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 we’ll share with you the best national parks for kids in the United States.
We’ve been visiting national parks with our kids since they were toddlers. Our real 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 did visit 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.
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Now, with the help of other travelling families, we’ve listed the best national parks for families all across the USA. 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.
Let’s dive in!
So far, as a family, we have explored quite a few national parks (and historic sites) both in Canada and USA including:
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Kootenay National Park
- Yoho National Park
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Crater Lake National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- 3 of the Mighty 5( Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park)
- Badland National Park
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Devil’s Tower National Monument
- Indiana Dunes 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. Here is a good starting point for finding the best national park to take tour kids.
Here are some of the best national parks for families across the United States
1. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Contributed by Amanda from My Vintage Map
Acadia National Park is an amazing destination to visit as a family. It’s a great stop on a family road trip on the east coast. Many trails are easy enough for kids of all ages to hike. For example, the Wonderland Trail is an easy trail leading to the rocky coastline. Your family can hunt for ocean creatures in the tide pools. It’s a 1.3-mile out-and-back easy trail.
The Jordan Pond trail is another great option for families. It is a 3.5-mile hike around the pond. The Jordan Pond House Restaurant is famous for its homemade popovers. Stop by to eat after (or before) your hike.
Cadillac Mountain is a must-see at Acadia National Park. It’s a 2.2-mile one-way moderate hike up Acadia’s tallest mountain, but it might be too strenuous for young kids. You can also reserve a spot on recreation.gov to drive your car to the summit. Many rocky areas around the top have no steep drop-offs where kids can safely jump around.
Then, you’ll want to spend some time at Sand Beach. It’s Acadia’s only sandy beach. It’s the perfect place to relax for a few hours and enjoy the waves. Kids will love making sand castles and playing in the water.
Though not technically part of Acadia National Park, you can’t miss a stop by the nearest town, Bar Harbor, filled with popular restaurants and shops.
Acadia is beautiful during any season, but the best weather and road conditions are from May to September. Just keep in mind that during peak season, July and August are the most crowded months.
To take in the main attractions of Acadia, it’s best to spend at least three full days there. However, if you really want to explore with the family, a few additional days would be great.
Looking for a place to stay? Some of the best-rated hotels near Acadia National Park include The Inn on Mount Desert and Bar Harbor Grand Hotel. They are both located in Bar Harbor.
2. Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Tennessee)
Contributed by Victoria of Southern Trippers
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best national parks in the USA for families. In fact, it’s the second most visited national park after Blue Ridge Parkway, with more than 14.1 million annual visitors.
Not only does it feature an impressive mountain landscape, but it is a great place to learn about local Appalachian culture too. If your kids like biking, then make sure to bring their bikes and stroll through Cades Cove. Then, try to spot fireflies and their unique flashing pattern. The fireflies can be seen throughout two weeks in June.
Next, head to Clingman’s Dome for sweeping views of the surrounding area as you experience all the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After all, this is the single highest spot in Tennessee that is accessible to anyone with a stroller.
But, because there is so much to do in the park, try to spend between 3 and 4 days here. This way, you can go tubing with the family in Deep Creek before spending the night at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
It’s a fabulous, 3-star, family-friendly hotel near Gatlinburg that is also well-located near Dollywood.”
October is a really great time to visit the park. You’ll be able to enjoy the stunning fall foliage. You might even be able to spot some Monarch butterflies passing through as they migrate through the area in the fall.
3. Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)
Contributed by Victoria of Florida Trippers
Easily one of the best national parks for families in the USA, Dry Tortugas National Park is a stunning natural wonderland that covers 100 square miles.
It also sits just 70 miles west of Key West and encompasses seven unique tropical islands that offer visitors tranquil beaches, amazing coral reefs, and historic structures.
However, due to its location, the park can only be accessed by seaplane or ferry, the latter of which is more financially viable.
Plus, your kids will love the two-hour trip aboard the Yankee Freedom III ferry, making this a great day trip from Key West.
Additionally, both breakfast and lunch are included with the price of your ferry ticket ($190.00), so there is no need to worry about feeding the family.
Now, if you can, try and visit in January since hurricane season is over and the weather is still cool enough to make the park enjoyable. It’s a great add-on to a winter road trip if you wish to escape the winter cold.
Once you get there, be sure to explore historic Fort Jefferson before going swimming at South Swim Beach. This spot is great for families because the beach is sheltered, and the waves are minimal.
Then, put on your snorkelling gear and try snorkelling in the clear and calm waters near Moat Wall before heading back to your room at the Courtyard by Marriott Key West Waterfront. It’s a fun, 3-star hotel that the kids will love since they have a nice, spacious outdoor pool.
4. Virgin Islands National Park (US Virgin Islands)
Contributed by Theresa from Fueled By Wanderlust
Virgin Islands National Park on St. John USVI is a fantastic vacation destination for adventurous families needing a tropical getaway. There are activities to suit adults and children alike, including pristine beaches, 18th-century plantation ruins, and ancient petroglyphs.
Families can pick a new white-sand beach to visit every day within Virgin Islands National Park along North Shore Road. Some beaches, like Maho and Cinnamon, offer kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals to paddle smooth turquoise waters. You can also book a guided kayak tour. Snorkelling is also popular at beaches like Trunk for its underwater snorkel trail and Maho for finding sea turtles.
Hiking over twenty trails is also an incredibly fun and rewarding activity within Virgin Islands National Park. The Reef Bay Trail, in particular, offers the chance to explore colonial plantation ruins, as well as ancient Petroglyphs, down a short spur trail.
Virgin Islands National Park is enjoyable during any time of the year, besides the peak hurricane season months spanning late August to mid-October. The high season runs from after Christmas to April and brings the best weather but high prices and crowds. The ideal time to visit Virgin Island National Park is during shoulder season for a price dip and an easier time getting restaurant reservations and good beach spots.
Getting to St. John in the US Virgin Islands is not the easiest. It requires a flight to St. Thomas, a taxi to the ferry, and finally, a ferry crossing to St. John. Therefore, it is ideal for spending five to seven days exploring the Virgin Islands National Park to make the most of your time.
While the most popular resort (and only true hotel) in St. John is The Westin St. John Resort Villas, many families choose to rent a villa or other vacation rental found in VRBO or other rental platforms.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Contributed by Samantha from PA on Pause
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great national park in the USA for families to explore, especially those with a wide range of ages in their group. Some of the park’s best sights are easy to reach. The beautiful Brandywine Falls is accessible via a short boardwalk from the parking area. The Ledges Trail, with its gigantic rock formations, is a short hike the entire family will enjoy.
There is such a wide variety of activities to do in Cuyahoga. If little legs get tired of hiking, bike the Towpath Trail or float down the Cuyahoga River in a canoe or kayak.
One of the more unique ways to see Cuyahoga Valley National Park is aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The train runs along the river for a stretch and makes multiple stops throughout the park.
Enjoy the whole ride or get off to explore the visitor center and historical exhibits. Keep your eyes peeled while on the train. You might get lucky and see a bald eagle soaring or a whitetail deer frolicking.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit when the leaves change colours, but Cuyahoga is a four-season park. You’ll find two small downhill skiing areas, cross-country ski trails, and a sledding hill in the winter months.
The highlights of Cuyahoga Valley National Park can be seen in 1-2 days. Stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Macedonia. You’ll be less than 5 miles from the park, and the suite-style rooms are perfect for giving families a little extra space to spread out.
6. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
Contributed by Caitlin from Twin Family Travels
Mammoth Cave National Park is an incredible destination for families to enjoy the wonders of nature. Located in Kentucky, this park features a massive underground cave system that is one of the longest in the world.
At the park, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the park’s namesake cave system. There are a variety of tours available to view the cave and see its incredible network of chambers and passageways, and marvel at fascinating formations.
The park also features a variety of hiking trails with an abundance of great wildlife viewing opportunities, including birds, deer, and foxes. There is a museum with exhibits about geology, history, and local wildlife. Visitors can also experience various outdoor activities in the park, such as camping, fishing, and kayaking on the Green River.
Since the cave stays at a consistent temperature (a constant 54°F (12°C)), Mammoth Cave can be a year-round destination. But, the best time to visit the park and explore the below and above-ground sights is during the spring or fall months when temperatures are mild and comfortable.
Make sure to bring a sweater or light jacket for the family when visiting the caves to be comfortable.
It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days to experience the full range of activities the park offers. One day at Mammoth Cave National Park provides enough time for visitors to take two cave tours, view the visitor center exhibits, and go on a hike or two.
If you love exploring caves, Southern Idaho has a few great lava tube caves to visit.
The Sunset Terrace Rooms located within the park offer accommodations with 2 queen beds and all of the modern amenities you expect in a hotel room.
7. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Contributed by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast
Badlands National Park is an incredible and underrated national park, especially for families. There are lower crowds, super cool rock formations, lots of easy hikes with big payoffs, and wild animal sightings galore.
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.
When you’re ready to do some hiking, Door Trail is short and easy but gives you a lot of opportunity to explore and scramble on rocks “off the path.” The Notch Trail is the most popular hike in the park, thanks to the photogenic ladder you get to climb up. The Saddle Pass to Castle Trail takes you from the valley up through the Badlands wall and beyond.
All of these are very doable hikes with kids – though young kids might need a little help going up the slippery sand on Saddle Pass.
The best times to visit Badlands National Park are late spring, summer, and early fall. Winters can be incredibly harsh and last for a long time. Trails aren’t always well-maintained in winter. In two days, you can see and do everything, but you can hit the high points in one day. If you visit in the wintertime, make sure to bring proper winter gear with you.
The Badlands Frontier Cabins is a great place to stay near Badlands National Park.
8. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
Contributed by Anwar from Beyond my Door
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 travellers to the park.
Within the park, there’s a lot to explore about the North Dakota Badlands. The park is split into two units (north and south), so it’s worth spending 2 or more days dividing time between the units.
Within the park, the best experiences are related to hiking and wildlife. There are lots of bison within the park, some of the purest bison herds in the United States. Beyond that, prairie dogs are also a great thing to see, with many prairie dog towns within the park.
Around the park, there are also several other things to see. The Fort Union Trading Post was an important fur trading post of the last century which is located an hour from the north unit. Medora, North Dakota, 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.
The park is open year-round, however, the best time to visit Theodore Rosevelt National Park is in the fall. The fall has great weather, without the cold of the winter. Also, the fall is during the time of the bison rut (mating season), which is an experience to witness.
There are campsites within the national park. The main Cottonwood campground is the best option for those wanting to camp. Rangers also hold evening programs in the summer and fall with stargazing, history, and storytelling.
For those looking for a hotel, the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora is a perfect modern yet rustic spot to stay in.
9. Indiana Dunes National Park
Contributed by Alyssa at An Apple a Plane
Families of all ages and types can check one of the newest US National Parks off their list: Indiana Dunes National Park!
Centrally located in the midwest of the United States, the park is only one hour’s drive from Chicago. At Indiana Dunes National Park, visitors can climb dunes, explore various hiking trails, and relax along the park’s national lakeshore at the beach.
The top kids-friendly hikes include Dunes Succession Trail and Cowles Bog Trail. Equally as popular is completing the 3 Dunes Challenge! Visitors enjoy climbing up the three tallest dunes in the park on this exciting hike. The views during fall foliage are incredible!
It is possible to combine Indiana Dunes as a day trip from Chicago. But ideally, you’ll want to spend three days at Indiana Dunes on a trip of its own. After hiking and spending time at the beach, explore neighbouring Beverly Shores to check out Century of Progress homes from the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round destination. Visit in fall for beautiful foliage, in spring to enjoy wildflower bloom, in summer for lounging on the beach, and in winter for snowy dunes. Summer is the most crowded time to visit the park.
Consider camping at the national park campgrounds or at one of the closest hotels to the national park, Spring House Inn. Visitors at Spring House Inn can plan for an indoor pool and cottage-style rooms in a 3-star hotel. Dunewood Campground is closed for the winter season from November 2nd – March 31st.
10. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere
Rocky Mountain National Park is a quintessentially American park located in Colorado. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city of Boulder, Colorado. Visitors will find plenty of hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives in the park, with options for various activity levels. The park is full of spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, including fall foliage, if you visit during the autumn months.
You can easily spend two days in Rocky Mountain National Park as a family, exploring hiking trails and nature walks in the park. If your group is able to hike a few miles, don’t miss the hike to Emerald Lake. It’s a 3.6 miles out-and-back trail with a good incline (+600 feet gain elevation).
Rocky Mountain National Park is open and enjoyed by visitors year around. Most families will prefer to visit during the summer or early fall months when the weather is mild, and there are more opportunities for wildlife viewing. Winter travellers will find that many of the best trails in the park are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you don’t own snowshoes or cross-country skis, you can rent any gear before you head into the park.
There are campgrounds located throughout the park, with one that is open through the winter for more adventurous visitors. The nearby town of Estes Park has some lodging options, as well as a charming, walkable town center. If you’re not camping, many travellers will want to stay in Boulder, where there are more hotel options and plenty of things to do for families.
11. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Contributed by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Between its dramatic mountains, fields of wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Glacier National Park is an excellent spot for an epic family vacation.
There’s a ton to see in Glacier’s 1,500-square-mile footprint with your family. For example, there are plenty of family-friendly hikes, such as the Avalanche Lake Trail. On this trail, you’ll hike through a wooded forest to a glacially-fed turquoise lake and, beyond, mountain slopes teeming with dozens of waterfalls.
Hidden Lake is another hike that’s perfect for families with older kids that are up for more of a challenge. It also is a great place to spot mountain goats munching on wildflowers!
If you’re visiting during a particularly hot summer day, you can jump in any of the park’s 700 lakes to cool down. Lake McDonald is the most popular lake for visitors to enjoy, thanks to the rainbow-colored rocks lining its floor, and the accessible kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. And, of course, the epic views of the Rocky Mountains in the background.
If you need a break from hiking or splashing around in glacial waters, no trip to Glacier is complete without cruising along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s a 50-mile road that is literally carved into the side of some of the United States’ most impressive mountains. You’ll pass through ancient glaciers, vibrant fields of wildflowers, and countless alpine lakes.
Just be sure to time your trip appropriately. The Going to the Sun Road, including most trails and amenities, is usually only open between early July through September. Glacier National Park receives heavy snowfall in the wintertime.
You could focus on one section of the Glacier, like the popular West Glacier section of the park, and stay for three or so days. Alternatively, to explore more areas of the park, you could stay for a week- or more!
There are many options for lodging in and around Glacier national Park. If you do decide to explore the West Glacier section, the historic Lake McDonald Lodge is an excellent home base. It’s located right on the banks of this gorgeous lake and has some handy amenities (like a pizza shop!) within walking distance.
12. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Courtesy of Kassidy from The Hiking Helper
Grand Teton National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and is home to an expansive mountain range, roaming wildlife, and mesmerizing views.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the country’s top-rated national parks for a reason. It’s especially great for travelling 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.
One of the best things to do within the park that everyone will love is driving on Teton Park Road. This is the main road through the park and offers plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Everything from bison to black bears roam this area!
Another fun activity is to embark on a short hike. There are many short and easy hikes within the park. A few of the best include Hidden Falls, Leigh Lake, and Schwabacher’s Landing.
Many people also enjoy relaxing near Jenny Lake. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks from the park to take out onto the water.
The best time to visit the park is during the summer, from June through August. This is when there will be the least amount of snow on the ground, you’re most likely to see wildlife, and most everything will be accessible to visitors.
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!
13. Yellowstone National Park
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. Plus, Yellowstone has a unique history as being the first national park in the USA. It’s thus a great place to add to your kid’s curriculum.
Yellowstone National Park is HUGE. It’s over 3,472 square miles (2,221,766 acres), so it quickly gets overwhelming to plan a family trip to Yellowstone.
Make sure to plan for at least 3 to 5 days to explore the park fully. Ideally, you would stay in different sections of the park overnight to limit the drive, but it may not always be possible.
When visiting Yellowstone with kids, don’t miss:
- Midway Geyser Basin
- Herds of Bison in Lamar Valley
- Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Geyser
- Yellowstone Lake
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Mammoth Hot Springs
14. Death Valley National Park (California)
Contributed by Dhara from Roadtripping California
Death Valley National Park is the perfect national park to visit as a family in the cooler months of the year (ideally from December to February). It has many attractions that do not require a lot of hiking, and there are beautiful landscapes everyone can enjoy.
There are many things to do in Death Valley National Park for families. You’ll definitely want to do the scenic drive through the park, and stopping at major sights along the way.
Kids will love playing in the sand at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. The dunes are easy to access from the road, and you can bring sandboards if you like.
The hike to Natural Arch is short and easy. Families can also hike into the beautiful Mosaic Canyon (there are exciting slot portions) or walk on the colourful mineral deposits at the Artist’s Palette.
Walking on the vast salt flat at Badwater Basin is also fun. It’s pretty cool to pose for a photo by the sign that says you are 282 feet below sea level!
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.
Plan to visit over 2-3 days at least to be able to enjoy some California easy hikes and spend some time at the scenic overlooks.
There are several campgrounds in the park, or you can book a room at The Ranch at Death Valley, a centrally-located lodge inside the national park.
15. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Contributed by Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life
Families visiting the Grand Canyon will love exploring the incredible vistas and landscapes this iconic park offers. From mid-October to early November, the Grand Canyon is in full fall foliage glory! The closest airport to fly in is Las Vegas where you can rent a car or even better in campervan.
Bright Angel Trail is a great way for families to explore the canyon’s colourful trees and plants. The South Rim Drive offers plenty of scenic pull-offs for breathtaking views.
Ranger-led programs are also available throughout the park, giving families an opportunity to learn about natural history, explore Junior Ranger activities for kids and much more. For those looking for a unique experience, why not try a mule ride into the canyon? This tour offers a chance to learn from knowledgeable guides as you take in all that the Grand Canyon has to offer.
Helicopter tours are also really popular and will give you a unique perspective on the Grand Canyon.
Finally, be sure to visit one of the park’s iconic viewpoints, such as Bright Angel Point or Mather Point, for stunning views of the canyon and its foliage. All this is a great adventure over a long weekend, or take it slower for a weeklong adventure!
No matter what type of adventure you choose, families visiting the Grand Canyon are sure to create lasting memories with their unique experiences and breathtaking views each fall!
16. Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Contributed by Debbie from World Adventurists
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in America for outdoor exploration for families. It’s one of the 9 national parks found in California. Adventuring in Joshua Tree is like stepping onto another planet! With its location in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of southeastern California, the park boasts a stunning landscape that entices hikers from every corner of the globe.
The surreal setting of Joshua trees, yucca plants, and rocky boulder fields is perfect for family adventures.
Joshua Tree National Park has several beginner-friendly hikes and longer, more challenging ones for experienced hikers. Joshua Tree National Park is unsurprisingly picturesque, considering it resides in one of the most beautiful deserts in America.
A few of the Joshua Tree hikes you’ll want to make sure not to miss are Skull Rock and Cholla Cactus Garden. You might also want to consider a morning trek to 49 Palms.
Also, don’t forget to download your self-driving tour to learn all about the area.
The ideal time to enjoy Joshua Tree National Park is between the Fall and Spring seasons, as the weather is perfect for exploring. With mild days and cool nights, you’ll be comfortable no matter what you do. The temperature routinely goes over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, even in the shade, which can make adventuring dangerous.
The desert is deceiving – it can be extremely hot no matter the season. Make sure to bring more water than you think necessary and begin your hike early in the day to avoid afternoon heat stroke.
You will want at least three days to explore Joshua Tree, more if you have time!
Skylark Hotel is a great mid-range accommodation in nearby Palm Springs with mountain views and a 50’s vibe.
17. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park (California)
Contributed by Priyadarshini of Glorious Sunrise
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are adjacent to each other and are located in the Sierra mountains. These parks are among the popular road trip destinations from the San Francisco Bay Area. There is so much to do in these parks that you need a very minimum of two days to explore the parks.
Giant groves of sequoias leave you in awe. First, check out the General Sherman tree, of course. You can’t miss it. It’s the largest tree in the world!
Then, the views from the top of Moro rock are unreal. The tunnel log is a cool tree to drive through.
Kids will love a picnic on the shore of Hume lake and chasing waterfalls (such as the Roaring River Falls and the Grizzly Falls). You can also, for an extra fee, visit the Crystal cave.
It’s a great place to stargaze too.
Summer is the best time to go, but Sequoia and Kings Canyon are year-round destinations. In the winter, you can enjoy snow activities though some roads are closed. Look up park conditions before visiting, as some roads will be closed for snow. Still, snowshoeing and other snow activities are possible in winter.
Looking for a place to stay? Wuksachi Lodge inside the park is the best place to stay.
18. Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
Contributed by Candice from CS Ginger
Canyonlands National Park is a great park to visit, especially if you are going with a family. It’s one of the Utath’s Mighty 5. The park has great overlooks and many great family-friendly hikes.
Some national parks have really pretty hikes, but they are so long that you cannot take your family on the very easily. Canyonlands has many great hikes that are not too long and not too short giving a nice variety.
If you are not someone who wants to do a lot of hiking, Canyonlands is a great place to experience an off-road adventure. Families will love driving down the existing Shafer Trail and White Rim Road. The trails are not overly challenging, which makes them fun for people who have never taken a Jeep off-road.
The views are great, so even if you are experienced in driving off-road, you will enjoy this adventure.
The area has lots of options for renting an off-road vehicle, so if you don’t have one, it is not a big deal. You can rent one after you arrive. Depending on how long you have and how many trails you want to hike, you can spend anywhere from 1 to 5 days in Canyonlands.
The White Rim Road takes about two days to drive if you make the entire trail. But those with less time can visit the overlooks, hike a few trails and drive the Shafer trail in a couple of days.
There are many places to stay close by, so depending on your budget and how fancy or unique you want to get. A few great places to look into are Under Canvas Moab, Hyatt Place Moab or the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton. You are going to love Canyonlands and the surrounding area.
19. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
Contributed by Meg of Fox in the Forest
If you’re looking for the best national parks in the USA for families, then you can’t beat the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
After all, this is one of the best Colorado national parks that offer stunning panoramas of 1,000-plus-foot canyon walls that have the raging Gunnison River running through it. It’s located 4.5 hours away from Colorada Springs.
Plus, this park is largely overlooked in favour of other, more popular spots like Rocky Mountain National Park. Therefore, you’ll probably have the place all to yourself. You enjoy a picturesque drive along the South Rim and take the kids to scenic spots like Devil’s Lookout, Chasm View, and Painted Wall View.
If you want, you can visit the even more tranquil North Rim and use the East Portal Road to descend all the way into the canyon.
If you can, time your visit for either late spring or early fall. This way, everything in the park will still be open, but you’ll also avoid going out in the intense heat of the summer.
You’ll also want to spend at least two days in the park so that you can visit all of the area’s major highlights.
Be sure to book a stay at The Hitching Post Hotel And Farm Store in nearby Montrose. It’s a country-chic little place with spacious, well-priced rooms.
20. Zion National Park (Utah)
Contributed by Catrina of 24 Hours Layover
Zion National Park in Utah is great for families, 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!
In addition, you can bring baby strollers on the shuttle bus that takes you along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Zion is also a great National Park for families as they have a Junior Ranger program for children! The children get a Zion Junior Ranger Handbook and badge after attending a Ranger-led talk and completing several exercises. It is educational but really fun!
The spring months are the best time to visit Zion, as this is when the weather is perfect, with comfortable temperatures and blue skies. Children may also enjoy wildlife spotting during this time, when baby bighorn sheep, deer fawns and wild turkey chicks can sometimes be seen!
It is recommended to stay at least a couple of days in Zion National Park to explore all there is to offer. The nearest accommodation is Zion National Park Lodge – located right inside the National Park. 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.
21. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Contributed by James from Parks Collecting
Olympic National Park, near Seattle in Washington, is great for families. Not only are there plenty of hikes suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but there is also a wonderful variety of activities that the whole family will enjoy.
The park is divided into distinct areas and environments. The beaches are especially popular with families. While not suitable for swimming, the beaches, which are lined with enormous driftwood logs and have dramatic sea stacks offshore, are one of the best places in the country for tide pooling.
At low tide, rocky areas are left exposed, and you can spend ages exploring the tide pools, discovering incredible purple sea stars and bright green anemones.
Heading inland, the rainforests are a true wonderland. Easy trails like the one through the Hall of Mosses, are suitable for young kids. The whole family will be amazed at the fantastical moss-draped trees.
Heading into the Sol Duc region of the park, there is not only a wonderful waterfall, but also hot springs with outdoor heated pools and a larger, cooler swimming pool. Along the road, stop off at Salmon Cascades, where, in season, you can see salmon jumping up a waterfall to get to their breeding grounds!
There is truly no shortage of amazing things to do in Olympic National Park. Summer is the best time to visit when the weather is warmest and driest. To see the park’s main attractions, stay for at least four days – though you could easily stay even longer. There are campgrounds and lodges inside the park, but also plenty of accommodations in Forks and Port Angeles. A fun place to stay is Lake Crescent Lodge, which is right on Lake Crescent, which kids will love.
F.A.Q Best National Parks with Kids in the USA
Which national parks require reservations 2023?
There are a few national parks in the USA that require reservations in 2023 to enter during the peak season. Here is a list of the national parks that require reservations in 2023: Arches, Yosemite, Glacier, Haleakalā, Rocky Mountain, Acadia, Shenandoah National Park and Muir Woods National Monument.
What are the best national parks to visit in the summer with kids?
Most national parks are wonderful in the summertime, but some get really crowded in the summer so it can make it harder to plan a family vacation. If you are looking for a great (and not crowded) national park to visit in the summer with kids, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is perfect.
Which one is THE best national park for kids?
That’s a hard one, but Yellowstone National Park had been named the best national park to visit with kids by Travel and Leisure.
Final Thoughts: Best National Parks for Kids in the USA
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.
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.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.