Summer is the perfect time for a family adventure in the great outdoors, and what better way to explore nature than by visiting a National Park? With breathtaking landscapes, fun wildlife encounters, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, learning, and playing, National Parks offer unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages.
If you’re looking for the perfect kid-friendly National Parks to visit this summer, here’s a list of the best destinations that combine adventure, education, and fun!
1. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Home to Old Faithful, a massive geyser that erupts every 90 minutes.
- See bison, elk, and even bears roaming the landscapes.
- Tons of easy hiking trails, including boardwalks around hot springs.
Best Activities for Families:
- Visit Mammoth Hot Springs to see colorful limestone terraces.
- Hike Mystic Falls Trail—an easy, family-friendly route with waterfalls.
- Become a Junior Ranger by completing fun educational activities.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee & North Carolina)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- No entrance fee, making it a budget-friendly family trip.
- Fireflies put on a magical light show in June!
- Explore waterfalls, historic cabins, and easy nature trails.
Best Activities for Families:
- Walk the Cades Cove Loop for stunning scenery and wildlife spotting.
- Splash in the natural swimming hole at Midnight Hole.
- Hike the Kephart Prong Trail, an easy, kid-friendly path with cool bridges.
3. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Offers breathtaking panoramic views and fun lookout points.
- Shuttle buses make exploring easier for families with young kids.
- A Junior Ranger program lets kids earn badges by learning about the canyon.
Best Activities for Families:
- Walk the South Rim Trail, an easy and paved path for strollers.
- Take a mule ride along the canyon rim for a unique experience.
- Visit Yavapai Geology Museum to learn about the canyon’s history.
4. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Coastal views, sandy beaches, and forest trails all in one park!
- Easy trails like Jordan Pond Path are great for little hikers.
- Tide pools are perfect for hands-on exploration.
Best Activities for Families:
- Hike up Cadillac Mountain to see the first sunrise in the U.S.
- Explore Sand Beach, a kid-friendly spot for wading and sandcastle building.
- Visit Thunder Hole, where waves create a loud, thunder-like crash.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Stunning mountain views and tons of wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep.
- Family-friendly hiking trails with waterfalls.
- Fun snow play areas, even in summer!
Best Activities for Families:
- Take a scenic drive along Trail Ridge Road—great for kids who don’t love hiking.
- Hike Bear Lake Trail, an easy 0.8-mile walk with beautiful lake views.
- Visit Sprague Lake for a stroller-friendly nature walk and picnic area.
6. Everglades National Park (Florida)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- A totally different kind of National Park, with swamps and alligators!
- Boat tours and airboat rides make exploring fun for all ages.
- Tons of interactive exhibits at the visitor centers.
Best Activities for Families:
- Walk the Anhinga Trail, where you’re almost guaranteed to see alligators!
- Take a boat ride through the mangroves to spot manatees and dolphins.
- Visit the Shark Valley Observation Tower for incredible views.
7. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (Hawai’i – The Big Island)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- See real lava fields and volcanic craters up close!
- Walk through a lava tube—a natural underground tunnel formed by lava.
- Incredible stargazing opportunities at night.
Best Activities for Families:
- Drive along Crater Rim Drive for easy access to breathtaking views.
- Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube, an exciting underground adventure.
- Visit Jaggar Museum to learn about Hawaiian volcanoes.
8. Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Why It’s Great for Kids:
- Otherworldly rock formations that look like a real-life Mars landscape!
- Short and easy kid-friendly hikes with great views.
- Plenty of prairie dogs, bison, and even fossils to discover!
Best Activities for Families:
- Hike the Notch Trail, a fun adventure with ladders and big views.
- Visit the Fossil Exhibit Trail, where kids can see real fossils!
- Drive the Badlands Loop Road for incredible scenery without much walking.
Final Tips for Visiting National Parks with Kids
- Get a National Park Pass – The America the Beautiful Pass covers entry to all U.S. National Parks for one price!
- Pack plenty of snacks, water, and sunscreen – Summer trips can get hot, and keeping kids happy is key.
- Check visitor centers first – Many parks offer Junior Ranger programs with fun activities for kids.
- Be flexible! – Kids may get tired sooner than expected, so plan for extra breaks and short hikes.
Visiting a National Park with kids this summer is a fantastic way to explore nature, see wildlife, and make lifelong memories as a family. Whether you’re watching geysers at Yellowstone, exploring tide pools in Acadia, or spotting alligators in the Everglades, each park offers a unique adventure that kids will love.
So pack up the car, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable National Park trip with your family!
