A 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park With Kids

Are you looking for a fun 2-day itinerary in Yosemite National Park with your kids?

Yosemite National Park is the perfect destination for families with young children. With its stunning views, breathtaking waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor activities, Yosemite will be a hit with your family.

In fact, it was voted one of the best national parks to visit with kids and it’s one of the nine (9) national parks in California.

In this two-day itinerary, we’ll explore some of the best activities and attractions Yosemite offers. From short and easy hikes to scenic bike rides, there’s something for everyone in this itinerary. We’ll also provide recommendations on places to stay and eat.

So, let’s get started!

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.

2 Days in Yosemite National Park With Kids show

A Few Things to Know When Planning a Trip to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park receive almost 4 millions visitors per year, with 75% of them visiting during the summertime.

Here are a few things to know when planning a trip to Yosemite.

Where is Yosemite in California?

Yosemite National Park is located in the scenic mountain region of east-central California. It’s about 140 miles (225 km) east of the city of San Francisco, 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Sacramento and 280 miles (450 km) northeast of Los Angeles.

What is the Most Popular Time to Visit Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park is a popular national park that gets really crowded in the summer. The best time to visit Yosemite would by in the early spring when the park’s waterfalls, such as the Bridalveil Fall, are at their peak flow.

By the end of the summer and fall, some waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, may be pretty much dry.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is really popular and accommodation can be booked up 12 to 18 months in advance. For national campgrounds, the reservations usually opens 6 months in advance.

Curry Village is the largest lodging facility in Yosemite Valley and it’s a great home-base when visiting Yosemite. Our 2-day itinerary in Yosemite below is based on an overnight stay in Curry Village.

The Villagge offers many lodging options, including motel rooms, wood-sided cabins with private bathrooms, wood-sided cabins with shared bathrooms and canvas tent cabins with shared bathrooms.

Plus, the Curry Village complex offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, an ice skating rink in winter, an entertainment amphitheatre, ranger programs and a few dinning options.

The Yosemite Valley Lodge is another of the great options for lodging in Yosemite National Park.

If you wish to stay outside the park, there are a few towns nearby, but plan on adding a few hours of driving each days. You can look at:

Mariposa: Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel or the AutoCamp Yosemite are good family options.
Fish Camp: Narrow Gauge Inn is a good option for families.
Oakhurst: Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is a good family option.

Do You Need a Car to Get Around Yosemite National Park?

It’s best to have a car when visiting Yosemite National Park with kids. It will allow you to be more flexible. Plus, there is a lot of driving to get from one point to the other one, so when you have your own car, kids can take a quick nap between activities.

If you need to rent a car, compare prices on DiscoverCars.Com. And make sure to download the audio guide from Gypsy Guide to learn all about the National Park while you’re driving.

But you can use the free public transportation across the park and get to most of the sights using the shuttle in the summertime. Learn more about the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System here.

A 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park with Kids

Here is our 2-day itinerary in Yosemite National Park for the family. You can also download your PDF itinerary here:

A Quick Recap of our 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park

A two-day itinerary in Yosemite for families with young children includes a variety of activities. On the first day, families can take a hike to the iconic overlooks of Glacier Point and Tunnel View. Then, they can explore beautiful waterfalls such as the Bridalveil Falls and the Lower Yosemite Falls.

On the second day, families can take a stroll around Yosemite Valley on the Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow Loop. Then they can visit the Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit, and take a hike in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias area. Finally, families can take a train ride on the Yosemite Valley Railroad.

Day 1 of 2 Days in Yosemite National Park with Kids

Take a Small Hike at Glacier Point and Washburn Point

Start your first day in Yosemite National Park at Glacier Point. If your kids wake up early, try to be there for sunset, it’s breathtaking…. but we know it’s not always possible and sometimes it’s better to let the kids sleep.

The easiest way to get to Glacier Point is to drive on Glacier Point Road, which is usually open from late May or early June to sometime in November. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint.

You’ll be at 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level.

From this viewpoint, you can follow the short trail. It’s one of Yosemite’s easiest hikes and much of the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. It’s a 1.0-mile (1.6-km) out-and-back trail with amazing views.

On your way down Glacier Point Road, make sure to stop at Washburn Point. This viewpoint also offers beautiful views.

The View from Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park

Admire the Views at Tunnel View

Then, drive to Tunnel View, one of the famous viewpoints of Yosemite National Park where you’ll have a perfect view of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls.

Tunnel View is just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. You’ll find parking lots nearby. This spot can be very popular in summer, so you may have to wait a little for parking.

Chase some Yosemite Waterfalls

There are more than 25 waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. The smallest fall is the 100-foot-tall Alder Creek Falls and the latest one is the 2,425-foot-tall Yosemite Falls. Most of the famous waterfalls at Yosemite can be seen from viewpoints or short paved, wheelchair-accessible trails.

Start with Bridalveil Falls. Bridalveil Fall is a short waterfall that typically flows throughout the year. You can park at the Bridalveil Fall Parking Area off Wawonda Road. This 0.5-mile (0.8-km) round-trip trail will lead you close to the waterfall.

Then, drive to Lower Yosemite Falls. Lower Yosemite Falls is the final 320-foot (98-meter) drop of Yosemite Falls, the latest waterfall in North America. The trail to reach the Lower Falls is a 1.0-mile (1.6-km) loop.

Be careful when walking near the waterfalls. There are some stairs and it can be really slippery and steep in some areas. Try to walk the loop in a clockwise direction for the best views of Yosemite Falls.

Note that the eastern portion of this loop trail is wheelchair accessible (when not covered in ice or snow).

Also, if you visit at the end of the summer or in the fall, the waterfall may be dry or really tiny.

Enjoy the rest of the Day at Curry Village

When you’re ready, slowly head to Curry Village, where you’ll stay for the night. There are a few restaurant options, such as a pizza parlour, a coffee shop, the Meadow Grill and the Curry Village Bar.

There is also a pool and some ranger programs. If you got the Junior Ranger booklet for your kids, you could take something with them to complete it.

Day 2 of 2 Days in Yosemite National Park with Kids

Walk on the Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite Valley

Start your day with a leisure stroll in Yosemite Valley with the Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow loop. The Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow loop is a 2.25-mile (3.6-km) round-trip trail. On this trail, you’ll see green meadows, wildflowers and Yosemite Falls.

The trail is accessible year-round, and leashed pets are allowed on paved portions.

Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit

Then, visit the Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit.

The Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit is a great place for families. It was the first museum built in the national park system and has a variety of educational initiatives for visitors.

The Yosemite Museum shows displays of the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people. It showcases tools and items such as tone tool-making, basket-weaving, beadwork and traditional games.

In front of the museum, you’ll find a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that visitors can touch, and a re-creation of an umacha (a Miwok and Paiute cedar bark house). Behind the museum, you can also do a self-guided accessible trail through the reconstructed Indian Village of Ahwahnee. You’ll learn about plants and structures.

Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park

Explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Area

Once you’re done with the museum visit, head back in the car and drive to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. From the Yosemite Museum, it takes about an hour to reach the south side of Yosemite to Mariposa Grove.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a popular place in Yosemite National Park. It’s the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.

There are a few different trails to take with the kids to admire the sequoia trees. Some trails are even wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Big Trees Loop Trail: It’s an easy 0.3-mile (0.5-km) loop from the trailhead. This trail is wheelchair accessible and features the Fallen Monarch and interpretive panels on the life and ecology of giant sequoias.
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail: It’s a moderate 2.0-miles (3.2-km) loop from the trailhead. It features notable trees such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree.

You can also opt for one of the several guided tours. The National Park Service offers a Big Trees Loop Trail, a two-hour hike.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

If time allows, visit the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. It’s a great family-friendly excursion if your kids love trains. It’s located only 10 minutes from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park off Highway 41, a little pass at Fish Camp.

At the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, you can take a scenic train ride through the Sierra National Forest. The “The Logger” train ride is an hour. You’ll earn the area’s amazing history.

The historic railroad offers train rides, gold panning, an on-site rail museum, and a fun gifts and collectibles store.

Beautiful View in Yosemite National Park

Final Thoughts: 2-Day Itinerary Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is one of the nine (9) national parks in California. It’s a beautiful park to visiting with kids. While it would be ideal to stay for at least 3 to 4 days, you can still get a good overview of the national park and its beauty in 2 days.