Exploring Yellowstone with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Adventure

There are so many things to do in Yellowstone with kids. It’s a land of geothermal wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife, and is a treasure trove of adventure and discovery. Spanning over 2.2 million acres across 3 states, this iconic park offers endless opportunities for exploration and fun, making it an ideal destination for families with children.

Whether you’re marveling at the awe-inspiring geysers, hiking scenic trails, experiencing an old west cookout, swimming near a hot spring, or spotting majestic animals in their natural habitat, Yellowstone promises unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best activities and attractions to enjoy with kids, ensuring a magical and educational experience for the whole family.

Things to do in Yellowstone with Kids

1. Look for Wildlife

One of the reasons we went to Yellowstone was to see wildlife. It’s a park that offers a chance to see so many species of wildlife in one area. Grizzly and black bears, elk, deer, moose, mountain sheep, mountain goats, bison, coyote, bald eagles, pronghorn, marmots, foxes, and wolves all call this park their home.

It’s exciting to see wildlife in their environment and watch how they live and survive in nature.

Lamar and Hayden Valley

Lamar Valley is the crown jewel of  Yellowstone known as America’s Serengeti, it is located in the northeastern corner of the park. The 29-mile road is between the Tower Junction/Roosevelt area and the Northeast entrance of the park. It’s an amazing spot where you will see the most wildlife in one area anywhere in the lower 48 states.

Early morning is the best time to observe animals in their natural habitat. Remember to keep a safe distance and consider bringing bear spray as a precaution.

We went here almost every evening we were in Yellowstone, we were so amazed by the area. We were able to see a grizzly bear who had killed an elf feed for hours. It was across the river as many people watched in amazement. Cameras were lined up taking pictures and we saw a bison approach and walk around the people and cameras, wow what a sight it was!

Tips:

1. Caution is needed when driving in this area as the bison roam on the roads.
2. The animals you see in Yellowstone are WILD and you should NOT approach them at any cost. Although rangers try to be around where bears are, you should always stay at least 100 yards from any wild animal.
3. It’s hard to see wolves without a spotting scope. There is an area where everyone was lined up with their scopes (we didn’t have one) and a few people let us look at wolves through their scopes. So, I would recommend bringing a scope with you
4. We brought bear spray before entering the park. Although thankfully we didn’t have to use it, I wouldn’t go to Yellowstone without it.

2. Go swimming

There are two areas within the park where you can swim, Boiling River and Firehole River.

Boiling River

About 2.5 miles north of Mammoth is the Boiling River. There is a small parking area with restrooms at the location. There is a short trail to the hot spring (about a 10-minute walk). The swimming hole is located where the cold water from Gardiner River and hot water from the Mammoth Hot Springs merge making it a comfortable warm temperature to swim.

There are signs that indicate that it is safe to swim when the river is shallow. This is a must-do when in Yellowstone, especially with kids.

Tips:

• Wear water shoes as the riverbed is rocky and uneven.
• There are no lifeguards, so you are swimming at your own risk
• The parking area is small so come early on a hot summer day as it can get very crowded.
• It is not well marked on the road so if you can’t find it, stop at the Mammoth Visitors Center where they will give you exact directions.

Firehole River

Along the Grand Loop Road just south a Madison is a 2-mile one-way loop road which takes you along the Firehole River, passed Firehole Falls, and a natural swimming hole.

The water is warm due to the Geyser activity in the area but can be rough to swim at the beginning of the season due to high water (melting snow) and strong currents. The best time to swim in this fun place is in mid-summer.

If you are a good swimmer you can even jump off the rocks into the swimming hole. It’s a blast!

Tips:

• There are (2) vaulted toilets in the parking area for your convenience.
• Water shoes are recommended due to the rocks in the area.

3. See a Geyser

The highlight for most adults going to Yellowstone is seeing the geysers, but kids love seeing the water shoot up from the ground too. Watching Old Faithful erupt right on schedule is an exciting experience for kids, giving them a front-row seat to a natural marvel. The boardwalks around the Upper Geyser Basin are safe and easy to navigate, perfect for family strolls

As you walk, you’ll see other geysers and hot springs bubbling and steaming, creating an enchanting landscape. Educational signs along the trails explain the science behind these geothermal features, making the outing both fun and educational. The vibrant colors of the hot springs, the sound of water erupting, and the smell of sulfur provide a full sensory experience that captures kids’ imaginations and helps them appreciate the wonders of the natural world.

Must-See Geysers

1. Old Faithful: This iconic geyser is a must-see for everyone visiting Yellowstone. It erupts every 60 to 110 minutes, so you’re almost guaranteed to see it in action. There’s a large viewing area with plenty of space for kids to get a good look.
2. Castle Geyser: Located near Old Faithful, Castle Geyser is known for its impressive cone structure and powerful eruptions that can reach up to 90 feet. The intervals between eruptions can be longer (10-12 hours), but it’s worth seeing if the timing is right.
3. Grand Geyser: The tallest predictable geyser in the world, Grand Geyser can shoot water up to 200 feet in the air. Its eruptions last about 9-12 minutes and occur every 6-7 hours, offering a spectacular show.
4. Riverside Geyser: This geyser is unique because it erupts over the Firehole River, creating beautiful rainbows in the mist on sunny days. It erupts every 6 hours, making it another great spot for kids.
5. Beehive Geyser: When Beehive Geyser erupts, it sends water up to 200 feet into the air. Although it’s not as predictable as Old Faithful, it’s worth checking the prediction times at the Old Faithful Visitor Center.
6. Daisy Geyser: Known for its relatively predictable eruptions, Daisy Geyser erupts about every 2-3 hours, reaching heights of around 75 feet. Its shorter intervals make it a good option for families with younger kids.
7. Fountain Paint Pot: While not a geyser, the Fountain Paint Pot area is fascinating for its colorful mud pots, hot springs, and occasional geyser eruptions. It’s a great spot for kids to see the variety of geothermal features in Yellowstone.

These geysers offer a mix of predictability, accessibility, and spectacular displays that are sure to make your visit to Yellowstone with kids memorable and fun.

4. Take a Hike

Kids love to hike as it gives them the freedom to run in the fields and through the woods. In Yellowstone, it’s great because you get to see many different things you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

Although there are over 1,000 miles of hiking in Yellowstone, here are a few that your kids will love. They are short and mostly flat filled with colors, bubbling water, geysers, and a good chance of seeing wildlife.

Biscuit Geyser Basin

The Biscuit Basin Loop is a fantastic trail to explore with kids while visiting Yellowstone National Park. This easy and short loop, about half a mile long, offers a variety of geothermal features that are sure to captivate young explorers. Here’s a guide to what you can expect on the Biscuit Basin Loop:

Key Features of the Biscuit Basin Loop

1. Jewel Geyser: As mentioned earlier, Jewel Geyser is one of the highlights of this loop. Its frequent eruptions, occurring every 7 to 10 minutes, make it a thrilling spot for kids who enjoy watching the geyser in action.
2. Sapphire Pool: This stunning hot spring is named for its deep blue color, reminiscent of a sapphire. The pool is one of the most beautiful geothermal features in the park and is a must-see on the loop.
3. Avoca Spring: Another beautiful hot spring, Avoca Spring, adds to the colorful and diverse scenery of the basin. The vibrant colors and steaming water are fascinating for children to observe.
4. Shell Spring: Shell Spring is a small but interesting feature on the loop. It occasionally erupts, adding an element of surprise to your walk.
5. Black Opal Spring: Known for its dark, opalescent waters, Black Opal Spring is another unique geothermal feature that captures the imagination with its unusual appearance.
6. Mustard Spring: This spring gets its name from the yellowish tint of its waters. It’s a great spot to discuss the different minerals that color the hot springs in Yellowstone.

Fairy Falls

• Trailhead: Starts from the Fairy Falls Parking Lot, which is south of Midway Geyser Basin.
• Length: About 5 miles round trip to Fairy Falls; adding the Imperial Geyser loop increases the distance slightly.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, mostly flat terrain.
• Highlights: Fairy Falls is one of Yellowstone’s tallest waterfalls, cascading about 200 feet. The hike also provides a great view of the Grand Prismatic Spring from the newly constructed overlook, which is a short detour from the main trail. If extended to include Imperial Geyser, hikers can enjoy additional geothermal features and usually less crowded paths.

 Mystic Falls

• Trailhead: Located at the Biscuit Basin, a few miles north of Old Faithful.
• Length: Approximately 2.4 miles round trip.
• Difficulty: Moderate; the trail includes some elevation gain.
• Highlights: This hike takes you through a forested area to the beautiful Mystic Falls, a waterfall on the Little Firehole River. The trail also offers an optional loop that climbs to an overlook providing expansive views of the Upper Geyser Basin.

Trails around Mammoth Hot Springs

• Trailhead: Various starting points around Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Length and Difficulty: Varies. Many trails are short and relatively easy, suitable for families.
• Highlights: These trails provide close-up views of the dramatic travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs. The boardwalks allow you to safely explore this delicate and intricately beautiful area. The Lower Terrace Loop is particularly popular, offering views of features like Liberty Cap and Palette Spring. For a bit more challenge, the Upper Terrace Drive provides additional scenic points and can be walked as a loop.

Tips:

• You can continue as many other trails are in this area. From the rear of the loop, there are side trails to Mystic Falls, Observation Point, Summit Lake, and the Fairy Creek trail. If you have more time to spare in the area, you can take one or many of these trails.
• Stay on the boardwalk in this area and it can be dangerous to step off of it, so hold your young kids’ hands at all times.
• This is a popular area and the parking area is not that big so you may have to wait for a parking space.
• You also have a good chance of seeing bison in this area.

These hikes are not only manageable in terms of distance and difficulty but also rich in scenic beauty and geological features. They are excellent for families looking to experience the natural wonders of Yellowstone. Always remember to prepare adequately with water, snacks, and appropriate clothing, and keep an eye on weather conditions which can change rapidly in the park.

4. Grand Prismatic Spring

One of my favorite spots in Yellowstone is the Grand Prismatic Spring. In the Midway Geyser Basin, it’s the largest hot spring in North America and a spectacle of nature’s colors. The vibrant hues ranging from deep blues to fiery oranges and reds make it a fascinating stop for children and adults alike. The boardwalk trail is just a short walk from the parking lot, making it accessible for families with young kids.

While walking sound the spring you can feel the warmth and it will be steaming on cooler days. Everywhere in the geyser basin areas, you must stay on the boardwalks for your safety.

Best View

The best way to see the Grand Prismatic Spring is from above. You can do this in one of two ways. The first is that you can climb the hill opposite the parking lot for a good overall view.

Another viewpoint from above is to take the Fairy Falls Trail (from Biscuit Geyser Basin). Look down from the top of a small hill accessible off the trail for an incredible view. This is probably the best view you can get of this hot spring.

Tips:

• This is a popular area so parking can be filled so it’s better to go early in the day.
• This is a DANGEROUS area and you MUST be careful and MUST say on the boardwalk so keep your kids close to you. People have died falling into the spring. As a matter of fact, more people have died in this spring than grizzly bears and lightning attacks in the park.
• If you are going to hike either viewpoint from above, hiking boots are highly recommended.

For more information on hiking, check out the Yellowstone hiking page on the government’s website.

See these related articles for more hiking in other National Parks:

Hiking Shenandoah National Park

Best Hikes from Bear Lake Trailhead, Rocky Mountain National Park

Isle Royale National Park

5. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in Yellowstone National Park is a unique and memorable way to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, there are options available to suit your needs.

One-Hour Rides: These are perfect for families and beginners. They typically follow gentle trails that provide beautiful views without being too challenging.

Two-Hour Rides: These rides offer a bit more adventure and allow you to see more of the park’s diverse terrain. They are still suitable for most riders, including children.

Half-Day and Full-Day Rides: For more experienced riders, these longer rides take you deeper into the park’s backcountry, offering a chance to see wildlife and less-visited areas.

Popular Areas for Horseback Riding

Canyon Area: Known for its stunning vistas and diverse landscapes, this area offers several trails that take you through meadows, forests, and along the edges of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Tower-Roosevelt Area: This area is rich in history and wildlife. The trails often follow routes used by early explorers and offer a good chance to see bison, elk, and other wildlife.

Mammoth Hot Springs Area: Riding here provides a chance to see the unique travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, as well as sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

6. Go to the Old West Dinner Cookout

Your kids (and you too) will love an evening spent like you’re in the Old West. Beginning at the Roosevelt Lodge, you either take a covered wagon or ride a horse to a real cowboy cookout in the middle of nowhere. 

You will experience a 45-minute covered wagon ride or your choice of a 1 or 2-hour trail ride to the cookout. There you will have coffee over an open campfire and when the dinner bell rings, you will have a steak dinner with all the fixing made by cowboys including chuckwagon corn, baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, coleslaw, watermelon, the best fruit cobbler you’ll even have and beverages.

You get to converse with the cowboys, western music will be playing and be sure to bring your dancing boots as there will be plenty of dancing too. It is an enjoyable evening and you will feel like you’re in the old west.

We did this with our kids and enjoyed a great evening. One of my kids wanted to take the covered wagon and the other wanted to ride the horse so me and my husband divided up and let the kids experience the way they wanted to. It was so much fun.

It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the early settlers and cowboys who once roamed the area. The cookouts are generally available from June through early September, but it’s a good idea to check the current operating status and make reservations well in advance, as this popular activity can be booked quickly.

Tips: 

• On the ride through the valley keep an eye out for wildlife, it’s the time of day you can see a lot.
• Although it a little pricey, it is a must-do when visiting Yellowstone because it’s an experience you can’t get in most places you travel to.
• Bring extra clothing as the nights get cool, even cold (depending on the time of year) in Yellowstone.

7. Participate in the Junior Program

Yellowstone’s Junior Ranger Program is a fantastic way to engage kids in the park’s natural wonders while fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. The program is designed for children of all ages and encourages them to learn about Yellowstone through fun, educational activities.

How It Works

• Booklets: Junior Ranger booklets are available at all visitor centers throughout the park. These booklets contain a variety of activities tailored to different age groups.
• Activities: While exploring the park, kids complete the activities in their booklet. These tasks may include wildlife observation, learning about geothermal features, and understanding the park’s history and ecosystems.
• Completion: Once the booklet is filled out, kids can take it to any visitor center. There, a park ranger will review their work, and they will be awarded a Junior Ranger badge as a reward for their efforts.

Age-Specific Patches

• Ages 4 to 7: The patch for this age group features a geyser, symbolizing the park’s famous geothermal activity.
• Ages 8 to 12: The patch for these slightly older kids depicts a bear, representing the wildlife that roams Yellowstone.
• Ages 13 and Up: Even teens (and adults) can participate. This age group’s patch showcases a bison, one of Yellowstone’s iconic animals.

Benefits and Fun for the Family

• Educational and Fun: The Junior Ranger Program is an engaging way for kids to learn about Yellowstone’s natural and cultural heritage. It makes their visit more interactive and meaningful.
• Special Souvenir: The badges and patches earned through the program serve as special mementos that kids can proudly display, reminding them of their accomplishments and experiences in the park.
• Family Activity: Participating in the Junior Ranger Program can be a fun family activity. Parents and older siblings can help younger children with their booklets, making it a collaborative and educational experience for everyone.

Additional Information

• Free Program: The Junior Ranger Program is free, although there may be a nominal fee for the booklet.
• Variety of Activities: Activities range from simple observational tasks for younger children to more challenging projects for older participants, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
• Special Events: Occasionally, Yellowstone offers special Junior Ranger events and programs led by park rangers. Check the visitor center schedules for any special activities during your visit.
• Online Resources: For those who want to get a head start, some resources and activities may be available online. This can be a great way to prepare for your trip and get kids excited about what they will see and do in Yellowstone.

The Junior Ranger Program at Yellowstone National Park is an enriching way to explore and learn about the park. It provides children with a sense of achievement and a tangible connection to one of America’s most treasured natural landscapes.

8. Visitor’s Centers and Ranger-Led Programs

The park’s visitor centers and ranger-led programs are invaluable resources for educating children about Yellowstone’s natural and cultural history. Participating in ranger programs or the Young Scientist Program can enrich your family trip, turning it into an educational adventure. The Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs is particularly interactive.

9. Get a National Park Passport

The passport serves as a wonderful memento of your adventures, helping you and your kids remember all the parks you’ve explored. Collecting stamps at each visitor center becomes a fun activity, encouraging kids to visit and learn about different areas of the park.

Yellowstone’s Unique Passport Experience

Different Stamps at Each Visitor Center: Yellowstone National Park features 10 visitor centers, and each one offers a unique stamp. This adds an exciting challenge to your trip as you try to collect all the different stamps.

Educational and Fun: As you visit each center, you and your kids can learn more about Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems, geology, and history through the exhibits and ranger programs.

How to Get Started

1. Purchase a Passport Book: You can buy a National Park Passport at any park visitor center or online before your trip.
2. Free Stamps: Each visitor center provides a free date stamp that marks your visit.
3. Colorful Stickers: In addition to the free stamps, you can purchase colorful sticker stamps for a few dollars. These stickers feature beautiful illustrations and add a vibrant touch to your passport.

The passport is a great tool for both kids and adults, making it a perfect family activity. As you visit more national parks, your passport collection grows, creating a personalized record of your travels.

10. Boating and Fishing

Take a scenic boat tour or rent kayaks on Yellowstone Lake. The lake’s vastness and the surrounding scenery are impressive, and being on the water can be a thrilling experience for young adventurers.

Also, go fishing (with a permit). Be sure to follow all regulations regarding boating and fishing to ensure safety and sustainability.

11. Have A Picnic

Picnicking: Enjoy a family picnic with a view. There are several picnic areas throughout Yellowstone, providing a great way for the family to relax and enjoy meals surrounded by nature.

Planning Your Visit

The summer months are the best time to visit Yellowstone, offering warmer weather and full access to all park areas. However, it can also be the busiest season, so planning is crucial. Always check the park’s official website for updates on trail closures, wildlife activity, and geyser eruption predictions to make the most of your visit.

Yellowstone National Park promises a family vacation filled with wonder, learning, and adventure. From the majestic geysers to the abundant wildlife and engaging educational programs, there is something in Yellowstone for every member of the family to cherish.

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