Yellowstone National Park with Kids
2 Days trip to Yellowstone National Park with kids
If you guys have been following us on Instagram, you should be knowing that we’ve been to The World’s first National Park – The Yellowstone National Park . It is a wonderland of natural beauty and adventure, making it a perfect destination for families. With its stunning landscapes, geysers, wildlife, and educational opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here I am sharing my ultimate 2 day family-friendly itinerary designed to make the most of your trip to Yellowstone with kids which is less tiring and more enjoyable.
Before I start, I want to mention that we have booked our hotel in Montana which is the west entrance of the Yellowstone (Note: Yellowstone has four entrances). The main attraction of YNP is Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful and both these attractions are closer to the west entrance.
YNP has two loops – Upper Loop & Lower Loop
Day 1 : Lower Loop points to stop : You can check lower loop video here.
Lower loop is all about Geysers and Springs and here are some of the kid friendly spots in Lower Loop:
- Fountain Paint Pots : This is just few steps walk from parking lot and is doable with kids.
- Grand Prismatic Spring : Few steps from parking lot
- Grand Prismatic Overlook : 1.6 Mile loop, easy hike and doable with kids
- Old Faithful geyser : Few steps from parking lot
- Old Faithful Inn : Few steps from parking lot (same parking lot as old faithful geyser)
- West Geyser Basin : Few steps from parking lot
- Hayden Valley : This is a drive through valley for animal spotting. It has multiple trails & stops for animal viewing
- Exit to west entrance via canyon center & Norris geyser . You will spot a lot of geysers and springs along the road .
Day 2 : Upper Loop points to stop : You can check Upper loop video here.
Upper Loop is all about Nature, Wild Life and Water falls. Here are some of the spots you can do with your kids:
- Norris Geyser : Few steps from parking lot
- Mammoth Springs : Few steps from parking lot
- Undine Falls Overlook : Few Steps from parking lot
- Tower Roosevelt (here you head to east entrance for Lamar valley drive)
- Lamar Valley : A beautiful drive where you’ll encounter lots of wild animals
- Upper Falls : Few steps from parking lot
- Lower Falls :🚶♂️1.2 Miles loop from Parking lot, and considered moderately challenging route due to elevation
- Inspiration Point : Few Steps from parking lot
- Exit to west entrance via canyon center & Norris geyser .
Some tips to make your visit fun and unforgettable:
Getting Ready
1. Think Ahead: Yellowstone has a huge area with lots to check out. Make a list of the main spots you want to see, like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Yellowstone Lake. If you have kids, just simply note down the Stop points I have mentioned above.
2. Get Your Spot: If you are looking to camp or get a room inside the park, Make sure to book where you’ll sleep way before you go. People usually book 6 months in advance. If not, there are many hotels outside the park too.
3. Look at the Forecast: You can’t always guess the weather in Yellowstone. Bring clothes you can put on or take off, and don’t forget stuff to keep you dry if it rains. I packed summer clothes with jackets and had ponchos just in case it rains. It can rain in June-July too.
4. Get America the beautiful pass : Did you know, for just $80 , your entire family can visit over 2,000 federal recreation sites and all the National parks in US for free for a whole year ? This is the best way to save if you are visiting 3 or more National Parks in a year. And if you are visiting Yellowstone, you can also check out Grand Teton National Park which is just 10 miles from Yellowstone South Entrance.
5. Get a map : There’s absolutely no reception once you enter the park. So make sure you ask for a map when you show your Entry pass at the entrance. You can easily find all the spots I mentioned above in the map.
Travel Essentials
1. Bring Your Own Food: The park has few food choices, and they often cost a lot or fully packed with people. So pack enough snacks and picnic items for your family. We loaded our car trunk with Bars, fruits, Water bottles, Bread, bread spreads , Chips, Cookies, Fruit Juices for adults and kids.
2. Stay Hydrated: Make sure everyone has a water bottle and fills it up often. This is key especially when you hike.
3. Be Prepared for Minor Injuries: Keep a simple first aid kit with you. Include things like band-aids antiseptic wipes, and any meds you might need. Carry Bug/Mosquito repellent & Bear Spray too.
Safety Tips
Stick to Trails: To keep wildlife and plants safe and make sure you don’t get hurt always walk on marked paths and boardwalks.
Wildlife Safety: Stay far away from all animals. Use binoculars or a long lens to look at them. Don’t go near or give food to animals.
Bear Safety: Find out how to stay safe around bears. Bring bear spray and learn to use it. Make sounds as you hike so you don’t catch a bear off guard.
Activities for Kids
Junior Ranger Program: Sign your children up for the Junior Ranger Program. It helps them learn about the park and get a badge.
Educational Centers: Check out the different visitor centers and museums. They have interesting displays and hands-on exhibits.
Ranger-Led Programs: Join programs and talks led by rangers. Kids find these both fun and educational.
Exploring the Park
Early Starts: Begin your days to beat the crowds and have a better chance to see animals.
Short Hikes: Pick walks that are good for families – ones that are shorter and easier, like the boardwalks near geysers and springs.
Scenic Drives: Take in Yellowstone’s beautiful drives. The upper and lower loop shows you many stunning views and lets you get to main attractions .
Comfort and Convenience:
Restrooms: Get to know where the bathrooms are in the park. There are bathrooms at many places to stop and rest. Some are well maintained and some are not.
Breaks and Downtime: Make time for kids to rest and play. Bring books, games, or other stuff to keep them busy during breaks.
Stroller-Friendly Areas: You can use strollers in some parts of the park, but not everywhere. Think about using a baby carrier for little ones.
Environmental Responsibility :
Leave No Trace: Show your kids how to leave nature untouched. Take all your trash with you and keep the park as you found it.
Respect Wildlife: Stress how important it is to respect animals and where they live.
If you plan well and include different activities, your family trip to Yellowstone can be less tiring, more fun and teach kids of all ages something new.
