Redwoods National Park is a place of natural wonder. It is full of towering redwoods woven carefully into a thriving ecosystem. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a family looking for a fun vacation, there’s something for everyone in this iconic park.
Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities to enjoy in Redwoods National Park!
Hiking
Redwood National and State Parks offer several hiking trails that are suitable for kids of all ages.
Here are some of the best hiking trails for kids in Redwoods National Park and why:
- Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: This trail is a 1.4-mile loop that is relatively flat and easy to navigate. The trail is well-maintained, and there are informational signs along the way that provide interesting facts about the redwoods and the area’s history.
- Trillium Falls Trail: This trail is a 2.8-mile round trip, relatively flat, and there are several good stops for exploration!
- Tall Trees Grove Trail: This trail is a bit longer at 4.8 miles round trip, but it offers an immersive experience for kids who want to see some of the tallest trees in the world. To access this trail you’ll need to obtain a permit from the park’s visitor center.
- Fern Canyon Trail: This trail is another great option for families with young children. It offers an easy, flat hike through a beautiful canyon that is covered in ferns. There are several spots along the way where they can climb on rocks and logs. Caution is advised.
Redwood National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that are suitable for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy hike or a more challenging adventure, there is a magical hike for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful park!
Beachcombing & Tidepooling
Redwoods National Park is located along the California coast, which means that families can enjoy the beach as well as the redwoods. Beachcombing is a popular activity in the park.
Families can explore the coast and look for seashells, driftwood, and other treasures. Some of the best beaches for beachcombing include Gold Bluffs Beach, Enderts Beach, and Hidden Beach.
Tidepooling is another fun activity that kids will love. The intertidal zone is home to a variety of fascinating marine creatures.
Explorers can find starfish, anemones, crabs, and more!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a fun way to explore the park and its stunning scenery. There are several stables in the area that offer horseback riding tours with guides who will lead you through the park’s scenic trails.
They will be your personal tour guides and provide information about the park’s history and wildlife.
Here are a few of the outfitters that are authorized by the park:
- Redwood Creek Buckarettes: This outfitter offers guided horseback riding tours ranging from one to four hours in length. They are suitable for riders of all experience levels.
- Orick Horse Trails: Orick Horse Trails offers guided horseback riding tours through some of the most scenic areas of Redwood National Park including the Redwood Creek and Tall Trees Grove areas.
- Redwood Adventures: Redwood Adventures offers tours ranging from one to three hours in length and are suitable for riders of all experience levels.
It’s important to note that while horseback riding is allowed in certain areas of the park, there are also areas where it is prohibited. Whether experienced or beginner, horseback riding is a great way for kids to get up close and personal with the redwoods!
Dance Demonstrations
The Tolowa and Yurok tribes have a long history in the Redwoods National Park area. The Yurok people have lived in the Klamath River Basin for over 7,000 years, while the Tolowa people have lived along the coast of Northern California for over 3,000 years.
Both tribes have a deep connection to the land and the natural resources of the area including the redwood trees.
The Yurok and Tolowa people have a rich cultural tradition that includes storytelling, dance, and other ceremonies. Today, the Yurok and Tolowa tribes continue to maintain their cultural traditions and connection to the land. They have a strong presence in the Redwoods National Park area.
Visitors can learn more about their history and culture at various interpretive centers and museums in the area.
The Tolowa and the Yurok tribes perform dance demonstrations each July. These events are open to the public as a display of cultural outreach and education.
Museums & Cultural Centers
There are several museums and educational centers in and around Redwoods National Park that offer children a chance to learn more about the area’s history, culture, and nature.
They include…
- Redwood National and State Parks Visitor Center: Located in Crescent City, this visitor center offers exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs on the natural and cultural history of the park.
- Hiouchi Visitor Center: Also located in Crescent City, this center offers exhibits, ranger-led programs, and educational materials on the flora, fauna, and geology of the park.
- Klamath Tour Thru Tree: This privately-owned museum and attraction in Klamath features a drive-through tree and a small museum with exhibits on the natural history of the area.
- Trees of Mystery: This privately-owned attraction in Klamath features a gondola ride through the redwoods, interpretive exhibits, and a collection of oddities and curiosities.
In addition to these museums and educational centers, we suggest that you engage in the many FREE ranger-led programs and interpretive tours offered throughout the park.
Visitors should check with the park’s official website or visitor centers for more information on these programs and other educational opportunities.
Camping
Redwoods National Park offers a variety of campgrounds that are suitable for families with children.
Some of the most kid-friendly campgrounds in and around the park include…
- Jedediah Smith Campground: This campground is located in the northern part of the park. It is situated among towering redwoods and along the Smith River. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. There are also several hiking trails nearby including the kid-friendly Stout Grove Trail.
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: This campground is located on a beautiful beach just south of the park and offers easy access to the beach and the nearby Fern Canyon Trail. The campground offers pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers here also have the advantage of not needing the day use passes required for the area.
- Elk Prairie Campground: This campground is located in the central part of the park and is situated in a meadow surrounded by redwoods. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and fire rings. Nearby hiking trails include the kid-friendly Trillium Falls Trail!
- Mill Creek Campground: This campground is located just south of the park and offers easy access to several nearby trails including the Del Norte Coast Trail. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and fire rings.
It’s important to note that some campgrounds in the park are only open seasonally, so it’s a good idea to ensure that the campground you’re interested in is open during your visit.
Plan your trip early, so you can make advanced reservations at these very popular campgrounds!
Day Use Passes
In order to access the Gold Bluffs Beach area and the Fern Canyon trailhead, Redwoods National Park now requires reservations for visits occuring from May 15th to September 15th. Guests can only make reservations online. This is part of a pilot program that launched in 2022.
Redwoods National Park is a must-visit destination for families. From hiking to horseback riding, there’s something for everyone in this magnificent park. With some advanced planning, you and your children will create lifelong memories in this very special national park!
