Best National Parks For Kids

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The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids: Nature’s Playground

When it comes to travel, I truly don’t discriminate. You’ll find me sipping margaritas at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun or hiking in Grand Teton National Park. I love it all. We spent a lot of time over the past year visiting national parks with the whole family, which made me start thinking about which parks are the best national parks for kids.

Exploring national parks with your kids is a fantastic way to create lifelong memories while introducing them to the beauty of the great outdoors. The U.S. is home to over 400 national park sites, each offering unique landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether your family loves hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying nature, there are what I believe to be the best national parks to visit with kids.

1. Yellowstone

Why it’s great for kids:
Yellowstone is a wonderland of geothermal features, wildlife, and adventure. Kids will be fascinated by Old Faithful’s eruptions, the vibrant colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and the chance to see bison, elk, and even bears in their natural habitat. Check out this complete Yellowstone travel itinerary to help you plan your time at one of the best national parks for kids.

Family-friendly activities:

• Participate in the Junior Ranger Program.
• Visit the Mud Volcano and Norris Geyser Basin.
• Take a short hike to Artist Point for breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

2. The Grand Canyon

Why it’s great for kids:
The Grand Canyon’s immense size and beauty leave kids (and adults) in awe. The South Rim offers family-friendly amenities, educational exhibits, and easy trails perfect for little explorers. I will warn though–even though this is one of the best national parks for kids, it is a little nerve-wracking knowing there isn’t a fence around the gaping hole in the ground (obviously). Use caution and keep your kids away from the edge. Also note that the squirrels here are crazy and will snatch toys out of your kids’ hands and run off with them (we learned from experience).

Check out my road trip itinerary to drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

Family-friendly activities:

• Attend a ranger-led program to learn about the canyon’s history and geology.
• Walk along the Rim Trail for stunning views without strenuous hiking.
• Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum.

3. Acadia National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
Located in Maine, Acadia combines rugged coastlines with lush forests, making it an ideal playground for kids. Families can enjoy tide pooling, scenic drives, and easy hikes with spectacular ocean views.

Family-friendly activities:

• Drive up Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise.
• Explore the tidal pools at Bar Island during low tide.
• Bike along the Carriage Roads.

4. Great Smoky Mountains

Why it’s great for kids:
As one of the most biodiverse national parks, the Smokies offer endless opportunities for exploration. It’s also one of the few parks with no entrance fee, making it a budget-friendly option for families and one of the best national parks for kids.

Plus, there are lots of amazing family resorts right on the outskirts of this park.

Family-friendly activities:

• Go wildlife spotting for deer, black bears, and salamanders.
• Walk the short and easy Clingmans Dome Trail for panoramic views.
• Visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to see historical farm exhibits.

5. Zion National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
Zion’s towering red cliffs and narrow canyons create a magical setting that captivates kids. With a variety of trails and activities, it’s perfect for families with children of all ages. Check out my tips for visiting Zion with kids before your visit, along with these best places to stay near Zion.

Family-friendly activities:

• Take the Riverside Walk, an easy trail along the Virgin River.
• Ride the shuttle bus and enjoy narrated stories about the park.
• Visit the Human History Museum to learn about Zion’s cultural heritage.
• Drive to the east entrance and experience views that look like they’re straight out of Disney’s Cars Land.

6. Glacier National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier offers stunning alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and family-friendly adventures. It’s an excellent destination for families who love nature and wildlife. We took the most epic road trip from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone then to Grand Teton. If you have time, I highly suggest you do the same!

Family-friendly activities:

• Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road for unforgettable views.
• Hike the Trail of the Cedars, a flat and accessible path. You can venture further to Avalanche Lake from there, which is stunning and not very challenging. Check out these kids hiking essentials.
• Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald.

7. Everglades National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
The Everglades are a unique ecosystem filled with exciting wildlife like alligators, manatees, and colorful birds. Kids will love exploring the wetlands and learning about its importance. It won’t take you long to see why this is one of the best national parks for kids.

Family-friendly activities:

• Join a ranger-led boat or tram tour.
• Walk the Anhinga Trail to see wildlife up close.
• Rent kayaks or canoes for a water adventure.

8. Bryce Canyon

Why it’s great for kids:
Bryce Canyon’s surreal landscape of hoodoos (tall, thin rock spires) feels like stepping into another world. Its smaller size and easy-to-navigate trails make it one of the best national parks for kids and families to explore.

Family-friendly activities:

• Walk the Navajo Loop Trail to see Thor’s Hammer and Wall Street.
• Attend an astronomy program to stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the U.S.
• Stop at the visitor center for kid-friendly exhibits.

9. Rocky Mountain National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
With its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and wildlife, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a mix of adventure and serenity. The variety of trails ensures there’s something for everyone.

Family-friendly activities:

• Drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the U.S.
• Hike the Bear Lake Trail, a flat and scenic loop.
• Stop by the Moraine Park Discovery Center for interactive exhibits.

10. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
This park offers a chance to witness Earth’s power and creativity. Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, it’s home to Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes.

11. Yosemite National Park

Why it’s great for kids:
Yosemite is one of my all-time favorite national parks, and it’s also one of the best national parks for kids. Its iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias make it an awe-inspiring destination. The park offers a wide range of kid-friendly trails and activities, ensuring a memorable trip for the whole family. There are some great hikes you can do in Yosemite with kids. And my kids love walking through the meadow and seeing all the deer in the evenings when we’re camping in Yosemite.

Family-friendly activities:

• Hike to Bridalveil Fall or the Lower Yosemite Falls for easy and scenic adventures.
• Join a ranger-led program to learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
• Visit the Mariposa Grove to marvel at giant sequoia trees.
• Splash around at Mirror Lake.

Family-friendly activities:

• Explore the Thurston Lava Tube, a short walk through a natural tunnel.
• Watch the lava glow at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater from a safe distance.
• Learn about volcanoes and Hawaiian culture at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Conclusion

National parks are nature’s playground, offering endless opportunities for adventure and bonding. Whether your kids love hiking, wildlife, or simply being outdoors, these parks provide the perfect backdrop for family fun. Pack your gear, grab your Junior Ranger booklets, and start planning your next adventure to one of these incredible destinations! And remember, when you finish exploring these parks, there are still plenty more to check out!

Don’t forget that if your kid in is 4th grade, you can visit all national parks for free for the entire year with their free 4th grade national parks pass. Get the pass from the every kid outdoors website.