Best Things to Do In Yellowstone with Kids
Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park? Want to bring the kids? Yellowstone with kids is amazing! They will absolutely love it. There are so many fun things to do in Yellowstone with kids!
I highly recommend a Yellowstone family vacation. You love all the family-friendly hikes in Yellowstone and exploring the geysers.
In this post, we will make a list of the top things to do in Yellowstone with kids. This will help you create the best Yellowstone itinerary for families. I am only going to include the best of Yellowstone for families!
Let’s explore all the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids and Yellowstone tips for families to make your trip amazing!
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Money-Saving Tips For Yellowstone with Kids
I have a few Yellowstone tips for families that will not only save you money but will keep you safe as you visit Yellowstone National park with kids.
Do You Have a 4th Grader?
National parks have an amazing 4th-grade pass that allows all 4th-grade students and their families free entry to all of the parks, including Yellowstone National Park.
The pass is called, “Every Kid in a Park.” Every year, beginning September 1st, all 4th graders have access to the pass. It expires on August 31st, so you have the entire summer after 4th grade to use it.
We have used this pass, and it has been awesome! It is a great way to save money and explore all the amazing beauty of the national parks.
It is very simple to sign up for the pass. Go to the Every Kid in a Park Website and fill out the necessary information for the National Park Service. You can print out your temporary pass. You will be given an official pass when you arrive at your first national park. It is a neat collectible for the kids to have.
National Park Pass
If you are planning on visiting three or more parks in a year and you do not have a 4th grader, the American the Beautiful National Park Pass is also a great way to save money.
Safety Tip for Yellowstone with Kids 
Word of Advice….be cautious and watch your children. There are dangers all around. As fascinating as it is to see all the incredible sites at Yellowstone, it is important to be smart.
Watch where you are going and follow the rules. Yellowstone with children is possible but be aware of your surroundings!
Yellowstone With Toddlers
Visiting Yellowstone with toddlers can be challenging. I was very nervous around all the hot pots. I recommend getting a backpack carrier and keeping them safe inside.
I also recommend holding hands with kids under 8.
How Many Days Do You Need at Yellowstone National Park with Kids?
We all know kids have a shorter attention span. Yellowstone is huge and involves a lot of driving. Keeping kids in a car for too long is never fun!
Is Yellowstone a Good Family Trip?
Absolutely! I recommend 2 days at Yellowstone if you have little kids. You will have to choose certain areas of the park that you think your kids will like the most.
2 Day Yellowstone Itinerary
If you have older kids or book a private guided tour, you can accomplish more sites in less time but you may want to go on longer hikes that take more time! A 2 day Yellowstone itinerary is a great place to start.
Honestly, you could spend a week in Yellowstone and still not see everything.
Important Yellowstone Tips for Families
A Yellowstone family vacation is great! There are a few really important Yellowstone tips when planning your Yellowstone itinerary for families.
Book Early
We booked our trip in February and our trip was planned for August. Hotels and campsites were already filling up that far in advance.
We like cabin camping and booked a KOA cabin near the west entrance of Yellowstone. The best time to book is EARLY for a Yellowstone vacation!
Plan Enough Time
Plan enough days to explore this amazing park. There are so many things to do in Yellowstone with kids. We did not have enough time to explore the entire park on our first trip but, we loved what we did see!
We thought of our kids and really wanted them to enjoy the experience in regard to time spent in the park.
Be Flexible
Sometimes the park is busy. It is a very popular summer destination. Traveling from one side to the other side of the park can be congested at times. Also, your drive can be interrupted by wildlife crossing a street.
When traveling to Yellowstone with Children flexibility is key!
2 Day Yellowstone Itinerary (Yellowstone with Kids)
Let’s create a 2 day Yellowstone itinerary! What are the best things to do in Yellowstone with kids?
Best Things to Do in Yellowstone with Kids
- Visitor Center/ Old Faithful
- 3 stops – Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser
- Artist Point Paint Pots – 1-mile hike but so cool
- Lamar Valley – Finding Wildlife
There are more areas that are amazing to visit in Yellowstone with kids. I find you have to pick and choose some of the best spots for your Yellowstone family itinerary and go until they get tired and can’t go anymore!
Yellowstone National Park for Kids Programs
There are some great programs to check out at the Yellowstone Visitor Center before you start exploring the area. These programs are some of the best family things to do at Yellowstone National park.
Junior Ranger Program
The first thing we do when my family arrives at a national park is to head straight for park rangers to inquire about the Junior Ranger program.
Junior Ranger Programs
This is our favorite thing to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids. Yellowstone has many options to choose from. Please note that some of these programs do cost money.
The Junior Ranger program is designed for kids ages 4 and up. You will purchase your book and begin the activities inside. Once your little one has completed the age-appropriate activity, he or she will be awarded a really cool badge.
Collect A Junior Ranger Badge
Some families may go out of their way to collect these badges from as many national parks as they can, as each has a different badge. It is one of the best things to do at Yellowstone with Children. They will love it!
If you keep your eyes open while at Yellowstone National Park, you’ll probably see a kid with a backpack covered with badges from parks around the country.
Scientific Program
The scientific program is designed for children 5 and up. The cost is $5. It is so worth it! Once you purchase your book you are given a measurement tool that will tell you how hot the water around Old Faithful is.
It is absolutely awesome! Your child points the device and it measures the temperature. When you complete your book you will receive a badge or a key chain.
Hands down this is the best thing to do at Yellowstone National Park with kids!
Our Experience at Yellowstone with Kids
We purchased the scientific program for my then 8-year-old who loves science. Our entire family had so much fun measuring all of the different boiling pots.
It was well worth it if you have young kids, as it entertained everyone but also gave us a real understanding of how dangerous walking around Yellowstone can be. Some of the temperatures were very hot and could easily scold a child if they fell in.
Purchase your Own Thermometer
One of the best tips for families is to plan ahead. During the pandemic, the scientific program was not available. We decided to purchase a thermometer on Amazon, that would measure the water temperature. It is inexpensive and makes your Yellowstone with kids’ adventure so much better!
The Yellowstone Visitor Center is the best Yellowstone National Park with kids’ locations to use this tool!
Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park with Kids
1. Visitor Center
One of the best things to do in Yellowstone with kids is to visit the Yellowstone Visitor Center. This is where you will find Old Faithful.
Which Part of Yellowstone is Best for Kids?
The visitor center is a great place to start your “Yellowstone with kids” adventure! There are ranger-led programs you can check out here, which are awesome!
Where is the Yellowstone Visitor Center?
At many national parks, the visitor center is the first place you see on your way in. Not Yellowstone. You have to drive deep into the park before you arrive at the Old Faithful Visitor Center and parking area.
Enjoy the Yellowstone Visitor Center
Take time to enjoy the Yellowstone visitor center itself. There are hands-on exhibits and activities to entertain your children. It is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone with kids and should be at the top of your Yellowstone itinerary.
You could probably spend half a day in the Yellowstone visitor center and the adjacent area, which includes Old Faithful and walking trails. It is one of the best places to visit in Yellowstone.
I am glad we made stopping at the Yellowstone visitor’s center a priority because the activities there are amazing!
2. Old Faithful
Old Faithful is what we were most excited about when coming to Yellowstone with kids. It is pretty amazing watching this geyser explode out of the ground like clockwork every 35 to 120 minutes! It was so impressive!
Best Thing to Do at Yellowstone National Park with Kids
Old Faithful will probably be the highlight for most kids and will be remembered as one of the best places to visit at Yellowstone National Park! They will probably remember how impressive and awesome it is to see the water shooting up so high.
You will want to gather around the designated location to view the geyser early so that you will have a great seat. The anticipation is really exciting for the kids as well.
Beehive Geyser
The Beehive Geyser is located near the Yellowstone Visitor Center just a short walk in the Old Faithful area. We got lucky and it erupted right after Old Faithful. Beehive only erupts 2 times a day. It is a double bonus if you get to see both when visiting the Yellowstone Visitor Center!
3. Search for Wildlife 
One of the best parts of Yellowstone is seeing wildlife! It is not surprising to see bison crossing the street. We were on the hunt to find grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elk, moose, badgers, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and otters.
The excitement the kids had when we spotted an animal was priceless. I love hearing my kids get excited and laugh when they saw something! This was another one of our favorite things to do at Yellowstone National Park with kids!
Yellowstone Tips for Families
Bring bear spray My cousin was walking along one of the wooden plank trails and a bear walked right out in front of her! This might be one of the best sites in Yellowstone but also very scary! Just keep a safe distance from the wild animals.
The best place to go in Yellowstone National Park to find wildlife is the Lamar Valley which is on the Upper Loop. Go in the early morning or evening hours for a better chance to see wildlife.
Family-Friendly Hikes in Yellowstone with Kids
Let’s explore some family-friendly short hikes in Yellowstone! Like I said early when hiking with kids keep a good eye on them and they will be fine! Some of the best things to see at Yellowstone will be found while hiking, so it is worth going on a few!
4. Observation Point – Near Old Faithful
Duration: 42 minutes
Miles: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
This is a great, short hike. As you go up to the point you will get a different view of Old Faithful and the thermal features and geysers that surround the area.
This path has a wooden, bridge-like walkway above all the hot pots. It will be important to hold little children’s hands. And honestly, if I had a child under 4 I would invest in a backpack carrier, just for extra safety.
This is a great family-friendly hike in Yellowstone!
5. Upper and Midway Geyser – Mystic Falls Trail
Duration: 2-4 hour
Miles: 3.4 Loop
Intensity: easy
Just north of the visitor center, or if you enter on the West Yellowstone entrance, you will see the Upper Geyser Basin and Midway Geyser Basin.
These are the first two stops we made. Our first stop was the Mystic Falls trailhead. There is a parking lot where you can get out and take a short hike. I will say parking is really hard in the busy season!
If you are looking for a cool thing to do in Yellowstone with kids this hike will not disappoint.
6. Fairy Falls Trail
Duration: 3-5 hours
Miles: 1.6
Intensity: Easy
Our second family-friendly hike in Yellowstone was the Fairy Falls trailhead. I will say that I have a very anxious child and he was very scared. I don’t blame him, the ground is so thin in spots that if you were to step on it you would fall right through.
There are certain pathways that keep you safe, but as a child, this could seem very intimidating. We did not walk too far on this path because of his fear. But like I said as long as you are careful at Yellowstone with kids you will be fine!
7. West Thumb Geyser Basin Hike
Duration: 21 minutes
Miles: .6
Intensity: Easy
This is one of the best family-friendly hikes in Yellowstone with kids. It was very beautiful. It is funny, but our kids did struggle a little bit with the length of the hike. It wasn’t long, but the kids were worn out from all the prior actions of the day.
Yellowstone with Children
This is one of the best places to visit at Yellowstone National Park with kids. The water is so blue. This was one of our favorite things to do in Yellowstone National Park with kids.
One way we help our kids with hikes is by playing games along the trails. We have to be pretty creative and for the most part, it pays off! Sometimes we will make believe we are in search of treasure in a faraway kingdom, with trolls and other beasts lurking around the corner.
8. Artist Paint Pots
Duration: 23 minutes
Miles: 1
Intensity: Easy
Artist Paint Pot trail is about a 1-mile hike. Do this hike while your kids are fresh! When you arrive there are wooden planks that you can walk along. Bubbles of liquid pop out of the mud pots and explode which is awesome to watch! This hike is worth it and one of the best places to visit in Yellowstone National Park!
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Yellowstone with kids. These family-friendly Yellowstone hikes are perfect to add to your one or two-day Yellowstone itinerary.
9. Picnic at Yellowstone National Park with Kids
Having a picnic is one of the top things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Kids love the idea of having a picnic! Finding a great spot to enjoy a nice picnic wasn’t too hard!
We headed to West Thumb Geyser Basin trailhead. There are picnic tables available. Hanging out and enjoying the beauty of the area was fabulous. You can also find a spot near the visitor center.
2 Day Yellowstone Itinerary
There are some fun things to do in Yellowstone National Park with Kids! You can probably create a one-day Yellowstone itinerary or spread things out and create a 2 day Yellowstone itinerary.
There are definitely more things to do in Yellowstone with kids than what I have listed but this is a great start to a fun family vacation to Yellowstone!
Plan a Family Trip to Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is unlike anything you have probably seen before. It really is a beautiful and thrilling location. It has a lot to offer! Taking your kids to Yellowstone is a great idea!
I highly recommend going and seeing for yourself the extraordinary landscapes and geological wonders. We went in the summer but it is also Yellowstone in winter is amazing as well.
There are so many things to do at things in Yellowstone National Park with kids! There is a good reason why Yellowstone is ranked as one of the best national parks in the United States!
Family Fun Near Yellowstone
Also, remember that theJackson Hole and the Grand Teton National Park is nearby, so be sure to add that to your itinerary!
If you have time Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho is very fun for kids. You can also take a road trip from Yellowstone to Idaho Falls and find some amazing family-friendly activities.
We love National Parks and Yellowstone in my opinion is one of the best West Coast National Parks!
I know you will love your family vacation to Yellowstone! Have fun!
Facebook Community
If you have any questions join my Facebook Travel Community. You can ask any questions you have about upcoming trips and everyone is happy to help you plan your trip. I also try to give exclusive travel deals that companies send me. It is a great group to join!
Yes! We have TWO fourth graders! Looks like we will be making a trip there this year! Thanks for the great info.
Yes, I am trying to take advantage of my son’s pass this year!
I agree that national park passes are so worth the $80! We buy one every year and soon, I’ll be eligible for the senior price. 🙂
I was going to mention that one too! It is a great deal!
We love hiking and I’ve found with the kids if there is something we are hiking to (waterfall, ravine, etc.) they are much more interested and willing. I think the 4th Grade program is amazing – love it!
Yes, always an adventure to hike with kids!
We enjoyed our visit a few years ago when we were there. Seeing the animals was wonderful.
It is such a neat experience!
I hope to take my kids to Yellowstone soon! Thanks for the money saving tips. I enjoyed reading about your trip!
Thanks, I hope it helps you plan your trip!
Fourth grade is the absolute perfect time to take kids to the National park and Yellowstone has so many beautiful and unique things to experience.
I know my son has the pass this year, I think it is time to explore some more!
This has been on my to-visit list for many years. Seeing your photos bumps it up to the top! Thank you
It was a really cool place to see!
We have so many grandkids coming up that I think I have the 4th grade pass covered for the next 8 years or so. Now we just need to get out and use it! Thanks for the tips!
I know I have 4 kids so every two years we have it!
I love, love, love yellowstone. Great pictures.
Thanks!
This is definitely on my list for a family trip with the kids and grandkids! Thanks for the tips!
It is a really cool place for a family trip!
Yellowstone is definitely on my bucket list.
It was better than I could have imagined!
We have never done any of the national parks. I really should get on that. This looks like fun. I am kicking myself for not taking advantage of this when my kids were 4th graders.
We live in National Park central so it makes it easy! They are incredible you should come to Utah and we will show you a good time!
On the bucket list and traveling with the granddaughter..Good ideas…Thank you… James
It is a cool place, and worth a visit!
We loved Yellowstone, it was one of our best family trips. The National park pass is what we did also great advice.
It is a great family vacation!
We visited a few years ago and fell in love. We have a daughter entering 4th grade and can’t wait to return!!!
That is awesome! I have one this year I really need to take advantage of it.
I love all the pictures! Looks like an amazing trip!
It is worth a visit if you ever get a chance!
Fabulous tips…especially like the kid-friendly hiking trail recommendations
Those were some good short hikes!
Not many places in the world where you can play “I spot a bear” 🙂 This is definitely one of those magical places!
Seriously, or be stuck on a road because a herd of animals are crossing!
Love this! When I take the grandkids this will be a great help! I love Yellowstone since the fires I haven’t been..so glad that to see this!
It is a fun place to see! With kids that scientific program was amazing!
I love the national parks. We haven’t made it to Yosemite yet but it’s on our list. I the suggestion for hikes.
I like hiking, but with kids we have to find a short one with great views!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Yellowstone! We always have so much fun!
It is an incredible place and we will totally go back!
This is very interesting, thank you for sharing! You are one of my tribe! our family also loves to explore the wilderness and hike around national parks – we are from BC Canada. PerfectDayToPlay.com
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Awesome, I added a pin! Hopefully it works!
On our “sand bucket list” (to-do w our kids) for sure! I like that you make it seem so easy and fun with the kids when travel sometimes is not that. Easy hikes and finding wildlife are things we all enjoy, thanks for your insights.
Our kids a pretty good travelers but we have a feisty little one that thinks she might die if she walks to far!
What a great program for every child to have park access. Love Yellowstone and Old Faithful. Didn’t have much time to didn’t here but will come back to do it proper one day.
I think we will do it again as well, we tackled the west side but the park is huge!
We bought a park pass about a month ago and it’s more than paid for itself already!
I bet, traveling full time you probably get to see lots of cool stuff!
Beautiful photos! Fun trip. We have REALLY enjoyed that 4th grade perk several times!!!
I have 4 kids so we will enjoy it for years to come!
Love all your photos! We love Yellowstone with all the beautiful hikes and wildlife.
Thanks, there are so many great hikes!
I’ve been to Yellowstone, but as an adult with a friend of mine as we made a cross country trip. My children are all adults now, but I’d love to take my grandsons when they’re old enough to appreciate it!
That would be awesome!
Yellowstone is definitely on my list. It’s so far away, though. I want to plan another trip out west in the next few years, and I hope we can include Yellowstone. It looks like such a fun experience.
Yes, I would do a Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier National Park, and then Banff trip if I was going to come out west!
I love this trip! Thank you so much for sharing!
Looks like a fabulous vacation. I really hope to go one day. Maybe someday I will take my grandkids. Great photos.
It is a neat place to visit and is a good bucket list location!
Ive never been there, but it looks like a great place to take the kids for sure!
It is a cool place!
I had no idea about the park passes, thank you!
Now you can save some money!
I totally forgot about the fourth graders program and I have a fourth graders this year, doh! We are actually planning a Glacier trip in September to beat the crowds and Yellowstone in May.
That sounds fun! This year I think we will go to Bryce, Grand Staircase Escalante, and Zions. When my next kid is in 4th grade we will do Yellowstone again and Glacier. I really want to do Redwoods!
Yellowstone has been on my bucket list for decades, but I just have not been able to get it crossed off. I love that they have these programs for the kiddos, though! What an amazing way to expose them to the natural world around them.
It would be a long trip for you! You would have to plan to fly and then rent a car to drive and see all the National Parks out west! It would be worth it but just a lot more planning.