Yellowstone with Kids
Planning a vacation with kids to Yellowstone National Park? Wondering if Yellowstone is good for young kids? Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to America’s first national park, filled with wonder, excitement, and endless discoveries alongside your little explorers. We’ve compiled everything you need to plan a once in a lifetime family vacation to Yellowstone.
At Yellowstone Vacations, we’ve curated an exclusive collection of the most awe-inspiring and captivating activities tailored specifically for families with kids. From thrilling wildlife encounters and mesmerizing geothermal wonders inside the park, to kayaking and wildlife discovery outside the park, every moment promises to be an adventure of a lifetime.
Step into a world where bison roam freely, geysers erupt in spectacular displays, and majestic waterfalls cascade into crystal-clear pools. This is a place that creates core memories around every turn, promising magic moments that your family will never forget.
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best family-friendly hikes, scenic wildlife spots, and must-see attractions inside and outside of the park. Whether you’re embarking on a guided tour, enjoying a leisurely bike ride, or marveling at the colorful geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Top Things To Do in Yellowstone with Kids
Inside The Park
Old Faithful
Traveling to Yellowstone with kids means a lot of drive time and one of the reasons Old Faithful is such a great stop with little ones is the faithful eruption times every 90 minutes, meaning you’re guaranteed to see it go off with a little bit of planning. Check with park rangers as you enter the park to get an idea of eruption time, but if you miss it, there’s still plenty to do in this massive geyser basin, whether you grab a bite to eat at Yellowstone General Stores or explore the iconic Old Faithful Inn, this is the perfect lunchtime spot with plenty to explore in the area. The Upper Geyser Basin trail here is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, giving everyone in your family the opportunity to see the massive number of geysers and pools in this incredible geyser basin.
Grand Prismatic
This iconic spot is known throughout the world as one of the most spectacular sites on the planet and seeing it from above is where the magic happens. Luckily for you, this safe family Yellowstone hike is an easy trek for people of all ages. Park at Fairy Falls parking and head out on this 0.6 mile hike (1.2 miles roundtrip) with a small elevation gain of 105 feet. Because this is one of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone, make this your first stop of the day and try to visit on a blue sky day as the colors of Grand Prismatic really pop on a sunny day.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Carved out over millions of years, The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a deep, narrow canyon with breathtaking walls of color and spectacular waterfalls. This is a great stop for kids with easy access to canyon and waterfall overlooks, an interactive Visitor Center and retail and food options at Canyon Village. We love the Canyon General Store with an old-school, retro vibe that all ages love.
Lamar Valley
Kids of all ages love wildlife and there’s no better spot in the park for wildlife scouting than Lamar Valley. Dubbed America’s Serengeti, this is the spot for viewing bison, wolves, bears, elk, coyote and more. This is a great spot to hit at sunrise and sunset when wildlife is typically at its most active. Bring some snacks, plan to stop in the pull-offs, and prepare to get stuck in a bison jam, Yellowstone’s most beloved form of traffic delay.
Outside The Park
Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding at Hebgen Lake
A longtime local favorite, Hebgen Lake is an idyllic mountain lake that is packed with kid-friendly activities in the summer months. Kirkwood Marina rents kayaks, SUPs, and fishing boats to explore the lake and get some time out on the water. Sitting just 15-minutes from West Yellowstone, MT, this is a great out-of-park spot for Yellowstone fishing with kids and perfect for a slower paced day of vacation. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 12 or older in Montana and can be purchased here: https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/license/
Stop at the Happy Hour Bar for a lake-front lunch and a great array of kid-friendly food.
Horseback Riding Through The National Forest
Explore the Yellowstone region by horseback and get an entirely new view of this awe-inspiring landscape. Perfect for families with older kids, a guided horseback ride is a fun way to explore the outdoors and get a true old west experience.
Side By Side Adventures
For the more adventurous family vacation, take a day to explore the National Forests surrounding Yellowstone National Park with a side by side rental from Yellowstone Vacation Tours. There are hundreds of miles of trails to ride around West Yellowstone and with 4-person vehicles, the whole family can enjoy this exciting activity on your trip to Yellowstone.
Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo
Complete the Wild West experience at the Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo. This family-friendly activity brings fun and excitement; saddle up, we’re heading to the rodeo! The Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo features all your favorite rodeo events including Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Team Roping and even a Calf Scramble where kids get to compete. It’s old west fun and happens five nights a week through the summer.
Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone
After a day of thrilling adventures, retreat to our family-friendly cabin accommodations at Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone, where comfort and convenience for the whole family await. From cozy cabins with modern amenities to s’mores around the firepit, this is family lodging that ensures your Yellowstone experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Explorer Cabins are perfect for family travel due to their multiple bedrooms (so littles that need a nap or have an early bedtime have their own quiet space to settle down for the night). The kitchenettes allow for in-room cooking with a sink, a two-burner cooktop, toaster, microwave, mini-fridge and a set of kitchenware and dishes – perfect for staying in with the family after a long, exciting day in the park.
Camp Host
The Camp Host offers an array of family-friendly yard games, eBike rentals, and a local expert ready to offer guidance on what to see inside and outside of the park. Open May 15 – September 15 from 8:00am to 10:00pm, this is a great spot to unwind, learn about the park and the area and enjoy a beautiful Montana evening.
Stay
Enjoy comfortable, modern, amenity-rich lodging when you stay outside Yellowstone National Park.
Wildlife Viewing
Yellowstone is home to more than 200 species of animals, and spring is one of the best seasons to see them in action.
