20 Best National Parks for Kids in the USA

Explore the best national parks for kids across the United States, from geothermal wonders and giant trees to wildlife encounters, island adventures, and snowy mountain peaks. With insights from travel experts, find fun things to do at each national park and where to stay with kids, so you can plan a memorable adventure for the whole family. The parks are listed in the order they were founded, giving a chronological look at America’s most iconic landscapes.

This post was originally sponsored by Quarto Kids in 2021. All opinions are my own.

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1. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park and one of the best national parks for kids, thanks to its rare mix of geothermal features and abundant wildlife. Yellowstone is often called the Serengeti of the West because so many North American animals can be seen in one place, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and coyotes. Stephanie Woods of Explore More Clean Less says, “Best of all, the most exciting sights are easily accessible by car or paved path, making the park enjoyable for everyone regardless of fitness level or ability.”

Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park with Kids

• See the park’s world‑famous geothermal features, including Old Faithful Geyser and the brilliantly colored Grand Prismatic Spring.
• Walk the boardwalks and paved paths that make Yellowstone’s major sights accessible for kids of all ages.
• Visit scenic waterfalls and viewpoints throughout the park, or choose short, easy hikes for children.
• Stop by the visitor centers to learn about geothermal features, wildlife, and the history of the National Park Service.

Kid-Friendly Yellowstone Accommodations

If budget and availability allow, staying inside Yellowstone Park is the most convenient option for families, since it reduces drive time and makes it easier to reach popular sights early in the day. For a more affordable nearby option, Woods of Explore More Clean Less recommends Holiday Inn West Yellowstone for a heated indoor pool and video game room that kids love.

2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks – California

Sequoia is the country’s second national park, and together with Kings Canyon, the two parks have been jointly managed since 1943. These Sierra Nevada parks are known for their massive sequoia trees, some of the oldest and largest living things on the planet. I first visited as a child and wondered if the trees were really as enormous as I remembered. Returning as an adult confirmed that these giants are every bit as awesome as my childhood made them seem.

Best Things to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with Kids

• Walk through the Giant Forest, home to towering sequoias like General Sherman and the Fallen Monarch.
• Drive through the famous Tunnel Log, a fun and memorable stop for families.
• Play along the Kings River near Zumwalt Meadow, surrounded by dramatic granite cliffs.
• Explore easy meadow and grove trails, great for younger kids and wildlife spotting, like mule deer and yellow-bellied marmots.

Kid-Friendly Sequoia and Kings Canyon Accommodations

For a stay inside Sequoia National Park, Wuksachi Lodge is a popular family choice thanks to its serene forest setting and on‑site dining. There are also three lodges in Kings Canyon National Park for families who want to stay closer to the action.

3. Yosemite National Park – California

Yosemite spans nearly 750,000 acres and is one of the most celebrated national parks in the United States. Carved by glaciers over tens of thousands of years, the park is known for its towering granite cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and abundant wildlife like black bears, deer, and coyotes. Yosemite Valley draws visitors from around the world, and nearly 95 percent of the park remains designated wilderness.

Former site contributor Claudia Laroye says, “Your first view of the tree-lined valley surrounded by towering granite walls of El Capitan and Half Dome will cause involuntary oohs and awes.” For more planning tips, see her guide to Yosemite.

Best Things to Do in Yosemite with Kids

• Tunnel View offers one of the most photographed vistas in the national park system, giving families their first sweeping look at Yosemite Valley framed by El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Start at the Valley Visitor Center to learn about Yosemite’s history, wildlife, and geology.
• Walk the easy trail to Lower Yosemite Falls, a great hike for families.
• Drive or shuttle to Glacier Point for sweeping views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
• Explore Tioga Road in summer for stops at Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, and Tuolumne Meadows.

Kid-Friendly Yosemite Accommodations

Staying inside Yosemite Valley is the ideal option for families, especially if you want to minimize driving between major sights. Laroye recommends Tenaya Lodge, noting its family‑friendly amenities, multiple pools, kids’ programming, and easy access to Yosemite’s South Gate. Read her full Tenaya Lodge review before making your decision.

4. Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado

Mesa Verde is the only national park in the United States created to “preserve the works of man” rather than the natural environment. James Ian, founder of the Parks Collecting blog, recommends it as one of the best national parks for kids thanks to its 4,700 archaeological sites and 600 cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Pueblo people.

Best Things to Do at Mesa Verde National Park with Kids

• Join a ranger‑guided cliff dwelling tour to see ancient homes, kivas, and storage rooms up close. Some sites require climbing ladders and navigating narrow passages, which many kids love.
• Visit Balcony House for an extra sense of adventure, where families climb ladders and crawl through a narrow tunnel to exit the site.
• Hike an easy trail to petroglyphs, where you can see rock carvings made more than 700 years ago.
• Stop at overlooks and viewpoints around the park for sweeping views of mesas, canyons, and archaeological sites from above.

Kid-Friendly Mesa Verde Accommodations

There are two places to stay inside the park: Far View Lodge, located at the top of the mesa, and Morefield Campground, near the park entrance. If you prefer staying outside the park, you’ll find additional lodging options in nearby Cortez and Mancos.

5. Glacier National Park – Montana

Located in northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park is a fantastic place for visitors of all ages, with stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife, including brown bears and black bears.

Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park with Kids

• Drive the Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road, which Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler describes as an iconic route carved into the mountains, passing alpine lakes, valleys, and ancient glaciers.
• Hike the Avalanche Lake Trail, an easy 4.5‑mile out‑and‑back to Avalanche Lake, a robin-egg-blue pool surrounded by waterfalls that’s perfect for kids who love splashing in cold mountain water.
• Try the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail if your family is up for a bit more elevation gain, with chances to see wildflowers and mountain goats.
• Relax at Lake McDonald, where families can float on inner tubes or paddleboards in summer, or simply enjoy skipping the technicolored rocks along the shore.

Kid-Friendly Glacier Accommodations

While there are several historic lodges inside Glacier National Park, they’re rustic, seasonal, and book out months in advance. For a more comfortable and reliable stay nearby, Schmit recommends Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls (about 25 minutes from the West Entrance) or The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in Whitefish (about 35–40 minutes away). Both offer spacious rooms, pools, and easy access to restaurants and services outside the park.

6. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii

National Parks of the USA describes the Big Island’s volcanic landscape as a place where “Kilauea’s hot lava lake casts a fiery glow” and where “two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, shape the bizarre landscapes they leave behind.” Animals you might see at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park include Hawaiian geese and hawksbill sea turtles.

My family visited shortly after a major lava flow, when the lava lake had drained, but from our helicopter flight, we got to see some of the newest land on Earth, which almost made up for the lack of lava.

Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Kids

• See Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at Kīlauea’s Caldera, once the largest lava lake on the planet. It partially refilled after the 2018 eruption and is now about three times as wide but not as deep. Overlooks and an observation deck offer safe, unforgettable views of glowing lava.
• Walk past steaming vents and learn volcanic science from informative panels along the short and easy Haʻakulamanu/Sulphur Banks Trail.
• Book a Volcanoes National Park guided hike to learn from an expert how volcanoes form, why they erupt, and how Hawaiian culture is intertwined with volcanic activity. Kids (age 6+) will especially enjoy stories of Pele, the goddess of Mauna Loa.
• Embark on a Kilauea helicopter tour (age 2+) over active volcanic terrain for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of volcanic activity. You may fly over fresh lava fields and even peer into volcanic cones like Puʻu ʻŌʻō, which erupted continuously from 1983 to 2018.

Kid-Friendly Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Accommodations

Most visitors stay on the drier Kona side of the Big Island, but to make the most of a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with kids, I recommend spending a few days on the Hilo side. To stay the night inside the national park, the only options are Volcano House, a historic, rim‑side hotel with 33 rooms, cabins, and a restaurant, or Kilauea Military Camp, solely for active and retired military members and their families.

Just outside the park is Volcano Village Estates, featuring family‑friendly suites and cottages, full kitchens, and breakfast placed in your room.

7. Denali National Park – Alaska

The third-largest national park in the U.S., Denali encompasses a colossal 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness. Agnes Stabinska of Alaska Itinerary says, “Denali National Park is on the list of must-visits during an Alaska trip. It’s home to the highest peak in North America, the majestic Denali.” Formerly known as Mount McKinley, this mountain rises over 20,300 feet.

Best Things to Do in Denali National Park with Kids

• A National Park bus tour is the best way to explore Denali. Guides share kid-friendly nature facts. The buses stop often for photos, short walks, and mountain views.
• Watch for wildlife along the road. Families often see caribou, moose, deer, and bears.
• Visit the sled dog kennels. Rangers give daily summer demos. Kids can meet the dogs and learn how they help protect the park.
• Try a wagon-style dog sled ride in summer.
• Visit in winter for dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Kid-Friendly Denali Accommodations

If you want to stay the night within Denali National Park, then you’ll have to rough it. Stabinska explains, “There are six campgrounds along the road in the park. They have no running water or electricity, and permits are required as it is pure wilderness.” Parents with young children might find it more convenient to stay at the park’s gate, at such places as Denali Grizzly Bear Resort or Denali Park Hotel.

For a scenic stay with older kids (ages 12+), the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers wide views of Denali and the Alaska Range. The town of Talkeetna inspired the setting of the 1990’s TV show Northern Exposure.

8. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

No list of the best national parks for kids would be complete without the Grand Canyon. The stunning sunset colored canyon is a whopping 6,000 feet deep, 18 miles wide, and 277 miles long. Photos simply can’t do this national park justice. It’s just too vast to comprehend until you see it in person. The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, giving easy access from Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Southern Utah.

Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park with Kids

• Hike a short section of the Bright Angel Trail at the Grand Canyon South Rim with older kids. It’s the most accessible option, but the route is long and steep (4-6 hours down and 6-8 hours up).
• Embark on a scenic helicopter ride through the canyon.
• Watch Native American dance performances at the South Rim.
• Descend the canyon via guided mule ride.
• Ride the Grand Canyon Railway from nearby Williams to the South Rim.
• Embark on a white water rafting tour through the Grand Canyon along the Colorado River.
• Visit the breathtaking Havasupai Falls at the bottom of the canyon on the Havasupai Reservation. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year, and reaching it requires a helicopter flight or a full-day journey by foot, horse, or mule.

Separate from the national park and close to Nevada, Grand Canyon West is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This glass-bottomed bridge is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe.

Kid-Friendly Grand Canyon Accommodations

The Grand Canyon’s oldest and grandest resort is El Tovar, which was made of limestone and pine in 1905 to evoke a Swiss chalet. The only lodging at the bottom of the Grand Canyon is the extremely popular Phantom Ranch.

For easier-to-book options at the South Rim, a few miles outside the national park, consider hotels in Tusayan or accommodations in Williams instead. There are also National Park Service camping options at the South and North Rims.

For more ideas and planning tips, read my complete guide to the Grand Canyon with kids.

9. Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s five national parks and a standout choice for families, thanks to its extraordinary natural beauty and plentiful hiking trails. This southern Utah park is famous for its towering hoodoos, and it has more of these tall rock spires than any other place on Earth. Watch for wildlife, including ravens, cottontail rabbits, coyotes, and mule deer.

Best Things to Do in Bryce Canyon with Kids

• Drive the 34-mile Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive to appreciate the park’s vastness and variety. Allow about two hours to complete the loop, longer if you stop to hike.
• Take in the view at Agua Canyon, where two dramatic hoodoos rise from the canyon floor.
• Stop at Natural Bridge to see an impressive arch carved by wind and water.
• Visit Sunset Point for the best panoramic view of pink, orange, and white hoodoos in the Bryce Amphitheater.
• Explore miles of hiking trails, from short accessible routes to longer treks. Hike the Queen’s Garden Trail for a moderate, family-friendly adventure with older kids or teens. Try the easy loop at Rainbow Point, a fun 45-minute option for families with young children.

Kid-Friendly Bryce Canyon Accommodations

If you can afford it and you book far enough in advance, then make a reservation at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon within the national park. Choose from 114 rooms, including suites, motel rooms, and cabins. You’ll be in the heart of the park, just an easy walk from the iconic Bryce Amphitheater. For more sleeping options, take a look at the best hotels near Bryce National Park.

10. Everglades National Park – Florida

“Everglades National Park in southern Florida is one of the great biological wonders of the world,” according to Debbie Fettback, owner of WorldAdventurists.com. She says, “Explore with childlike wonder within this World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, Wetland of International Importance, and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. At over 1.5 million acres, it is the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states.”

The Everglades is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators coexist. Also, keep your eyes open for Florida panthers, manatees, dolphins, snakes, turtles, and white-tailed deer.

Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park with Kids

• Visit one or more of the four visitor centers, each with different ranger programs, educational exhibits, and access points into the park. Look for seasonal ranger-led Manatee Talks and Croc Talks.
• Ride the Shark Valley Tram Tour, a two-hour, open-air narrated tram ride that follows a 15-mile loop.
• Embark on an Everglades airboat ride in search of alligators and crocodiles.
• Join a Car Caravan, where you follow a ranger in your own vehicle and stop at points of interest to learn about the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
• Explore the park on foot or by bike, with options ranging from short boardwalk strolls and guided nature walks to longer hiking trails and the popular 15‑mile biking loop in Shark Valley.

Kid-Friendly Everglades Accommodations

Accommodations within Everglades National Park are limited. Fettback says, “There are only two front-country, easily accessible campground options: Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Both accommodate tents as well as RVs.” If hotels are more your family’s style, take a look at these places to stay near Everglades National Park.

11. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina and Tennessee

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the North Carolina–Tennessee border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers beautiful mountain scenery and plentiful family-friendly activities. Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide says it best: “The park has everything a family could want from a national park adventure, and then some.”

Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids

• Start at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, which offers excellent park information and the Mountain Farm Museum with preserved 19th‑century buildings.
• Walk the 3‑mile River Trail, a great spot to see the park’s massive elk herd.
• Visit the Cataloochee Valley to look for elk, black bears, and birds of prey, and explore historic buildings from the valley’s early settlement.
• See waterfalls such as Grotto Falls, where the trail lets you walk behind the cascade.
• Take in sweeping mountain scenery at Clingmans Dome and Chimney Tops.
• Explore Cades Cove, one of the park’s most popular areas for wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and historic structures.

Kid-Friendly Great Smoky Mountains Accommodations

Staying inside the park isn’t practical for most families, since the only in‑park lodge, Le Conte Lodge, requires a strenuous multi-mile hike up a 6,593‑foot mountain. Instead, Gabbett advises staying at one of the campgrounds in the park, with frontcountry car camping options featuring restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets, plus a fire grate and picnic table.

12. Olympic National Park – Washington

Set on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park offers mountains, rainforest, and coastline in one unforgettable destination. As Keri Hedrick of Our Globetrotters notes, “It’s one of the most biodiverse national parks in the USA, and a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Best Things to do in Olympic National Park with Kids

• Start at Hurricane Ridge to experience dramatic glacier views, sub‑alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife such as deer, elk, voles, and squirrels.
• Hike kid‑friendly trails throughout the park, including routes that pass through lush old‑growth forests and lead to beautiful waterfalls. Choose coastal trails carefully, since beach access changes with the tides.
• Enjoy boating on Lake Crescent, a pristine blue sub‑alpine lake.
• Visit the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, which protects 70 miles of rugged coastline with sea stacks, driftwood, tide pools, and both sandy and rocky beaches.

Kid-Friendly Olympic Accommodations

Just outside the park, Lake Crescent Lodge is a popular waterfront choice for families that books out early. For coastal camping, try Kalaloch Campground, which Hedrick says is ideally located to experience the best of the coast and Hoh Rainforest.

13. Isle Royale National Park – Michigan

Isle Royale is one of the most remote and adventurous national parks in the United States. Linda Malys Yore from Midwest Explored says, “Families who love outdoor adventures will find lots to do at this stunning national park. It’s located on an isolated island in Lake Superior, off the coast of Michigan. To get there, you need to ride a ferry, private boat, or even a seaplane.”

Best Things to Do in Isle Royale National Park with Kids

• Choose from a variety of kid‑friendly hikes, ranging from short walks to longer backpacking routes. Go off on your own or join a guided hike with a knowledgeable park ranger.
• Be on the lookout for wildlife like foxes, toads, lizards, wolves, and even moose. Visit inland lakes to search for clams.
• Explore by water on a boat tour to learn about Isle Royale’s history and the conservation efforts that protect it.
• Enjoy fishing on Lake Superior or the island’s inland lakes. (A Michigan fishing license is required for Lake Superior but not for inland waters.)

Kid-Friendly Isle Royale Accommodations

There are plenty of camping options on Isle Royale for adventurous families. Yore explains, “While somewhat primitive, all campgrounds offer campsites and outhouses, and most offer a reliable water source. You will need to apply for a permit to camp.” 

For a less rustic stay, Rock Harbor Lodge is a good option for families on the northeast end of Isle Royale. Yore says, “You can choose a room with a view of Lake Superior or book a furnished cottage complete with a kitchenette and a private bath. Bring your own food or take advantage of delicious fresh meals in the dining room.”

14. Big Bend National Park – Texas

With desert, mountains, and river canyons all in one place, Big Bend National Park is a good choice for families who love big adventures and wide-open landscapes. Victoria Yore with Follow Me Away says, “This gorgeous park offers lots of fun activities for kids and kids at heart. The park offers diverse landscapes, so there is something for everyone.”

Best Things to Do in Big Bend National Park with Kids

• Start at a visitor center (Panther Junction or Chisos Basin) for junior ranger-led programs and up‑to‑date trail and weather info.
• Explore one of Big Bend’s short, kid‑friendly hiking trails, such as the Window View Trail or the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, both offering big scenery with minimal effort.
• Take in the dramatic views of Santa Elena Canyon from the road and overlooks. This is a great option for families with young kids or anyone who isn’t up for hiking.
• Visit the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, a kid‑favorite stop that showcases ancient life, included with park admission.
• Enjoy a riverside picnic along the Rio Grande and stroll along the water.

Kid-Friendly Big Bend Accommodations

If you want to camp inside the park, Rio Grande Village RV Park offers full hookups, and there are several other NPS campgrounds in and near the park. Families who prefer a hotel will find additional lodging options near Big Bend National Park.

15. Virgin Islands National Park – U.S. Virgin Islands

This stunner of a national park is situated on Saint John and Hassel Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean. According to John Vo from Your Destination is Everywhere, “Virgin Islands National Park is home to gorgeous sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife viewing. This tropical island doesn’t have lots of booming resorts or hordes of tourists, but its natural landscapes are nothing short of beautiful.”

Best Things to Do in Virgin Islands National Park with Kids

• Relax and play at Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, or Honeymoon Beach, all known for gentle waves, shallow water, and easy swimming for young kids.
• Go snorkeling with older or more confident swimmers to see coral reefs, sea turtles, starfish, and other marine life.
• Explore the park’s easy hiking options, from the very short Peace Hill Trail (0.2 miles) to the longer but still kid‑friendly Ram Head Trail (2.5 miles).
• Visit the Cinnamon Bay Museum and Archaeology Lab for a quick, educational stop.
• Explore the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins, an easy way for kids to learn about the island’s cultural history.

Kid-Friendly Virgin Islands Accommodations

There are no hotels inside Virgin Islands National Park, but families can stay at Cinnamon Bay Campground, which offers tent sites, eco‑tents, and small cottages steps from the beach. For hotel‑style lodging, look to nearby Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Coconut Coast Villas is a popular option with oceanfront rooms, a hot tub, and direct beach access.

16. Badlands National Park – South Dakota

In addition to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota is home to one of the best national parks for kids in the USA: Badlands National Park. As Jana Seitzer of Whisky N Sunshine explains, “No cross-country road trip is complete without a stop in the Badlands. This national park offers stunning, dramatic landscapes with layered rock formations. One moment you’re staring at towering spires that remind you of the Star Wars planet of Batuu, and the next you’re peering down into a steep canyon that goes farther than the eye can see.”

Best Things to Do in Badlands National Park with Kids

• Walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail, an easy, fully accessible boardwalk with fossil displays near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center that’s perfect for stroller users and young kids.
• Hike one or more of the park’s four short hiking trails (1.5 miles and under), each offering different views of the Badlands’ unique rock formations.
• For more experienced families, hike part of the Castle Trail, the park’s longest route (10 miles total), which connects the Door and Window area to the Fossil Exhibit Trail, passing along some of the most stunning rock formations in the national park.
• Drive the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) for sweeping views, wildlife sightings, and easy pullouts. This is especially a great option in the summer heat.
• Watch for bighorn sheep, bison, and prairie dogs in the surrounding grasslands, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Kid-Friendly Badlands Accommodations

Cedar Pass Lodge offers the only indoor lodging inside Badlands National Park, with cabins just minutes from the main viewpoints. The park also has two official campgrounds, and backcountry camping is allowed as long as you stay at least 0.5 miles from a road or trail and remain out of sight from roadways.

For more traditional hotel options, families can look to nearby Kadoka, which has several motels within a short drive of the park entrance. Grandpa Joe’s Place is a highly rated option for families, known for its clean, updated rooms and very friendly service.

17. Channel Islands National Park – California

Five undeveloped, protected islands make up Channel Islands National Park and offer a rare glimpse of what Southern California looked like long before it became the Golden State. Because the islands have never been connected to the mainland, they’re home to nearly 150 plant and animal species found nowhere else. One of the most famous is the island fox, a tiny native species that made a remarkable comeback after near-extinction in the 1990s.

Best Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park with Kids

• Visit the islands via boat tour with Island Packers, the only authorized motorized ferry service to the national park. Look for dolphins, sea lions, and whales along the way. In winter, you might even spy the world’s largest animal — a blue whale!
• Visit the most family-friendly of the islands, Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy hiking trails, a small visitor center/museum, picnic areas, bathrooms, and designated campgrounds.
• Sign up for a guided sea‑kayaking tour from Santa Cruz or Anacapa Island (minimum age is 5), a great way for kids to explore sea caves and kelp forests.
• If you’re flush with cash and strapped for time, hop aboard an eight-person plane to Santa Rosa Island (the only island accessible by air) on a 25-minute flight from Camarillo.

Kid-Friendly Channel Islands Accommodations

You can join the foxes, lizards, mice, and birds for an overnight camping adventure on any of the five islands in Channel Islands National Park in designated National Park Service campgrounds. There are no other accommodation options in the national park, but you can book one of the hotels on Catalina Island (the only inhabited Channel Island) or in nearby Ventura County.

18. Biscayne National Park – Florida

Located in the northern Florida Keys, Biscayne is 95% water, so the only way to reach this national park is by boat. Victoria Yore of Florida Trippers says, “Biscayne is just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Miami and is one of the best national parks in Florida and the entire country. Plus, families will love that, unlike many national park sites, there is no daily entry fee.”

Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park with Kids

• Snorkel, paddleboard, or kayak through the park’s clear, shallow waters, a great choice for families with older kids and teens.
• Take a boat trip to Boca Chita Key with the Biscayne National Park Institute. Kids love spotting dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles along the way, then exploring the island and seeing the historic lighthouse.
• Walk the trail at Convoy Point, an easy, shaded path that starts near the visitor center and winds through mangroves. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy looking for hermit crabs, fiddler crabs, tiny fish, and shorebirds along the rocks and shallow water.

Kid-Friendly Biscayne Accommodations

Camping in Biscayne National Park is super affordable, but it isn’t your only option. Most families stay in the city, with plenty of hotels and resorts in Miami to choose from, and lots of things to do in Miami for kids and teens.

19. Glacier Bay National Park – Alaska

“If you’re looking for an epic national park to explore with your family, Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is pretty difficult to beat,” says Bret Love of Green Global Travel. He notes that the park is “a designated wilderness area, a biosphere reserve, a marine park, and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site,” making it an incredibly unique destination for nature‑loving families. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, active adventures, or learning about indigenous culture, Glacier Bay has it all.

Best Things to Do in Glacier Bay National Park with Kids

• With no car access, sign up for a wildlife cruise of Glacier Bay. During the journey, spot harbor seals, sea otters, puffins, and even black bears and brown bears along the shoreline.
• Paddle a kayak among icebergs in calm coves and get close to floating ice.
• Hike short trails around Bartlett Cove, where even young kids can explore easy forest paths near the shoreline.
• Brave the Polar Plunge. Challenge adventurous older kids and teens to a quick swim in glacier-fed waters with temps hovering around 50ºF (10ºC).
• Learn about Tlingit art and culture at Xunaa Shuká Hít, the Huna Tribal House in Bartlett Cove. Families can join interpretive programs led by Huna Tlingit clan members and get a deeper understanding of the Indigenous history of Glacier Bay.

Kid-Friendly Glacier Bay Accommodations

For the easiest access to Bartlett Cove, families stay at Glacier Bay Lodge, the only lodge located inside Glacier Bay National Park. Its bayfront setting puts you steps from the visitor center, the Tribal House, short trails, and the departure point for the Glacier Bay Day Tour. Staying here makes it simple to explore the park without worrying about transportation or logistics.

20. Death Valley National Park – California and Nevada

Straddling eastern California and western Nevada, Death Valley is the largest national park in the continental U.S., covering more than 3.3 million acres. “Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes,” says Ale Leon of Sea Salt & Fog. It’s home to the hottest temperatures in the country and the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin.

Best Things to Do in Death Valley National Park with Kids

• Drive along the Artists Palette scenic loop, painted in vibrant mineral-stained hues.
• Walk the flat, white salt flats at Badwater Basin. (Many visitors even try a tiny taste of the salty surface.)
• Hike Harmony Borax Works, an easy interpretive trail that teaches kids about the park’s mining history and the famous 20‑Mule Team wagons.
• Look for pupfish swimming in the water below the Salt Creek Interpretive Trail, a short boardwalk that winds through a surprising desert stream.
• Try sandboarding on the Mesquite Flat Dunes. Bring your own sled or sandboard since none are available to rent or buy inside the park. This activity is allowed only on these dunes to protect native plants and wildlife.

Kid-Friendly Death Valley Accommodations

Staying inside the park is the easiest way to explore Death Valley, since towns and services outside the boundaries are far apart. Furnace Creek Campground is the most centrally located option and typically the easiest to reserve. Families who prefer traditional lodging will like The Ranch at Death Valley, with an outdoor pool, children’s playground, a general store, on-site restaurants, horseback riding, and carriage rides.

FAQ: Visiting U.S. National Parks with Kids

How many national parks are there in the United States?

There are 63 official national parks, plus hundreds of additional National Park Service sites.

Which state has the most national parks?

California leads with nine national parks, more than any other state.

What’s the best age for kids to visit national parks?

Most parks work for all ages, but 5–12 tends to be the easiest age range for hiking, wildlife viewing, and Junior Ranger activities.

Are national parks stroller‑friendly?

Many parks have paved or hard‑packed trails suitable for strollers. For uneven terrain, a child carrier is a better option.

Do all national parks offer Junior Ranger programs?

Yes, every national park has a Junior Ranger program, and many offer seasonal ranger talks and hands‑on activities.

What wildlife are kids most likely to see?

Common sightings include mule deer, black bears (from a distance), marmots, coyotes, elk, and bison, depending on the park.

When is the best time to visit national parks with kids?

Spring and fall offer milder weather and lighter crowds. Summer is the busiest, but it works well for school schedules.

Discover National Parks with Quarto Kids

Get kids excited for a national parks adventure with beautifully illustrated, engaging books by Quarto Kids.

National Parks of the USA children’s book introduces kids to all 60+ national parks across the country, with fun facts about wildlife, landscapes, and history.

The playful National Parks of the USA Activity Book engages kids with activities, puzzles, a fold-out national parks poster, and 50 stickers.

Plan Your National Park Family Vacation

Explore the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park in this guide to planning the best road trip from Phoenix.

While you’re in Arizona, be sure to check out Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments.

Alaska is home to eight national parks, including three of the largest in the U.S. Bear-spotting is a beloved and breathtaking activity in the 49th state. Discover where to see bears in Alaska, including brown bears, black bears, and even polar bears.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park during a trip to Palm Springs with kids in California.

Want to give camping in national parks a go? Get camping with kids tips from an outdoor expert.

Save this List of National Parks for Kids

Dreaming of a national park family vacation? Be sure to save this list of the best national parks for kids. Simply save the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it.

What is your favorite national park? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: I received monetary compensation for this blog post from Quarto Books when it was originally published in 2021. This article was updated in 2026 to reflect current offerings at these incredible national parks.

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