As the world’s first National Park, Yellowstone spans 2.2 million acres and provides visitors with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and incredible geothermal features. Whether your family is looking for exciting outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters, or simply a chance to enjoy nature together, Yellowstone has something for everyone!
Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone with Kids
Yellowstone is open all year, but the weather and services offered differ with each season. Summer is the busiest season to visit so be prepared for crowds at the entrance and popular areas, but all of the park offerings are open and available. While the other seasons offer smaller crowds, there are also fewer services available and road closures to be aware of. The best way to check this information is on the park website.
The campground and lodging reservations fill up quickly so it is a good idea to start your planning by looking at the availability for spots in the campgrounds and/or room availability in the lodges.
Camping in Yellowstone is available for basic tents, rooftop tents, and RV’s. When looking online at the availability you will need to select the appropriate spot for your desired set up. The campgrounds offer picnic tables, fire pit rings, and they have easy access to restrooms and showers, as well. Camping in the park is a lot of fun and can provide the family with some of the best vacation memories. Supplies, like firewood, and other camping necessities can be purchased at general stores around the park and at the campground check in locations. Be sure to review the wildlife and safety information when camping in the park.
There are nine lodges in the park that have a variety of amenities. Look ahead at the lodging area of the website so you can find what works best for your family’s needs. Keep in mind that lodges close to popular viewing points will be more crowded throughout your stay.
Mom Tip
You can rent wheelchairs at the medical clinics and many of the parks walkways and trails have at least one accessible route for wheelchairs and necessary devices. Most of the paths and walkways are in great shape and are easily accessible for young kids and families to make their way through the many viewpoints.
Packing Essentials
Whether you are staying for a day or a week, you will want to be well-prepared to enhance your experience. Both the weather and the terrain can be unpredictable in the park, so it is important to be equipped with lots of layers and options for comfort. Many people plan to be active while touring Yellowstone so make sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes that you can walk in. Many of the lodges will have pools and hot tubs so a swimsuit would be a nice addition. Especially if you plan on enjoying any of the hot springs!
Below is a quick overview of some key items you will want to make sure to include while packing.
- Park Pass – Entrance fee or America the Beautiful pass.
- If you have a fourth grader, check out the Fourth Grade Pass!
- Base Layers and Rain Jackets
- Hiking shoes and socks
- Sandals and/or camp shoes
- Swimsuit
- A daypack stocked with water bottles, snacks, maps, first aid kit
- Camera and binoculars
Food and Supplies for a Yellowstone Trip
Yellowstone offers a variety of food and dining options while inside the park. When planning your activity for the day you should look ahead at a park map to decide if you need to stop at one of the visitor center stores to pick up any supplies or think about the area you want to stop for food. Preparing ahead of time and packing up a picnic can provide another layer of enjoyment as you take in the sites of Yellowstone!
- Restaurants inside the park: choose from a variety of restaurants, cafeterias, snack shops, and bars
- Picnics: over 52 picnic options to choose from around the park
- Grocery/Food Supplies: general stores are located throughout the park and offer groceries, gear, apparel, and souvenirs
Mom Tip
Old Faithful Inn offers a charming restaurant with picturesque views of Yellowstone Lake, but you will want to plan ahead and make a reservation!
Family Friendly Attractions and Activities
Yellowstone offers a great mix of activities for families. One of the best parts is the vast difference in scenery a drive from one side of the park to the other provides. Families can explore the park’s famous geothermal features, including Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, and go wildlife watching, with chances to see bison, elk, bears, and wolves in the Lamar Valley.
Mom Tip
Schedules for Old Faithful and other geysers are available online through the geyser activity page. If you don’t want to have to wait around for long periods of time with young kids it can be very helpful to plan around the predicted eruptions!
There are many options for Easy hikes and boardwalk trails provide scenic views without being too strenuous for kids. Below are some recommendations for hiking with kids in the park. You don’t have to do the full length of the north or south rim walkway options and can stop at the different viewpoints depending how far your family is able to go, but they are a very cool way to see the power and beauty in the canyon.
- West Thumb Geyser Basin (0.5 miles) – boardwalk loop with hydrothermal features
- Mystic Falls (2.4 miles) – moderate hike to scenic waterfall
- North Rim Drive (1.25 miles) – four accessible views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- South Rim Drive (2.3 miles) – Viewpoints of the falls and Canyon at Artist point (very pretty!)
The junior ranger program is another great way for families to explore the park. The program is interactive and hands on with many activities covering the park’s beauty and history. The programs are available for kids ages 4 and up and designed to spark many interests in kids while exploring and fostering a love for nature. An added bonus is earning a special Junior Ranger badge!
Mom Tip
Download the app Guide Along and purchase the guided tour of Yellowstone NP. The app uses the GPS on your phone while driving through the park and will give you incredible facts and tips while driving through the park so you can keep your eyes on the road and beautiful scenery.
Safety and Rules in Yellowstone National Park
One of the most important things to consider while adventuring through Yellowstone National Park is the safety of not only your family, but of the wildlife and nature surrounding you. Take note of the footprint you leave in the park and make sure to follow the rules and regulations of the park closely. Yellowstone has been around for hundreds of years and it is important to respect it and its natural beauty and the lives that depend on it.
Yellowstone National Park is a great destination for families to connect, explore and create memories together. It offers endless opportunities for all ages from watching geysers to spotting wildlife and incredible landscapes. Visiting national parks is more than just beautiful spaces and as you leave you’ll be inspired to continue your adventures as a family and look forward to more peaceful moments outdoors.
