Planning a family trip to Yellowstone offers the chance to explore a natural wonderland at one of America’s most iconic national parks. Established in 1872, it was the world’s first national park. This special national park isn’t known for its jagged peaks or jaw dropping views, but something a little different.
Instead, Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as colorful hot springs and its diverse range of wildlife. Having the opportunity to view bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and elk in the wild make it a top destination for those who love animals.
Its vast wilderness, pristine lakes, and rushing waterfalls offer visitors endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination.
Our first introduction to this special place was on a family trip to Yellowstone National Park in September of 2016. I got a little time off work, after a busy summer, so we planned a camping trip and a visit to nearby Bozeman, Montana. Our kids were very young on this vacation, only 1 and 3 years old.
Yellowstone is perfect for young kids. The majority of the major attractions you want to visit on your first time in Yellowstone are easily accessible via wooden walkways or well-maintained short trails. This makes it very easy for even young kids to see many of the attractions listed below.
After that first adventure in Yellowstone, we actually sold our house in Denver and moved to Bozeman a few months later. We fell in love with the area and have visited Yellowstone National Park over 15 times to date.
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Meet Our Local Yellowstone National Park Travel Expert
While my family and I have been to Yellowstone numerous times, my good friend Jody can probably double it. I asked her to help me write this blog post and give a local’s perspective. Yellowstone is so big, that even after visiting a number of times, there is still more I haven’t seen.
She didn’t disappoint either. I learned of a few new amazing places I hadn’t known about that I visited after I initially wrote this post.
So, let me tell you a little bit more about Jody and why you should listen to her advice about Yellowstone.
Jody Olsen is an outdoor enthusiast who has lived in Bozeman, Montana, for 30 years. Bozeman, Montana has easy access to Yellowstone National Park and many of the locals visit the park regularly. We definitely did when we lived there!
Jody just recently retired from Montana State University and in her free time, she is outside enjoying nature. She has visited Yellowstone numerous times (too many to count!) and is very familiar with what the park has to offer.
Her favorite thing about Yellowstone National Park is the wildlife. Yellowstone is known as the American Serengeti because of its incredible animals. They are protected, so you will see them strolling around the park without fear.
On any given day, you could see bison, elk, wolves, bears, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, marmots, and eagles, and that is just to name a few!
The baby bison are her favorite. The bison are frequently on the road and will walk right by your car.
Best Time To Visit Yellowstone National Park
The most popular time to visit Yellowstone National Park is in the summer when all the roads are open. However this also means that it is the busiest time to explore the park.
For those planning a family trip to Yellowstone, early spring could be an ideal time to visit, as the park comes alive with active wildlife and countless baby animals roaming the meadows. It’s a magical time to witness nature’s renewal while enjoying cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer.
However, the weather can be quite unpredictable at this time. You might have snowy weather or you could have sunshine.
Fall is another fantastic season to visit Yellowstone and brings warm, golden landscapes, crisp air, and significantly fewer visitors. The changing foliage and the chance to witness the elk rut make it a memorable experience for families who love nature and photography. It is my favorite time for a visit.
For a truly unique adventure, consider visiting in winter. While much of the park is covered in snow, this season offers unparalleled tranquility, steaming geysers against a frosty backdrop, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Bison, wolves, and foxes are particularly active and the contrast of their coats against the white snow make them easier to spot.
Please note that you can visit Yellowstone National Park year-round, but not all roads are open through the winter. Check out the National Park website to figure out when the roads are open.
Want more information about when to visit Yellowstone? Read next: The Best and Worst Times To Visit Yellowstone
Top 10 Yellowstone National Park Attractions
Like all my local travel guides, I researched multiple blogs and found what are said to be the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park. Below are the 10 most popular attractions in Yellowstone with Jody’s opinion and tips for each one.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Grand Prismatic is a must-visit and one of Yellowstone’s most breathtaking sights. This stunning, multi-colored hot spring is huge and the most colorful one you’ll find in Yellowstone. The vibrant hues of blue, green, yellow, and orange are created by heat-loving bacteria.
It is best viewed on a warm day, since there will be less steam coming off the hot spring. You can walk on a boardwalk right next to Grand Prismatic. There are also a few other pretty hot springs in this area.
Local Tips:
- Go early in the morning or late in the evening. This is one of the most popular places in the park, and the parking area is too small. At mid-day in peak season, you will be waiting in line in your car to enter the parking lot.
- To truly appreciate its size and beauty, take a short hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook for a bird’s-eye view. You can get there by hiking a short distance on the Fairy Falls trail. The above picture was taken from there.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To Visiting Grand Prismatic in Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful is a geyser you should visit at least once. It is always very crowded, but you can’t come to Yellowstone without seeing it erupt at least one time.
I gave it 4 stars because there is a lot of hype, and it doesn’t always live up to it’s fame.
Local Tips:
- Going early or later is best because, like Grand Prismatic, it is one of the most popular spots in Yellowstone. There will almost always be a crowd. If you want to be in the front of the crowd, you will have to arrive a bit early and wait for the eruption.
- Did you just miss the last eruption? Explore the area surrounding Old Faithful. There are a multitude of trails and other smaller, less faithful geysers and pools to explore. This is one of my favorite areas to walk around.
- Staying in the park? Stay at the iconic Old Faithful Inn and catch the geyser whenever is convenient for you.
Upper Geyser Basin
Upper Geyser Basin is the area surrounding Old Faithful, and it’s an incredible place to explore. It is so much more than Old Faithful.
While Old Faithful steals the spotlight, this area is home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world. You will find colorful hot springs, bubbling pools, and lesser-known geysers that erupt just as spectacularly, just not quite as often.
Walking the boardwalks here feels like stepping into another world.
Local Tips:
- Don’t miss out on Morning Glory Pool, the farthest pool from the parking lot, pictured above. To reach it the quickest way, take the paved trail all the way there and then slowly meander through the boardwalks back towards the Old Faithful parking lot.
- If it’s cool outside, walking through the Upper Geyser Basin is very nice because the thermal features warm the area up a bit!
Read More: Complete Travel Guide To Upper Geyser Basin In Yellowstone For The First Time Visitor
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is the best place to watch for animals, especially wolves and bison! It is often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America.” This vast, open valley is teeming with wildlife, including elk, pronghorn, and grizzly bears.
Local Tips:
- Come at dawn or dusk. This is when the animals are most active!
- Bring binoculars to get a closer view. It is always important to keep a safe distance from the animals. They are still wild! Lamar Valley is also very big. Binoculars help see those grizzlies way off in the distance. Once we saw a herd of bison running and rutting around. It was a little far out for us to see clearly with the naked eye, but the binoculars brought it into focus. It was very cool to witness.
- If you want to see wolves, look for wolf watchers. These wolf enthusiasts will congregate with their lawn chairs and spotting scopes in places with wolf activity.
- The road is open all year long!
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Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone National Park
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is an often-overlooked gem, but its stunning canyon walls and majestic waterfalls make it a must-see!
If you are imagining it will look just like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, you might be disappointed, though. It is a pretty big canyon, but it is not nearly as humongous and is filled with more trees.
Nevertheless, the vibrant hues of the rock, which range from deep reds to bright yellows are still stunning. The two main waterfalls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls, are also breathtaking, with Lower Falls being the tallest waterfall in the park at 308 feet (94 m) tall.
Local Tips:
- For the best view of Lower Falls, head to Artist Point. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the Grand Canyon area!
- Keep an eye out for osprey nests along the canyon walls, as these birds of prey can be seen soaring above the river.
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Hayden Valley
Another great valley to visit if you’re looking to spot wildlife is Hayden Valley, especially in the spring and early summer when grizzly bears are more active.
This vast, open landscape is a prime location for seeing not only bears but also bison, elk, and even the occasional wolf.
Loal Tips:
- Come at dawn or dusk. This is when the animals are most active!
- Bring binoculars to get a closer view, just like in Lamar Valley. Hayden Valley isn’t as large, but you still don’t want to get close to the wildlife.
- The road to Hayden Valley is only open early May to November 1st. Be sure to check the National Park website for up-to-date road conditions.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is a truly unique area of Yellowstone National Park. Its striking multi-colored terraces, formed by hot water rising through limestone, create cascading layers of white, orange, and yellow mineral deposits.
The landscape is constantly changing as the thermal activity shifts over time. Visitors can explore the boardwalks that wind through the terraces, offering up-close views of this otherworldly scenery.
Mammoth Hot Springs can also be visited year round. We love going in the winter when all you hear are the crunching of your boots in the snow.
Local Tips:
- The village area is like a little town where the primary residents are elk, hotel guests, and park employees.
- The Mammoth Hot Spring terraces don’t take long to explore, but are worth a trip up to the north of Yellowstone to see them.
- Combine seeing the terraces with a hike up Bunsen Peak or take a drive down to Lamar Valley.
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake is quite beautiful, with its vast, shimmering waters set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. It is the largest high-elevation lake in North America.
There are multiple ways to enjoy the lake. Take a scenic stroll along the shoreline, enjoy a picnic with a view, or head out on a boat or kayak.
The nearby West Thumb Geyser Basin is a small area filled with geysers and hot springs right next to the water. It can get busy, but it is worth a stop.
Local Tips:
- Personally, other parts of the park are more interesting to Jody, so that’s why she gave it fewer stars, and I would have to agree. It is peaceful, and I love a nice lake, but there are better lakes in Yellowstone.
- Taking a stroll around the West Thumb Geyser Basin is worth it. A nice spot for young kids.
- Want to go boating or kayaking in Yellowstone? I prefer Lewis Lake or get a permit to camp on Shoshone Lake.
Read More About How To Experience Shoshone Lake here: The Yellowstone Experience You’ll Never Forget: Shoshone Lake Canoe Trip
West Thumb Geyser Basin
If you are going to visit Yellowstone Lake, you might as well stop by the West Thumb Geyser Basin. It sits right next to the lake and offers some pretty geothermal features.
This area is unique because many of its geysers and hot springs sit right along the lake’s edge or even under the water! The deep blue Abyss Pool, pictured above, and the unique Fishing Cone are a couple of highlights.
Plus, the boardwalk provides incredible lake views. It’s one of the best spots to stop on Yellowstone Lake.
Local Tips:
- Go early or late to avoid the crowds as it isn’t a very large area to explore and can feel crowded.
- It is perfect for young children since it is flat and on a boardwalk the whole way. Plus it isn’t too long of a walk for their little legs.
Boiling River
Due to the massive flood that wiped out the north entrance road to Yellowstone National Park in 2022, the road to the Boiling River is closed, and sadly swimming is not permitted any longer.
Family-Friendly Activities In Yellowstone National Park
A family trip to Yellowstone provides opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and engaging in educational programs tailored for all ages. Young children can visit all the attractions list above, so the following activities are an added bonus!
The Yellowstone, like all U.S. National Parks, offers ranger-led programs and interactive exhibits that help kids learn about the park’s unique ecosystems and history.
You will discover family-friendly hikes to educational talks about geology and wildlife conservation. Yellowstone is one of the best places to learn about geology and geo-thermal activity.
Below are some amazing family-friendly activities that are barely mentioned in other blogs!
See Baby Animals
Who doesn’t love seeing baby animals? Go to the Blacktail Plateau or Lamar Valley in the spring and check out all the baby bison.
The valleys are filled with wildlife in the spring. The sight of these young animals in their natural habitat is a heartwarming experience. The baby bison are so cute to watch jumping around and playing.
Go Biking In Yellowstone National Park
Kids don’t always love to hike but are usually more enthusiastic about biking. While Yellowstone is known for hiking, many trails can be biked too. This is a great alternative for families looking to explore the park on two wheels.
For instance, the Old Faithful to West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is a relatively easy ride with scenic views of Yellowstone Lake and geothermal features along the way.
Bunsen Peak Loop Trail that circles the base of the mountain provides a challenging but rewarding bike route with incredible views of the surrounding valley.
You can also bike to Lone Star Geyser, which is mentioned a little further down in this post.
For more biking routes, check out YNP’s website here.
Junior Ranger Program
A fantastic way for your kids to learn more about Yellowstone during your visit, or even before it, is by participating in the Junior Ranger Program. You can view and download the booklet ahead of time, and start exploring and learning right away.
Once you complete the activities, you’ll earn an official Junior Ranger badge. It is a great souvenir and a memorable accomplishment.
This is a fun and educational experience that engages children with the park’s history, wildlife, and natural wonders. Learn more about the junior ranger program here.
Top 5 Hikes In Yellowstone National Park
Outdoor recreation is the main draw of Yellowstone National Park. To help you make the most of your time in the park, here are the top 5 hikes recommended by our local expert, Jody.
Please note: When hiking in Yellowstone it’s essential to always carry bear spray for safety.
Mount Washburn
- Distance: 10.9 km / 6.8 mi
- Elevation gain: 425 m / 1395 ft
- Average time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
This is a nice moderate hike. The best thing about this hike is the amazing views from the top. Plus, there’s a nice parking lot.
Note: You can only reach the two trailheads between the end of May and mid-October as they are located on Dunraven Pass which can sometimes close due to snow.
Bunsen Peak
- Distance: 7.1 km / 4.4 mi
- Elevation gain: 391 m / 1282 ft
- Average time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
This hike is a little steep at the top, but the views of the northern part of the park are worth it.
Lone Star Geyser
- Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
- Elevation gain: 38.7 m / 127 ft
- Average time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
The Lone Star Geyser trail is great for hiking and relatively flat. It can also be biked most of the way.
The geyser erupts on a regular basis, every three hours or so. It’s a great alternative if the crowds at Old Faithful are too much!
We hiked this trail in the summer of 2023. It is a fairly easy hike and we got lucky to witness the geyser erupting all by ourselves. It can be a little tricky to time the hike with the eruption as it isn’t published online, however.
My advice would be to pack a lunch and hike or bike it mid-day. Eat your lunch while you wait for the magic to happen!
Read more in our hiking guide to Lone Star Geyser: Lone Star Geyser: An Easy Hike Like No Other In Yellowstone National Park
Fairy Falls
- Distance: 7.7 km / 4.8 mi
- Elevation gain: 51.8 m / 170 ft
- Average time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Fairy Falls is a beautiful hike to a 200-foot waterfall. Be sure to stop and check out the viewpoint of Grand Prismatic along the way.
As you can see, young kids can do this flat hike. We did it in 2018 when my kids were only 3 and 5 years old. They hiked almost the whole way by themselves.
Lamar River Trail
- Distance: 52.9 km / 32.9 mi
- Elevation gain: 1099 m / 3605 ft
- Average time: Depends on how far you go
The Lamar Valley is Jody’s favorite spot in the park, and it’s easy to see why. This hike to the famous Lamar River offers stunning views and the chance to spot plenty of bison along the way.
The trail is quite long, so you can hike for as short or as long as you’d like. It is a nice hike where you can stretch your legs and search for animals. No matter how far you go, the scenery is beautiful from start to finish!
We went with our kids and mother-in-law in 2023 and saw bison and ground squirrels along the way. We only hiked a few miles. The wide open spaces made it really easy to spot the animals in the valley.
Yellowstone Off The Beaten Path
If you are going on a family trip to Yellowstone and want to experience something a little different than most visitors, here are a couple of options to consider.
Visit Yellowstone National Park In The Winter
Visiting Yellowstone in the winter is magical. Nordic skiing is Jody’s favorite thing to do there. It’s so peaceful and beautiful, and the crowds and crowded parking lots are absent. It’s like having the park to yourself.
There is a ski shop in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. They rent skis and have maps and grooming reports.
You can also take a ski shuttle to the Indian Creek Ski Area, ski the trails at Indian Creek, and then catch a shuttle back to Mammoth. Or ski back to Mammoth one way.
Ski trails are also groomed at Mammoth Upper Terraces which is a super fun loop, Blacktail Plateau, and on the Tower to Canyon Road, when you can ski to Tower Falls.
The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel always has very festive holiday decorations too and would be a great holiday escape.
Learn More About Yellowstone In Winter: Yellowstone In Winter With Kids – 8 Epic Adventures
Biking The Roads In The Spring And Fall In Yellowstone National Park
Another really cool activity is biking in the park in the spring or fall. There is a short window of time where the roads are plowed, but the roads haven’t opened to vehicle traffic.
It’s an excellent option for biking with kids since you ride on paved roads. With very young children, the paved roads make pulling a bike trailer or tag-along easier as well.
More info on dates and locations where you can bike are mentioned under spring and fall biking on Yellowstone’s website.
If you don’t bring your own, you can rent bikes in Gardiner and West Yellowstone.
Additional Yellowstone Tips For Families
In order to pull of a family trip to Yellowstone without a hitch, there are a few rules and pieces of advice to follow.
- Please always observe posted speed limits. Each year, lots of wildlife are killed on park roads. Slow down, watch out for wildlife, and enjoy the sights.
- Consider going in the off seasons; spring, fall, and winter. Your experience will be much more peaceful. If you are visiting in the summer, visit the most popular attractions in the morning and early evening.
- Most people do the Grand Loop; however, if you stick to the Loop, you’ll miss the Lamar Valley. This is the best part of the park and has the most wildlife.
- Take the Beartooth Highway for 360-degree views in the summer. This incredible pass is only open from mid-May to mid-October. Snowy weather can close the pass at anytime. Check the Montana Department of Transportation website before planning a trip to the Beartooth Highway.
Best Places To Stay In Yellowstone National Park
When planning your family trip to Yellowstone, consider the various lodging options available. You can choose from campgrounds, historic lodges or hotels in nearby towns.
Yellowstone offers a range of accommodations to suit all types of travelers. Here are our top picks for where to stay in Yellowstone National Park.
- Madison campground
- It has a lot of summer shade and is right on the Madison River. It’s nice to walk down to the river, get your feet wet, do some fishing, and skip rocks. Madison is relatively close to West Yellowstone too. Easy to reach a restaurant or go shopping in town.
- Slough Creek Campground
- If you want a campground that is smaller and quieter Slough Creek is a great option.
- It can be tough to get a campsite in the park, especially in the summer. There are lots of National Forest campgrounds around Yellowstone that would be a good alternative.
- If camping is not your style, various lodges are available in the park, or you can stay in a hotel or VRBO in Gardiner or West Yellowstone.
- West Yellowstone is the town closest to most of the main attractions. I like these two hotels for visiting with kids.
- Clubhouse Inn – A great hotel right in West Yellowstone. It has a pool which is always a hit with the kids, the beds are comfy and breakfast is included!
- Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone – For a more unique setting, choose the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone. These modern, private cabins are beautiful and set-up well for families. The outdoor fire pit is sure to be a hit and so will the pool.
- Lake Village and Canyon Village are the most centrally located areas inside the park. Both have lodges you can stay at.
- West Yellowstone is the town closest to most of the main attractions. I like these two hotels for visiting with kids.
Read More: Where To Stay In Yellowstone: Best Areas In And Nearby The Park
Any family trip to Yellowstone National Park will be a fun adventure. I guarantee it. I hope this Yellowstone guide has helped you plan a fun trip. If you have any additional questions, I’d be happy to answer them in the comments!
