Best National Parks for Family Vacation in America

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21 Best National Parks for Kids (USA)

How many times have you gone on a national park family vacation?

We’ve visited over 20 parks in our marriage! And we have many more to go.

We have loved exploring the best national parks with kids — hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, canyoneering, watching wildlife, swimming, kayaking, fishing and more — these diverse protected lands all over the United States are your tickets to affordable family vacations.

We’ve done various lodging options on a national park vacation: camping, glamping, staying in a lodge inside the park, renting a vacation home or crashing at a nearby hotel have all been ways to get to those jaw-dropping views and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

However you choose to plan it, the list of US national parks for families below are tried and true destinations.

Yosemite makes our top three for best national park family vacations. Here we are hiking the spectacular Mist Trail to see stunning waterfalls.

How Many National Parks Are There?

As of 2023, there are 63 national parks.

However, the National Park System comprises 425 national park sites, but only 63 of them have the "National Park" designation in their names.

New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia is the newest addition.

You will also find national parks in Washington D.C., American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

We’ve included an alphabetical list at the end of this post.

Which state has the most national parks?

California is the state with most national parks, having nine.

Alaska is home to eight.

Utah has five and Colorado has four national parks, all great with families.

national parks vacation with kids

So far, our family has checked off over twenty from America’s national parks list, with plans to visit more.

Since we hail from Colorado, we tend to favor national parks in the west side of the USA. But we know there are many more national park family vacations to be explored! The East Coast is also home to some of the best national parks with kids in the USA.

I invited some top family travel bloggers to share their favorite national parks with kids.

Also included in this list of 21 national park family vacations are our Rad Family Travel favorites in the USA so far.

This national parks list is alphabetical, so as not play favorites. Which of these national park vacations is your family planning next?

Our favorite way to explore national parks is in a campervan or RV!

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Best national Park Family vacations

Get your kids in national parks across the USA:

• Acadia

• Arches

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison

• Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

• Bryce Canyon

• Capitol Reef

• Channel Islands

• Dry Tortugas

• Everglades

• Glacier

• Grand Canyon

• Grand Teton

• Great Sand Dunes

• Great Smoky Mountains

• Joshua Tree

• Rocky Mountain

• Saguaro

• Sequoia and Kings (two parks side by side)

• Yellowstone

• Yosemite

• Zion

• National Parks List from A to Z

We love Rumpl’s National Parks Puffy Blankets Collection - a great way to commemorate your next national park family vacation!

Acadia is a great national parks vacation with kids (photo: Walking the Parks)

Acadia National Park

Maine

Why go? Acadia National Park is revered for its biodiversity. That means it is beautiful in so many different ways! Glaciers created granite mountains, streams and ponds. Nestled against the Atlantic Ocean you will find gorgeous beaches and intriguing tidal ponds.

What to do? Acadia National Park’s most unique feature is the 40 miles of carriage roads. Originally designed to provide a place for horseback riding away from the emerging automobiles, they now are also home to many hikers and cyclists. Exploring the over 150 miles of hiking trails can lead you to hidden beaches, peaks with beautiful ocean views and wonderful sleepy ponds, making it one of the best national parks with kids.

Early birds can be the first to see the sunrise in the US from the peak of Cadillac Mountain, the furthest eastern spot in the states. Looking for water adventure? Private companies offer ocean Kayak Tours around Mount Desert Island. Or if you want something a little milder, rent a kayak at Jordan Pond followed by an afternoon treat at the nearby tea house. 

Where to stay? Acadia National Park is home to 600 campsites that range from rustic to RV delight. And there are another dozen private campgrounds in the area. Not a camper? Then Bar Harbor is the place to go. What we love about this area is the large number of cute Bed and Breakfast options. And even better than the many chain hotels, you will find adorable quaint motels along the highway.

Learn more from Walking The Parks: Discover 6 Things to Do In Acadia National Park for the First Time Visitor.

Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations

Reservations During 2023 Visitor Season:

• Vehicle Reservations resume May 24, 2023

• Vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road are required May 24 through October 22, 2023. 

• Cadillac Summit Road will be under construction through early summer, which may require temporary closures. Please check on the status of road closures at go.nps.gov/AcadiaAlerts

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We loved Arches on our national parks vacation through all five Utah parks

Arches National Park

Utah

Why go? Arches National Park is one of the best national parks with kids. Arches boasts the biggest amount of diverse natural arches and ever changing landscape, making it one of the most interesting national park road trips. This place is every photographer’s dream come true with stunning backdrops and gorgeous lighting.

Just outside Arches, the town of Moab is a funky, fun town that will help you get on your way to all kinds of outdoor adventures. Nearby Canyonlands National Park is just a 30 minutes trek and Dead Horse Point State Park is 40 minutes away.

What to do? Hiking, biking, rock climbing, canyoneering and rafting on the Colorado River are just a few of your options. Don’t miss hikes to Landscape Arch, the Fiery Furnace, the Windows, Balanced Rock and more in the park. Rent an open-air Hummer for a tour of the backcountry.

Where to stay? Moab is your best base for seeing and exploring Arches National Park. We loved Moab’s vibe, where you can walk the strip, find fun places to eat and launch out on your next adventure. Our family of six stayed in the Best Western Plus Canyonlands and loved their beautiful outdoor pool and year-round hot tub, plus a convenient laundry room.

See more from our time in Arches National Park during one of our most memorable national park road trips.

Timed Entry Tickets for Arches

The park will release tickets first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov three (3) months in advance in monthly blocks according to this schedule.

In this video, Rangers help you plan your next trip and outline what you’ll need to enter the park.

The park will release tickets first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov three (3) months in advance in monthly blocks according to the following schedule:

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Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a great way to get your kids in national parks (photo by Traveling in Heels)

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Colorado

Why go? Locals call the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park their “mini Grand Canyon,” with good reasons why. It’s taller than the Empire State Building and the great Pyramids of Egypt at 2,700 feet deep and 48 miles long.

Include this on a road trip through all four of Colorado national parks for vacation.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers some of the most dramatic views with some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rocks, and craggiest peaks in North America. Then there’s the amazing Gunnison River stretching and winding through the rock. Seriously…the views will take your breath away.

What to do? Adrenalin junkies should add rock climbing in Black Canyon to their national parks list. With nearly 150 known Black Canyon climbs, be aware it is extremely deep and narrow — an adventure meant only for expert climbers. The most popular climbs are Warner Point plunging 2,722 feet, and the Painted Wall, at 2,250 feet, the tallest vertical wall in Colorado. Peak climbing season is mid-April to mid-June and late August to early November.

Where to stay? Nearby Montrose offers a variety of accommodations from hotels to vacation rentals. Or, feast your eyes on the West Elks Mountain range and Grand Mesa from a huge front porch in a lovely vacation rental just 8 miles from Black Canyon.

Learn more about Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and national park vacations for families from Traveling in Heels.

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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (photo: Traveling Mel)

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Montana

Why go? While not technically a national park, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) is managed by the National Park Service. Bighorn Canyon is a spectacular canyon that straddles the border of Montana and Wyoming. At 71 miles long, Bighorn Lake, the centerpiece, was created by the damming of the Bighorn River. About a third of Bighorn Canyon NRA is on the Crow Reservation and a quarter of the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range is within Bighorn Canyon NRA. 

What to do? There are so many opportunities for outdoor adventures here. From mountain biking to hiking, plus boating, fishing and hunting. We like to look for wild mustangs, bighorn sheep, and to explore tipi rings left by the ancestors of the Crow people. From the Devil Canyon Overlook, you get a premier view 1,000 feet into the Canyon.

For hiking, I recommend the 3-mile Hillsboro Trail, which leads to a ghost town. Barry’s Island Trail is just four miles round trip and winds around Chain Canyon, a secret escape route for cattle rustlers in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Another popular way to explore the canyon is via canoe, kayak, or other boat. Put in at one of the two marinas and paddle right up to the striped red and ochre canyon walls. 

Where to stay? There are five campgrounds in Bighorn NRA and they are all first-come, first-served. There is also dispersed backcountry camping allowed below the high water mark. The closest town in Lovell, Wyoming, which has a few motels. 

Learn more: Check out Pryor Mountain Wild Horses in Montana and viewing Bighorn Canyon National Monument and follow @TravelingMelMT on Instagram for more to do in Wyoming in Montana.

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Bryce National Park is a super fun national park family vacation among the hoodoos.

Bryce National Park

Utah

Why go? This hoodoo haven full of spindles reaching heavenward never gets old. Expansive views, fresh air, famous sunrises and sunsets, and even snowy hikes makes Bryce National Park fun and one of the best national parks for kids, even in winter.

What to do? Stop by the Visitor’s Center before you enter the park. Then make time for wandering through the architectural wonder of Bryce Canyon Lodge - only local resources were used to build this historic place. The lodge restaurant is definitely worth a celebratory splurge.

Hike the rim from Sunrise to Sunset Points, and make time for a hike down to the Queen’s Garden. This park hosts a slew of trails for easy-going folks and hard-core hikers alike. Horseback riding is a fantastic way to see more of the park in less time. Make sure you bring your camera for shots between the hoodoos.

Where to stay? Camping in Bryce Canyon is limited to the North Campground and Sunset Campground, so plan ahead. We stayed in one of classy, rustic cabins just steps away from Bryce Canyon Lodge. Best Western Ruby’s Inn is a popular spot outside the park.

Or rent a beautiful chalet, ideally located in the heart of “Color Country” — almost exactly between Bryce (37 miles to the Northeast) and Zion National Park (36 miles to the Southwest). Situated at approx. 7000 feet (its cooler at this elevation!) this spacious 3 bedroom chalet is surrounded by the Dixie National Forest.

With close proximity to other famous Utah parks, Bryce is part of one of the best national park road trips.

See how we spent 24 hours in Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos.

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Rumpl National Parks Collection of Original Puffy Blankets are a great way to commemorate any of your National Park Family Vacations.

Capitol Reef National Park

Utah

Why go? While nearby Bryce and Arches are more crowded national parks with kids in summer, Capitol Reef National Park is an introvert’s paradise. Various geologic formations, starry nights, petroglyphic cliff walls, pioneer-raised fruit orchards, and an old homestead make this a fun park for all ages to explore.

What to do? Don’t miss the ancient pictographs and petraglyphs (700-1300 AD) left by the Fremont people, making Capitol Reef one of the best national park vacations for families. Spend time in Fruita — see the schoolhouse, Gifford Farmhouse, and more in this historic pioneer small town where Mormons settled in the 1800s.

Take a scenic drive to see more of the park’s Waterfold Pocket, that runs about 100 miles northwest to the southeast of Capitol Reef. Feeling really adventurous or have a 4x4? Head towards Grand Wash Road into the canyon for more colorful sandstone cliffs and views.

Where to stay? Next time, we’d check into the Lodge at Red River Ranch in nearby Teasdale. We camped in the primitive Fruita Campground near the orchards and the Fremont River— but keep in mind the gnats hatch off the river for two weeks in June. We learned this the hard way during what is still one of our favorite national park road trips through Utah.

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Channel Islands National Park

California

Why go? This lesser known hidden gem of a national park is just off the coast of southern California and is home to 145 species of flora and fauna found only on these islands. Hop on a ferry from the harbor in Ventura towards this unspoiled national park that is the Galapagos of America.

One of our all-time best day trips to national parks with kids, Channel Islands offers so many surprises and discoveries, making it stand out among California parks.

Add in underwater sea adventures through kelp forests, and spying dolphin mega pods and whales on the way there, and you’ve got one heckuva adventure in one of the best national parks for kids.

What to do? We’d never heard of this timeless national park until we got busy planning our family’s two-week California National Parks Road Trip. The only way to get to the islands of Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa — all part of Channel Islands National Park — is via ferry.

The ferry ride was a treat in itself as we saw large dolphin pods. Maybe you’ll luck out and spy whales!

My husband and kids loved snorkeling around the island. If you’re into scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking, this park is the perfect treat.

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Cavern Point on Santa Cruz Island - CINP

We chose to visit Santa Cruz Island, where once you are dropped off at Scorpion Ranch, you can kayak around the perimeter towards some of the deepest sea caves or explore by foot.

We hiked up to Cavern Point for a picnic and an amazing view — meet the Island Fox along the way. This island used to be inhabited, so be sure to learn Santa Cruz’s unique human history.

Where to stay? If you’re looking for more than a day trip to Channel Islands, camping is the way to go. Campers love to lay their heads at the primitive campgrounds, especially on Santa Rosa. We opted for the renovated mid-century style Best Western Plus Inn of Ventura and loved the proximity to the Patagonia flagship store, downtown, and the coastline.

Or stay in of the many vacation rentals in Oxnard, in the Channel Islands Harbor for quick access to the park.

Here’s how we explored the Channel Islands with kids for a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure.

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Dry Tortugas National Park (photo: The Round The World Guys)

Dry Tortugas National Park

Florida

Why go? What's not to like about the Dry Tortugas National Park? First of all, it is one of the most remote National Parks in the US, and there are only a few ways to get there. Located around 80 miles southwest of Key West, Florida, you can either take the Yankee Freedom Ferry or charter a seaplane to Dry Tortugas.

What to do? Because of its remote location, you can expect to find a pristine landscape that offers the whole family an adventure. Join the guided tour of Fort Jefferson, or simply enjoy the white-sand beach with crystal-clear, blue water.

One of the best national park family vacations with kids, your tweens and teens will especially enjoy swimming and snorkeling in Dry Tortugas. You can also arrange a kayaking tour if you bring your own kayaks on the ferry.

Where to stay? The majority of visitors, especially families with kids, do only a day-trip to Dry Tortugas. There are plenty options for accommodations in Key West, the logical place to stay for your journey in this area. 

If you're a family that loves to rough it, you can camp in the Dry Tortugas. Keep in mind that there is limited space and it's first-come, first-served. It's also very primitive and you are completely on your own. No electricity, no toilets, no place to purchase water - nothing. 

Dry Tortugas is a must-add to your national parks list. The nearest city is Key West and you will pass by Everglades National Park on the way town there, making this an easy national park road trip.

Learn more from The Round the World Guys: How To Get To Dry Tortugas National Park and What To Do There.

After your time in Dry Tortugas, stay in the middle keys in Marathon Florida for a fun family vacation. With so many islands, it offers boating, swimming, snorkeling, and seafood, making it an ideal perfect family friendly destination.

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The Everglades are an adventurous place for a national parks vacation (photo: Family Travel Lifestyle)

Everglades National Park

Florida

Why go? The Everglades are a vast expanse of wetlands, and home to some of America’s most exotic wildlife. In this park you can get up close and personal with the animals – there are few barriers, and you will absolutely come across alligators lounging on the side of your path or a Great Blue Heron who wants to stroll along with you.

Hang out for a bit at the Flamingo Marina and you might see a manatee come into the harbor in search of fresh water to drink. The Everglades’ unique ecosystem is unparalleled - making this one of the best national parks for kids. It is the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles live in close proximity!

What to do? Everglades National Park is a place for one of the best outdoor adventures in the USA. You can hike the numerous trails, ride bikes, rent kayaks or take an airboat tour out into the River of Grass. For the very intrepid traveler, there are guided kayak/camping tours that take you deep into the Everglades for an overnight or even a week. If you have kids, they will love the Junior Ranger Program or being able to hold a baby alligator on an airboat tour.

Where to Stay? There are campgrounds within the park that accommodate tents and RVs. There are also backcountry campgrounds accessible only by boat or by foot. There are hotels close to the Ernest F. Coe entrance (the main entrance) in nearby Homestead or Florida City, but the park is also only about an hour away from Miami.

Learn more about Everglades National Park from Family Travel Lifestyle.

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Glacier ranks in our family’s top three for best national parks for family vacations.

Glacier National Park

Montana

Why go? The Rockies along the Continental Divide cut through Glacier National Park meaning glaciers, rivers, lakes, and streams seem to pop up at every turn. All kinds of hikers can find just the type of trail they’re looking for - from an easy-going walk to a challenging all-day climb. Have passports? Head north where the U.S. meets Canada, and Glacier gives way to Waterton Lakes National Park.

What to do? The number one must-do in Glacier is driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. From the east side of Glacier National Park, start from the Visitor Center at St. Mary, then head west along the Going-to-the-Son Road. But before you hop in the car, consider a boat tour on St. Mary Lake; make reservations ahead of time. Or, hike the Sun Point Nature Trail.

Continue on towards the Jackson Glacier Overlook and over Logan Pass - stop for a short hike for jaw-dropping views via the Hidden Lake Overlook trail. Then make your way towards the Garden Wall, Bird Woman Falls, Trail of the Cedars, Lake McDonald, and Sprague Creek near the West Glacier. We stopped in Apgar by Lake McDonald for some huckleberry ice cream and a little history at the Apgar Discovery Cabin.

On Glacier’s adventurous west side, we still talk about the breath-taking hike to Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars placed Glacier in our top three best national parks for families.

Whitewater rafting, paddling (bring your own inflatable stand up paddleboard), biking, boating, horseback riding and fishing are popular activities in Glacier too.

Isle inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with.

For remote outdoor adventures like hiking, SUP paddling and wildlife viewing, head to the east side of Glacier via campervan. We especially LOVED the Many Glacier area.

Where to stay? Camp in Apgar, Avalanche Creek, Kintla Lake, Many Glacier, St. Mary campgrounds in Glacier National Park if you love being in nature all day and night. Or opt for the rustic, grand historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

Our favorite? We stayed in a lovely vacation cabin in Columbia Falls.

When we visited East Glacier, we rented a campervan so we could sleep somewhere new each night!

Glacier National Park is hands-down one of our top three favorite trips to national parks our family has ever taken.

There is so much to do in and around Glacier, making it one of the top national parks vacations with kids of all ages.

Vehicle Reservations Required in 2024

Glacier National Park will implement a vehicle reservation system in the summer of 2024. In addition to a vehicle reservation, visitors also need a park pass. 

In 2024, a vehicle reservation is required for three areas of the park: Going-to-the-Sun Road (coming from the west), the North Fork, and Many Glacier from 6 am to 3 pm. Each location has unique details and requires a separate vehicle reservation. Please see the details of each area.

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The Grand Canyon is one of the best national parks for families. Consider the North Rim for less crowds.

Grand Canyon National Park

Arizona

Why go? Long touted on of USA’s best national parks with kids, we’ve enjoyed the Grand Canyon from the top (South Rim) and the bottom (Havasupai Falls*), both equally grand experiences. The Colorado River slices through this huge national park, making it a place for all kinds of outdoor adventurers in every season.

*The Havasupai Indian Reservation is not in the national park, but still part of the Grand Canyon. We needed a permit and a plan to hike to Grand Canyon waterfalls.

What to do? Take a helicopter ride through the canyon, whitewater raft down the Colorado River, hike from rim-to-rim to snap numerous views, bike, fish, camp, snowshoe, cross-country ski and more. Take the Hermits Rest Route shuttle from March through November, and stop off when you please and hike the rim as much or as little as you like, or just hop back on the next bus to get to the next point. The Village Route shuttle bus runs all year long.

Or do something crazy and monumental: hike the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. Tanya hiked it with a friend in May 2021. It takes a lot of training and planning!

While summer and spring break are the busiest times, this national park family vacation is fun in winter and fall too. If you’re not into crowds, skip the South Rim and head for the North Rim instead for just as many gorgeous views and serene camping and hikes.

Where to stay? Mather Campground is where we laid our heads when we explored the South Rim. Just passing through for a day trip at the South Rim during this national park road trip? Get your kicks on Route 66 and stay in Williams, Arizona for fun. We loved the newly renovated, clean and lovely Rodeway Inn & Suites Downtowner - Rte 66.

Learn more:

• Camping Near Grand Canyon’s South Rim

• Related: Hiking to Havasupai Falls with Kids

• Download our Camping Gear Checklist for Families.

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Get Expert Help

Need help deciding or planning your national park family vacation? Book a one hour consultation call with me. Ask me questions and gather tailored advice and next steps for putting together your next adventure.

Send Tanya an email to learn more

The Grand Tetons are high on our our national parks vacation list (photo: DQ Travel)

Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming

Why go? Grand Teton is a great national park for families. Although it is a fairly small national park, its beauty is quite large. It is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, and quite close to Yellowstone National Park. 

What to do? Not only does Grand Teton National Park provide several campgrounds, scenic views, and hiking trails, but it also has miles of paved biking trails as well. With kids, be sure to visit one of the popular lakes, Jackson Lake, String Lake, or Jenny Lake. All three lakes have gentle walking trails that lead you through the forest and around the lake shores to see the Grand Teton mountain range. Many families enjoy these lakes for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Like to fish? Grand Teton National Park has many rivers and streams as well. Plus, white water rafting on the Snake River is great with older kids and teens. Moose sightings are pretty common in the Grand Teton Range, and driving through the park allows for plenty of wildlife viewing.

Where to stay? If you’re not into camping, both kids and adults will love the town of Jackson just 10 minutes away the park. Jackson is an upscale western town with a picturesque downtown, plenty of local shops, and delicious restaurants. 

Check out the Cowboy Village Lodge for moderate accommodations, or for a splurge, consider the Hotel Jackson or the Wort Hotel — boutique hotels in downtown Jackson with plenty of amenities. 

We are just 9 hours from Grand Teton, but we’ve yet to dive into the heart of this park!

Learn more about this national parks vacation idea from DQ Travel: Grand Teton National Park Vacation Guide

Download our Camping Gear Checklist for Families.

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Our kids loved this national park for some epic Colorado sand sledding!

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Colorado

Why go? This national park is a kid’s paradise, where beach play and grasslands meet mountain vistas. Our kids haves enjoyed sand sledding, hiking through aspen groves in Fall, spying roaming buffalo and more. The diverse terrain and hikes make Great Sand Dunes National Park a natural wonder in southwest Colorado.

What to do? Show up early in the day to hike to High Dune, then plan on a short afternoon hike to Zapata Falls. Stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn more about the different hikes in the park. Consider a four-wheel-drive tour to spy buffalo in between hikes.

Late May or early June is typically the best time to play in Medano Creek, when snow-melt from the mountains makes for watery fun in the creek.

Note that sand sledding the dunes in the summer is best early or late in the day so you don’t burn your feet on the sand! Sand sledding alone makes this one of the best national parks for kids.

Where to stay? The Pinon Flats Campground is the only campground within Great Sand Dunes. If you haven’t camped much in Colorado, check out this Ultimate Guide to Camping in Colorado.

While it’s open all year long, it fills quickly. Zapata Ranch looks like a fancy splurge with kids.

Or head to nearby South Fork for a cozy cabin near the Rio Grande.

Learn all our tips for sand sledding the Great Sand Dunes on this famous national park family vacation.

We’ve hit the dunes twice now, once in early summer and once in fall. It is by far one of our favorite national parks with kids.

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Cataloochee Valley Great Smoky Mountains - photo: Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee and North Carolina

Why go? Located between Knoxville and Asheville puts the ever popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) within a half day of driving from major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh.

One of the most popular national park road trips, this park boasts an incredible array of wildlife, stunning mountain scenery dotted with rivers and waterfalls, and rich Appalachian cultural traditions.

What to do? About 95% of the park's 522,419 acres are lush green forests teeming with 10,000 plant and animal species, including black bears, deer, birds, and more. The famous Cataloochee Valley elk herd was reintroduced here back in 2001. Watching wildlife is our favorite thing to do here.

GSMNP is home to 16 mountains with summits of 6,000+ feet and nearly 900 miles of hiking trails (including part of the Appalachian Trail), so hiking, fishing, and camping are the park's other popular activities. It's also the starting point for road trips along the world-renowned Blue Ridge Parkway, and boasts spectacular views of spots like Cade’s Cove, Clingman's Dome, and Newfound Gap Road.

Where to sleep? Though there are plenty of nice hotels and cabins just outside the park in Asheville, Cherokee, and Gatlinburg. While there are plenty of campgrounds inside GSMNP, the only park lodge is the LeConte Lodge, which is only accessible on foot via a 5 to 8-mile hike. The LeConte is usually open from mid-March through mid-November. 

The Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide offers complete guides to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and other attractions in the area.

Download our Camping Gear Checklist for Families.

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Joshua Tree is a great national park for star gazing with kids

Joshua Tree National Park

California

Why go? Star-studded nights and elephant size boulders perfect for playing cops and robbers throughout this park. Joshua Tree National Park is most spectacular (and less hot!) in spring-time when the desert is blooming.

Check the calendar and plan your visit around a new moon so you can enjoy a free night of star-gazing at Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center.

Kids love running and playing through this gem, the gigantic boulder playground putting it on our list of US national parks with kids.

What to do? Besides ogling the Milky Way by night, take a scenic drive by day through Joshua Tree. Make sure your gas tank and water bottles are full before you leave the Oasis Visitor’s Center. Enjoy stops for short hikes along the Skull Rock Nature Trail and the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. Ask the Rangers which hikes would be good on the day you visit.

Rock-climbing, hiking, camping and biking is most fun in Joshua when it’s not too hot. Aim for a spring or fall visit with kids and you’ll see why this is one of the best national parks with kids and explore.

Where to stay? Base yourself in Palm Springs or Twentynine Palms.

Here’s our Day Trip through Joshua Tree.

Download our Camping Gear Checklist for Families.

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RMNP is one of the best national parks for families. Our young kids loved it.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado

Why go? Rocky Mountain National Park will have you climbing tall mountains to your heart’s continent, crossing over the Continental Divide, smelling pine trees, soaking in sunshine, paddleboarding on lakes, crossing streams, and looking for elk, moose, bighorn sheep and more. So much to do here, making it one of the best national parks with kids.

What to do? Don’t miss Bear Lake, the centerpiece for many Rocky Mountain adventures. We loved driving Trail Ridge Road, the highest (over 12,000 feet) ongoing highway in the U.S. and stop for alpine pictures along the way. Consider visiting the Wild Basin Area if you prefer less people, while Grand Lake is also a great jumping off place for outdoor adventure and ice cream.

Kids love camping and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. You never know what wildlife you will see.

If you haven’t camped much in Colorado, check out this Ultimate Guide to Camping in Colorado.

One of the most popular national parks in Colorado known for fabulous family vacations, group Rocky Mountain National Park with Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon and you’ll be up for a stellar national park road trip.

Where to stay? Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Timber Creek Campground right by the historic Holzworth Lodge on the western side of the park is supposedly a fun, quieter spot for families.

Our number one pick for staying outside the park is YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, just southwest of the park. Options include cabins, yurts, camp sites, large reunion lodges, plus loads of outdoor activity on site.

Learn more: Stay in a Yurt at Snow Mountain Ranch in the Rockies.

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Explore the desert with kids at this spectacular national park

Saguaro National Park

Arizona

Why go? Remember the giant iconic cactus towering into the sky from the Western movies? They are called Saguaro and the only place in the world you can find them are in the Sonoran Desert. Saguaro National Park resides in Tucson, Arizona, and consists of 2 districts: Rincon Mountain District to the east and Tucson Mountain District to the west of the city.

What to do? We recommend visiting the Rincon Mountain District since it’s scenic drive is paved. Once you get there, stop at the Visitor Center, watch the movie about the park, and grab the Junior Ranger program for the kids.

Then, drive the 8-mile Cactus Forest Drive loop. Walk through the cacti. Tell your kids to spot the grandest and the tallest cactus and see how small they are compared to it! Also, look for ‘hotels’ in saguaro cactus — holes in the cactus that are homes for different birds.  

Saguaro is a unique, stunning experience making it one of the best day trips to a national park.

Where to stay? At that time we stayed in Hilton, the closest to the park. El Conquistador Tucson offers amazing views of the Catalina Mountains and the desert, plus 3 world-class golf courses, a spa and great outdoor pools.

Learn more about this park from Two Worlds Treasures: Visit Saguaro National Park In June. Follow their adventure on Instagram. 

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Sequoia and Kings Canyon pack a two for one punch for kids in national parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

California

Why go? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks go hand in hand sitting one on top of the other. Walk among giants — some of the oldest trees in the world — sequoias to be exact. Grab a glimpse of Mt. Whitney or explore marble hallways underground in Crystal Cave. The drive between Sequoia and Kings Canyon is a site by itself, and meeting General Sherman is like icing on the cake.

What to do? We gave Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks one long day and we were sad to leave. This park in California is one of America’s best national park vacations for families, and now we know to stay longer next time.

Plan at least two days to immerse yourself more fully in these two adjacent parks.

If you only have one day for Sequoia, hop on Generals Highway and make General Sherman your number one priority, making time for Congress Trail. Then, on Day 2, head to Grant Grove Village, meet General Grant Tree and other trees in General Grant Grove. Don’t miss Panoramic Point in the park and take Kings Canyon Scenic Byway on the way out.

Where to stay? Atwell Mill Campground in Sequoia or Sentinel Campground in Kings Canyon would be our picks. Or stay in nearby Three Rivers at the Buckeye Tree Lodge.

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Yellowstone was one of our family’s most memorable national park vacation

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

Why go? Geysers, geothermal waters for swimming, Old Faithful, colorful springs, funny little mud pots, hiking, fishing, and more. There’s something for every age to enjoy and explore in Yellowstone National Park.

What to do? Huge and diverse, it’s a challenge to try to see everything in Yellowstone. Plan ahead by inviting each person in your family or party to pick the one thing they must see or do in Yellowstone — and prioritize from there.

Yellowstone is perfect for a week long national park family vacation.

We hit the highlights at Yellowstone, and you should too: Norris Geyser Basin, soaking in geothermal waters at Firehole Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, wildlife sightings in Hayden Valley, Mammoth Hot Springs, Roosevelt Arch, and horseback riding under the Big Sky.

Where to stay? Your lodging or campsite will in part determine what you are able to see in Yellowstone. We relaxed in this wonderful vacation home in West Yellowstone, Montana for seven nights. While we were able to see a lot of the park, we did not make the long trek to Lamar Valley because it would have meant six or more hours in the car just for one day.

If it’s your first time in Yellowstone and you’re camping, aim for pitching your tent in Canyon Village so you can be centrally located between all of the highlights of Yellowstone.

Learn more: Yellowstone with kids

Download our Camping Gear Checklist for Families.

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Yosemite Valley is a gorgeous spot for a family vacation

Yosemite National Park

California

Why go? Crushing waterfalls, cliffs for serious climbers, giant sequoias, high country hiking — you can see why Yosemite National Park is internationally famed among all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. It’s in our family’s top three best national parks for kids, right up there with Zion and Glacier.

Yosemite Valley, known for its many waterfalls and towering cliffs, and Wawona and Mariposa Grove in the south, are open year-round. Tuolomne Meadows on the western side of the park is best for summer hiking and camping, while Hetch Hetchy is loved by backcountry enthusiasts.

What to do? To avoid surging weekend and even daytime crowds, visit Yosemite during the week and plan to stay 3-5 nights. In the summer, bring your bikes (or rent them) as the Valley floor is mostly flat, you can save your energy for hiking to waterfalls, and then you won’t have to wait in lines for the free shuttle.

Over five days we were able to see Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, hike the Mist Trail, picnic at Mirror Lake, splurge on breakfast buffet at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, and more. There are so many things to do in Yosemite.

Where to stay? We lucked with first-come first-serve camping spots in the historic Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. Staying five nights allowed us to really immerse ourselves in Yosemite.

For a hotel, head to The Ahwahnee in Yosemite, the majestic and historic hotel worth the splurge in the valley. Or consider the more reasonable Yosemite Lodge.

Download our Camping Gear Checklist for Families.

Learn more: Yosemite is one of the best national parks with kids and teens. One huge highlight is hiking the Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.

February 2024 Entrance Reservations

Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing and when the sun is at the right angle in mid to late February. This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources.

In order to manage this event, a February reservation will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on the weekends only of February 10–11, February 17–19, and February 24–25, 2024, even for those not visiting Horsetail Fall.

Yosemite is reviewing their visitor management system and more changes are likely coming!

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Zion is easily in our top three best national park family vacations

Zion National Park

Utah

Why go? Pink, orange and red rock formations in the timeless Kolob Canyons and Zion Canyon makes this quiet, yet popular park the perfect place for loads of outdoor adventures. The Virgin River enters through the Narrows, a spectacular place for hiking, wading, and photography. The picturesque small town of Springdale is a super fun, eclectic base with plenty of excellent mom-and-pop places to eat and shop.

What to do? We’ve been to Zion twice so far, and hiking the Narrows and canyoneering in the adjacent Kolob Terraces are our top favorite family experiences. Hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail is a real treat when arriving via the East Entrance, especially at sunset (see above). Don’t miss the Court of the Patriarchs, wading in the Virgin River, biking the Pa’rus Trail, Emerald Pools Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

The free shuttle through the park in the summer makes most of the park auto-free in summer. Consider visiting in fall when the temperatures are more comfortable and the crowds have waned; winter can also be wonderful.

Where to stay? The first time we visited in June and we stayed in the super nice Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale / Zion National Park, complete with an outdoor pool, laundry room, great views, and free breakast.

Our second visit to Zion was over spring break, and we were pleasantly surprised by the La Quinta Inn. Their pool was even better and the views just as good.

Permits Required to Hike Angels Landing

While those visiting Zion National Park do not need a timed ticket to enter, those interested in hiking Angels Landing will need a permit as of April 1. To get a permit, you must pay $6 to enter either the seasonal or day-before lottery.

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National Park entrance fee–free dates in 2024

• January 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

• April 20: First day of National Park Week.

• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day.

• August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act.

• September 28: National Public Lands Day.

• November 11: Veterans Day.

Is a Campervan worth all the hype?

We got off the grid in one ourselves. You might be surprised at what we found.

What it’s really like to rent an Outdoorsy RV

Conclusion

America’s best national parks make for some awesome family vacations and unforgettable road trips. Thanks to all of our guest contributors who covered some of the parks we haven’t yet hit.

Which national parks vacation is your favorite so far? Which ones are at the top of your bucket list? America’s national parks are some of the absolute best outdoor adventures for families with kids and teens.

National Parks List

all 63 from A to Z:

• Acadia, Maine

• American Samoa

• Arches, Utah

• Badlands, South Dakota

• Big Bend, Texas

• Biscayne, Florida

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado

• Bryce Canyon, Utah

• Canyonlands, Utah

• Capitol Reef, Utah

• Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

• Channel Islands, California

• Congaree, South Carolina

• Crater Lake, Oregon

• Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio

• Death Valley, California

• Denali, Alaska

• Dry Tortugas, Florida

• Everglades, Florida

• Gates of the Arctic, Alaska

• Gateway Arch, Missouri

• Glacier, Montana

• Grand Canyon, Arizona

• Grand Teton, Wyoming

• Great Basin, Nevada

• Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

• Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

• Guadalupe Mountains, Texas

• Haleakala, Hawaii

• Hawai’i Volcanoies, Hawaii

• Hot Springs, Arkansas

• Indiana Dunes, Indiana

• Isle Royale, Michigan

• Joshua Tree, California

• Katmai, Alaska

• Kenai Fjords, Alaska

• Kings Canyon, California

• Kobuk Valley, Alaska

• Lake Clark, Alaska

• Lassen Volcanic, California

• Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

• Mesa Verde, Colorado

• Mount Rainier, Washington

• New River Gorge, West Virginia

• North Cascades, Washington

• Olympic, Washington

• Petrified Forest, Arizona

• Pinnacles, California

• Redwood, California

• Rocky Mountain, Colorado

• Saguaro, Arizona

• Sequoia, California

• Shenandoah, Virginia

• Theodore Roosevelt, North Dakota

• Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands

• Voyageurs, Minnesota

• White Sands, New Mexico

• Wind Cave, South Dakota

• Wrangell, St. Elias, Alaska

• Yellowstone, Wyoming

• Yosemite, California

• Zion, Utah

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