Getting the kids outdoors and enjoying nature is easy to do when visiting Yellowstone!
When planning your trip, remember that July and August are the busiest months of the year with kids out of school. Consider coming in late May or early June or in September when the weather is mild but still nice. In addition to the natural wonders of Yellowstone like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, here are more ideas of things to do with the kids.
Join a Wildlife Tour
Yellowstone is home to a wide variety of wildlife and your family can expect to see bison, elk, and other wildlife in the area. Depending on where you’re at in the Park, you may also see elk, bears, wolves, moose, bald eagles, and more. Don’t forget to bring binoculars for the kids too! Make the trip more enjoyable by joining a tour with an expert guide. There are many top-rated companies around Jackson that know Yellowstone well and can take you to the best areas to see wildlife.
Junior Ranger Program
This program is fun for all ages. Purchase a booklet for $5.00 at one of the Ranger Stations and then have fun as a family going through the different activities that will help you learn more about Yellowstone than just driving through. Completing the activities earns a badge based on the age group. There are also Ranger-led activities during different months. Check out the schedule for the dates and times at the different Ranger Stations.
Stars Over Yellowstone
Depending on where you live, wide-open skies and millions of stars may not be something your kids get to see very often. The night sky is breathtaking away from all the city lights, and since 1999, Yellowstone has offered a chance to enjoy programs about astronomy, find constellations and view the night sky through telescopes. Take the time to include this activity on your vacation. You won’t be disappointed!
Take a Hike
The great thing about Yellowstone is that there is so much variety of natural wonders; geysers, rock formations, secluded lakes, bubbling ooze. Stop and get the kids out of the car and take short hikes to different features of the Park. Take a 2.2-mile round trip hike to Mystic Falls, a 1 mile round trip to Wraith Falls or a 1.2-mile round trip hike to the bubbling Artist Paint Pots.
That’s just a few of the many things to see and do in Yellowstone. Visit the National Park Service to help plan your trip.
