Our family loves to explore different national parks on our travels throughout the country and one of our favorites is Yellowstone National Park.  Many people wonder if Yellowstone is a good trip when they have younger kids and my answer to that is YES! This park has so many different natural wonders to see and a majority of these are very accessible and easy to visit even with very young kiddos. We were able to visit here when our kids were ages 7, 4, and 1 and we had an amazing time.

It can also be hard to figure out how long to spend in the park as a family. While we devoted 2 full days to explore, I do think that it felt like just enough time to fit in the things we wanted to see. However, spending an extra day could be recommended to help give a little extra breathing room to enjoy the sights.

Below are my top 7 kid-friendly must-do sights to ensure you have a memorable trip for the whole family:

1. Geyser Gazing at Old Faithful

Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most famous geyser and a must-see for kids and adults alike. The geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, sending a spectacular column of water up to 180 feet in the air. The predictable eruptions make it somewhat easier to plan a visit, but I would recommend going earlier in the day than later in the afternoon as it may be less busy in the earlier hours. Be sure to also check out the nearby Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, where interactive exhibits explain the science behind geysers.

2. Exploring the Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest in the world, and is an incredible natural wonder to visit in Yellowstone. Its stunning vibrant colors, ranging from deep blue to fiery red, create a mesmerizing sight that deserves a stop for anyone visiting the park. Walking along the boardwalk to view the spring, our whole family was in awe of the sights.

3. Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley, nestled in the heart of Yellowstone, offers a landscape teeming with wildlife. The meadows and rivers provide the perfect habitat for a wide array of animals, such as bison, elk, wolves, and bears, making it a must-visit destination. Entering the valley, we were greeted by the sighting of a large herd of bison. Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars to allow for a closer look at the wildlife. Visiting here also allowed for us to talk to our kids about the importance of nature preservation and safety for both wildlife and our family.

4. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center 

Located in West Yellowstone, we got to see bears, wolves, otters and birds of prey at this discovery center. Our daughter also got to be part of their Keeper Kids program. This 30 minute hands-on program for kids age 5-12 helps to teach them about grizzly bear eating habits. At the end of the program they get to go accompany a naturalist team member into the bear habitat and hide food for the bears. Once the group leaves, they release the bears into the habitat again to find the food. Our kiddos loved this!

5. Visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is an awe-inspiring part of the park. Upon entering the parking lot for the trail to the Brink of the Lower Falls, we were able to get a nice family photo and then started on the trek down to the Falls. The hike was short at 0.7 miles, and it is all downhill to the most iconic waterfall of Yellowstone. When we got to the Brink of the Lower Falls, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Yellowstone River and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Keep in mind that the hike up can feel pretty strenuous at times, especially since I had our son on my back in a carrier, but it was nonetheless a thrilling experience for our whole family.

6. Having a Picnic and Relaxing by Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation lake in North America, offers plenty of space to relax and take a break during the day visiting the park. We were able to stop here for lunch and picnic by the lake. This also allowed our family some time to try our luck at skipping stones by the lake and chasing waves by the shore. We were also able to take some memorable photos before heading out to the next sight.

On the western side of the lake is an area called West Thumb which has really nice walking paths to see some incredible geysers and pools. The backdrop of the lake just beyond the trails make visiting this area even more picturesque.

7. Checking out Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is located just outside of the town of Mammoth which is located on the northern part of the Yellowstone National Park close to the Wyoming-Montana border. It was here that we saw bubbling mud pots and travertine formations. It was also fascinating to see the terraces created by hot spring activity.

The town of Mammoth offers a convenient stop to get out and relax for a bit. There is a nice general store to find a souvenir at as well as a selection of ice cream flavors to enjoy. We let our kiddos walk around the grassy areas near the shops for a while before getting back on the road to see more sights. 

Overall, Yellowstone National Park offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities that will create lasting memories for the whole family. With so much to offer, Yellowstone National Park is must-see in your lifetime and a great family destination. We enjoyed our time there very much and look forward to going back again soon! 

What is your favorite activity to do as a family in Yellowstone National Park? Let me know in the comments below!