Most Family-Friendly US National Parks

Top Family-Friendly American National Parks

Where do America’s families enjoy spending time when vacationing in the great outdoors? Why, at a national park, of course! Join me for a whirlwind tour of the top 13 family-friendly US National Parks, according to expert sources polled representing We the People.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Many families go to national parks to experience something larger than themselves. To immerse oneself in a pristine wilderness while feeling entirely at home is a phenomenon most American families share in spaces designed to preserve the land’s rugged beauty and natural splendor while making it accessible for all to enjoy.

Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, fondly reflects on a childhood trip to one of the most famous national parks, sharing, “I actually remember one of my favorite trips as a child was a trip to Yellowstone National Park with my parents. I must have been maybe 11 or 12 years old. Something that I loved so much about that trip was all the bison! They were everywhere – I had never seen animals that big, that close to me before. Those were the most entertaining car rides ever. I also remember seeing elk and some bears up close, too, from inside the car. That’s why I think it’s such a great park for kids and families. You can see such cool animals in a safe, memorable way.”

Yellowstone has been immortalized in song and story since its establishment as a National Park in 1872, ranging from features for the silver screen to Spotify playlists. 

According to Tours of Distinction, 162 films have been shot in Yellowstone National Park since 2022, ranging from the Ken Burns’ documentary America’s Best Idea: The National Parks to a Star Trek film staging the Mammoth Springs area as Spock’s home planet, Vulcan. The park is perhaps most endearingly presented in the Hanna-Barbera series The Yogi Bear Show (1961), in the aptly named fictitious ‘Jellystone Park.’

Yosemite National Park, California

Chelsea Loren, a professional photographer and avid national park explorer, has visited close to 30 national parks in the United States, with Yosemite consistently standing out as an absolute must for family vacations.

Chelsea looks back at her family trips to Yosemite with sentimentality, sharing, “I grew up in Southern California, and Yosemite has always served as an outdoor destination for my family, and I’ve traveled there at different points in my life (early childhood, middle school, high school, college, and now as an adult). I’m forever in awe of the beauty, but also the myriad of trails and offerings for visitors to experience the park. There’s a good mix of meadow and trail walks or hikes for those who want something more strenuous. If you plan ahead, you have your pick of hotel lodging, campsites, or cabins.”

Chelsea has traveled to Yosemite National Park with immediate family and friends, friends with little ones, and on school trips in sizeable groups. This park, it would appear, is a hit with everyone! She notes that most of her trips to Yosemite have been in late spring (April/May) or later in the summer months (August/September).

Tips for Visiting Yosemite with Family: Planning and Setting Expectations

If going with our family, Chelsea highly recommends planning well in advance, stating, “If you want to stay in a preferred campsite, in my experience, the reservations get booked up extremely quickly once they are available online. So booking in February (about 6 months in advance) is crucial for an August trip. If you are more flexible on where you stay, that allows for a bit more wiggle room. As a family, it may be fun to consider staying at one of the iconic Yosemite lodges that offers breakfast and an assortment of other amenities — it depends on your comfort level and budget. However, after a long day of hiking and exploring, taking a warm shower and cuddling up in a cozy bed can make the experience all the more enjoyable.”

Is a rustic vacation rental or roughing it more your style? She notes, “Making memories around the campfire, cooking dinners, and preparing s’mores also lend themselves to a magical experience. So talk about your expectations and ideas as you’re planning the trip, and maybe — if you plan accordingly — you could also split it half and half, so that you get the camping and cookout experience and then relax a bit more at a lodge.”

Helpful National Park Preparation Tips:

• Pack snacks that are trail-appropriate and easy to consume (trail mix, sandwiches that don’t need to be refrigerated, fruit, etc).
• Always bring sunscreen and water.
• Try to keep your daypack minimal when hiking to make the experience more enjoyable.

A wee caveat on packing light…don’t forget your camera!

Chelsea knows firsthand the value of parents who snapped photos along the way, capturing magical family memories mid-trip. Why not give your children the same joy? She acknowledges, “I have photos of past trips where I was 3 years old, 7 years old, and in middle school, and it’s the most fun to reflect on those over 20 years later.”

Yosemite is also dear to the heart of Mariana Montes Mendoza, travel guide, travel expert, and travel writer at Vibe Adventures, having traveled there with her mom and aunt, making it a memorable multigenerational family trip.

Why choose Yosemite?

Mariana gushes, “Yosemite, all the waterfalls and giant sequoias of its breathtaking landscapes make it a perfect old family vacation destination. The family trip mixes adventure and relaxing activities so kids and grandparents can have fun.”

So far as timing to go, Mariana agrees with Chelsea, recommending “Late spring to early fall (May–October) when it’s warm, and all the park’s significant areas are open (including Glacier Point, Tioga Pass, and Mariposa Grove). I went in November. It was gorgeous, but certain areas were shut off to snow.”

Family-Friendly Activities To Consider

• Easy hikes: The trails to Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls are short and suitable for all ages.
• Scenic drives: Glacier Point Road or Tunnel View offers breathtaking views for your relatives.
• Wildlife spotting: Kids will enjoy spotting squirrels, mule deer, and possibly even a black bear (from a distance!).
• Picnicking and stargazing: Lunch with a view at El Capitan Meadow and stargazing at night.

Arches National Park, Utah

Home to five national parks, the State of Utah is family-focused and has great destinations to explore. If you have a large family, you will enjoy reading about all the exciting adventures you can go on there!

Richard Robbins, owner of The Technology Vault, remarks about his family reunion in Arches National Park last June, “We really enjoy going to Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. The park is just over two hours from where most of my extended family live in the Provo, Utah, area. The last time we went, my wife and I took our six children with us. My brothers also came with their wives and their kids. We had four couples and nearly 20 children on the trip.”

With almost twenty children in tow, Richard needed to balance having fun and showing their crew the sights while keeping them safe, hydrated, and well-behaved. He relates, “Our kids and their cousins love getting together in an environment where there are things to do for a range of kids. Arches provides that setting. There is a mixture of great sights you can see from the road, others that require a short hike, and other arches and breathtaking landscapes that take some effort to get to.”

Their favorite place to visit in Arches? The Sand Dune Arch!

Of this special place, Richard notes, “There is a section next to the arch that is shaded with lots of climbing areas of varying degrees of difficulty. Everyone from the little kids to the teenagers can relax and enjoy the setting at Sand Dune Arch. We often plan our trip to include this part of Arches National Park when it’s time for the little guys to nap while the rest of the group explores.”

What to Avoid For Small Children and Inexperienced Hikers

For families with small kids or inexperienced hikers traveling to Arches National Park, Richard recommends avoiding the Fiery Furnace area, where narrow canyons with steep drop-offs and lots of dead ends can become dangerous, confiding, “You can only go there on a ranger-led tour or with a permit because of the difficulty navigating the area.”

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Jeff Powell, owner of Smoky Mountains Ventures, National Park Ventures, and Smoky Mountains Ventures Custom Travel Planning, advocates for, you guessed it, Great Smoky Mountains! Jeff quips, “There is no better US national park for a family vacation than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My wife and I visit there three or four times every year, and we have also visited with our sons and daughter-in-law.”

The Powells have explored the park every season, but fall is their favorite. Jeff says of this time of year, “The fall colors are spectacular, the crowds are smaller, the weather is just right, and the prices are a little better.”

Over the years, Jeff has discovered tips for ‘maximizing’ a family visit to the Smoky Mountains, compiled below.

1 – Get active and be adventurous

• Get outside and go hiking. The park has so many trails that hikers will have no trouble finding ones that match their age and/or skill level.
• Play in a creek. Who doesn’t enjoy getting their feet wet and splashing in a cool creek on a warm day?
• Explore some of the 100+ waterfalls in the park, with cascades big and small.
• Go inner-tubing at Deep Creek
• Hike up a mountain to experience the breathtaking views.

* If physical mobility is an issue, there are several scenic drives to explore, such as Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

2 – Look for Wildlife

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its biodiversity. It is home to elk, deer, otters, turkeys, salamanders, and black bears. Every time we visit the park, we hold a contest—whoever is first to spot a black bear wins $5! (That was a real motivator for our boys…and me!). Look under rocks in creeks and at waterfalls for salamanders.

3 – Visit family-friendly attractions

Explore Dollywood, Dollywood Splash Country Water Park, Anakeesta Theme Park, Astra Lumina Light and Sound Experience, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Ober Gatlinburg, Skyland Ranch, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The best places to stay when visiting the Smoky Mountains are Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Both towns feature family-friendly restaurants, lodging at all price levels, and various shopping experiences.

4 – Enjoy some family time around the fire pit or campfire.

Make some s’mores. Reminisce about the adventures you’ve had during the day. This is the stuff memories are made of.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site and Fire Island National Seashore, New York

Many people may not realize Long Island, New York, is home to two national parks. 

Vanessa Gordon, CEO and publisher of East End Taste had the pleasure of taking her family to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay in late September, which, in Vanessa’s opinion, is the best time to visit besides during the spring blossoming season in early May. Sagamore Hill is about two hours west of her home in East Hampton.

She notes, “Sagamore Hill National Historic Site was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, personally my favorite US President. The home and nearby Cold Spring Harbor are also beautiful destinations to visit. The drive to Sagamore Hill on the Gold Coast of Long Island is very picturesque and reminiscent of the Westchester County or southwestern Connecticut countryside where I grew up. Sagamore Hill is also a very easy day trip from NYC.”

Tips for what to see and do at Sagamore Hill:

“Tour the inside and grounds of Roosevelt’s ‘White House summer home,’ the front hall is particularly eye-catching and captures the spirit and enthusiasm of the 26th President. The home is an excellent way to dive into the history of his presidency and his life after his presidency. We also enjoy walking along the Carriage Path and the nearby salt marshes and beaches,” Vanessa shares.

Photography is prohibited inside the home, but don’t let that disappoint you! Vanessa muses, “I feel that the opportunity to put our phones away allowed us to become even more acquainted with the history of the home and learn even more as opposed to being focused on taking photos and videos.”

For those who love shopping, there is also a visitor’s center, which contains a small museum and gift shop. 

Of walking nearby paths, Vanessa confirms, “There is a 3/4-mile nature trail loop, which leads to the salt marsh with boardwalk access. The area is part of the Oyer Bay Wildlife Refuge, where we spotted horseshoe crabs and ospreys. Kayaking on the Roosevelt Family Beach is also possible. We did not do that this time, and we would bring our kayaks during our next visit.”

Zion National Park, Utah

Traveling to a national park in the off-season may require more planning, but enjoying your surroundings amidst fewer crowds is a great reward. Paul DeMott, CTO of Helium SEO, partook of that benefit when he ventured out in early autumn.

Paul writes, “Zion National Park in Utah stands as the most amazing destination I have experienced. We traveled to Zion National Park with my cousin and our close friends in early October, as I consider it the perfect moment for this destination. Due to decreased summertime numbers and ideal weather with sunny days and cool mornings, the park became outstanding in early October. The clear skies during our entire visit created what I believe to be the best stargazing patterns of my life.”

Wondering how to get around? Take the shuttle.

Zion National Park offers an efficient shuttle service families can use. Paul reveals that “Guests cannot access Zion Canyon with private vehicles during most parts of the year, which makes shuttle usage convenient for navigating the area rather than dealing with parking obstacles. Getting an early start will be your best bet since shuttle traffic is considerably lighter during the first part of the day.”

Stroll The Narrows (But Don’t Forget Your Gear)

Another activity Paul and his group enjoyed was strolling through The Narrows, which he ranks as the top experience during their journey. Paul writes, “The Virgin River hike known as The Narrows enables you to walk between high canyon walls while standing in the flowing water. Visitors should lease dry pants together with neoprene socks and hiking sticks from a nearby outfitter before their adventure since this equipment makes hiking significantly more comfortable.”

Get ready to trudge for a while! Paul notes, “The hike to The Narrows covered several miles from the starting point since the trail extends for 16 miles roundtrip, but we hiked a few distances in before returning. The hip deep water conditions made the experience worthwhile even though there were sections where water reached waist level.”

Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail

Looking for a quick epic hiking adventure? “You can earn an outstanding panoramic view of Zion Canyon during this one-mile round trip hike because the elevation gain remains minimal. This trail suits families well because its brief distance and minimal challenge provide an amazing viewpoint while avoiding extended hiking time.”

What You May Want to Avoid…

Paul chose to avoid hiking Angels Landing even though it is famous throughout the United States. He cautions, “The famous outdoor trail stands recognized across America, although its cliffs and slim rock pathways make the experience seem dangerous for someone seeking comfortable adventures. An additional permit procedure has been implemented while maintaining the necessity of planning for this activity.”

…And What To Do Instead

In search of gentler activities, Paul discloses, “We chose to spend our time at the Emerald Pools and spent hours admiring the view. Visiting Emerald Pools offered us the chance to enjoy Zion National Park at a relaxed pace while admiring its beauty without the demanding pace of most tourists.”

Must-Do Tips for Planning a Trip to Zion National Park:

1. Start early—the park gets busy even in the off-season.
2. Rent gear for The Narrows—it makes all the difference.
3. Stay in Springdale for convenience.
4. Check the weather—Zion can be unpredictable, and flash floods are a real risk.

Curious about hotels near Zion National Park?

Paul’s family spent their nights at Springdale, located by the gateway to the national park. This is advisable as his family could eat breakfast and reach the entrance within a short timeframe. They ate at Bit & Spur for dinner because it ‘provides fantastic food and a perfect post-hiking environment.’

You can also stay at the newly opened Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio in Springdale, Utah. Just a short walk to Zion National Park, the hotel serves as a gateway to all the wonders to behold. Doesn’t that pool look inviting?

Of its design, Ron Carter, General Manager of Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, remarks, “Paying homage to Utah’s natural wonders and the art of camping and hiking, the property’s distinct design is both contemporary and cozy. The palette carries a neutral base with pops of bold colors that highlight the vivid rubies of the rocks, the vibrant warm tones of the deep red rock canyons, the clear sapphire of the sky, and the emerald hues of the grass – all of which are naturally found within Zion National Park.”

He says of the hotel’s heart, “Designed to embody the spirit of a campfire gathering, the lobby is the heart of the hotel, serving as a welcoming base for guests to unwind and share their adventures. The lobby houses an expansive fireplace and custom artwork, each detail inviting guests to embark on a journey of wonder, adventure, and soul-searching while enriching their connection to nature.”

Red Cliffs Lodge Zion’s signature restaurant Scout Bar & Grill brings the spirit of adventure to the dining experience. Drawing upon the iconic imagery of a crackling campfire, the kitchen’s open-flamed grill evokes the awe of Zion’s rugged beauty. Scout’s design and atmosphere capture the warmth and camaraderie of the outdoors, where adventurers gather to share tales of their day, open for breakfast and dinner, for sit-down service, or take-out.

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

Looking for an excellent national park to get away to with your mom?

Rebecca Troutner, founder of The Researched Traveler, recommends New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. She reminisces, “I visited in the fall (beautiful time to visit!) with just me and my mom for a girls’ trip.”

On her visit to this national park, Rebecca and her mother could do many things that suited their interests. Rebecca writes, “I am an avid hiker, so we visited quite a few trails in the park, including Long Point Trail, where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. My mom is more of a thrill-seeker, so she planned for us to go ziplining, and the mountains of West Virginia made a perfect setting for that.”

The real showstopper at New River Gorge National Park?

Hands down, Rebecca and her mom agreed that the New River Gorge bridge walk topped their list. Rebecca describes it as a guided walk below the famous New River Gorge bridge, adding, “There’s definitely more adventures (white-water rafting, rock climbing, etc.), but the bridge walk was the perfect level of adventure for both of us. Most of all, we enjoyed the incredible views found on every minute of our trip, from scenic drives to incredible hikes.”

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

For a wonderful family vacation, Natalie Vereen-Davis of Camping Kiddos, encourages you to head to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. She writes, “I visited last June with my two children and my dad, and we enjoyed our time here immensely. Thanks to the park’s elevation, it is much cooler year-round than the other parks in the Utah Mighty Five, so you can hike and adventure through the summer.”

There’s so much to do at Bryce Canyon!

Natalie’s family walked a lot, including on the flat Rim Trail. She hails the Rim Trail as a “great overview for families, who can peer down into the park’s iconic amphitheaters filled with orange, red, and yellow hoodoos.” Natalie adds, “There’s a paved shared-use trail perfect for bike riding. Bring your bike to the park, or rent an e-bike or pedal bike from the 1947 Historic Service Station. The visitors center has a free museum with dozens of interactive displays to help your children learn about the park’s unique geology, history, and wildlife.”

With so much action and adventure for you and your kiddos to explore at Bryce Canyon National Park, Natalie suggests completing your trip by ‘meandering along the park’s 18-mile-long Southern Scenic Drive,’ where she’s experienced less crowded overlooks into ‘additional amphitheaters, the stunning Natural Bridge, and the awe-inspiring Rainbow Point.’

“At the latter, you can see for miles onto the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Nearby is the easy 1-mile Bristlecone Loop Trail, which allows families to explore the higher elevations of the park. As you head out of the park, don’t forget to stop by the Mossy Cave Trail on Highway 12, a kid-friendly hike that includes a desert waterfall and more of the iconic orange hoodoos,” Natalie concludes.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Are summer hikes and snowshoeing on your national park checklist? Keri Baugh of Bon Voyage With Kids endorses Glacier National Park in Montana as her pick for the best national park to visit with your family any time of year.

Keri and her husband have visited the park several times with their three children during various seasons. In July and August, they participate in hiking and outdoor activities. As winter sports fans, the Baughs have also skied in Whitefish, Montana, allowing them to do snowshoeing in Glacier National Park during winter.

Of their Glacier adventures, Keri writes, “Our family loves Glacier National Park because it is one of the most majestic parks in the country, very natural and not as busy as somewhere like Yellowstone. There is so much wildlife to see, from goats to bears to rams, and quite a range of activities.”

Should you go these trails alone? Keri doesn’t think so and recommends hiring a guide for family hikes. Keri beams, “We love Glacier Guides and have used them to lead our family when hiking on Highline Trail, a hike to Victoria Falls, and a hike to Grinnell Glacier. Having a guide helps because they are familiar with the trails and share about the area, the wildlife, and what grows there.”

Perhaps most importantly, Keri notes that her guide can also spot signs of bear activity, noting it is safer to have a guide as “they often carry the equipment needed and can ensure it is a safe and fun hike for all.”

Another perk of having a guide? Keri confirms, “On full-day hikes, Glacier Guides also provides lunch and can provide equipment like walking sticks. The views in Glacier are breathtaking and quite ranging depending on the hike you take.”

Other fun activities in Glacier Keri’s family has loved are:

• Whitewater rafting
• Horseback riding
• Red Bus Tour on the Going To The Sun Road
• Snowshoeing in the winter

If you’re up for something a little different, Keri offers, “Other family-friendly activities include canoeing, fishing, boat tours on McDonald Lake, and mini golf. If you visit the nearby town of Whitefish, there is a mountain coaster and activities to enjoy on Flathead Lake. Whitefish is also a great western town for dining and shopping.”

Redwood National Park, California

With so many wonderful national parks for families to discover in California (nine, including Yosemite), it’s hard to choose just one!

Kanika Puri, Chief Operating Officer, Fast Cover Travel Insurance, gives full marks to California’s Redwood National Park as one of the most family-friendly national parks.

She writes, “With trees rising to almost 400 feet, there are countless stunning landscapes to admire at Redwood National Park. April and May tend to be when the park is at its most lush, although the coastal conditions mean the temperature remains relatively stable throughout the year.”

If you’re a tree lover, Redwood National Park is the place for you.

Kanika says, “Home to the world’s tallest trees, Redwood National Park is an inspiring place for kids to spend time in the outdoors. However, there are more than just hiking trails with beaches, waterfalls, canyons, and native wildlife also making for a fascinating visit.”

You might have heard about driving through trees in California. Drive-through trees are unavailable inside Redwood National Park and California’s National Forests. Visit the National Park Service FAQ page on Redwood National and State Parks to learn more about where you can drive through a coastal redwood. Currently, three privately owned businesses provide this exceptional drive-through tree experience.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Husband and wife team Micah and Sammie Chaffin have traveled to 20+ states and photographed weddings in National Parks for their jobs!

Why do they love Olympic National Park above all others?

Micah reveals, “Olympic National Park is the most diverse National Park in the world; within its borders, you’ll find mountains, beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, and evergreen forests! All of which are easy to access. The best time of year to visit is late spring/early summer when the mountain roads are open, and there’s less rain and fewer people than in the middle of summer.”

He recommends:

• Picnicking with a mountain view at Hurricane Ridge (ADA-accessible)
• Splashing around on the shore of Lake Crescent
• Taking a short .2-mile hike to Madison Falls
• Going tide-pooling on Ruby Beach
• Strolling around the Hoh Rainforest

Congaree National Park, South Carolina

When visiting Congaree National Park, there’s so much wildlife to see and a swampy ambiance to enjoy. Jon Manchester, Chief of Visitor Services, Congaree National Park, writes, “Some national parks overwhelm you with towering mountains and fantastic vistas. But Congaree National Park near Columbia offers its beauty modestly, shyly, just waiting to be discovered by those patient and observant enough to give this massive swamp a chance.”

Don’t miss these exciting opportunities at Congaree National Park, with tips and photograph courtesy Discover South Carolina.

Hug A Tree:

Not just any trees; these are the biggest trees east of the Mississippi. The park now contains more than two dozen “champion trees,” or trees that are the largest of their kind ever found.

See Synchronized Fireflies:

On warm nights at the end of May and the beginning of June, for one magical month, the synchronous fireflies of Congaree light up the forest at night in a have-to-see-it-to-believe-it sight. Thousands of fireflies all light up at precisely the same moment in a breathtaking show. It will startle you every time they light up and then go dark at the same moment. It seems like an optical illusion or prank, but no. It’s one of the most rarely glimpsed shows in all of nature.

Wait for the Swarm of Turtles:

Most will be moderate-sized, like slider turtles and river cooters, but keep your eyes open for the enormous, dinosaur-like alligator snapping turtles who like to come to visit, too.

Prowl for Owls:

After the park closes, join a Ranger to search for owls at night! This tour starts around dusk and lasts about 90 minutes.

Jon cites, “Congaree National Park is one of the least-visited parks in the country, but it is well worth the time and attention of anyone visiting the Palmetto State. As much of the park is actually comprised of the Congaree Swamp, one of the best ways to see the park is by canoe or kayak. Canoe trails lead paddlers under the towering tupelos and cypresses and through the eerie, still, blackwater swamp. The National Park Service offers guided tours throughout the year. Contact us for more information.”

More Info re: National Park Service

For more information about these or any of the US National Parks, you can contact the National Park Service at nps.gov or send them a message on their very active social media accounts!