Your how-to guides for visiting some of America’s best family destinations.
We’re big fans of family vacations to national parks. With 62 national parks in the United States, there’s likely one close to you. Some are easy to access and visit, while others require planning and coordination.
When it comes to the planning, we can help. The KidTripster team has visited dozens of national parks with our families, including some of the more remote locations. These parks provide opportunities for families to see the best of America. Here are some of the things we like about visiting national parks:
1. Scenery: We love the gorgeous and unique scenery found in America’s national parks. Each one showcases the beauty and the differences of each state or region. For instance, you can see glaciers in Montana, the desert in California and caves in Kentucky. America’s national parks helps kids to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the U.S.
2. Science: The unique landscapes of these parks are often the result of geological events, meaning your kids will learn a little science when they visit. Some of these parks are so expansive that multiple ecosystems exist within them. Kids may also see climate change at work, in the form of receding glaciers in places like Alaska and Montana. You’ll likely see some local wildlife, too. We always recommend stopping by the visitor’s center and watching the film about the park.
3. Sunshine: Today’s kids are often tethered to screens, a visit to a national park gets them outdoors. A day spent exploring a park provides an opportunity to get some physical activity (like hiking, biking, and swimming), it provides a dose of Vitamin D, and it helps kids to appreciate nature.
4. S’mores: Camping and RV sites can be found at most national parks making these affordable vacations for families. Keeping in the theme of outdoor exploration, this is another way to be outside with your kids, bonding as a family. It also means an opportunity to make some s’mores around a campfire.
5. Special Badges: Be sure to have your kids participate in the Junior Ranger program. Kids need to pick up an activity booklet from the ranger station, complete the activities, then take the oath to earn a badge. The badges make a unique collectible that you can’t buy at a souvenir shop. Once they earn one, they’ll probably be on a quest to earn more of them.
We’ve created several guides to help you plan your next family trip to a national park. The guides are listed in alphabetical order, with a brief description of the park and a link to the full article containing additional information.
Here they are, from A to Z, or Arches to Zion:
A-E park guides
Arches National Park in Utah
This red rock wonderland is one of the most stunning spots in the national park system. There are over 2,000 natural stone arches here in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins, and giant balanced rocks. Delicate Arch is spectacular to see. Getting there, however, takes a little work. We think it’s worth the effort and we explain why in our guide to Arches National Park.
Badlands National Park in South Dakota
This park is the result of 75-million years of geology at work. It’s filled with spires, pinnacles and hoodoos. There are lots of trails here, but at this park, the kids aren’t confined to them, allowing them to climb and explore. The park can also be seen by car. We recommend catching sunset here and spending the night to do some star gazing. Read our Badlands National Park guide here. Plus, we’ve got 30 other must-dos for families visiting this area, which includes a visit to nearby national memorial, Mount Rushmore.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado
Black Canyon is long and narrow, stretching 48 miles. However, only 14 miles of the canyon are part of the national park. You can see many beautiful vistas from along the South Rim Drive. There are some family-friendly hikes, but many are not safe for kids due to steep trails and sharp drop-offs. Read what you need to know before you go to to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
Red rocks & pink cliffs are only part of the draw. The hoodoos here (irregular columns of rock) can be found on every continent, but Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest concentration of hoodoos anywhere on earth. This is one of those places where even the best photographs don’t really do it justice. You’ve just got to see it for yourself. There are lots of trails for families to explore, however some are a bit strenuous. Read our advice on how to see Bryce Canyon National park for suggestions on age appropriate exploration.
Canyonlands National Park in Utah
We love this park for its family friendly hiking. Because of its size, this is one national park that won’t feel overly crowded. The park is divided into four districts. If you’re visiting this park on a day trip, you’ll need to be selective about where to go. We have some suggestions on how to make the most of a day with your family at Canyonlands National Park.
Channel Islands National Park in California
Located off the coast of California, these islands can only be accessed by ferry, small planes or private boats. The Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species, 145 of which are found nowhere else in the world because of the isolation of the islands. Once on the islands, there’s no transportation, all exploration is done on foot. What can you do once you get here? Quite a bit! In addition to hiking, there’s kayaking and snorkeling, too. One very important thing to know, is that you can’t make a spontaneous visit to this park. To help plan your visit, check out our guide to Channel Island National Park.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
The only national park in Oregon, Crater Lake is a beauty. The lake was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. At 1,943 feet, this the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. The water is a gorgeous blue. Most visitors see the park from the rim drive, which encircles the lake. We recommend a visit Wizard Island. There’s some important information to know about how to visit Wizard Island. Read all about it in our guide to Crater Lake.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio
Just outside of Cleveland is a 33,000 acre national park. It’s a great refuge for urbanites, but also a worthy stop for tourists. In our opinion, the best way to experience Cuyahoga Valley is by a combination of bike and train. The railroad is also part of the park’s history. How to explore this park, including our advice on how to coordinate a train/bike visit, can be found in our guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Death Valley National Park in California
The name may not be appealing, but this park has a lot to offer visitors. There are trails to hike, sand dunes to explore and a scenic loop to drive. It’s also a great place to watch a sunrise or sunset. This is a national park to visit any time of the year, except during summer. It’s just too hot, with desert temperatures exceeding 120 degrees. Death Valley is the hottest, driest and lowest national park. Its basin is below sea level. We’ve got hiking and driving recommendations outlined in our guide to Death Valley National Park.
Denali National Park in Alaska
The park covers six million acres, but only limited parts are accessible to the average visitor. North America’s tallest peak is located within this national park. Denali towers at over 20,000 feet. Most of the park is closed mid-winter. Peak season here is mid-May to mid-September. When visiting this park, your family may want to take to the skies to really see and experience Denali. We explain why in our Denali National Park guide.
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida
Not easy to get to, but worth the effort, this remote park is located 70 miles from Key West. It can be accessed by boat or plane. The 100-square mile park is mostly open water. This adventure requires advance planning. No services are available on the island. You can even camp here, provided that you pack all your stuff in with you. Details on how to do that, and advice on how to get here, in our Dry Tortugas National Park guide.
F-L park guides
Glacier National Park in Montana
This beauty is referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.” Glacier National Park is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you’ll find forests, meadows, mountains, lakes and, yes, glaciers. The Going-to-the Sun road provides beautiful scenery, but you’ll need to get out of your car to really explore. You can hike in the summer, and snowshoe in the winter. Be warned, though, most visitor facilities are only open from late May through early October, due to weather conditions. Another heads up… if visiting in 2020 and 2021, road construction on Many Glacier Road means closures and delays. Be sure to check the park website when planning your visit. We’ve got advice on how to tackle this large park as well as where to stay and other pertinent information. Read our Glacier National Park guide here.
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
You knew we’d be covering this one, right? The Grand Canyon is stunning for its size and beauty. This jewel of the national park system is a crowd favorite. If you have to decide between the North Rim and South Rim, go north. It’s way less crowded. Keep in mind, the North Rim isn’t open year round. Information about how to visit to the “other side” can be found in our Grand Canyon National Park guide.
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
This park boasts several diverse ecosystems: grasslands, wetlands, aspen forests, and tundra, but it’s the 30-square-mile dunefield that’s the big draw. Climb to the top of the tallest dunes in North America, learn to sandboard, and splash in a creek that claims a strange phenomenon called “surge flow.” And you can do it all in one day! Do we have you intrigued? Read our guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park to learn more.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee & North Carolina
This is the country’s most popular national park with 10.7 million people visiting it annually. There are several auto loops for exploring this park, that covers two states. There are also opportunities to bike and hike here. It’s a beautiful place to visit in the fall when the leaves are changing color. Read our Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide here. We’ve also got a list of 10 adventures for families in nearby Pigeon Forge.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas
We’d rank this as one of the most unusual national parks. This is a small park, set within a city. It has 47 thermal springs and more than a dozen hiking trails. You can take a dip in the thermal waters (although there are minimum ages). The water hits 143 degrees. Read our advice on how to visit Hot Springs National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park in California
This desert park, with its uniquely shaped trees, is a great day trip for families. Spring is the perfect time to catch flowering cacti and cooler weather. Make a stop at Jumbo Rocks and let your kids climb the giant boulders. There’s also an 18-mile geology motor tour. Additional advice for visiting Joshua National Park can be found here.
Katmai National Park in Alaska
This vast wilderness in Katmai National Park is home to thousands of brown bears. It’s also an important habitat for salmon. If you’re visiting to see bears, we recommend working with a tour operator. There’s a lot of planning involved when visiting this park. You have to factor in weather which can sometimes alter the best-laid plans. Learn from our experiences bear viewing at Katmai National Park.
Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska
Wildlife, fjords, glaciers and one massive icefield, Kenai Fjords is the best of Alaska all rolled into one national park. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from Harding Icefield to meet the sea. The receding glaciers give visitors an up close view of climate change. You’ll see something else, lots of wildlife, flourishing in the icy waters. The best time to visit is between June and September. Additional planning information can be found here.
M-S park guides
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
The National Park Service describes this as a “grand, gloomy and peculiar place.” This park is home to the world’s longest known cave system. By long, we’re talking about more than 400 miles of caves. Unlike many national parks, Mammoth Cave can be visited year-round. Whatever the weather is above ground, the temperature underground remains around 54°F. What else can you do here besides spelunking? Try hiking, biking, horseback riding, and canoeing. Tips for visiting this unique location can be found in our Mammoth Cave National Park guide.
Olympic National Park in Washington
Given that it’s nearly a million acres in size, we suggest planning a multi-day visit to this gem of the Northwest. The park boasts three distinct ecosystems: glacier-capped mountains, old-growth rain forests, and over 70 miles of rocky Pacific coastline. You can visit this park year round, yes, even in the infamous Northwest rain! Check out our guide for what to do with your family at Olympic National Park.
Petrified Forest National Park
Start your visit at the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center. Learn how the trees in this area were buried in sediment, and over time, crystallized into quartz. Then head out onto one of the trails to see these fossilized trees for yourself. There are options for longer and shorter hikes, depending on the age of your kids. Read the specifics of Petrified National Forest here.
Pinnacles National Park in California
A more recent addition (2013) to the National Park system, Pinnacles was formed by millions of years of volcanic eruptions, lava flows and landslides. Visitors are drawn to the hiking options and unique talus caves. Talus caves consist of open spaces among large rocks and boulders found in plies at the base of cliffs or slopes. Spring is the most popular time to visit this park. Visitors will see a range of California wildlife and plants here. For a complete guide to Pinnacles National Park, click here.
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
Experience this scenic park by rock climbing with your family. However, know that this is one of the most visited national parks in the country which means it can get crowded. There are several hikes here that work for families of all ages. How to go rock climbing plus other ideas for a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Make your visit more memorable with a stay in a tiny house. Read our review of WeeCasa located just 25 minutes from the park. If you want a different type of resort experience, try the YMCA of Rockies, also located close to the national park.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
This is the ultimate family getaway, located just a few hours away from several major cities including Washington, D.C. There’s a 105-mile-long road stretching through the park, with 75 overlooks. Pull over to take in waterfalls and scenic vistas. Beyond driving, there are many ways to explore by foot. How to see the park, and where to stay, in Shenandoah National Park, detailed in our guide.
T-Z park guides
Wrangell St. Elias National Park in Alaska
This gets the prize for being America’s largest national park at 13.2 million acres. For perspective, the park is six times the size of Yellowstone National Park. The Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges contain some of America’s largest volcanoes. The habitats range from temperate rain forest to tundra. This is the ideal place for an adventurous family where activities include ice climbing, ice caving, skiing, kayaking, and river rafting. That’s just to name a few. So how in the world do you tackle this park with your family? Know that it’s not easy to get here, which is why you’ll want to read our guide to Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Be sure to also read why our KidTripster teen loved this park.
Yellowstone National Park in Idaho, Montana & Wyoming
Created in 1872, America’s first national park is a bucket list destination for many families. Yellowstone hosts around 4 million visitors a year. It’s a park so big that stretches into 3 states. There’s plenty to see from nature to geological features. It can be tough to plan a trip here, though, as there’s a lot of ground to cover. For ideas on how to tackle Yellowstone National Park, read our guide here.
Looking for a great place to stay? Consider Big Sky Resort in Montana.
Yosemite National Park in California
This park is known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can also find valleys, meadows, ancient sequoias, and a vast wilderness area. While we recommend that families visit this park, its popularity can make it unpleasant. More than 600,000 visitors come here during the month of August alone. Our advice for when to visit and what to do, can be found in our Yosemite National Park guide.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider Tenaya Lodge, located on the doorstep of Yosemite.
Zion National Park in Utah
This spectacular park is a must-see. It’s flanked by massive sandstone cliffs in shades of red, pink and cream. Bring or borrow a bike to really see the park and its many animal inhabitants. Read why Zion National Park ranks among our top 3 national parks.
Other park guides
Beyond the specific national parks, we’ve also compiled additional resources to help you plan the best hikes, road trips and more.
Top parks for families
Let’s cut to the case. If you have to pick just 5, here are our bucket-list national parks. Each offer something unique for you and your kids.
Best hikes
Want to hit the trails? Here are 6 favorite family hikes within our national parks.
Best Southwest parks
This is your itinerary for a road trip to the best national parks of the Southwest.
Best National Monuments
We have some amazing national monuments, too. From craters to fossils, from volcanoes to natural bridges, here’s a list of our top 4.
National Parks in 2021
The National Park Service hosts more than 330 million visitors a year.
Two new locations were designated as national parks in 2019. Indiana Dunes National Park, in Indiana, and White Sands National Park, in New Mexico, became the 61st and 62nd national parks.
If you’d like to visit a national park this year, the National Park Service will offer several fee-free days. Sites that usually charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The upcoming 2020 dates are:
- January 18th: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr
- April 17th: First day of National Park Week
- August 4th: First anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act
- August 25th: National Park Service’s 105th Birthday
- September 25th: National Public Lands Day
- November 11th: Veterans Day
As KidTripster visits more national parks, we’ll continue creating guides for families and adding them to this article. Bookmark this link to help you plan your next trip.
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