The United States is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, and these are protected and preserved in its many national parks. With so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ll take a look at some of the best national parks in the United States showcasing their unique features and what makes them so family-friendly!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is the first and oldest national park in the world, established in 1872. It spans over 2.2 million acres and is known for its geothermal activity including geysers and hot springs.
The combination of unique thermal features along with all of the country’s apex predator species makes for one of the most diverse arrays of National Park experiences.
Family-Friendly Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is a unique and iconic destination that offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages such as…
- Natural wonders: Yellowstone is home to some of the world’s most impressive natural wonders, including Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts regularly with a towering plume of steam and water. The park is also home to hot springs, mud pots, and other geothermal features that are both beautiful and fascinating.
- Wildlife: Yellowstone is a great place to see wildlife in their natural habitat, including bison, elk, wolves, bears, and many other species. Wildlife viewing is sure to be a highlight of any visit to the park! Read more about how to spot bears and wolves.
- Scenery and outdoor activities: Yellowstone is a vast wilderness area with stunning scenery including mountains, canyons, and rivers. There are many opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities that families can enjoy together.
- Education and interpretation: Yellowstone offers a range of educational programs and interpretive experiences that can help visitors of all ages learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology. These programs offer fun and engaging ways for families to explore the park and deepen their understanding of the natural world. Read more on the museum and visitor center exhibits.
- Amenities and facilities: Yellowstone has a range of amenities and facilities that can make a family vacation more comfortable and convenient including campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, and visitor centers. Read more about the accommodation options at Yellowstone.
Overall, Yellowstone is a unique and special place that offers something for everyone. Its wide range of amenities and facilities make it a great family-friendly destination! Consider our sample itinerary for a great Yellowstone adventure with kids!
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is renowned for its granite cliffs including the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome formations as well as its waterfalls, including the famous Yosemite Falls.
It offers intensely breath-taking vistas: grey rock, blue skies, and green trees. It is world class for hiking experiences such as the John Muir Trail, and it is one of the world’s premier hiking destinations.
Family-Friendly Yosemite
Visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy Yosemite National Park’s family-friendly features such as…
- Wildlife: Yosemite is home to black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. Visitors can also see smaller animals like marmots, squirrels, and birds. Wildlife viewing can be a highlight of any visit to the park.
- Outdoor activities: Yosemite offers a variety of outdoor activities that families can enjoy together including hiking, fishing, biking, and rock climbing. Read more on Yosemite’s best family-friendly hiking trails! The park also has a number of guided tours and programs that can be a fun and educational way to explore the park.
- Education and interpretation: Yosemite has a range of educational programs and interpretive experiences that can help visitors of all ages learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology.
- Amenities and facilities: Yosemite and its surrounding towns have a range of amenities and facilities that can make a family vacation more comfortable and convenient including campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, and visitor centers.
Yosemite National Park’s combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and educational opportunities make this can’t miss park a great family-friendly destination!
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most recognizable natural wonders in the world and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the United States. The park covers over 1.2 million acres and offers breathtaking views of the canyon which is over a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide in places!
Grand Canyon National Park boasts many, popular “bucket-list” adventures: hiking from the rim to Phantom Ranch and back to the rim and rafting through the canyon!
Visitors can also take a scenic drive or take a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view.
Family-Friendly Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park is a popular family destination. A few things that make this park family-friendly are…
- Grand Canyon!: Of course, the most special thing about Grand Canyon National Park is the Grand Canyon itself! The canyon has colorful rock formations and steep cliffs that drop down to the Colorado River far below. Visitors can explore the canyon on hiking trails, by rafting the river, or by taking in the view from one of the park’s many overlooks. Even children will struggle to wrap their heads around this famous site!
- Outdoor activities: Grand Canyon National Park offers a range of outdoor activities that families can enjoy together including hiking, biking, and camping. There are also ranger-led programs and guided tours that can help visitors learn more about the park and its natural and cultural history.
- Visitor centers and museums: Grand Canyon National Park has several visitor centers and museums that offer hands-on exhibits over the park’s history, geology, and ecology. The south rim visitor center is museum-like, and the Park’s historic sites are dense with story.
- Family-friendly amenities: Grand Canyon National Park has a range of amenities and facilities that can make a family vacation more comfortable and convenient including campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, and shops. Read more about its attractions and activities.
Overall, Grand Canyon National Park is a unique and special destination that offers something for everyone making it a great family-friendly destination.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is known for its unique geological features including towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and the Virgin River. The park offers a variety of the nation’s most popular and unique hiking trails such as the famous Angel’s Landing and the Narrows. There are also many opportunities for rock climbing and canyoneering.
The stunning contrast of the red rock against the bright, desert foliage is alone worth the trip!
Family-Friendly Zion
Zion National Park is a beautiful destination that offers a range of experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are a few things that make Zion special and family-friendly:
- Hiking trails: Zion has a range of hiking trails that are suitable for families including easy walks along the Virgin River and more challenging hikes up steep canyons. The park also has a shuttle system that makes it easy to access trailheads and explore the park without a car.
- Family-friendly activities: In addition to hiking, Zion offers a range of family-friendly activities like ranger-led programs, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. Read more details about the best kid-centric actvities at Zion!
- Accessibility: Zion has made efforts to ensure that the park is accessible to visitors of all abilities. The park has accessible trails, campsites, and facilities, as well as a shuttle system that is wheelchair-accessible.
- Educational opportunities: Zion offers a range of educational opportunities for families, including interpretive programs and exhibits that highlight the park’s history, geology, and ecology. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that encourages kids to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history through a series of interactive activities.
Overall, Zion’s family-friendly amenities and accessibility make it a great choice for families looking for a memorable vacation.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia is the only national park in the northeastern United States and is known for its stunning coastal scenery and diverse landscapes. The park covers over 47,000 acres and includes mountains, lakes, and forests as well as over 120 miles of hiking trails.
The park is also a popular destination for whale watching and kayaking. Swim at the beach, walk on the tide pools, and hike “Precipice” along the edge of the mountain. The activities are endless!
Family-Friendly Acadia
Acadia National Park offers a range of experiences for visitors of all ages including these family-friendly, top picks:
- Hiking trails: Acadia has over 120 miles of hiking trails including many easy walks along the coastline as well as more challenging hikes up the park’s granite peaks. The park also has a free shuttle system that makes it easy to access trailheads and explore the park without a car.
- Biking: The park’s carriage roads offer a unique opportunity for families to explore the park on bicycles. The roads are car-free and wind through the forest and along the coast, They offer beautiful views and a fun, more peaceful way to experience the park.
- Family-friendly activities: Acadia offers a range of family-friendly activities including ranger-led programs, tide pooling, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a Junior Ranger program that encourages kids to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history through a series of interactive activities. Read more about our favorite kid-ventures inside of Acadia.
- Accessibility: Acadia has made efforts to ensure that the park is accessible to visitors of all abilities. The park has accessible trails, campsites, and facilities, as well as an accessibility program that provides resources and assistance to visitors with disabilities.
Acadia National Park offers something for everyone, from coastal scenery to a range of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. Its amenities and climate make it a great choice for families looking for a memorable vacation.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States, attracting over 11 million visitors each year. The park covers over 520,000 acres and is known for its diverse range of plant and animal life as well as its scenic drives and hiking trails.
Great Smoky Mountains is a fantastic park to visit any time of year. From the spectacular firefly display in May to the historic sites of Cade’s Cove and the active and visible black bears, the park is top tier for great, family fun!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a unique destination that offers a range of experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are a few things that make Great Smoky Mountains special and family-friendly:
- Hiking trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking trails, including easy walks along streams and more challenging hikes up mountain peaks. Read this overview of great hikes and park attractions.
- Family-friendly activities: In addition to hiking, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including ranger-led programs, wildlife viewing, and stargazing. The park also has several historic buildings and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural history. Read our list of favorite kid-ventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
- Accessibility: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has made efforts to ensure that the park is accessible to visitors of all abilities. The park has accessible trails, campsites, and facilities, as well as a variety of resources and assistance for visitors with disabilities.
- Local culture and attractions: The Great Smoky Mountains region is known for its rich cultural heritage including traditional crafts, music, and food. Visitors can explore the region’s history and culture at local museums and attractions. You can also attend one of the park’s many cultural events and festivals.
Overall, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special place offering something for everyone in the family to enjoy. It is our nation’s most-visited park for good reason!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park covers over 265,000 acres and is known for its towering peaks and stunning alpine scenery. The park is popular for its scenic drives, including the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the nation which provides stunning views of the Continental Divide. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a dense population of elk and one of the continental United States’ 67 famed “fourteeners:” Long’s Peak.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a scenic drive, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit destination for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
Family-Friendly Rocky Mountain
Rocky Mountain National Park is a unique destination that offers a range of experiences for visitors of all ages. Its family-friendly features include…
- Scenery: Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its stunning mountain scenery including high peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and more than 300 species of birds! It’s scenic Trail Ridge Road is even enjoyable for the whole family!
- Hiking trails: Rocky Mountain National Park has over 355 miles of hiking trails. They range from easy walks along streams to more challenging hikes up mountain peaks. Read about our top hiking trails for kids in Rocky Mountain!
- Family-friendly activities: In addition to hiking, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a range of family-friendly ranger-led programs and stargazing. The park also has several historic buildings and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural history. The park’s excellent Junior Ranger program encourages kids to learn about its natural and cultural history through a series of interactive activities. Read our comprehensive guide on what to do with kids in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Accessibility: Rocky Mountain National Park has made efforts to ensure that the park is accessible to visitors of all abilities. The park has accessible trails, campsites, and facilities as well as a variety of resources and assistance for visitors with disabilities.
- Local culture and attractions: The Rocky Mountain region is known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the region’s history and culture at local museums and attractions or attend one of the park’s many cultural events and festivals.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers something for everyone from stunning mountain scenery to a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. It is probably my own top pick for family-friendly fun in our national parks!
The United States National Parks offer some of the most breathtaking vacation destinations in the world. From the rugged beauty of Yosemite and the majesty of the Grand Canyon to the stunning mountain landscapes of Rocky Mountain and the Great Smoky Mountains, each park has its own distinct character and charm.
These parks are not just for the adventurous, but they also offer a wide variety of activities and experiences that make them an ideal choice for families. With a range of family-friendly activities, accessibility options, and educational programs, the parks provide memorable vacations for people of all ages.
It is no wonder that these parks are treasured and visited by millions of people every year!
