)
➡️ Get an Olympic National Park Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
9. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
The famous Skyline Drive makes seeing Shenandoah’s best spots a breeze with kids. You’ll find plenty of easy walks like the Stony Man Trail, where even little hikers can reach amazing mountain views. The paths are smooth and well-kept, with rangers regularly checking the trails.
Kids love chasing waterfalls here – there are lots of family-friendly hikes to rushing cascades. Time your visit for spring when wildflowers paint the meadows, or fall when the trees burst with red and gold colors.
The visitor centers pull kids in with touch-and-learn displays about mountain life. After dark, join night hikes where rangers point out stars and tell stories about the park’s history. During the day, watch for white-tailed deer grazing in fields and listen for songbirds in the trees.
Luray and Charlottesville are close by with kid-friendly restaurants and hotels. Stay in the park’s cozy cabins or pitch a tent at family-focused campgrounds. You’ll find perfect picnic spots throughout the park, and kids get extra excited about earning their Junior Ranger badges at special stations set up just for them.
➡️ Read More: Shenandoah National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Shenandoah National Park Activity Book (ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
10. Arches National Park (Utah)
Taking in the red rock wonderland of Arches is super easy with kids thanks to scenic drives where you can hop out at jaw-dropping viewpoints. Little legs do great on the short walks to famous spots like Balanced Rock – the paths are wide and clearly marked, so you won’t get lost.
Kids light up at the sight of the amazing natural arches, and ranger talks make the cool rock formations come alive with fun geology facts. Hit the trails in spring or fall when temperatures are just right for outdoor fun – summer days can get pretty hot!
The visitor center pulls kids in with hands-on displays they can touch and play with. When the sun goes down, join special programs to see some of the clearest, starriest skies around. During the day, keep your eyes peeled for quick little lizards darting between rocks and desert birds soaring overhead.
Moab’s just minutes away with plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and hotels. You can camp under the stars or stay at nearby hotels that cater to families. Take breaks at scenic picnic spots scattered throughout the park, and don’t miss the special ranger-led tours made just for young rock lovers!
➡️ Plan your trip with an Arches National Park Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Arches National Park Travel Guide (free)
➡️ Get an Arches National Park Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
11. Glacier National Park (Montana)
The Going-to-the-Sun Road lets you see amazing mountain views without any tough hiking. Kids love the Trail of the Cedars – it’s flat, easy, and winds through giant trees. You’ll find clear signs everywhere and friendly rangers leading walks to help you spot wildlife.
Take the whole family on vintage Red Bus Tours or boat rides across crystal-clear lakes. Summer brings perfect weather for playing outside – just skip the snowy months from late fall through spring. Your little ones can earn Junior Ranger badges while learning about glaciers and mountain animals on guided nature walks.
When the sun sets, gather around for ranger stories about the park’s history and wildlife. Keep your cameras ready – mountain goats often pose on cliffs, and moose splash in shallow lakes. The towns of Whitefish and Kalispell are nearby with kid-friendly restaurants and shops.
Stay in historic park lodges that welcome families or set up camp under towering peaks. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by one of the gorgeous lakes. The visitor centers have special activity stations where kids can touch real animal fur and learn about glaciers through fun hands-on displays.
➡️ Plan your trip with a Glacier National Park Itinerary (available for purchase)
➡️ Read More: Glacier National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Glacier National Park Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
12. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Paved roads make visiting Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscape simple with kids. The Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails are perfect for families – they’re short walks on level ground with clear markers showing the way. Plus, there’s plenty of shade and rest spots along these paths.
Kids get excited about scrambling on beginner-friendly rocks and pointing out the funny-looking Joshua trees. Plan your trip for spring when wildflowers pop up, or fall when temperatures cool down – summer days can be too hot for little ones.
Your kids will love earning Junior Ranger badges while learning about desert animals and plants. When night falls, join special astronomy programs where rangers help spot constellations in some of California’s darkest skies. During daytime walks, watch for desert tortoises moving slowly between cacti and quick jackrabbits hopping past.
Twentynine Palms and Joshua Tree town are close by with family restaurants and motels. You can camp in the park or stay at nearby hotels. Take breaks at shaded picnic areas with clean bathrooms, and let the kids follow nature trails with fun signs that teach them about desert life.
➡️ Read More: Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Joshua Tree Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
13. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
Getting to the biggest trees on Earth is easy at Sequoia – smooth paths lead right to giants like General Sherman. The Big Trees Trail is perfect for families, with flat walkways even toddlers can handle. You’ll find clear signs and well-kept paths throughout both parks.
Kids’ eyes get huge when they see their first giant sequoia, and they love checking out the cool underground Crystal Cave. Plan your trip between late spring and early fall when the weather’s best for outdoor fun.
The visitor centers pull kids in with hands-on exhibits about the massive trees and forest life. When night falls, gather around for ranger stories under the stars. During the day, keep watch for black bears munching berries and deer tiptoeing through the forest.
Visalia’s nearby with plenty of family restaurants and hotels. Stay right in the park at family-friendly lodges or campgrounds where kids can run free. You’ll find clean picnic areas with bathrooms scattered throughout both parks. Let the little ones follow nature trails with fun signs teaching them about the giant trees and forest animals.
➡️ Read More: Sequoia National Park Travel Guide
➡️ Get a Sequoia National Park Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
14. Everglades National Park (Florida)
The maze of waterways and swamps in the Everglades is super kid-friendly thanks to smooth boardwalks and guided boat tours. The Anhinga Trail is a family favorite – it’s short, flat, and gets you up close to amazing wildlife without any tricky hiking.
Your kids will stay safe on raised walkways with good railings. The real fun starts with airboat rides where you can spot alligators sunning themselves! Plan your trip for winter or spring – you’ll dodge the worst heat and mosquitoes that way.
Little ones get pumped about the hands-on exhibits at the visitor centers. For something really special, join a nighttime wildlife tour where you might see glowing eyes in your flashlight beam! During the day, keep watch for lazy gators, gentle manatees, and all kinds of cool birds.
When you need a break, Homestead’s just a short drive away with plenty of family restaurants. You can stay at nearby hotels or campgrounds that welcome kids. Take advantage of the shaded picnic tables scattered throughout the park – they’re perfect for lunch breaks between wildlife watching tours made just for families.
➡️ Get an Everglades Activity Book (Ages 5-14) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
15. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Getting around the Badlands is simple with kids thanks to its well-laid-out roads and maps. The Door and Window trails run on smooth boardwalks that even little feet can handle easily. You’ll always know where you’re going with clear signs, and rangers lead fun activities throughout the day.
Kids go wild for fossil hunting programs and spotting animals on Badlands safari rides. Visit in spring or fall for the nicest weather – just pack sunscreen and hats if you come in summer! The Pearl Hotel Visitor Center gets kids pumped about prehistoric life with real fossils they can check out up close.
When the sun sets, join rangers for evening talks and some of the best stargazing around. During the day, watch bison roam the grasslands and prairie dogs pop up from their burrows. Wall and Rapid City are close by with family restaurants and places to stay.
You can camp in the park or grab a room at kid-friendly motels nearby. Take breaks at clean picnic areas with bathrooms, and don’t miss the Junior Paleontologist program where kids can learn about ancient life through fun hands-on activities.
➡️ Get a Badlands National Park Kids Activity Book (Ages 7-12) to keep your kids fully engaged during their visit
Final Thoughts on Visiting National Parks with Kids
Taking kids to national parks isn’t just about checking off a travel checklist – it’s about starting them on a lifetime of loving the outdoors. I’ve seen firsthand how these parks spark curiosity and wonder in young minds, from their first ranger badge to that magical moment when they spot wildlife in its natural habitat.
Whether you’re watching Old Faithful blow or counting stars in the desert sky, these parks offer safe, accessible ways for families to experience America’s natural wonders together. Just remember to pack snacks, take plenty of breaks, and let your kids set the pace – the memories you’ll make are worth every minute.
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.