How to Plan a Multigenerational Family Vacation to National Parks: 15 Tips for a Stress-free Trip

Planning a trip to the national parks with your family can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have. However, multi generational vacations can be challenging. With possibly diverse interests and abilities, energy levels and stamina, and even budgets, there’s a lot to take into account. 

Fortunately, the US national parks are great multigenerational travel destinations. With the right planning, grandparents, parents and grandkids can all enjoy our amazing national parks together.  

I’m James Ian, a national park expert.  In this guide, we’ll take a look at things to consider and I’ll share my multi generational travel tips with you.

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Pre-Planning Preparation

Before you even start to think about where to go and what to do, it’s important to lay some important groundwork to avoid any discomfort or conflict later. 

1. Know the different interests and abilities of everyone in your group.  

If everyone shares the same interests and has the same abilities, then that will make you trip easier to plan, for sure.  But this is not that common when you have family members from three different generations traveling together.  Establishing interests and abilities at the very beginning allows you to select parks and activities that cater to all ages.  

2. Know who’s paying for it 

As you plan, remember the importance of communication. Discuss budget and travel logistics early on. Know who’s paying (and for what) and what each person’s budget is.  This helps ensure a smoother trip and allows you to plan a trip within an actual budget. 

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Choosing Your National Park(s) Destinations

Choosing the right national park(s) for your trip is essential for a successful multi-generational adventure. It’s important to think about accessibility, available activities, and seasonal factors when making your selection. 

3. Consider Accessibility

When picking parks, start by considering accessibility. Not all parks offer the same level of access for older adults or those with mobility challenges. Check if the park has paved paths, shuttle services, and accessible restrooms. If adults with limited mobility or kids in strollers are part of your group, this is especially important. 

4. Consider Activities

Most national parks have something for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. Think about activities that suit everyone in your group and cater to their interests and abilities. Ask each family member about their must-do activities. Research ahead to find parks that offer the best balance of activities for every generation in your group. 

5. Consider Seasonal Considerations and Weather

Timing your visit is key to enjoying national parks. Each park has its peak seasons, usually tied to weather conditions. For example, summer months draw larger crowds but offer ideal hiking conditions. 

Consider the seasonal activities available. In some parks, winter offers unique experiences like snowshoeing or wildlife viewing.

Keep in mind that weather can vary greatly. Always check the forecast and be prepared for sudden changes. Layering clothes is a smart idea to stay comfortable in fluctuating temperatures. 

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General Tips for Planning the Perfect Multi-Generational Vacation

Chances are that different family members enjoy different things and have different fitness levels / mobility.  The trick to a great vacation is to find the right mix of activities that everyone can do and activities that people can do separately but at the same time, then come together at the end of a period of time and share their experiences with each other.  This takes some planning.  

6. Include engaging activities that everyone can enjoy together

One important way to enjoy time together is to find activities that everyone will enjoy and be able to do. Fortunately, national parks have many opportunities for exactly this. 

Look for easy, accessible hikes that everyone can do. 

Many national parks have spectacular scenic drives with views from your vehicle or from viewpoints you can pull into. 

Most parks also offer ranger-led programs that are free and interesting for all ages. 

Visitor Centers also usually have free movies and/ or exhibits and displays that are interesting for everyone.

There are also other activities like birdwatching and stargazing that everyone can do and enjoy. 

7. Plan options for different interests and abilities

While you want to include activities for everyone to do together, you don’t need to spend all the time together.  A great multi-generational trip also includes times in your schedule when people can break into smaller groups and focus on things that interest them but not others. 

For example, some members of your family might prefer easy scenic walks while others want challenging hikes.  This can be a bit tricky to coordinate, but in most parks, you can find alternatives in the same area that take roughly the same amount of time. 

I focused on this when creating my Deluxe Itineraries for several national parks.  If you’re going to visit any of the national parks on this list, I recommend getting one of these itineraries – it takes away all the work that’s involved in finding alternatives for different abilities within a shared timeframe. See which national parks have Deluxe itineraries. 

8. Incorporate Educational Elements

Many parks also have educational programs, which can enrich your visit. Kids can learn about wildlife, plants, and ecosystems while enjoying the great outdoors. For parents and grandparents, these programs provide opportunities to share knowledge and spark curiosity in younger family members. 

Also consider using tools like guides or apps that highlight the park’s flora and fauna and history. I love these audio tours. You download them before your trip then the automatically play when you get to different points of interests in the parks.   

9. Plan some kids activities that adults will also enjoy

Keeping kids engaged is important – and there are plenty of activities for kids that adults will love too. One example is to encourage the whole family to participate in a scavenger hunt. List items like unique plants, animal tracks, or notable landmarks to discover during hikes. 

Another great option is to have a kids activity book.  There is this one for all the national parks, but most national parks have similar kinds of activity books. Kids will have a good time and adults will enjoy helping them. 

Check out my Recommended Books for many national parks – they include books for kids.  

10. Include free time

While, of course, you want to spend time together, that doesn’t mean that you need to (or should) spend every moment together – or that every day needs to be crammed with planned activities.

Including free time allows people to have a little alone time and to do things that they really want to do but others don’t.  Maybe it’s a quick nap, a swim in the hotel pool, browsing longer in the Visitor Center bookstore, or doing a hike that no one else wants to do. Whatever it is, factoring in free time will keep everyone sane and happy.

11. Be mindful of health and Safety

Safety should be a top priority. Start with these tips: 

Check Weather Conditions: Before you leave, monitor the forecast. Prepare for any unexpected weather shifts by packing rain gear and warm layers. 

Emergency Contacts: Have a list of important contacts. Include other family members, park services, and local authorities. 

Basic First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptics, and any medications your group might need. Make sure everyone knows where it’s stored. 

Set Meeting Points: Discuss what to do if someone gets separated. Choose clear meeting spots and establish a communication plan. 

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Logistics and Booking Essentials

Planning a multi-generational trip to national parks involves careful organization. You’ll need to think about where everyone will stay, how to get there, what to pack, and how to budget for the entire adventure. 

12. Find the Right Accommodations

Finding suitable places to stay is key for a smooth trip. Start by considering options like cabins, lodges, or campgrounds. 

• Cabins and Lodges: These provide comfort and amenities. Many are located near park entrances, making access easy. 

• Motels: Good for families on a budget.

• Camping: Ideal for families who love the outdoors. Look for campgrounds that offer facilities like showers and fire pits. 

• Vacation Rentals: Websites like VRBO can offer spacious homes that fit larger groups, often with kitchens for meal prep. 

Make reservations early, especially during peak seasons. It’s also wise to check cancellation policies, just in case plans change. Check Expedia for availability and prices. 

13. Plan Transportation Carefully

Getting your group to the park requires good transportation planning. Consider how many people are traveling and how much gear you’ll have. 

• Rental Cars: Opt for spacious vans or SUVs if you have a large family. This allows everyone to travel together and brings more to the trip. Use rentalcars.com to see availability and prices for all of the companies together.   

• Public Transport: Some parks offer shuttles. This can reduce driving and parking hassles. 

• Group Travel: If you’re near each other, carpooling can save money and help the environment. 

Always check park accessibility and road conditions before your departure to avoid surprises. 

14. Budgeting Tips for the Trip 

Budgeting is essential for making the trip enjoyable without stress. Start by outlining key expenses. 

• Accommodation: Estimate your total based on where you’ll stay. 

• Transportation: Include gas, rental fees, and parking costs. 

• Food: Plan for meals. Eating out can add up, so consider groceries for some meals. 

• Entrance fees: Check my guide to park passes to see the best option for your trip.  There are discounted senior passes and free entrance for families traveling with a child in the 4^th grade! 

15. Packing Tips for Different Generations

Different age groups have unique needs when it comes to packing. Here are some key tips: 

• Seniors: Include items like comfortable walking shoes, a lightweight jacket, and any necessary medications. Hiking sticks/ trekking poles can also help with stability on uneven terrain. 

• Adults: Bring versatile clothing suitable for layering. Don’t forget essentials like sunblock, insect repellent, and hiking gear. 

• Children: Pack extra clothes, favorite toys, and engaging activities for downtime. Snacks are a must to keep their energy up. 

Creating a packing list with input from all generations can help everyone feel included in the planning. This way, nothing important gets forgotten. 

Read my National Parks Packing Lists for more specific ideas.

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Do you have any other tips for planning a multi-generational national parks trip? I’d love to hear about them.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

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About the Author

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