Top National Parks for Family Adventures

Planning a family vacation in a national park can seem overwhelming. With 62 official parks in the US, it can be challenging to choose the best options for kids. To help, here are our top picks for family-friendly trips in some of America’s most treasured national parks. From towering trees to colorful badlands and wildlife sightings, there’s something for even the pickiest city kid!

Death Valley

When to visit: Spring, fall, winter
Best for: Hiking, rock scrambling, wild west history, scenic drives, car camping
Whenever you read about Death Valley, it is described as a park of superlatives. It’s the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America, as well as the largest national park outside of Alaska by over a million acres. This makes it a massive desert wonderland for families to explore. Most attractions, like Badwater Basin, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Devil’s Golf Course, Zabriskie Point, and Artist’s Palette, are within a short hike from the car and many are stroller-accessible.

Furnace Creek serves as the main hub for lodging and food in Death Valley. Several campgrounds and hotels like The Inn at Death Valley, The Oasis at Death Valley, and The Ranch at Death Valley have swimming pools for those scorching shoulder season visits. The best time to go is typically winter, making it a perfect option for outdoorsy families looking to escape the snow.

Sequoia

When to visit: Summer, fall
Best for: Big trees, hiking, backpacking, car camping
Kids will feel like they’ve entered Jurassic Park while gazing up at the giant sequoia trees in Sequoia National Park. This park focuses on big mountains and forest bathing, with the Parks Service making access to these gigantic trees family-friendly. Drive Generals Highway from Three Rivers, look for deer and black bears on the accessible Big Trees Trail, and later learn about the park’s flora and fauna at the Giant Forest Museum.

For those interested in backpacking, Sequoia National Park offers several trails with stunning vistas. Additionally, there are seven campgrounds for car camping as well as options in neighboring Kings Canyon. The Wuksachi Lodge, located inside the park, is dog-friendly and has a full-service restaurant.

Everglades

When to visit: Spring, fall, winter
Best for: Wildlife viewing, boat tours, beach camping, car camping
Located on the southernmost tip of Florida, the Everglades provide a warm and tropical escape year-round. Kids can enjoy guided airboat safaris to spot native birds and alligators, followed by a wildlife show that is included with the ticket.

The Everglades offer two drive-in campgrounds and numerous backcountry tent sites. Families wanting beach access, a restaurant, and a pool can rent a car and stay in nearby Miami, just an hour’s drive from the park.

Yellowstone

When to visit: Summer, fall
Best for: Geyser gazing, wildlife viewing, car camping, hiking
Imagine the excitement when your child encounters a 2000-pound bison at Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife abounds here, with ample lodging options and top sights requiring only a short stroll to reach. The multi-use trail circling Yellowstone’s Geyser Basin is fully accessible for strollers and is essential for first-time visitors.

Yellowstone offers nine hotel and cabin facilities and twelve campgrounds, catering to every family’s needs. The historic Old Faithful Inn, completed in 1904, features live music, a full-service restaurant, and easy access to the park’s famous geysers.

Acadia

When to visit: Summer, fall
Best for: Tide pools, scenic drives, fall foliage, hiking, biking, car camping
Acadia boasts one of the most unique Junior Ranger programs in the US park system, making it fantastic for ocean-loving children. Engage in a ranger-guided boat cruise, search for seals, and touch marine life during the visit. With 125 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of picturesque carriage roads, it is perfect for children and families.
For accommodations, Acadia features three NPS campgrounds that often fill quickly during summer. Nearby Bar Harbor offers a variety of hotels, many with heated swimming pools to accommodate tired parents.

Grand Canyon

When to visit: Spring, fall
Best for: Scenic drives, hiking, backpacking, car camping
The Grand Canyon is a bucket-list family road trip. The park features extensive paved trails, including the 13-mile accessible South Rim Trail, perfect for strollers and all ages. Families can start at Bright Angel Lodge and explore the Trail of Time for hands-on geological education. Shuttle buses are available to simplify the return travel.

While backpacking down to the Colorado River can be strenuous, Grand Canyon National Park provides three car-friendly campgrounds, with two available for reservation. Consider splurging on a historic stay at Bright Angel Lodge or enjoy the views at the El Tovar Hotel.

Carlsbad Caverns

When to visit: Year-round
Best for: Caving, bat viewing, short hikes
Experience a subterranean adventure at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Cave tours, suitable for ages 4 and up, offer options ranging from one to five hours. It accommodates every attention span and skill level. Visitors can witness thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats emerging at sunset during the summer, a breathtaking natural wonder accompanied by informative ranger-led discussions.

Although primitive backcountry camping is available within the park, nearby Carlsbad, New Mexico offers a variety of kid-friendly hotels, many with pools and complimentary breakfasts.