Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone with kids? Yellowstone National Park is amazing! Your kids will absolutely love it.
Yellowstone is a family vacation I highly recommend. Let’s explore some tips to make your trip amazing!
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Let's Start with Money Saving Tips

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 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. 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 national park pass, is also a great way to save money. As of February 2021, it costs $80. You can purchase this pass on the US Park Pass on their Website.
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.
If you have toddlers, I recommend getting a backpack carrier and keeping them safe inside.
I also recommend hold hands with kids under 8.
How Many Days do I Need at Yellowstone 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 too long is never fun!
I recommend 2 days if you have little kids. You will have to choose certain areas of the park that you think your kids will like the most.
If you have older kids you can accomplish more sites in less time but you may want to go on longer hikes that take more time!
Honestly, you could spend a week or more in Yellowstone and not still not see everything.
Important Yellowstone National Park Planning Tips

Yellowstone National Park is a great family vacation. There are a few really important tips when planning your trip.
- 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.
- Plan enough days to explore this amazing park. We did not have enough time to explore the entire park but, we loved what we did see! We thought of our kids and really wanted them to enjoy the experience in regards 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.
Let's Make a Plan for Yellowstone with Kids
Let’s make a game plan! What are the best spots at Yellowstone to stop with kids!
Here are some of my favorites:
- Visitor Center/ Old Faithful
- 3 stops – Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser
- Artist Paint Pots – 1 mile hike but so cool
- Lamar Valley – Finding Wildlife
There are more areas that are amazing but with kids I find you have to pick and choose some of the best spots and go until they get tired and can’t go anymore!
1. Visitor Center - Old Faithful
Old Faithful is a great place to start your “Yellowstone with kids” adventure! One thing that amazed us about Yellowstone National Park is that it is massive!
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 Old Faithful visitor center.
Enjoy the Visitor Center
Take time to enjoy the visitor center itself. There are hands-on exhibits and activities to entertain your children. You could probably spend half a day in the visitor center and the adjacent area, which includes Old Faithful and walking trails.
I am glad we made stopping at the visitors center a priority, because the activities there are amazing!
There are some great programs to check out before you start exploring the area.
Junior Ranger Program
The first thing we do when my family arrives at a national park is to head straight for a park rangers to inquire about the Junior Ranger program. 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 award a really cool badge.
Collect Badges
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. 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.
Our Experience
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, 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
During the pandemic the scientific program was not available. We decided to purchase a thermometer that would measure the water on Amazon. It is inexpensive and makes your Yellowstone with kids adventure so much better!
Exploring 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!
This will probably be the highlight for most kids! 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.
2. Search for Wildlife
Yellowstone is known for wildlife! It is not surprising to see bison crossing the street. We were on the hunt to find bear, wolves, elk, moose, badgers 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!
Hot Tip
Bring bear spray. My cousin was walking along one of the wooden plank trails and a bear walked right out in front of her!
Another great tip for finding wildlife is heading to Lamar Valley in the early morning or evening hours.
3. Go for a Hike

Lets explore some kid friendly hikes! Like I said early when hiking with kids keep a good eye one them and they will be fine!
Observation Point – 1.1 miles – Near Old Faithful
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 walk-way 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.
Upper and Midway Geyser – Mystic Falls Trail
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 trail head. There is a parking lot that you can get out and take a short hike. I will say parking is really hard in the busy season!
Fairy Falls Trail
Our second hike was the Fairy Falls trail head. 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.
West Thumb Hike
We decided to finish our trip with one more hike to see West Thumb. It was very beautiful. 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 action of the day.
The water was so blue. One way we help our kids with hikes is 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.
Artist Paint Pots
Artist Paint Pot trail is about 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 and explode which is awesome to watch! This hike is worth it!
Picnic Spots at Yellowstone

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 trail head. There are picnic tables available. Hanging out and enjoying the beauty of the area was fabulous.
Plan a 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!
I highly recommend going and seeing for yourself the extraordinary landscapes and geological wonders. We went in summer but it is also amazing in winter check out Yellowstone in Winter.
Also, remember that the Grand Tetons National Park nearby, so be sure to add that to your itinerary!
You can also check out my Bear World post for other ideas near Yellowstone National Park. Also, as you travel through the park take time to read this funny post of the 15 Best Worst National Park Reviews! You will love them!
We love National Parks and know you will too! 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!
We're Taking the Kids
June 20, 2019 6:54 amYes! We have TWO fourth graders! Looks like we will be making a trip there this year! Thanks for the great info.
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:29 pmYes, I am trying to take advantage of my son’s pass this year!
Shirley
June 20, 2019 8:10 amI 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. 🙂
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:29 pmI was going to mention that one too! It is a great deal!
Pam
June 20, 2019 8:16 amWe 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!
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:28 pmYes, always an adventure to hike with kids!
Missy
June 20, 2019 9:08 amWe enjoyed our visit a few years ago when we were there. Seeing the animals was wonderful.
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:27 pmIt is such a neat experience!
Cynthia
June 20, 2019 9:42 amI hope to take my kids to Yellowstone soon! Thanks for the money saving tips. I enjoyed reading about your trip!
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:27 pmThanks, I hope it helps you plan your trip!
jen
June 20, 2019 11:06 amFourth grade is the absolute perfect time to take kids to the National park and Yellowstone has so many beautiful and unique things to experience.
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:27 pmI know my son has the pass this year, I think it is time to explore some more!
Shannon Delaney
June 20, 2019 12:32 pmThis has been on my to-visit list for many years. Seeing your photos bumps it up to the top! Thank you
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:26 pmIt was a really cool place to see!
Lori Nielsen
June 20, 2019 4:50 pmWe 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!
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:26 pmI know I have 4 kids so every two years we have it!
Louise
June 20, 2019 5:20 pmI love, love, love yellowstone. Great pictures.
Lisa
June 20, 2019 7:25 pmThanks!
Tricia Snow
June 20, 2019 8:13 pmThis is definitely on my list for a family trip with the kids and grandkids! Thanks for the tips!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:22 amIt is a really cool place for a family trip!
Jen
June 21, 2019 6:03 amYellowstone is definitely on my bucket list.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:21 amIt was better than I could have imagined!
Heather
June 21, 2019 6:35 amWe 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.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:21 amWe 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!
James
June 21, 2019 7:31 amOn the bucket list and traveling with the granddaughter..Good ideas…Thank you… James
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:20 amIt is a cool place, and worth a visit!
Jennifer | Me and My Traveling Hat
June 21, 2019 8:44 amWe loved Yellowstone, it was one of our best family trips. The National park pass is what we did also great advice.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:19 amIt is a great family vacation!
April Aleman
June 21, 2019 10:14 amWe visited a few years ago and fell in love. We have a daughter entering 4th grade and can’t wait to return!!!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:19 amThat is awesome! I have one this year I really need to take advantage of it.
Joanne
June 21, 2019 10:24 amI love all the pictures! Looks like an amazing trip!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:18 amIt is worth a visit if you ever get a chance!
kmf
June 21, 2019 10:56 amFabulous tips…especially like the kid-friendly hiking trail recommendations
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:17 amThose were some good short hikes!
Suzan
June 21, 2019 12:42 pmNot many places in the world where you can play “I spot a bear” 🙂 This is definitely one of those magical places!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:17 amSeriously, or be stuck on a road because a herd of animals are crossing!
Holly Bird
June 21, 2019 1:35 pmLove 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!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:16 amIt is a fun place to see! With kids that scientific program was amazing!
Leeanne
June 21, 2019 2:21 pmI love the national parks. We haven’t made it to Yosemite yet but it’s on our list. I the suggestion for hikes.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:15 amI like hiking, but with kids we have to find a short one with great views!
Haley Kelley
June 21, 2019 3:23 pmLOVE LOVE LOVE Yellowstone! We always have so much fun!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:15 amIt is an incredible place and we will totally go back!
Alexandra
June 21, 2019 3:27 pmThis 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
Quick recommendation: I’ve tried to pin this post, but the images I am given are non-pinterest friendly. Look at the posts on my blog how I am adding the actual pinnable image at the very end of the post – same pinnable image I am using for my pins. This may help both your blog and someone like me who wanted to pin this post. Instead I am now going to your pinterest to see if I can find it :)))))))) Cheers!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:14 amAwesome, I added a pin! Hopefully it works!
angela
June 21, 2019 5:35 pmOn 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.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:13 amOur kids a pretty good travelers but we have a feisty little one that thinks she might die if she walks to far!
Hera
June 21, 2019 7:44 pmWhat 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.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:12 amI think we will do it again as well, we tackled the west side but the park is huge!
Amanda
June 21, 2019 8:29 pmWe bought a park pass about a month ago and it’s more than paid for itself already!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:11 amI bet, traveling full time you probably get to see lots of cool stuff!
Karla
June 22, 2019 12:23 amBeautiful photos! Fun trip. We have REALLY enjoyed that 4th grade perk several times!!!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:11 amI have 4 kids so we will enjoy it for years to come!
Lina
June 22, 2019 6:51 amLove all your photos! We love Yellowstone with all the beautiful hikes and wildlife.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 9:10 amThanks, there are so many great hikes!
Laura Lee
June 22, 2019 12:23 pmI’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!
Lisa
June 22, 2019 5:07 pmThat would be awesome!
Stacey
June 22, 2019 6:36 pmYellowstone 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.
Lisa
June 22, 2019 8:06 pmYes, I would do a Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier National Park, and then Banff trip if I was going to come out west!
Tricia Snow
June 22, 2019 8:23 pmI love this trip! Thank you so much for sharing!
Shirley
June 22, 2019 10:51 pmLooks like a fabulous vacation. I really hope to go one day. Maybe someday I will take my grandkids. Great photos.
Lisa
June 24, 2019 11:15 amIt is a neat place to visit and is a good bucket list location!
Nicole Cruze
June 23, 2019 7:51 amIve never been there, but it looks like a great place to take the kids for sure!
Lisa
June 24, 2019 11:14 amIt is a cool place!
Liz
June 23, 2019 1:15 pmI had no idea about the park passes, thank you!
Lisa
June 24, 2019 11:14 amNow you can save some money!
Pauline
June 25, 2019 9:00 amI 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.
Lisa
June 25, 2019 12:09 pmThat 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!
T.M. Brown
June 25, 2019 2:23 pmYellowstone 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.
Lisa
June 25, 2019 6:20 pmIt 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.