Exploring national parks with young children is a fantastic way to create lasting memories, spark a love for nature, and introduce them to the wonders of the great outdoors. But not all parks are equally suited for little legs and short attention spans. The best national parks for families with young kids offer easy trails, exciting wildlife, interactive programs, and plenty of opportunities for adventure without too much hassle.
Additionally the National Park Service has designated several fee-free days in 2025, providing free entrance to over 400 national parks across the country. These days are perfect opportunities for families to explore without the cost of admission:
The 2025 free entrance days are:
- January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
- June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- September 27 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
Here are some of the best national parks that cater to families with young children, along with tips for making the most of your 2025 visit.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Short, Scenic Hikes: Try the Kephart Prong Trail or Cataract Falls Trail—both under a mile and full of fun nature elements.
- Lots of Wildlife: Black bears, salamanders, and fireflies make for exciting sightings.
- Interactive Learning: The Sugarlands Visitor Center has kid-friendly exhibits and a short nature walk.
Family Tips:
- Pack a picnic and stop by Cades Cove, where kids can spot deer, turkeys, and historic cabins.
- Plan your visit around the synchronous fireflies event, typically occurring in late May to early June, where thousands of fireflies light up the night in unison—a magical experience for kids.
2. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Geysers & Hot Springs: Old Faithful erupts on a predictable schedule, perfect for young adventurers.
- Wildlife Everywhere: Bison, elk, and bears can often be spotted from the safety of your car.
- Kid-Friendly Walks: Midway Geyser Basin offers a short boardwalk trail with colorful hot springs.
Family Tip: Grab a Junior Ranger booklet at a visitor center to keep kids engaged with fun activities!
3. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Tide Pools & Beach Fun: Explore tide pools at Bar Harbor and collect seashells.
- Easy Hiking: Jordan Pond Path and Wonderland Trail are flat and great for little legs.
- Scenic Drives: Park Loop Road allows kids to see beautiful views without too much walking.
Family Tip: Rent bikes and ride the Carriage Roads, a safe and easy way to explore!
4. Yosemite National Park (California)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Short Waterfall Hikes: Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Falls are both stroller-friendly.
- Wildlife & Giant Trees: Deer, chipmunks, and giant sequoias keep kids entertained.
- Fun Ranger Programs: The park offers kid-friendly nature walks and storytelling sessions.
Family Tip: Stay in Yosemite Valley Lodge for easy access to kid-friendly trails.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Scenic Drive with Wildlife: Trail Ridge Road offers amazing views and frequent animal sightings.
- Short, Fun Hikes: Bear Lake Loop is an easy, stroller-friendly trail around a beautiful alpine lake.
- Wildflowers & Butterflies: In the summer, kids can see colorful flowers and butterflies.
Family Tip: Visit the Moraine Park Discovery Center for hands-on nature exhibits.
6. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Exciting Wildlife: Alligators, turtles, and birds are easy to spot!
- Flat Boardwalk Trails: Anhinga Trail is short and stroller-friendly.
- Airboat Rides: A thrilling way for kids to experience the swamp safely.
Family Tip: Visit in the cooler months (November–April) to avoid mosquitoes and heat.
7. Zion National Park (Utah)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Easy Walks with Amazing Views: Riverside Walk is a great trail for families.
- Shuttle System: No need to worry about driving—kids love the free park shuttles!
- Water Play: The Narrows has shallow water perfect for splashing in (with adult supervision).
Family Tip: Bring extra water—it gets hot, and hydration is key!
8. Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Why It’s Great for Young Kids:
- Short, Fun Hikes: Stony Man Trail is easy and leads to breathtaking views.
- Wildlife Watching: White-tailed deer and black bears are often seen from the road.
- Waterfalls & Streams: Kids love Dark Hollow Falls, a short hike with a stunning waterfall.
Family Tip: Drive along Skyline Drive for easy, beautiful scenery with minimal walking.
Bonus: Many national parks offer Junior Ranger Programs, interactive visitor centers, and even special kid-focused guided hikes. Before your trip, check the National Park Service website for seasonal events and ranger-led programs.
Making National Park Adventures Fun for Young Kids:
- Plan Around Naps & Mealtimes: Stick to familiar schedules to avoid crankiness.
- Bring a Nature Journal: Let kids draw what they see and collect small nature treasures (where allowed).
- Choose the Right Trails: Stick to hikes under 2 miles with engaging features like waterfalls, animals, or rocks to climb.
- Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and extra clothes go a long way!
- Take It Slow: Let kids explore at their own pace—sometimes playing with a rock or stick is the best adventure.
Visiting national parks with young children is not only possible—it’s an amazing way to bond as a family and introduce kids to the wonders of nature. With the right planning and kid-friendly destinations, you’ll create unforgettable memories and spark a lifelong love of adventure.
Wildstork Publishing offers a wide range of rhyming children’s books featuring many of our great National Parks that will get your child excited to go on their next outdoor adventure and educate them on the different types of nature they will encounter. Perfect for creating a lifelong love of nature and outdoor adventures!
“Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
-Chief Seattle of the Duwamish tribe