6x Best Tips & Ideas When Planning a Trip to Yellowstone With Kids

Are you tempted to visit Yellowstone with kids this year but wondering, “Is Yellowstone kid-friendly?”.

My short answer is yes! Yellowstone is kid-friendly. It’s a breathtaking national park. The amazing geothermal features and the various wildlife in the park are enough to keep your kids interested when visiting the first national park in the USA.

But Yellowstone National Park is HUGE, so it quickly gets overwhelming to plan a family trip to Yellowstone.

It’s why today we are sharing with you our top tips for planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids, our favorite family-friendly things to do in the park, and our accommodation recommendations.

Here is our complete guide to visiting Yellowstone with kids.

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Our Top Tips for Planning a Trip to Yellowstone With Kids

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the US, and it’s a perfect adventure with your family. However, it’s very big and can get very busy, especially in the summer season.

This is why we’ve come up with these Yellowstone tips for families so you and your children can have the best time at Yellowstone with your kids.

1. Plan for at least 3 to 4 Days to Fully Explore the Park

Yellowstone National Park is huge, so you want to plan your stay for at least 3 full days. Traveling with kids makes things a bit slower.

Having 3 to 4 days in the park will allow you to see most of the popular destinations, and you may even find time to explore some off-the-beaten-path attractions.

You don’t want to rush through some of the most incredible natural features in the US, so we recommend spending as much as you can.

2. Try to Sleep at Different Places Each Night

Choosing where to sleep in Yellowstone National Park can be overwhelming because the options are endless. However, there are a few things you need to consider before booking accommodation.

If you’re visiting the park for multiple days, we suggest trying to sleep at different places each night or at least at two different destinations. The park is huge, and staying at different locations will allow you to explore more the park and drive less.

Just to get an idea of how big the park is, the park occupies three different states (Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) and has five main entrances!

Sleeping at different locations may seem like a hassle (packing/unpacking, keeping an eye on the check-in and check-out time, etc.), especially with kids. But it’ll reduce travel time in the park.

If you’re wondering what’s the best place to stay in Yellowstone, West Yellowstone is perfect for families. We love Gardiner, Montana, because it’s an excellent base for exploring Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern region of the park, and it has many family-friendly accommodation options.

👉🏻 For families planning to camp in or around the park, make sure to download some camping apps such as The Dyrt to find all the camping options around.

Regardless of where you’re staying, make sure to book accommodation in advance because the park does get really busy, especially between June and September (peak season).

We know people who have booked accommodation a year in advance! The truth is that good accommodation in the park sells out very quickly.

⬇️ You can scroll down to our Yellowstone Accommodations for Families section to see our recommendations.

3. Stop at the Visitor Center to get Junior Ranger Booklet

There are 10 different visitor centers across Yellowstone National Park, which is amazing as you may not be able to explore all the areas inside the park.

We highly recommend visiting at least one visitor center to talk to a ranger so you can discover more about what you can do in the park and orientate yourself.

If you want your kids to learn about this beautiful national park, get them the Junior Ranger Booklet. In most national parks, the Junior Ranger booklet is complimentary, but at Yellowstone National Park, they are sold at $3 each (they are still worth it!) 

The self-guide is suitable for children aged 4 years old and up. After they complete the activities described in their booklet, take them to review the work with a ranger, and they’ll be awarded an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger patch. 

Some of the requirements to get the patch are to attend a Ranger-led program, go on a hiking trail and, of course, complete the activities inside the booklet to enhance their learning.

It’s a great and fun way to engage children with nature, and you can imagine their excitement when they receive this! Our children loved the Junior Ranger program at Yellowstone.

4. Check the Geyser Schedule to Plan Your Route

Yellowstone is home to over half the world’s geysers, so you can’t miss out on the opportunity to see this beautiful natural feature in action.

One of the most popular geysers is Old Faithful, which was previously called “Eternity’s Timepiece” because of its regular eruptions. However, it has never erupted at exact hourly intervals, as many people believe.

The best way to find out about the next eruption is by checking the Yellowstone National Park website. They estimate when the eruption will be. This way, you can plan your day according to it. You can also see the eruption schedule of most geysers at the visitor centers.

However, it’s also important to know that predictions aren’t always available, especially from early November through mid-December and mid-March through mid-April.

5. Stop at Fort Yellowstone to Learn About the History

Within the Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District, you’ll find Fort Yellowstone, a must-see attraction for those interested in history. 

Fort Yellowstone is considered a National Historic Landmark District, and it’s very interesting learning about the history behind this place and the constant fight to protect the park.

You can visit the Fort at your own pace, which will take you about 45 minutes. Otherwise, you can take the guided tour that lasts up to 1 hour. Either way, you’ll explore and learn about this great national park.

6. Take Your Time to Enjoy the Geothermal Features and the Wildlife

A very important piece of advice is to take your time to enjoy the beautiful natural features and wildlife. It can be very easy to be trapped in the mindset of ticking off as many places as possible.

However, you’ll end up not enjoying the place as much as you could.

The geothermal features and wildlife in this national park are so unique that it is worth leaving your itinerary aside, so you and your family can make the most of this holiday together.

If you see something that looks beautiful, stop. If you see bison in the valley or by the side of the road, stop to admire them (stay in your car and at a safe distance).

There are 67 different mammals that live in Yellowstone. With your kids, you may get to see some bighorn sheep, bison, elks, mooses, mountain goats, mule deers, pronghorns, white-tailed deers, black bears, Canada lynx, and coyotes.

Hayden Valley, in the center of the park, is a place to see wildlife.

There are also more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including around 500 geysers, volcanos, hot springs, mud pots, travertine terraces, and fumaroles.

In case you miss something during your time in Yellowstone, you can always come back.

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park With Kids

Yellowstone is a paradise for kids and families that enjoy outdoor activities. 

There are many natural features to explore and things to do in Yellowstone with kids. Plus, there are many activities and paid excursions to do, from riding a horse and going on a hiking trail to attending a ranger program and going whitewater rafting.

If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit and the best Yellowstone activities to do with kids in Yellowstone, we’ve got you covered!

Visit the Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone with kids

Although the Grand Prismatic Spring is the main attraction of the Midway Geyser Basin, there are other incredible natural features you can visit in the area. 

The Turquoise Pool is an underrated hot spring that has a temperature between 142 and 160 °F. It may not be as impressive as the Grand Prismatic Spring, but it’s worth checking out.

Another hot spring you can add to your list if you have time is The Excelsior Geyser and the Opal Pool, which is actually a hot pool. 

Spot the Herds of Bison in Lamar Valley

If your children are very excited to see wildlife, driving through the Lamar Valley is the best activity to do.

When we went through Lamar Valley, we saw herds of bison everywhere, and our kids were so happy to see them! Bison often create traffic jams in the area, but the truth is that you won’t be as bothered as if you were on a normal road.

The valley is also home to the biggest concentration of wolves. However, you won’t see them unless you are there before dawn.

Explore Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Geyser

The Upper Geyser Basin is where you’ll find the famous Old Faithful Geyser, as well as three more geysers!

The Old Faithful Geyser is by far the most predictable one, as they often happen every 60-90 minutes. The eruptions only last anything between 1 minute and 5 minutes but will amaze your kids.

Make sure to arrive early to listen to the ranger talk and learn all the interesting facts about Old Faithful.

And with kids, you’ll want to arrive early in the Old Faithful area to be in the front row to see even better the eruption.

Spend Time at the lake in Yellowstone with kids.

Yellowstone Lake is America’s largest mountain lake which is approximately 20 miles long and 14 miles wide.

There are many adventure activities to do with kids around Yellowstone Lake. You can go on hiking trails like the Storm Point Hike on the north side of the lake or the West Thumb Geyser Basin on the west.

It’s also worth checking the Lake Village, it’s a lovely spot to stop by and enjoy the stunning views of the lake, and kids love throwing stones into the water!

Another fun activity is kayaking in the lake. You can book a tour with a professional guide to discover the beauty of Yellowstone Lake at a relaxed pace. If your child is under 13, you will have to paddle in a tandem kayak with him.

See the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone with kids.

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the US, and the third-largest in the world, so it’s worth adding it to your itinerary!

Its incredible rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, and blue) make it so picturesque and magical. There’s no doubt why it’s one of the most photographed thermal features in the country.

Kids really enjoy seeing and learning about this hot spring as much as adults do.

You can easily spend more than two hours in the area if you plan to hike to the viewpoint. Also, don’t forget to cross the bridge to enjoy a different view of the hot spring.

As you can imagine, Grand Prismatic Spring is often very busy, so it’s important to plan your visit ahead to avoid crowds and traffic. 

Also, you won’t get the iconic picture view from the Grand Prismatic Spring area. You’ll have to hike to do the Grand Prismatic overlook.

The parking lot for the overlook trail is a short driving distance from the Grand Prismatic parking lot (Fairy Falls parking lot). Then, the hike is a 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) there-and-back trail.

Visit the Terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of those places you must visit during your time at Yellowstone. The hot springs here are completely different from others in the area, and people described it as looking like a cave turned inside out!

Go to the terraces, which you can access by following the boardwalk, to enjoy the incredible views of the colorful hot springs. Liberty Cap is the most famous thermal feature in the Lower Terrace. 

Walking to the top terraces is safe for kids, so don’t give it a miss!

While you’re in this area, we also recommend visiting the Albright Visitor Center, which is a historic building built by the United States Army in 1909. Attend educational talks or tours and visit the bookstore.

We love that there’s a picnic area to enjoy a quick bite with your kids and relax while they play in the grassy area.

See the waterfalls in Yellowstone with kids.

Apart from the incredible hot springs in Yellowstone, you can also find beautiful waterfalls a short walk from the main roads.

Some of the waterfalls you want to check out are:

• Gibbon Falls
• Virginia Cascade
• Undine Falls
• Firehole Falls
• Tower Fall 
• Kepler Cascades

Drive through Yellowstone

If you don’t have much time to explore Yellowstone National Park, driving through Yellowstone is always a good option. If you want to learn all about the park while driving, you can do a self-guided driving tour of Yellowstone National Park.

When you drive through the Grand Loop Road of Yellowstone, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenic landscapes and attractions in the park. This drive can be done in a full day. But don’t forget to pack lots of snacks for the kids.

The Lamar Valley and the Dunraven Pass are definitely our favorite drives.

Go horseriding in Yellowstone with kids

If you have kids older than 8, horseriding is a great activity to do with your family. There are two places in Yellowstone National Park that offer horseback rides: one located in the Canyon area and another one located in Roosevelt. 

Take a Stagecoach Ride to the Popular Old West Dinner Cookout

If your children are too young to go horse riding or don’t enjoy riding a horse, this is a fantastic alternative.

Go to the Roosevelt Corral and take a stagecoach ride, then relax but keep your eyes open to spot wildlife like bison and elks along the way.

Once you arrive at Old West Dinner Cookout, get ready to enjoy comfort food! Steak, potato salad, beans, and much more (the cobbler is amazing, so leave some room for dessert). In case you’re vegetarian, let them know in advance so they can sort a menu out for you.

Apart from watching wildlife, one of the highlights of visiting the Old West Dinner Cookout is having a good old-fashioned cup of coffee brewed over a campfire!

Enjoy the Swimming Area

On a warm summer day or a chilly fall day in Yellowstone with kids, you may want to go cool off in a cold river or maybe soak in a warm river.

There is a swimming area at the Firehole River (cold) as well as at the Boiling River (warm). Both are usually closed at dawn and in the spring when the water current is too strong.

But when we visited in September 2021, the Boiling River swimming area was closed.

📝 Note: The following swimming area is not always open. Make sure to check online or ask at the Visitor Center first.

Best Yellowstone Accommodations for Families

⛺ Norris Campground

One of the best ways to ensure you see as much of Yellowstone National Park as possible is to camp in the park. Norris Campground is more of the most central places to camp in Yellowstone. It is located on the west side of the park.

It’s an easy drive to major sites like Mammoth Hot Springs (35 minutes), Canyon Village (25 minutes), and Old Faithful (55 minutes). 

Norris Campground is also next to Norris Geyser Basin, which has tons of hot springs and geysers to explore. A one-mile-long trail leads from the campground to the geyser basin, so you don’t have to worry about driving and parking. 

The campground is set in a grassy area near the banks of a small creek, so there are lots of places for kids to play or even go fishing.

The park’s bison also like the grassy area, and it’s easy to spot them without even leaving your campsite. There are also kid-friendly evening ranger programs.

The campground is also next to the Museum of the Park Ranger, which is a great place to explore on a rainy day.

📝 Note: Norris Campground is closed for renovations until 2023.

⛺ Island Park AirB&B

This Island Park, Idaho AirB&B is located 30 minutes from the West Entrance of Yellowstone. It provides an updated modern space with three bedrooms with one, including bunk beds that are great for kids.

It has a cozy cabin feel nestled in a towering pine forest. The space includes a back deck and fire pit area great for roasting marshmallows and enjoying with family.

While staying at this property, there are lots of wildlife viewing and hiking options, all very close by. Moose visited right in the backyard as well as at nearby Henry’s Fork.

Upper Mesa Falls is a great stop in the area outside of Yellowstone.

There are other great amenities for kids onsite, like tetherball, basketball, and bikes for use on the nearby national forest trails.

The nightly rate is $350, but it can change based on the time of year. Yellowstone is a driving park that does take planning where ever you stay.

👉🏻 These road trip tips with kids can help ensure easier planning for a great trip.

⛺Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins

With its Wild Western vibes and incredible scenery, the Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins is a wonderful place to stay in Yellowstone with kids.

Located near the Lamar Valley (and allegedly, one of Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite campsites), this accommodation consists of a beautiful log cabin lodge from 1920.

It has a huge porch with rocking chairs and an onsite restaurant with family-style dining.

There are over one hundred rustic yet cozy cabins for guests to stay in. They range from smaller cabins with wood-burning stoves (and communal bathrooms) to larger cabins with up to three double beds.

With no TV or internet here, this is an awesome spot to reconnect as a family and recount your day’s adventures in the park, all while enjoying the lodge’s Old West spirit.

Besides feeling like you’ve stepped back in time during your stay, this is an excellent place to spot wildlife. From elk to bison and even bears, it will make it feel even more like a frontier adventure.

 Another perk of staying here? It’s one of the most affordable accommodations within the national park (starting at just $137 a night!), so it’s an excellent option for families trying to visit on a budget.

⛺ Fireside Buffalo RV Resort

The best Yellowstone Accommodation by far is Fireside Buffalo RV Resort, located in Moran, Wyoming. This location is just 20 minutes to Jackson and 10 minutes to the Moran entrance of Grand Tetons National Park.

This location puts you about 1 hour 45 minutes south of Old Faithful. If you are looking to do both Yellowstone and Grand Tetons on this vacation, this is a great vantage point.

The site has many options for RV hookups, on-site showers, laundry, and even a convenience store.

The location has a beautiful view of the sunsets of the Teton Mountains on one side and some gorgeous horses that come over at night and check everything out on the other side.

They can accommodate both pull-through RV spots and back-in spots. Check-in is at 2 pm, and check-out is at 11 am. They do not have extra parking or space for tents.

This space is great for kids because they can see beautiful horses every night. It is located just outside the Grand Tetons National Park, and watching the sunsets over those mountains never gets old.

You also can make smores over the campfire every night, and who doesn’t like smores?

In the morning, you can head straight to Old Faithful and get the eruption around 9 am and skip some of the crowds.

⛺ Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel

With a variety of luxurious tipis and a location just five short miles from Yellowstone’s North (Gardiner) Entrance, Dreamcatcher Tipi Hotel is one of the best kid-friendly accommodations near the park.

Wondering what exactly a “tipi hotel” is? Great question! Dreamcatcher is an upscale Montana glamping resort, complete with unbeatable views, comfortable tipis, and a long list of family-friendly amenities.

The accommodations here prove glamping doesn’t necessarily have to be rustic, offering guests memory foam beds, electricity, heat, wi-fi, and private fire pits. It’s also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring Fido along!

One of the things that sets Dreamcatcher apart for families is the complimentary daily breakfast served inside a heated tipi. While the “hotel” is a bit pricey (about $499 per night for a tipi that accommodates four people), this is a highly valuable and convenient perk.

Dreamcatcher also hosts nightly happy hour around the community fire pit, with complimentary s’mores and beverages — both the adult and kiddo variety.

Perhaps best of all is Dreamcatcher’s location. Situated right along the Yellowstone River just north of the park, this is the perfect jumping-off point for visiting quieter sites, including Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley. 

💡 Insider tip: If you’re willing to get up before the sun, Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the world to watch wildlife!

How to Plan a Trip to Yellowstone with Kids

Planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids requires careful consideration to ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

Here are some tips to help you plan your family’s trip:

👉 Decide when to visit 

Yellowstone is open year-round, but the best time to visit with kids is during the summer when the weather is warmest, and most attractions are accessible.

👉 Book accommodations 

Whether camping or staying in a lodge, be sure to book in advance, as accommodations fill up quickly during peak season. Visit Booking.com for accommodation.

👉 Create an itinerary

Yellowstone is huge, so creating a plan that includes the sights and activities your family wants to experience is essential. And If you’re planning a Western USA road trip, include Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) in your itinerary!

👉 Pack accordingly

Be prepared for all types of weather, like a waterproof jacket for kids, as temperatures can vary drastically throughout the day. Bring sunscreen, bug defense, a hat, and durable shoes if you plan to go hiking. I also recommend using the Decathlon hiking shoes for your kids and for women, as they are made for hiking.

👉 Consider a guided tour

A guided tour can be a great way to see the park with kids. You’ll get a chance to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife while taking in the stunning scenery. You can check Viator and GetYourGuide for booking and tours.

👉 Bring healthy snacks and water

Always having snacks and water on hand will save you time and money though there are places to eat in the park.

👉 Plan for breaks

With so much to see and do, taking breaks and rest throughout the day is essential. This will help keep everyone energized and avoid burnout. You can also read our post for tips when traveling with kids.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your family’s trip to Yellowstone is enjoyable and memorable for all ages.

💡Fun Facts About Yellowstone National Park

🏞️ World’s First National Park!

On 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established, making it a historic milestone as the World’s first national park. This iconic park, located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, also spans parts of Montana and Idaho.

🌲It encompasses 3,472 square miles (2,221,766 acres)!

The park, spanning an impressive 3,472 square miles or 2,221,766 acres, captivates visitors with its beauty. Its wide landscape is home to diverse ecosystems, providing a safe haven for many plant and animal species.

💎Yellowstone has over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including 500 active geysers!

Spanning across a vast expanse, it boasts over 10,000 hydrothermal features, enchanting hot springs with vibrant colors, fascinating mud pots, fumaroles, and mesmerizing 500 active geysers, captivating visitors worldwide.

🌋 Home to one of the largest and active volcanoes on the continent!

Yellow National Park is renowned for its awe-inspiring geothermal wonders. It is home to one of the continent’s largest and active volcanoes, the Yellowstone Caldera.

🦅 One of the World’s principal wildlife reserves!

Yellowstone is a beautiful and diverse wildlife haven renowned as one of the World’s principal reserves. It boasts an incredible array of fauna, including nearly 285 species of birds (150 are nesting), ranging from majestic eagles to vibrant hummingbirds.

Exploring its crystal-clear waters, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of life, with 16 species of fish gracefully gliding through the depths.

As you wander through the lush landscapes, watch for the fascinating array of 5 species of amphibians, six species of reptiles, and 67 mammals that call this magnificent place home.

🌎 Yellowstone hot spring is the 3rd largest in the World!

Located in the heart of the park, the iconic Grand Prismatic Spring stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the natural wonders of the United States.

With its vibrant colors and vast size, it proudly is the largest hot spring in the country and 3rd most extensive in the World—a must-see for any visitor seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of this remarkable geological marvel.

🏕️ The park features more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails!

The park boasts an extensive network of over 1,000 miles of incredible hiking trails that meander through lush forests, magnificent mountains, and picturesque valleys, offering nature enthusiasts and adventurers a diverse and immersive outdoor experience.

🤔 Not sure what to pack for a camping trip? Check out our 20+ camping road trip essentials here.

FAQS: Planning a Trip to Yellowstone With Kids

How many days do you need in Yellowstone with the kids?

The ideal number of days to spend in Yellowstone National Park with kids is three to five days. This will allow us to see the major attractions, experience some of the park’s natural beauty, and still have some downtime and relaxation.

What time of the year can you visit Yellowstone?

During the time of April, September, and October. Due to fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and stunning fall foliage, these months are considered some of the best times to visit. While the peak season is from June through August, visitors can still enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and fishing during these shoulder months.

What makes Yellowstone so famous?

Yellowstone is famous for its natural wonders, including over 10,000 geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The park is also a safe place for an incredible array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk, making it one of the best places in the world for wildlife watching.

What age is best for Yellowstone?

The best age for Yellowstone is around 5-6 years old. At this age, kids can appreciate the beauty of the national park and its many wonders. At this age, children are typically old enough to participate in educational tours and ranger-led programs and young enough to appreciate still the wonder and excitement of seeing geysers, hot springs, and wildlife up close.

Is it better to stay in or outside Yellowstone?

Staying outside of Yellowstone is the better option if you’re a budget traveler. While visitors will still be able to experience the beauty of Yellowstone, you won’t have to worry about the potential dangers of being near wild animals. Plus, you will have more access to amenities that you like, such as restaurants and hotels that may not be available inside, and you’ll find cheaper options for other necessities.

When not to go to Yellowstone?

The weather is extreme in winter and early spring, and many roads are closed due to snow or seasonal maintenance. Early summer is also a time of heavy traffic, resulting in large crowds and potential delays. Avoid visiting Yellowstone during these times if possible.

How do you keep kids safe at Yellowstone?

Parents should ensure their children are supervised at all times and stay on designated paths and trails to keep them safe at Yellowstone. All visitors should also be aware of the potential for dangerous wildlife such as bears, wolves, bison, and other animals that can be dangerous if approached too closely. Be extra careful when around geysers and hot springs because these areas can cause severe burns.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Yellowstone with Kids

Drawing a family trip to Yellowstone National Park is exciting since you will enjoy the captivating views, wildlife, and moments that your family will never forget.

Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to take some breathtaking photos!

While it’s essential to research before you go, remember that the best way to get the whole experience of this beautiful park is simply by enjoying the moment.

You can’t always plan for everything on your vacation – but ensuring that you have many tips and ideas in mind when planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids can guide you in the right direction.

Be safe and enjoy all of the breathtaking views this national park offers your family!

If you’re ready for the ultimate family adventure, then it’s time to plan your Yellowstone With Kids getaway today! 🙂

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