Family vacations are a great way to bond and bring the family closer together, but sometimes it can be hard to find vacations that can accommodate little kids. Come wander with us in Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, and have a family vacation that both you and your little ones will love.
1. Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring
One of the most recognizable destinations in Yellowstone is the Grand Prismatic Spring. It is the most photographed location in the national park and there is little wonder why. It is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone and its bright, rainbow colors will surely catch your eye. The spring gets its varying layers of colors from the different species of bacteria that live in the water. The bacteria are attracted to different parts of the spring, depending on its temperature. The easiest way to access the Grand Prismatic Spring is through the boardwalk by the Midway Geyser Basin, which is stroller accessible. But if you and your family are looking for a view of the iconic spring from a unique lookout, you can see it from the overlook at the Fairy Falls Trail. Regardless of what way you choose to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring, you will see a sight unlike any other.
2. Become a Junior Ranger
When we immerse ourselves in nature, there are unique and rich learning moments that can’t be found in the ordinary classroom. Yellowstone National Park has a self guided program allowing visitors to become Junior Rangers. It starts for kids ages four years old and up to adults. All of the visitor centers in the park have full color booklets available with different activities included. Those who complete the Junior Ranger requirements will receive patches resembling the National Park Service patch. Patches are color coordinated according to the age group of the Junior Ranger. Accompany your kids as you work together to complete different activities in the booklet and learn concepts ranging from the wildlife in Yellowstone to fire ecology. This will surely be a memorable experience during your vacation in Yellowstone.
3. Watch Old Faithful Erupt
Come and see one of the world’s most famous geysers. It was discovered in 1870 and received its name for its dependable and frequent eruptions, which have numbered over a million since the park was first established. Each eruption ranges in height from 100-180 feet and occurs about 21 times per day. An eruption can last anywhere from 1.5 to 5 minutes. While the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center is open, be sure to check out the predictions for current geyser activity. Old Faithful is a must see for anyone traveling to Yellowstone. It is also wheelchair accessible, which makes it very easy to visit with young kids. We are sure this destination will be a family favorite for both kids and adults.
4. Become a Young Scientist
While you visit Old Faithful, be sure to stop by the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Here you can purchase $5 self guiding booklets for your kids to be Young Scientists. This is a program offered by the national park to coach youth and families to solve science mysteries through investigations in both the visitor center and through exploring the national park. It starts for kids at age 5 and has several different booklets depending on the age of children participating. Those who complete the activity will be rewarded an official Young Scientist patch (ages 5–13) or key chain (ages 14 and up). Young Scientist booklets are also available at Canyon Visitor Education Center for ages 9 and up.
5. Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Looking for ways to see wildlife in a safe and educational setting? Then we highly recommend visiting the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. It is a non-profit wildlife park and educational center in Yellowstone that teaches both kids and adults about bears, wolves, otters, and other animals. They rescue animals that are unable to survive in the wild and are ambassadors for the wild outdoors. Here you will see the beautiful creatures in a safe and exciting way. They have multiple exhibits that will give your family an incredible look at otters, bears, and other wildlife. Visitors also have the opportunity to donate to the center and adopt animals, where their contributions go towards taking care of an animal with enrichment and veterinary care, with a certificate of adoption. Stop by for an enriching and educational visit!
These are just some of the many incredible activities for you and your family to do during your trip to Yellowstone. For more ideas, check out the other places you can’t miss in Yellowstone National Park.
Post Written by: Carrie Christensen