14 Epic National Parks You’ll Want To Take Your Kids To See
National Parks are some of the most incredible places to explore in the United States. Their stunning natural scenery, wildlife sightings, and various activities make them perfect for family adventures.
While the U.S. is filled with National Parks, a few stand out for families. You’ll want to find a park that offers lots to see and do while also being convenient and not too far away. As a parent, I have just the right suggestions. Here’s a list of the most incredible National Parks your kids will love experiencing firsthand.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic choice for a family trip! It’s primarily located in Wyoming but also stretches into Idaho and Montana, making it easy to reach from different directions. Kids will be thrilled by the Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts about 20 times daily and creates a spectacular sight of water shooting into the air.
But that’s not all. The park is a haven for various wildlife, including buffalo, bears, bighorn sheep, moose, and deer, offering plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. Besides these things, Yellowstone also boasts breathtaking scenery, excellent hiking trails, and many other exciting activities that families can enjoy together.
2. Arches National Park
Arches National Park is an absolute delight for the young and young at heart! This park will amaze you with its vibrant red rock formations and numerous natural arches, sparking excitement in you and your kids. It’s an ideal destination for families of all ages because little ones can play on some of the rocks. At the same time, older children can enjoy moderate hikes, and everyone can appreciate the gorgeous scenery.
Situated in eastern Utah, Arches National Park is surrounded by exciting activities in nearby Moab. Whether paddling on the Colorado River, riding ATVs, or camping out, something is thrilling for everyone in the family. With so much to offer, Arches National Park promises a fantastic outdoor experience for families looking to have fun together.
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park, which sits in southern Colorado, boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America. Standing on these towering dunes with Colorado’s epic mountains in the background is a truly unique sight.
Kids will be amazed by the massive size of the sand dunes, and in summer, they’ll love playing in the creek created by melting mountain snow. However, due to snowmelt, this creek is only available in summer. Besides exploring the dunes and creek, older kids can try sandboarding, while younger ones can enjoy sledding down the sandy slopes. This park is perfect for adventurers and a big hit for families with kids.
4. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is a top destination in the United States that you absolutely must visit. While you may have seen pictures of it, there’s nothing quite like experiencing it in person, especially for your children, who will be amazed by its size and breathtaking views.
Situated in northern Arizona, not too far from Las Vegas or Phoenix, the Grand Canyon is easily accessible and a perfect add-on to your travel itinerary if you’re in either city. It’s not just about the incredible scenery; the park also offers fantastic programs like the Junior Ranger program, great hiking and biking trails, opportunities to learn about geology, and much more, making it the perfect national park for families with kids of all ages.
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is in southern California, a short distance from Los Angeles or San Diego. Famous for its iconic Joshua trees and distinctive rock formations, the park creates a surreal landscape that feels straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
Apart from the stunning scenery, your children will love the massive boulders scattered across the park, providing a natural playground for them to climb and explore. Additionally, there are numerous kid-friendly hikes that are easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
6. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, located in eastern California, is an excellent choice for a family trip. I suggest watching some Star Wars movies beforehand, as the park features locations where scenes were filmed. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, a famous spot, will make your kids feel like they’re in the movies. Apart from Star Wars, your children will enjoy exploring the diverse scenery, including walking on a volcano at the Ubehebe Crater.
I also recommend visiting the park after sunset for some incredible stargazing. Death Valley is renowned for its clear skies and is one of the best places in the United States for stargazing.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in eastern Tennessee and is renowned for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It’s an ideal destination for a family getaway, offering many activities for kids of all ages. There’s something for everyone, from easy hikes suitable for little ones to moderate trails for middle-aged children and challenging hikes for older kids.
Apart from hiking, children will be fascinated by the abundant wildlife in the park, including bears, deer, chipmunks, birds, and many other animals. Another highlight for kids is the park’s numerous waterfalls, with over 100 cascades to explore. With so much to see and wildlife to lookout for, Great Smoky Mountains National Park promises an unforgettable experience for families.
8. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, which sits in southern Florida, is famous for its expansive wetlands and abundant wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other species. If your children are animal lovers, this is their perfect destination. However, keeping a safe distance from the wildlife and observing them from afar is essential.
One of the most unique experiences in the park is taking an airboat ride with your kids to explore the scenery and wildlife. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a different environment, observe alligators, and try something new. This trip is sure to create lasting memories for your children.
9. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, boasts dramatic mountain landscapes, beautiful lakes, diverse wildlife, and fantastic hiking paths, making it an ideal getaway for a family vacation.
One of the highlights for families with children is exploring the park’s hiking trails, with options suitable for kids of all ages. Additionally, enjoying the park’s water features and participating in old-school activities like skipping rocks with your kids adds to the fun. Treat your kids to ice cream after a long day of exploring at Cedar Tree Gift Shop or the Curly Bear Cafe to end the day on a sweet note. Glacier National Park offers something enjoyable for both adults and kids and a memorable experience for the whole family.
10. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in southeastern New Mexico, is famous for its limestone caves, impressive rock formations, and great hiking trails. It’s a top choice for families, offering cool caves to explore and a great opportunity to witness different wildlife.
Kids will be amazed by the fascinating caves and their unique shapes. They’ll also enjoy spotting wildlife like tarantulas, sheep, deer, mountain lions, mice, bats, and others. For an unforgettable and unique experience, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the perfect destination.
11. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, situated in western Wyoming, is famous for its stunning, sharp grey mountains, excellent hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and numerous lakes. Because of its diverse activities and experiences, it’s an ideal destination for a family trip. Hikes are suitable for all skill levels, making them accessible for kids and adults alike.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, horseback riding, or floating along the Snake River. One of the highlights is taking the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, offering fantastic views and a fun ride that kids will love. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, bears, and more, providing opportunities for both adults and children to appreciate nature up close. Grand Teton National Park offers something special for every member of the family to enjoy.
12. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in northwestern Washington is famous for its stunning Olympic mountains and unique landscapes. But, did you know it’s home to three different ecosystems? These include glacier-covered mountains, the rugged Pacific coastline, and lush temperate rainforests. It’s a fantastic place to experience a variety of landscapes and nature.
Kids will love exploring the different views, from beaches to mountain peaks with wildflowers and towering forests of Sitka spruce trees. There are endless opportunities for adventure. Plus, the park offers many hikes suitable for all ages, where you can encounter wildlife like sea lions and whales along the coast and deer, bears, and other animals throughout the park.
13. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is situated in northern Colorado and is renowned for its breathtaking Rocky Mountain views, particularly along Trail Ridge Road. The park offers stunning scenery, an array of wildlife, and a fantastic atmosphere.
It’s a great destination for families with kids, offering numerous hiking opportunities and beautiful alpine lakes to explore. Its close proximity to Denver makes it an easily accessible option for day trips. As you venture throughout the park, keep an eye out for different wildlife; you might catch views of elk, bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions, and other animals.
14. Zion National Park
Zion National Park sits in southwestern Utah and is a beautiful spot for families with children of all ages. With various hiking options and stunning views of red rock formations and mountains, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Kids especially love trails like the Pa’rus Trail and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, which are ideal for hiking with little ones. Watch for wildlife such as bighorn sheep, deer, foxes, and other animals while exploring the park.
