Planning a family trip to Yellowstone offers the chance to explore a natural wonderland and one of America’s most iconic national parks. Established in 1872, it was the world’s first national park.

Yellowstone is renowned for its stunning geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, as well as colorful hot springs and a diverse range of wildlife. Bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and elk make it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Its vast wilderness, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain terrain offer visitors endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Hiking, camping, and wildlife watching make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Embarking on a family trip to Yellowstone is especially rewarding, as the majority of major attractions are easily accessible via wooden walkways or well-maintained trails. This makes it very easy for even young kids to see many of the attractions listed below. 

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Meet Our Local Yellowstone National Park Travel Expert

Jody Olsen is an outdoor enthusiast who has lived in Bozeman, Montana, for nearly 30 years. Bozeman, Montana has easy access to Yellowstone National Park and many of the locals visit the park regularly.

Jody is a Communications Specialist at Montana State University and in her free time, she is outside enjoying nature. She has visited Yellowstone numerous times 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. On any given day, you could see bison, elk, wolves, bears, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, marmots, and eagles, 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. Of course, you should always stay a safe distance from wildlife and carry bear spray when hiking. 

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 is 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.

Fall is another fantastic season, offering 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.

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.

Families can also enjoy guided snowcoach tours, cross-country skiing, and even winter hikes to see Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders in a whole new light.

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.

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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 ratings and tips.

Grand Prismatic

Grand Prismatic is a must-visit and one of Yellowstone’s most breathtaking sights. This stunning, multi-colored hot spring is like no other, with vibrant hues of blue, green, yellow, and orange created by heat-loving bacteria.

Pro Tips:

1. 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. 
2. To truly appreciate its size and beauty, take the short hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook for a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder. You can get there by hiking a short distance on the Fairy Falls trail. The above picture was taken from there.

Old Faithful Geyser

Old Faithful is a geyser you should visit at least once. It can be 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.

Pro Tips:

1. Going early or later is best because, like Grand Prismatic, it is one of the most popular spots in Yellowstone. 
2. Did you just miss the eruption? Explore the area surrounding Old Faithful. There are a multitude of trails and other smaller, less faithful geysers and pools to explore. 
3. 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, including colorful hot springs, bubbling pools, and lesser-known geysers that erupt just as spectacularly. Walking the boardwalks here feels like stepping into another world of geothermal wonders.

Pro Tips:

1. Don’t miss out on Morning Glory Pool, the farthest pool from the parking lot, pictured below. 
2. If it’s cool outside, walking through the Upper Geyser Basin is very nice because the thermal features warm the area up.

Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is the best place to watch for animals, especially wolves and bison! Often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America,” this vast, open valley is teeming with wildlife, including elk, pronghorn, and grizzly bears.

Pro Tips:

1. Come at dawn or dusk. This is when the animals are most active!
2. Bring binoculars to get a closer view. It is always important to keep a safe distance from the animals. They are still wild!
3. 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.
4. The road is open all year long!

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!

The vibrant hues of the rock, ranging from deep reds to bright yellows, are a result of the volcanic activity that shaped the park. The two main waterfalls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls, are breathtaking, with Lower Falls being the tallest waterfall in the park at 308 feet.

Pro Tips:

1. For the best view of Lower Falls, head to Artist Point—it’s one of the most photographed spots in the Grand Canyon area!
2. Keep an eye out for osprey nests along the canyon walls, as these birds of prey can be seen soaring above the river.

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. 

Pro Tips:

1. Come at dawn or dusk. This is when the animals are most active!
2. Bring binoculars to get a closer view. It is always important to keep a safe distance from the animals. They are still wild!
3. 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, unlike the park’s famous geysers and bubbling pools. Its striking 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.

Pro Tips:

1. The village area is like a little town where the primary residents are elk, hotel guests, and park employees.  😄
2. 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. 
3. Combine seeing the terraces with a hike up Bunsen Peak.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is absolutely stunning, with its vast, shimmering waters set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. As the largest high-elevation lake in North America, it offers a peaceful escape from the park’s geothermal hotspots and bustling attractions.

Whether you’re taking a scenic stroll along the shoreline, enjoying a picnic with a view, or heading out on a boat or kayak, the lake provides endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Pro Tips:

1. Personally, other parts of the park are more interesting to me, so that’s why I gave it a few fewer stars. 
2. Taking a stroll around the West Thumb Geyser Basin is worth the stop.
3. Want to go boating or kayaking in Yellowstone? I prefer Lewis Lake or get a permit to camp on Shoshone Lake.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

If you are going to visit Yellowstone Lake, you might as well stop by the West Thumb Geyser Basin, as it sits right next to it and offers some of the most scenic geothermal features in the park.

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 and the unique Fishing Cone are just a couple of the highlights.

Plus, the boardwalk provides incredible lake views, making it a great spot for photos and a peaceful walk while you take in Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders.

Pro Tips:

1. Go early or late to avoid the crowds as it isn’t a large area to explore. 
2. Perfect for young children since it is flat and on a boardwalk the whole way. 

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 swimming is not permitted. 

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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 also visit all the attractions above, so these are just a bonus. 

The park offers ranger-led programs and interactive exhibits that help kids (and adults!) learn about the park’s unique ecosystems and history.

From family-friendly hikes to educational talks about geology and wildlife conservation, Yellowstone ensures that each family member can enjoy both adventure and learning in one of the country’s most iconic national parks.

Below are some other amazing family-friendly activities 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. It’s like a North American safari.

The valleys are teeming with wildlife during this time, and the sight of these young animals in their natural habitat is a heartwarming experience for the whole family.

The lush, green landscapes of spring provide the perfect backdrop for spotting these playful creatures, making it a memorable and special time to visit Yellowstone.

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, offering 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. 

For more biking routes, check out YNP’s website here.

Whether you’re cruising along the lakeside or biking through forested areas, there’s a trail for every skill level, making it an exciting way to see the park without having to hike long distances.

Junior Ranger Program

A fantastic way for your kids to learn more about Yellowstone during your visit (or even before) is by participating in the Junior Ranger Program. You can view and download the booklet ahead of time, so they can start exploring and learning right away.

Once they complete the activities, they’ll earn an official Junior Ranger badge, which makes for a great souvenir and a memorable accomplishment.

It’s 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.

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Outdoor recreation is the main draw of Yellowstone National Park, with its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. When venturing out on hikes, it’s essential to always carry bear spray for safety.

To help you make the most of your time in the park, here are the top 5 hikes recommended by our local expert, Jody.

Mount Washburn

1. Distance: 10.9 km / 6.8 mi
2. Elevation gain: 425 m / 1395 ft
3. 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.

Bunsen Peak

1. Distance: 7.1 km / 4.4 mi
2. Elevation gain: 391 m / 1282 ft
3. 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

1. Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
2. Elevation gain: 38.7 m / 127 ft
3. Average time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

This 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! 

Fairy Falls

1. Distance: 7.7 km / 4.8 mi
2. Elevation gain: 51.8 m / 170 ft
3. Average time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

This is a beautiful hike to a 200-foot waterfall. Check out the viewpoint of Grand Prismatic along the way. As you can see, young kids can do this flat hike. 

Lamar River Trail

1. Distance: 52.9 km / 32.9 mi
2. Elevation gain: 1099 m / 3605 ft
3. 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, making it a flexible option for all skill levels. No matter how far you go, the scenery is beautiful from start to finish!

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Yellowstone Off The Beaten Path

Visit The Park In The Winter

• Visiting Yellowstone in the winter is magical. Nordic skiing is Jody’s favorite thing to do. 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 gift store. 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 (super fun loop), Blacktail Plateau, and on the Tower to Canyon Road (ski to Tower Falls). 

• The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel always has very festive holiday decorations and would be a great holiday escape. 

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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.

• More info on dates and locations where you can bike are mentioned under spring and fall biking on Yellowstone’s website. 

• You can rent bikes in Gardiner and West Yellowstone.

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Additional Yellowstone Tips For Families

• Please always observe posted speed limits. Each year, lots of wildlife is 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.

• Most people do the Grand Loop. However, if you stick to the Loop, you’ll miss the Lamar Valley, which is the best part of the park and has the most wildlife. 

• Take the Beartooth Highway for 360-degree views in the summer. This pass is only open from mid-May to mid-October. Winter weather can close the pass at any time. 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, from campgrounds to historic lodges, to enhance your experience.

Yellowstone offers a range of accommodations to suit all types of travelers, whether you’re looking for a rustic experience in the heart of nature or a more comfortable stay with modern amenities.

• 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 if you need food or want to go shopping.

• Slough Creek Campground
  • If you want a campground that is smaller and quieter. 

• 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, Cody, or West Yellowstone.
  • West Yellowstone is the town closest to most of the main attractions.
  • Lake Village and Canyon Village are the most centrally located areas inside the park. Both have lodges you can stay at.

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