In our chronically online world, it’s more important than ever for families to get outside and experience nature together. National parks are among the best places to do exactly that.
Between hiking, canoeing, and caving, or learning about astronomy, geology, and environmental science, there's something for everyone in the family.
Consider the safety and accessibility of the national parks as you plan your family trip, and bear in mind the interests and abilities of kids, as well as adults.
Tips for Planning a Family-Friendly National Park Trip
A successful national park trip has to work with both your family’s needs and interests.
Choose parks with easy access and amenities
It’s important to head to a park that checks all your boxes for the basics. This means you’ll have to research amenities and accessibility features ahead of time.
Most parks have a visitors’ center and restrooms. These aren’t always open seven days a week, so check for updated hours before you go.
Choose lodging that’s convenient and fits your family’s style, whether that’s camping or staying at a luxury resort.
Take advantage of programming
Kids can participate in park-specific junior ranger programs and other educational activities. Pick up activity booklets at visitors’ centers and sign up for guided hikes or other events like whale-watching.
Use the National Park Service App and check each park’s website for activities and essential information.
Pack for safety and comfort
When setting out for the parks each day, pack wisely. Extra clothing and gear keep everyone safe and happy.
The National Park Service recommends the Ten Essentials:
- Hydration – Water and water treatment supplies
- Sun protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
- Insulation – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear
- Navigation – Map, compass, and GPS system
- First-aid kit
- Nutrition – Calorie-dense food
- Illumination – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp
- Emergency shelter – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy
- Fire – Matches, lighter and fire starters
- Repair kit and tools – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors
Parks may be understaffed, so don’t count on emergency rescue or support — be prepared and cautious when visiting.
Prepare kids for outdoor adventures
National parks are an opportunity to model good stewardship of nature.
Talk to your kids about trail etiquette — remaining on marked trails, respecting wildlife, and not littering. You’ll need to know the trail right-of-way guidelines, too. (Did you know that when hiking downhill, you should step aside to let any uphill hikers go first?)
Allow your kids to be involved in the planning and safety, too. For example, let them use the AllTrails app to pick trails that fit everyone’s ability level.
READ MORE: Child Safety Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel Abroad
Top National Parks for Family Adventures
With over sixty unique U.S. national parks (and many more international parks), it’s hard to narrow them down to just a few. Here are some parks that are awesome for the whole family.
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. Like many other national parks, it offers fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more.
A highlight of Yellowstone for many visitors is the eruption of Old Faithful, although that’s just one of almost 500 geysers within the park.
Other hydrothermal features offer a fun and educational experience for family members of all ages.
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
In Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, you'll encounter wildlife ranging from amphibians to over 200 species of birds. You can tour the park by bicycle, car, or even on horseback. There are plenty of incredible hiking trails, too.
Think ahead to get any permits you may need for activities like canyoneering or rock climbing. Be sure of your group’s capabilities before embarking on backcountry hiking, which is more remote than more popular trails.
Arenal Volcano National Park (Costa Rica)
If you’d like to go abroad, Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica is a tropical wonderland. The park features two volcanoes and a host of unique wildlife you won’t find in the U.S.
If your kids enjoy animals, they’ll love seeing creatures like howler monkeys, tapir, and parrots. Tours in the park include safari floats, waterfalls, and hot springs. And don’t forget the iconic ziplining — unless you’re afraid of heights!
National Parks for Young Children
Gentle trails and calm waters make for a great destination when you’re planning a trip with young kids.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are fabulous options for young children. The parks offer camping, wildlife viewing, fishing, and ranger programs to keep their interest.
Obviously, seeing the giant sequoias is a major draw of the parks. You’ll want to hike through the Giant Forest for its massive sequoia grove and of course, General Sherman, the largest living sequoia.
Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
Young spelunkers will love Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Here, you can choose from a number of ways to explore the famous caves, from walking tours to “adventurous crawling tours” to wheelchair-accessible tours.
Mammoth Cave isn’t just the longest known cave system in the world. It features lots of other activities for all ages, including kayaking, boating and fishing, bicycling, and even stargazing.
Olympic National Park (Washington)
In Washington state, Olympic National Park offers tons of outdoor adventures like boating, hiking, climbing, and animal-watching. Kids of all ages can get excited about the huge variety of nature, plus the physical challenge it can take to see it all.
A highlight of Olympic National Park are the tidepool activities. You can (gently) poke around the pools at the Kalaloch and Mora areas, where you’ll see creatures like sea snails, sea urchins, mussels, and sea stars.
Before you go, check the tides, and always stay close to your young kids.
Adventure-Focused Parks for Older Kids and Teens
If you’re planning a trip with older children, look into parks that offer more adventurous activities. Long hikes to waterfalls, high-adrenaline snow sports, and even rock climbing might better suit teens.
Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
For older kids and teenagers who may be looking for a thrilling adventure, you can visit Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska. In winter, families can go snowshoeing, skiing, and even winter biking along certain trails.
The park also features plenty of hiking and wildlife viewing. If your teens are major outdoor enthusiasts, you might consider getting a backcountry permit for overnight camping in the park.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan)
At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, outdoor adventure abounds. There are plenty of trails taking you past breathtaking scenery of waterfalls and cliffs. Lighthouses and other maritime sites make for fun tours as well.
Teenagers may love seeing parts of the park by canoe or kayak — just be sure that everyone participating has the right safety equipment for the type of water you’re exploring.
Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
In Wyoming, a visit to Grand Teton National Park can give your older kids a chance to try lots of physical adventures. Climbing and mountaineering are great ways to challenge yourselves as a family, as long as you take the proper precautions.
Families with teens may also love checking out one of Grand Teton’s lakes for kayaking or canoeing. You can, of course, try a number of beautiful hiking trails as well.
Important Consideration When Visiting National Parks
Overcrowding can ruin a good adventure, and so can poor weather. Here are the things to keep in mind when planning your family’s national park trip.
Choosing off-season
Off-season, or shoulder seasons, have fewer crowds than the summertime. Consider booking a national park trip in October or February, when roads and trails will be less busy than in the height of summertime.
Keep in mind that some places won’t be as accessible during the winter or summer months, depending on the park and its unique features. Plan ahead by going to the park’s website for detailed information.
Seasonal activities
Visit during special activities that interest you. Or, avoid those times, since they may be overcrowded.
For example, more than 20 parks participate in Cave Week during the first week of June. You might decide to brave the crowds for the extra tours and activities, or stay away and visit on your own at a different time.
Considering the weather
Be prepared, and don’t tax young kids or older family members with extreme heat or cold.
Instead of visiting Death Valley National Park in August, try booking a trip there in January when it’s a cool 67 degrees.
Checking schedules
Parks aren’t open 24/7, so plan for closures. You don’t want to head to a park expecting to hop into a guided tour, only to find the visitors’ center is closed for repairs.
FAQs About National Parks for Family Adventures
Are there accessible trails for strollers or wheelchairs?
Yes, but some parks are significantly more accessible than others. The more rugged the terrain, typically the less accessible.
You’ll want to check the specific park’s website to find out which trails and areas offer wheelchair access. Each park will also post alerts about temporary closures.
How do I find parks with family-friendly accommodations nearby?
Most national parks in the U.S. have family-friendly lodging options. Check online to learn about hotels, lodges, campgrounds, and other options. You’ll be able to see how convenient various lodging options are and whether they offer shuttles to parks.
Can I visit international parks on a budget with my family?
Yes, there are international parks to consider. You can visit these on a budget, but you may have to plan a bit more, since flying your family to another country can make your total cost shoot up quickly.
Consider Olympus National Park in Greece, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia, or Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia.
TL;DR for National Park Trips with Families
National parks are filled with opportunities to create memories with your family, learn about nature and history, and explore beautiful places.
You can have a safe, fun, and memorable time by choosing parks with family-friendly, age-appropriate activities for kids and adults. These parks are treasures, so enjoy the moments of awe and wonder they can provide!
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