21+ Best National Parks for Kids Who Love Adventures

Which one is the BEST national park with kids? That’s a tricky question!

As a family, we love planning our trips around national parks. I won’t say that our official goal is to hit all Canadian and USA national parks, but we do love explore them. And I’m hoping to visit as many as I can with my family.

If you are planning a national park family vacation in the USA, there are so many options to choose from. In fact, there are 423 national park sites in the United States, including 63 national parks.

Our first national park trip was to Banff National Park in Canada, and we have been hooked since then. In the United States, our first family vacation to a national park was at Bryce Canyon National Park. We also visited a few national monuments before, such as Muir Woods National Monument in Northern California, and a few national forests, such as Tahoe National Forest near Lake Tahoe.

And I’ll share with you the best national parks for kids in the United States. From nice short hikes to unique natural features and the famous Junior Ranger program, your family will enjoy visiting all those national parks with your kids.

Well, I’ll share with you all the national parks we visited with our kids, and what makes them kid friendly national parks!

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Our Top 5 USA National Parks to Visit With Kids

We visited more than 15 national parks in the USA with our kids (as young as 2 years old) and here are our top 5 best national parks to visit with kids and what makes each one perfect for families:

NATIONAL PARKS	BEST FOR:	RECOMMEND STAY	DESCRIPTION
Yellowstone National Park	Best for the geothermal wonders	2–3 days	Yellowstone is like a natural wonderland. They’ll love watching Old Faithful erupt, seeing colorful hot springs like Grand Prismatic, and spotting bison, elk, and even bears. The park has easy boardwalk trails around its bubbling mud pots and geysers, which are both fun and safe for kids.
Bryce Canyon National Park	Best for the easy hikes	1–2 days	Bryce Canyon feels like a magical world with its tall, twisty hoodoos. Kids will have fun exploring short trails like the Navajo Loop and walking right among these cool rock towers. The views are incredible, and the park is small enough to explore in a day or two without feeling rushed.
Grand Teton National Park	Best for the sunsets and sunrises	2 days	Grand Teton is perfect for kids who love outdoor adventures. Families can hike easy trails like Taggart Lake, take a boat ride on Jenny Lake, and watch for moose, elk, and deer. The calm lakes and scenic views make it a relaxing place to explore as a family.
Death Valley National Park	Best for the coolest landscapes	1–2 days	Death Valley is like visiting another planet. Your kids will love walking on the giant salt flats at Badwater Basin, climbing the sand dunes at Mesquite Flat, and seeing the colorful rocks at Artist’s Palette. At night, the park’s dark skies make it an amazing spot for stargazing.
Glacier National Park	Best for wildlife spotting	2–3 days	Glacier is a fantastic place for families who love mountains and nature. Kids can explore short trails like the Trail of the Cedars, take a boat ride on Lake McDonald, and look for mountain goats and marmots. The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers stunning views with plenty of places to stop and explore.

1. Glacier National Park (Montana)

Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana. Between its dramatic mountains, fields of wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Glacier National Park is an excellent spot for an epic family vacation. The area is also known as the “Crown of the Continent”, with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. The park was established in 1910, making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States.

Your kids will love the beautiful hiking trails like Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake and spotting waterfalls. You can also ride a boat or look for animals like mountain goats. The views are incredible, and there’s so much to explore.

• Recommended # of days: 2–3 days
• Closest international airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – 30 minutes.
• BEST for: Breathtaking mountain views, lakes, and wildlife spotting.
• BEST short hike: Trail of the Cedars (1 mile loop) – A flat, accessible trail through beautiful old-growth forest.

BEST things to do With Kids in glacier National park:

1. Walk the Trail of the Cedars – a flat, easy loop.
2. Drive the 50-mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road, for stunning views.
3. Spot wildlife like mountain goats and marmots.
4. Take a boat ride on Lake McDonald or Many Glacier
5. Explore the Apgar Village for ice cream and souvenirs.

💡 You’ll need a vehicle reservation to drive on the Going-to-the- Sun road. It’s valid for 3 consecutive days.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? There are many options for lodging in and around Glacier National Park. If you decide to explore the West Glacier section, the historic Lake McDonald Lodge is an excellent home base. It’s located right on the side of this gorgeous lake and has some handy amenities (like a pizza shop!) within walking distance.

2. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. It’s perfect to mix your visit with both parks. Grand Teton National Park is one of the country’s top-rated national parks for a reason. The park spans over 310,000 acres and is named after the iconic Teton Range, which features rugged peaks, including the towering Grand Teton (13,775 feet/4,199 meters).

It’s especially great for traveling families with little ones because of the many short trails, easy-to-get-to viewpoints, and wildlife sightings. It’s a perfect stop on a Western USA road trip.

• Recommended # of days: 2 days
• Closest international airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) – located within the park.
• BEST for: Majestic mountain views, lakes, and family-friendly outdoor adventures.
• BEST short hike: Taggart Lake Trail (3 miles round trip) – A scenic trail with views of the Tetons and a beautiful alpine lake.

BEST things to do in the park:

1. Hike to Taggart Lake for a beautiful family-friendly trail.
2. Take a boat ride on Jenny Lake.
3. Look for moose and elk in Moose-Wilson Road.
4. Visit Mormon Row for iconic photos of the barns and mountains.
5. Stop at Signal Mountain Summit for amazing views.

There are many short and easy hikes within the park. You can walk easy trails like Taggart Lake, take a boat ride on Jenny Lake, and look for moose and deer. The huge mountains make a perfect backdrop for a family adventure.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? When you’re ready to call it a night, book a stay at the Jackson Lake Lodge, which is located right in the park. It has beautiful views and allows you easy access to the park roads for exploring!

3. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located primarily in Wyoming (with small portions in Montana and Idaho). It’s the first national park in the world, established in 1872, spans over 2.2 million acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking area, and kids of all ages will love it. The amazing geothermal features and the various wildlife in the park are enough to keep your kids interested.

Your kids will love watching Old Faithful erupt, seeing colorful hot springs, and spotting animals like bison and elk. Many trails are easy, and the geysers and bubbling mud pots will amaze the whole family.

• Recommended # of days: 2–3 days
• Closest international airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) – 2 hours.
• BEST for: Geysers, geothermal features, and wildlife like bison and bears.
• BEST short hike: Mud Volcano Trail (0.6 miles round trip) – An easy boardwalk loop showcasing bubbling mud pots and geothermal activity.

BEST things to do in Yellowstone National park With Kids:

1. Watch Old Faithful erupt – a must-see for kids.
2. Walk the boardwalks at Grand Prismatic Spring.
3. See bubbling mud pots at Mud Volcano.
4. Spot bison and other wildlife in Hayden Valley.
5. Visit Mammoth Hot Springs for colorful terraces.

💡 Yellowstone National Park is HUGE. It’s over 3,472 square miles (2,221,766 acres), so planning a family trip to Yellowstone quickly gets overwhelming. Plan for at least 3 to 5 days to explore the park fully. Ideally, you would stay in different park sections overnight to limit the drive, but it may not always be possible.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? Consider staying at the historic Old Faithful Inn, located next to the iconic Old Faithful Geyser. This rustic lodge offers comfortable accommodations and places you within walking distance of one of the park’s most famous attractions.

4. Death Valley National Park (California)

Death Valley is like another planet, , a land of extremes. It’s located in eastern California and partially in Nevada. It’s known as the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. It covers over 3.4 million acres, making it the largest national park in the contiguous U.S.

Your kids will love running on the giant salt flats at Badwater Basin, climbing the sand dunes, and seeing colorful rocks at Artist’s Palette. At night, you can look up and see millions of stars—it’s one of the best places for stargazing.

There are many things to do in Death Valley National Park for families.

• Recommended # of days: 1–2 days
• Closest international airport: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) – 2 hours.
• BEST for: Unique desert landscapes, stargazing, and experiencing extreme natural beauty.
• BEST short hike: Mosaic Canyon Trail (1-2 miles round trip) – A fun slot canyon with smooth, polished marble walls.

BEST things to do with kids in Death Valley National Park:

1. Walk on the salt flats at Badwater Basin – the lowest point in North America.
2. Climb the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – perfect for kids to play and explore.
3. Drive through the colorful Artist’s Drive and stop at Artist’s Palette.
4. Visit Zabriskie Point for amazing sunrise or sunset views.
5. Stargaze at night – Death Valley has some of the darkest skies in the world.

💡 Since Death Valley is the hottest known place on earth, with blistering hot summers, plan to visit between late fall and early spring for the best weather or even in the wintertime.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? There are several campgrounds in the park like the Texas Springs campground we stayed at, or you can book a room at The Ranch at Death Valley, a centrally-located lodge inside the national park.

5. Yosemite National Park (California)

Yosemite National Park is one of the nine national parks in California and one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. It’s renowned for its towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoia trees, cascading waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems.

You can take your kids to see huge waterfalls like Lower Yosemite Falls, relax in meadows, and spot animals like deer. The giant cliffs and beautiful lakes make it a great place to play, hike, and take family photos.

• Recommended # of days: 2–3 days
• Closest international airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 4 hours.
• BEST for: Iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and accessible family-friendly viewpoints.
• BEST short hike: Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (1 mile loop) – A paved, easy walk to view the famous Yosemite Falls.

BEST things to do with Kids in Yosemite National park:

1. Walk to Lower Yosemite Falls – an easy trail to see a giant waterfall.
2. Relax and picnic in Yosemite Valley while spotting wildlife.
3. Visit Glacier Point for an incredible view of Half Dome.
4. Explore Mariposa Grove to see giant sequoia trees.
5. Play near the water at Mirror Lake – it’s great for families.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? 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.

6. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

Crater Lake is a stunning natural wonder in southern Oregon, USA, not too far from Bend. It is famous for being the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,943 feet (592 meters). The lake was formed approximately 7,700 years ago after the volcanic eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama. The resulting caldera filled with rainwater and snowmelt, creating a lake renowned for its deep blue color and exceptional clarity.

Crater Lake is like a giant blue bowl of water. Your kids will love the short Sun Notch Trail, where you can see the lake and a tiny island that looks like a ship. The park is quiet and peaceful, and the views are stunning.

• Recommended # of days: 1–2 days
• Closest international airport: Portland International Airport (PDX) – 4 hours.
• BEST for: Deep blue lake views and stunning volcanic landscapes.
• BEST short hike: Sun Notch Trail (0.8 miles round trip) – A quick walk to one of the best views of Crater Lake and Phantom Ship island.

BEST things to do with kids in Crater Lake National park:

1. Walk the Sun Notch Trail for views of Phantom Ship island.
2. Drive the Rim Drive to see the lake from different viewpoints.
3. Visit Crater Lake Lodge for snacks and lake views.
4. Take a boat tour on Crater Lake (summer only).
5. Hike to Watchman Overlook for an amazing sunset.

💡 While the national park is open year-round, most of the roads are closed during the winter. From July to September, all facilities and roads are open. The rest of the year, it’s open a partial opening. We visited in early July and there was still some snow.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? Book a night at the historic Crater Lake Lodge, located right on the rim of Crater Lake. This iconic lodge offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs, creating an unforgettable experience. Its cozy charm and proximity to trails make it the perfect spot for your visit!

7. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)

Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota, It’s a place filled with sharp cliffs, deep canyons, and open grasslands. Its colorful rock layers tell a story of millions of years of history, shaped by wind and water. The park’s unique landscape makes it a great spot for exploring and enjoying nature.

• Recommended # of days: 1 day
• Closest international airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – 1 hour.
• BEST for: Unique geologic formations, easy-to-explore trails, and abundant wildlife.
• BEST short hike: Door Trail (0.75 miles round trip) – An easy hike leading to dramatic views of the Badlands formations.

BEST things to do With Kids in Badlands National park:

1. Walk the Door Trail for easy access to cool rock formations.
2. Spot bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep along the Loop Road.
3. Explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail – short and educational.
4. Watch sunset at Pinnacles Overlook.
5. Stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for ranger programs.

The Badlands are located in the western part of South Dakota and feature ridge after ridge of jagged, striated hills and mountains with dramatically eroded pinnacles and buttes. It’s the equivalent of the Canadian Badlands.

One of the best things to do in the Badlands is to admire the scenery from the viewpoints. There are 14 official viewpoints in the park, and each gives a unique view of the badlands. 

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? The Badlands Frontier Cabins is a great place to stay near Badlands National Park.

8. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)

Often overlooked, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a perfect spot for families to explore a gorgeous wilderness. Named for the 26th president, it started as a memorial park and later was turned into a national park. Teddy Roosevelt actually had a cabin in the area, which is visitable for travelers to the park.

This park is perfect for families who love animals. You’ll see bison, prairie dogs, and maybe even wild horses!

• Recommended # of days: 1–2 days
• Closest international airport: Bismarck Airport (BIS) – 2 hours.
• BEST for: Prairie landscapes, wildlife sightings (bison, wild horses), and wide-open spaces.
• BEST short hike: Wind Canyon Trail (0.4 miles round trip) – A short hike with stunning river valley views, perfect for sunset.

BEST things to do With Kids in Theodore Roosevelt National park:

1. Drive the Scenic Loop and spot bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs.
2. Hike the Wind Canyon Trail for beautiful river views.
3. Visit Painted Canyon Overlook for colorful badlands.
4. Explore Cottonwood Campground for a picnic or overnight stay.
5. Walk the Caprock Coulee Trail for an easy, scenic hike.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? For those looking for a hotel, the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora is a perfect modern yet rustic spot to stay in. Also, Medora has a lot of interesting frontier-related exhibits and activities and is also a fun place to stay for families as well. The beautiful downtown is fun to walk around and even better to stay in.

9. Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion National Park in Utah is located in southern Utah. It’s one of the Mighty 5 National Park (and the busiest). It’s known for its towering red cliffs, narrow canyons, and lush green valleys. And it’s great for families.

You’ll take a fun shuttle ride into the park and walk easy trails like the Riverside Walk. Your kids will love splashing in the river, spotting lizards, and looking up at the giant red cliffs. It’s a great place for a mix of fun and nature.

• Recommended # of days: 2–3 days
• Closest international airport: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) – 3 hours.
• BEST for: Iconic red cliffs, dramatic canyons, and family-friendly shuttle access.
• BEST short hike: Riverside Walk (2 miles round trip) – A flat trail leading to the start of the Narrows with plenty of spots for kids to play by the water.

BEST things to do With Kids in Zion National park:

1. Walk the Riverside Walk – a flat trail with water play opportunities.
2. Explore Emerald Pools for waterfalls and small pools (Lower Pool is family-friendly).
3. Take the Zion Shuttle and enjoy views of the canyon.
4. Walk the Pa’rus Trail – a paved and easy trail perfect for strollers.
5. Visit Checkerboard Mesa – unique rock patterns your kids will love.

With many short hikes suitable for children. Kid-friendly hikes include the Watchman Trail, the Grotto Trail and the Riverside Walk Trail. Kids will especially love the Lower Emerald Pools Trail, where you can walk behind the waterfall and through the mist. The Pa’Rus Trail is also great, as you can all bring your bikes along the trail! 

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? The Zion Lodge is suitable for families, with rooms able to accommodate up to 5 people. If you are in an RV, you can stay at the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort nearby.

10. Bryce Canyon National Park (utah)

Bryce Canyon looks like a fairy-tale world. It’s famous for its stunning red rock formations called hoodoos. These tall, thin spires of rock were shaped over millions of years by erosion, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly.

Your kids will love the funny-shaped rock towers called hoodoos. Short hikes like the Navajo Loop let you walk right among them. It’s also a great spot for taking photos and letting your kids earn their Junior Ranger badge.

• Recommended # of days: 1–2 days
• Closest international airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 4 hours.
• BEST for: Hoodoo formations and stunning views that look like a fairy-tale kingdom.
• BEST short hike: Navajo Loop (1.3 miles) – A great introduction to Bryce’s hoodoos, with manageable switchbacks and stunning scenery.

BEST things to do with kids Bryce Canyon National Park:

1. Hike the Navajo Loop or Queen’s Garden Trail for up-close views of hoodoos.
2. Watch sunrise at Sunrise Point – the hoodoos glow in the morning light.
3. Visit Bryce Point for one of the best views of the canyon.
4. Walk the easy Rim Trail for stunning viewpoints.
5. Stop at the Visitor Center to let your kids join the Junior Ranger Program.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? Book a stay at Ruby’s Inn, conveniently located just outside Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce City. This historic hotel offers cozy accommodations, dining options, and easy access to the park’s with a park’s shuttle stop!

11. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem known for its colorful cliffs, unique rock formations, and historic sites. It’s the less crowded of the 5 Utah’s National Parks. The park’s name comes from its white sandstone domes, which resemble the U.S. Capitol building, and the “reef” of rocky ridges that was a barrier to early travelers. It’s a quieter park, perfect for those looking to explore stunning landscapes without large crowds.

Your kids can pick fresh fruit in the orchards (in season), see ancient rock drawings, and explore short trails like Hickman Bridge. There’s plenty of space to run around, and you won’t have to deal with big crowds.

• Recommended # of days: 1–2 days
• Closest international airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – 3.5 hours.
• BEST for: Lesser crowds, historic orchards, and unique rock formations.
• BEST short hike: Hickman Bridge Trail (1.8 miles round trip) – A scenic hike leading to a natural bridge, great for families.

BEST things to do in Capitol Reef National Park With Kids:

1. Hike to Hickman Bridge – an easy family-friendly trail with great views.
2. Pick fruit in the Fruita Orchards (seasonal).
3. Explore the Gifford House for homemade pies and treats.
4. See ancient Petroglyphs on a short, easy walk.
5. Drive the Scenic Drive to see cliffs and rock formations.

12. Indiana Dunes National Park

Centrally located in the midwest of the United States, along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana, the park is only one hour’s drive from Chicago. It offers a beautiful mix of sandy beaches, rolling dunes, wetlands, and forests.

At Indiana Dunes National Park, you can climb dunes, explore various hiking trails, and relax along the park’s national lakeshore at the beach. 

Note that there is also an Indiana Dunes State Park that is located just next to Indiana Dunes National Park.

• Recommended # of days: 1 day
• Closest international airport: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 1 hour.
• BEST for: Sand dunes, Great Lakes beach fun, and a mix of forest and water adventures.
• BEST short hike: Dune Succession Trail (1-mile loop) – A fun hike with a climb up the dunes and lake views.

BEST things to do With Kids in Indiana Dunes park:

1. Climb the dunes on the Dune Succession Trail. You can see the Chicago skyline..
2. Swim or relax at Lake Michigan’s sandy beaches.
3. Visit the Visitor Center for kid-friendly activities.
4. Walk the easy Bailly Homestead Trail to see wildlife and plants.

The top kids-friendly hikes include Dunes Succession Trail and Cowles Bog Trail.  Equally as popular is completing the 3 Dunes Challenge! On this exciting hike, you can enjoy climbing up the three tallest dunes in the park. The views during fall foliage are incredible!  

It is possible to combine Indiana Dunes as a day trip from Chicago.

🛏️ Looking for a place to stay? Consider camping at the national park campgrounds like Sunewood Campground or at one of the closest hotels to the national park, Spring House Inn (with an indoor pool).

Other kid-friendly national parks You May Want to Consider

💡 Note: We haven’t personally visited those following national parks (but some of them are on our family bucket list). But they were all recommended to us as being great to visit with kids.

• Acadia National Park in Maine offers family-friendly activities, including the easy Wonderland Trail (1.3 miles) with tide pools, the moderate Jordan Pond Trail (3.5 miles), and Cadillac Mountain, accessible via a 2.2-mile hike or by car with a reservation. Sand Beach is the park’s only sandy beach. 🛂 Reserve a spot on recreation.gov to drive your car to the summit. More on Acadia National Park.
• Great Smoky Mountain National Park, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee, offers family-friendly activities like biking in Cades Cove, spotting fireflies in June, and visiting Clingman’s Dome for stroller-accessible views. October is ideal for fall foliage and Monarch butterfly migration. More on Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
• Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, is accessible only by seaplane or ferry, with the Yankee Freedom III ferry offering a family-friendly day trip including meals ($190). You can explore historic Fort Jefferson and enjoy calm waters at South Swim Beach, with January being an ideal time to visit for cooler weather and no hurricanes. More on Dry Torgugas National Park.
• Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers white-sand beaches with water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, as well as hiking trails like Reef Bay Trail with plantation ruins and petroglyphs. Access requires a flight to St. Thomas, a taxi, and a ferry, making a 5-7 day visit ideal.
• Cuyahoga Valley  National Park in Ohio offers family-friendly activities, including easy access to Brandywine Falls, hiking the Ledges Trail, and riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It’s a four-season park with fall foliage, winter skiing, cross-country trails, and sledding. More in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky features the world’s longest cave system, with tours showcasing its chambers and formations. The park offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a museum with geology and history exhibits. Open year-round, the best times to visit are spring and fall. Bring a light jacket for the constant 54°F (12°C) cave temperature. More on Mammoth Cave National Park.💡 Southern Idaho also has fascinating lava tube caves to explore for cave enthusiasts.
• Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado offers year-round activities, including hiking to Emerald Lake (3.6 miles), wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Families can camp in the park or stay in Boulder. 🛂 Requires timed entry tickets from May to October, available one month in advance or at 7 AM the day before.
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers family-friendly activities like hiking the Bright Angel Trail, scenic drives on the South Rim, and Ranger-led programs. Unique experiences include mule rides and helicopter tours, and iconic viewpoints like Bright Angel Point and Mather Point provide stunning views. Ideal for a long weekend or a weeklong trip. More on Grand Canyon National Park.
• Joshua Tree National Park in California offers family-friendly hikes like Skull Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, and 49 Palms. It sets amidst surreal desert landscapes of Joshua trees and rocky boulders. Fall to spring is ideal for exploring, with mild days and cool nights. Bring extra water and hike early to avoid heat. Plan at least three days to fully experience the park.
• Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, located in California’s Sierra mountains, are perfect for a two-day trip. Highlights include the General Sherman Tree (the world’s largest tree), Moro Rock, Tunnel Log, Hume Lake, and waterfalls like Roaring River and Grizzly Falls. Families can also explore Crystal Cave (extra fee) and enjoy stargazing.
• Canyonlands National Park, part of Utah’s Mighty 5, offers family-friendly hikes, scenic overlooks, and off-road adventures like the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road. Off-road vehicles are available for rent nearby. Plan 1-5 days, depending on your activities, with the full White Rim Road requiring two days to drive.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado offers stunning canyon views and tranquil exploration away from crowds. Enjoy the South Rim Drive with stops at Devil’s Lookout, Chasm View, and Painted Wall View, or explore the North Rim via East Portal Road. Late spring or early fall is ideal for visiting, and plan at least two days to see the highlights.
• Olympic National Park in Washington offers diverse family-friendly activities, including tide pooling at its driftwood-lined beaches, exploring moss-draped trees on the Hall of Mosses trail in the rainforests, and visiting Sol Duc for a waterfall, hot springs, and seasonal salmon viewing at Salmon Cascades. More in Olympic National Park.

What Is the Best National Park to Take Kids to?

Choosing the best national park for a family trip depends on various factors, including:

• the interests of your family,
• the age of your kids, and
• the types of activities you enjoy.

We visited many national parks and enjoyed them for different reasons. I can’t say that some national parks are NOT family-friendly, it really just depend on your family, because there is something fun for kids to do in each park, even if it’s just completing the Junior Ranger book. 😏

National Parks are amazing places to discover and are on many outdoor lovers’ bucket lists. But what about families? Can you have fun visiting a national park with kids? The short answer is YES!

And to be perfectly honest, we LOVED all the national parks we have visited so far with our young children. I believe there is something fun to do for kids in each one of them, but make sure you don’t forget to get the Junior Ranger booklet and go back to the rangers at the end of your stay for your kids to get their badges.