OutGrown

10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone

  2. Share
Vong Hamilton Vong Hamilton
0 0

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in the U.S., spreading over 3,500 square miles with a varying landscape that beckons to be discovered. Families with young kids will find a plethora of things to learn about and explore, such as forests, canyons, waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, thermal pools, wilderness, as well as all the animals that call Yellowstone home. Our family spent a week in Yellowstone National Park (and Grand Teton) and below are places we recommend for families with young kids based on our itinerary. It includes hiking, swimming, sightseeing and learning opportunities; however, there were some places we couldn’t fit in with our limited time. But first thing’s first: Yellowstone is a big park, so plan ahead to make the best of your time (and money) there.  Here are some tips for planning your trip to Yellowstone. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby

PLANNING

Flying

You can fly into Jackson Hole, WY (the closest to Grand Teton);  Idaho Falls, ID (two hours west of Yellowstone); or to sacrifice a longer drive for more affordable fares, Salt Lake City, UT, is five hours south of Jackson Hole.

Lodging

There are many options inside and outside the park. We opted to stay inside Yellowstone at different areas of the park to avoid long lines at the gate and for easy access to parking (lots fill up quick if you don't get there early!). This also allowed us to take it easy and explore at our leisure. Accommodations inside the park vary depending on your needs and budget, but it’s advised to make reservations up to a year ahead. Tip: If you decide to stay outside the park, get an early start as it could take two hours or more to get to the park, get past the entrance and drive to your destination. With all that time driving, most people only see Old Faithful and a few boardwalks then have to head back out before nighttime.

Building an itinerary

Yellowstone has five entrances with a road system built in the shape of an 8, so decide which direction you’ll take then plan your attractions. We came up from Grand Teton (south entrance) and did a counterclockwise loop through West Thumb, Mammoth Hot Springs, Madison, Canyon Village and Old Faithful, then exited via the west entrance to West Yellowstone, ID.

Packing

The weather can be unpredictable and change between the four seasons in the same day, so pack layers you can easily take off or put on. Sunblock and a hat are also important, as is bug spray - some areas are ridden with mosquitos. And if you have a kid who likes to wander off or isn’t steady on his feet, a carrier is a better choice than a stroller as boardwalks get crowded and it can be frustrating getting around. Something you'll also have to consider is if you're going to pack food in or buy them in the park. We cooked most of our meals, so we packed two coolers where, inflight, one held hiking gear and a small butane cooktop, and the other had our clothes and a foldable duffle bag to transfer clothes into later. Once we got groceries, one cooler held our pantry and cooking items and the other held our cold foods. If you go this route, make sure you visit the park's website to get a list of designated picnic areas. Here are some additional tips on ways to pack snacks for a road trip. Note: If you plan to hike, carry bear spray. These can be purchased inside or outside the park. (We compared prices and it was cheaper in town than at the resorts or the parks.) And if you end up not using the bear spray, leave it with a park ranger; they always appreciate the extra supply. If you only visit the more popular, crowded areas, you won’t need bear spray.

10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone

1. West Thumb Geyser Basin

West Thumb Geyser Basin borders Yellowstone Lake on the south and is a short walk on a boardwalk that offers impressive hydrothermal features - pools as blue as the sky and so deep it feels like you’re looking into a bottomless pit. There are even thermal features located IN the waters of Yellowstone Lake, such as Big Cone. This is an easy walk for littles and a great introduction to the park if you start your adventures from the east. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

2. Mammoth Hot Springs

Located at the north entrance, Mammoth Hot Springs is where the park headquarters is located, and due to its lower elevation, it's accessible year-round. Drive along the upper terrace and check out the travertine terraces, then walk around the boardwalk at the lower terrace and check out the steaming hydrothermal features. When you're done, grab a bite to eat and visit the Visitor Center. There are a few kid-friendly hiking trails nearby that lead into the wilderness, but bring sun protection (sunblock and hats) as there’s hardly any shade. And carry lots of water! If you have time, head out the north entrance to visit the Roosevelt Arch and walk around the town of Gardiner, MT. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

3. Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point, Canyon Village

If you want a wide view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Artist Point is your go-to. Located on the edge of a cliff on the south rim, the overlook gives you a panoramic view of Lower Falls and the river running through the canyon walls. If you want to experience being inside the canyon walls, Uncle Tom’s Trail is nearby. Follow the South Rim Trail, which is paved with a few switchbacks, until you reach the trailhead for Uncle Tom’s Trail. The out and back trail is a steel staircase that descends 500 vertical feet down the south canyon walls and takes you near the base of the Lower Falls. There is seating at the platform at the bottom, which makes for a perfect spot to have a snack. Relax and take your time because hiking back up can be strenuous, but there are benches along the way to rest. Please note that if you or anyone in your party is scared of heights, this might not be a good fit. And this isn’t recommended while carrying a kiddo in a carrier unless you’re prepared to take the challenge of a strenuous hike up over 300 steps. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

4. Old Faithful

Old Faithful is one of the top reasons for visiting Yellowstone and for good reason. It got its name due to its consistent eruptions (about every 78 minutes), and because of that, prediction times are posted all over the Old Faithful area. So if you’re at the diner, gift shop or Inn, you can prepare for the next eruption. My favorite part of watching Old Faithful are the moments leading up to the eruption. Even with hundreds of people on the platform, there’s a silence that falls over the crowd as everyone, in unison, waits for the magic to happen. Then as steam and water slowly bubble and shoot up into the air, hearing the crowd cheer and clap is a reminder of how nature brings us all together. The Inn is also a must-see while you’re there; then head over to the store to grab the ever-popular huckleberry ice cream or lollipops and enjoy them on the deck while you watch Old Faithful erupt again. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

5. Observation Point Trail to Solitary Geyser, Old Faithful

Most visitors to the park only watch Old Faithful from the ground, but if you hike a third of a mile to Observation Point, you’ll get a different perspective of Old Faithful from 250 feet up. It’s a 1.1-mile loop to Observation Point and continues on to Solitary Geyser, which comes with its own interesting story, so make sure you read the nearby plaque. A good way to time your hike to Observation Point so you see Old Faithful erupt is to start as soon as an eruption is over. Given the estimated 78 minutes between eruptions, you’ll have enough time to find the trailhead and not feel so rushed. It’s a great place for a snack and some quiet meditation (or to let the kids run around) between eruptions. And if you leave after an eruption, by the time you get back, you’ll be in time for ANOTHER eruption. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

6. Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory, Old Faithful

After you've had your fill of Old Faithful, head to the Visitor Center to look around and take note of other nearby geyser eruptions before making your way down the Upper Geyser Basin, which offers the most thermal features in one concentrated area. The trail from Old Faithful to Morning Glory Pool is paved and about 2.8 miles there and back - more if you walk along the boardwalks. But take your time - a few hours if you can - to explore and learn about the unique features within the Upper Geyser Basin. Early morning is a good time to explore before the crowds show up, and you can see steam rising above treetops in the distance. Also, have bug spray with you to combat the onslaught of mosquitoes in the area. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

7.  Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, Midway Geyser Basin

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in America (and the third largest in the world). With its ghostly steam rising above the vivid hues of orange, yellow and green - a result of thermophile (heat-loving) bacteria that lives in the surrounding cooler waters - flowing from its deep blue center, it’s definitely a marvel. Nearby you'll see Excelsior Geyser and Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool, but hold tight to your hat because the wind is notorious for tossing hats inside the fenced-in areas and you’ll never get it back again. And keep your kids close as Grand Prismatic draws many tourists and the boardwalks can get VERY crowded. For a wide view, you can head over to the Fairy Falls Trailhead parking lot and take a .6-mile hike up to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. This is definitely one for the books! 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

8. Boiling River and Firehole River swimming areas

There are two areas within the park that are available and safe for swimming, which is great news for the kids after warnings not to get near any water in the park. Boiling River is in the Mammoth Hot Springs area near the North Entrance. Created by the hot waters from the hot springs and cool waters of the Gardner River, the temperature is great for relaxation for the entire family. Further south near the Madison Junction is Firehole River. The river runs along a one-way road and if you miss the swimming spot (like we did), there are plenty of other areas further down for swimming - watch for cars on the side of the road. The waters here are shallow enough for kids, but bring water shoes to traverse the rocks beneath (flip flops will easily get carried downstream). 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

9. Mud Volcano 

Mud Volcano is another fun place for kids to explore, but don’t let the rotten-egg smell (sulphur) scare you back into the car. It's a short walk on a boardwalk with some really neat features that kids will love. Mud Volcano is a constant rumble of boiling mud - its gray color a reminder of clay. Up some stairs, you'll reach Dragon’s Mouth Spring. The kids will be most impressed by this feature as it’s a pool adjacent to a cave which, when it spews steam from its mouth, it rumbles and pushes water out of the cave opening - just like a dragon spewing fire. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby  

10. Junior Ranger Program

If you have time, take your kids to attend a junior ranger program. These are so beneficial in helping kids learn more about the ecosystem from experts who live and work in Yellowstone. With Old Faithful’s popularity, we attended a program at Old Faithful to gain more insight about how geysers work. This is a great activity as it helps paint a picture of what is happening underground right before Old Faithful or any geyser erupts to promote an appreciation for nature's handiwork. 10 fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone by Vong Hamilton for Hike it Baby If you've been to Yellowstone National Park, what are some of your favorite kid-friendly things to do in the park? Please share with us in the comments below.

Planning Resources:

Read more:

Pictures courtesy of Vong Hamilton.

 

ABOUT OUTGROWN

OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org 

 

EDITORS NOTE:

We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you.

But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

 

Community tags

This content has 0 tags that match your profile.

Hiking

National Parks
Hiking Destinations
Hiking Tips
Hiking with Children
Travel

Comments

To leave a comment, login or sign up.

Related Content

0
3 Breathtaking kid-friendly trails in Montana
Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family-friend hiking trails around the country. In this article, we share three breathtaking hikes in Montana to explore with babies and young children while considering the unique ways young children hike, wander, dawdle and explore. McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park Glacier National Park’s landscape feels sacred thanks to mountains jutting up toward the sky and big animals roaming freely in spite of the area’s popularity on the national park circuit. No matter where you go in Glacier, you can’t go wrong for capturing beautiful scenic mountain moments wherever you look. If you pick your trails wisely, you’ll still experience all the vastness Glacier has to offer without feeling limited with little walkers. McDonald Creek is an easy trail with many spots along the way to stop and nurse, change a diaper or for adventurous toddlers and kids to climb rocks and trees. There are several waterfalls along the way, and the trail overlooks the creek as it winds through the mountains. The bridge is a gathering spot, as there are several big rocks to hang out on and have a picnic. The less crowded spots are just past the bridge as the trail continues up along the creek. A bit farther and you can even access a small beach-like area that is nice and secluded and is a perfect place for lunch, swimming and skipping rocks. Most of the trail is level along the creek with lots of fun things to look at and explore. I loved McDonald Creek best because there were so many waterfalls and the trail winds along the creek at the upper end of Lake McDonald. All of the running water helped get baby to sleep. We also found a great rock to change him at the viewpoint. We hiked that one twice and walked along the lake, too. Great views of the surrounding mountains. It was beautiful! – Angela Malson Tips: To avoid the crowds, go past the bridge where the trail gets narrower. It goes through a beautiful forest and has more secluded spots to access the creek. This trail also intersects a horse trail, and kids will enjoy seeing horses on trail. Keep your eyes open for fish in the creek and chipmunks along the trail. Other wildlife you can expect to see regularly are deer, hawks, and signs of beavers and bears. Parking is at the trailhead, down by the north part of the lake. There is also parking by the bridge in the middle of the trail, but that may get full as the bridge is also a viewpoint for people who don’t hike the trail. St. Mary Falls, Glacier National Park If you follow Going To The Sun Road and head east to the other side of Glacier from McDonald Creek, you’ll reach the trailhead to St. Mary Falls. But if you’re coming into the park from the St. Mary Entrance Station, the trailhead is 10.5 miles westbound from the entrance. St. Mary Falls is one of Glacier’s most spectacular waterfalls. St. Mary Falls has three tiers of rushing glacial waters, with the bottom tier being the smallest. The trail is only 1.7 miles roundtrip, but offers amazing views of surrounding mountain peaks. It winds through a dense conifer forest, fields of wildflowers in summer and a burn area from the 2015 fire. Along the way you can also see Baring Falls at just 0.7 mile from the trailhead. Once you reach St. Mary Falls, there’s a foot bridge over the waters you can cross to get a full view of the falls. Tips: Due to its popularity, the parking lots fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early, come later in the afternoon or take the shuttle from Sun Point or Rising Sun. If you have time, continue on the trail for another mile to see the impressive Virginia Falls. Come prepared with sun protection as the trail brings you through scorched areas with little shade. Pine Creek Falls, Gallatin National Forest (Park County, MT) Pine Creek Falls offers beautiful views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness with views of Black Mountain, which is the second highest mountain in Montana at 10,941 feet. The 2.5-mile out-and-back trail leads to a waterfall and narrow footbridge where you can cross the creek below the falls. If you have time, stop and let the kiddos play in the pool of water and small rocks that have been swept down by the fall. But be careful of little ones drinking water on this trail as giardia, the microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, is ever present in this area. Expect a little bit of climbing, but nothing a toddler can’t do – but bring the carrier in case. The trail is dog-friendly and fairly well trafficked most of the day. However, if you plan to hike alone first thing in the morning in the summer, consider bringing bear spray (but to be safe, always have bear spray on you). There are bears and other large animals in the area, so making noise can help remind animals of your presence and encourage them to move on before you arrive on the trail. The trail extends a lot farther to a popular but very hard hike called Pine Creek Lake if you want to go beyond the 2.5 miles. This is a favorite hike for our family, both just as a day trip and also when we camp at Pine Creek Falls Campground. While it does get crowded in the middle of the summer, it’s nice in the spring and fall too. The trail is a bit rocky and has some elevation gain, but in general, it is really kid-friendly. It’s shaded well in the summer and the views of the falls are pretty at the end. – Amelia Mayer Tips: Remember this trail is near Yellowstone National Park, so expect to see a lot of people on the trail in the warmer months. If you’re looking for more solitude, consider visiting in winter when you can hike and snowshoe. You can also hike out on various side trails from this main trail to get a little more mileage in. Want to make it an overnighter? Check out the 25 single camping sites at Pine Creek Campground. They are first come, first served. The campground has water and is handicapped-accessible. The road to the trailhead is located a short drive through the camping area. There are several parking areas (which become full on a busy summer day) and the trailhead is clearly marked. What are your favorite hikes in Montana for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below! More Resources for Families with Young Children Montana offers an abundance of trails for families with young children. For more family hike ideas, see: Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with local branches) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide Montana state parks National Park Service Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges Read more: 10 Unforgettable things to do in Glacier National Park with kids 3 Memorable hikes in Colorado for families with young children 3 Amazing hikes for families with young children in Wyoming 10 Fun things to do with kids in Yellowstone Trails contributed by Angela Malson, Amelia Mayer and Shanti Hodges. Photos courtesy of Angela Malson, Amelia Mayer and Steven Smith.
0
3 Unique places to take kids in Oklahoma
Whether you’re new to hiking with your baby or toddler, or you’re looking for a new trail to explore, the Hike it Baby community is a valuable resource for finding family hiking trails around the country. In this article, we share three kid-friendly hikes in Oklahoma to explore with babies and young children. Hiking with young children (under 5 years old) is different from hiking with school-age children. These three unique places in Oklahoma offer families of young children exciting adventures while considering the unique ways young children hike, wander and doddle.  Gloss Mountain State Park (Fairview, OK) Located two hours west of Oklahoma City is Gloss Mountain State Park, a series of mesas that jut out from the landscape in the middle of nowhere. The red dirt welcomes visitors in the distance long before you reach the entrance. Once you enter the park, there’s a parking lot with some picnic tables and a restroom – which is the only restroom, so be sure to use the restroom before your ascent to the top as there are no restrooms on top of Gloss Mountain. The trailhead starts at a short bridge and continues on a boardwalk before taking hikers up a series of metal stairs. The hike up the stairs may not seem intimidating at first, but don't be surprised if you find yourself out of breath. Fortunately, there are benches along the trail for anyone who needs to catch their breath or to let faster hikers pass. The stairs end for the last few feet of the hike, where some scrambling is necessary to reach the top. There's also a hand rail for those who need extra assistance. Once you reach the top, the views are amazing as far as the eye could see and the trail continues as far as you're willing to hike. Tips: If you’re carrying a baby, make sure you have some help to get over the last few feet. If you have a kiddo who can walk, it’s a good spot to let them down and practice their climbing skills here. Bring sunblock and wear a hat as there’s not much shade on top. Make sure you watch young kids and keep them away from the edges. The Gathering Place (Tulsa, OK) While it’s not a traditional “trail,” The Gathering Place is a great option for getting kids outside and playing in a huge outdoor classroom. Located east of the Arkansas River and south of Downtown Tulsa, The Gathering Place offers five acres of attractions that are hands-on, interactive and nature-related. Kids of all ages will enjoy hours of climbing, sliding, swinging, collecting, banging, balancing, skateboarding, biking, boating and anything else you can imagine. If you stay long enough and have the energy, go across the street and walk a bit of the River Parks Trail and catch the sunset. The paved trail is 10 miles and is used for walking and biking year-round. From The Gathering Place, you can avoid traffic by traversing the above-street walkways that connect The Gathering Place to River Parks Trail. Tips: Park hours are 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and offers programs and activities throughout the day and evening. Street parking is limited, but there’s a large free lot across the street. Just be careful to keep young kids close as the streets around The Gathering Place are busy. Due to its popularity, the park gets crowded so make sure you locate restrooms on the park map so when the kiddos need to go, you know where to go. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Lawton, OK) Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge spreads out over 59,000 acres with buffalo, Texas longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, elk and deer. Various outdoor activities are available for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing and more. For something more organized, the refuge also offers guided tours. There are nine trails to choose from that vary in distance from 0.3 mile and goes up to just a little over 5 miles. Or if you’re looking for something longer, combine all the trails for 10 miles. But because hikers share the trails with wildlife, pay attention to the trails as animal trails can be mistaken for hiking trails. Tips: Because the trails are in full sun, wear sunscreen and hats. And bring lots of water to avoid heat stroke. As the terrain is rocky, make sure you wear sturdy shoes to help maintain your balance. Cell phone coverage is spotty, so either bring a map of the trails or take a picture of the map on your phone so you don’t get lost. Photo by Lisha Newman from www.travelok.com. What are your favorite hikes in Oklahoma for families with babies, toddlers and young children? Leave a comment below! MORE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Oklahoma offers an abundance of trails for families with young children. For more family hike ideas, see: Hike it Baby calendar (or connect with local branches) Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide Oklahoma state parks Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers – New Book by Hike it Baby Founder Shanti Hodges If you’re traveling through Oklahoma and need more information or recommendations on trails or would like to join a group hike, the nearest Hike it Baby branches are Tulsa and Oklahoma City. READ MORE 3 Exciting trails in Texas to explore with young children 3 Family-friendly hikes in Arizona 3 Kid-friendly trails in Kansas for young children Photos by Vong Hamilton and Lisha Newman.
OutGrown
Powered by Cause Machine. All rights reserved.