12 Fun Things to Do in Yellowstone with Kids — Family-Friendly Activities!
Is Yellowstone on the itinerary for your next family vacation?
You should be proud of yourself because you just made a great decision.
Its territory is larger than the sum of two U.S. states and is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
In addition to being the first national park in the United States, Yellowstone is also the oldest national park in the world.
This area has many geothermal phenomena, such as geysers and hot springs, because it is located on top of a dormant volcano.
Don’t worry about bringing the kids along; they’ll have a blast in Yellowstone.
Interested in finding out more?
Read up on the top attractions in Yellowstone and get set for a memorable family vacation.
- Grand Prismatic Spring
You’ll find this magnificent, flaming body of water in the Midway Geyser Basin with a sea blue to the blue-green core and yellow ring.
At 370 feet in circumference, this stunning natural wonder is the country’s most giant hot spring.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
If you’re taking kids to Yellowstone, you have to take them to see the Grand Prismatic Spring.
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Hikers can use the Overlook Path off the Fairy Falls Trail to quickly get to the spring.
It may be hilly, but it’s worthwhile.
Recommended Ages
The walk to the spring is somewhat steep, so it is unsuitable for families with young children.
Children older than eight may participate in the hike at their parents’ option.
- Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley has earned the nickname “America’s Serengeti” because of the abundance of wildlife there.
The picturesque valley is 29 kilometers long and is worth a family drive-through.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
You may wonder, “What can we do in Yellowstone with the children?”
We recommend taking them to Lamar Valley so they may see the fantastic bison that live there.
Provide your kids with an adventure they’ll never forget, just like a drive-through zoo but with more animals!
Please remember to bring binoculars and plenty of time.
Since many people have the same goal, expect a high volume of visitors.
Recommended Ages
All family members, from teenagers to toddlers, will enjoy a trip through Lamar Valley in the family car.
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
While Yellowstone National Park is home to several smaller canyons, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is the park’s first central canyon.
Its length is speculated to be 24 miles, and its depth is between 800 and 1,200 feet.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The park’s Grand Canyon is one of the best spots to take kids to Yellowstone.
Its hypnotic cliffs are fascinating with their orange, pink, and yellow stone bands.
It is estimated that the canyon formed between 160 and 140 thousand years ago and is considered one of the park’s most scenic areas.
Recommended Ages
Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon is best explored by those aged six and up.
- Upper Geyser Basin Trail
Hot springs can be found along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail, which is 4.9 miles long.
They say it has the greatest concentration of geysers on the planet.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Taking a stroll along the Upper Geyser Basin Trail is a common pastime for families visiting Yellowstone National Park.
Your kids won’t get bored on this hike with the abundance of hydrothermal features and fauna.
Recommended Ages
Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin Trail is an excellent option for families with children as young as three.
- Boiling River of Yellowstone
The Boiling River is a natural hot spa in Yellowstone, between Mammoth Hot Springs and the park’s North Entrance.
The warm temperature results from the union of waters from a massive hot spring with the cold waters of the Gardner mountain river.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Do you have young children and need ideas for activities to do in Yellowstone?
Have them unwind with a dip in the Boiling River.
Don’t be afraid of the river; we promise it’s not as bad as it sounds.
The water in the river is hot, reaching about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The shallow water depth makes it safe for young children to splash around.
However, be aware that water temperatures and currents can rapidly shift.
Recommended Ages
One of the most remarkable things to do with kids of any age in Yellowstone is to dip in the soothing waters of the Boiling River.
- Mammoth Hot Springs
The Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park are truly magnificent.
The best way to picture it is as a hill with a large section of hot springs.
These limestone hot springs are a subtle representation of Yellowstone’s underlying volcanic powers.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Want to find some Yellowstone attractions that are suitable for children?
On a hiking trip, discover the beautiful rock formations of Mammoth Hot Springs, ranging in color from yellow to gold to orange.
The Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces have a unique aspect, and your tiny trekkers will appreciate seeing the cave-like structure from the inside out.
Recommended Ages
Kids below six are not permitted in the visitor center at Mammoth Hot Springs.
- Old Faithful Inn
This Inn is one of the most well-known hotels in the park. It was built between 1903 and 1904 and is often thought to be the best hotel in the world.
If you go inside, you may admire the hotel’s beautiful rustic decor, which includes a large stone fireplace and a clock made of wood and copper.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Have you determined where you’ll be staying in Yellowstone National Park?
If you don’t, you should reserve a room at the Old Faithful Inn right now.
The hotel has over 300 rooms, all of which have spectacular views of Old Faithful Geyser.
Stop by the hotel’s excellent gift shop throughout your stay.
Recommended Ages
A stay at the Old Faithful Inn is ideal for families traveling with children of all ages.
- Lower Yellowstone River Falls
The Lower Yellowstone River Falls is a short distance east of Canyon Village.
It is reported that the 308-foot waterfall is the largest in the park.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
What are your plans for the following weekend?
If there aren’t any, you can always take a nature tour to Yellowstone’s Lower Yellowstone River Falls, the park’s No. 2 photo location.
This waterfall is only second in stunningness to the Old Faithful Geyser.
Bring the kids and let them hear the beautiful “roar” of the water as it falls over the colorful canyon at Lower Yellowstone River Falls, which may be seen and photographed from various vantage points across the park.
Recommended Ages
Hiking to the Lower Yellowstone River Falls is a free activity for kids over the age of three that they can do in Yellowstone.
- Artist Point
From South Rim Drive, Artist Point is a mere 0.1 mile away.
As its name implies, this location in Yellowstone National Park is perfect for painters seeking to capture a breathtaking panorama.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Yellowstone’s Artist Point is a popular spot for families to take inexpensive selfies in front of a picturesque backdrop of canyons and a waterfall.
The bright hues of the canyon walls will be a hit with the whole family.
Artist Point is a great place to see various birds, including ravens, bald eagles, osprey, and more, so make sure to pack the binoculars.
Recommended Ages
Artist Point is a great place to take kids as young as 3, as climbing there isn’t too tricky.
- Hayden Valley
To the North of the Lake region and the Mud Volcano thermal area is the expansive Hayden Valley.
Visitors can expect to see wildlife in these plains, which cover an area of about 50 square miles.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Looking for kid-friendly activities in your area?
Take them to Hayden Valley for a bison sighting.
The valley can be reached on foot via the Mary Mountain Trail or by vehicle.
You should bring binoculars since there are a lot of animals to look at coyotes, elk, pelicans, and maybe even an active grizzly bear.
Recommended Ages
All ages would enjoy a trip to Hayden Valley.
- Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail
The Yellowstone National Park Fountain Paint Pot Route is a loop trail that spans a distance of one kilometer.
Even though it’s an easy hike, there’s plenty of geothermal action to see along this path.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
You’ll find petrified trees, sulfur, and gas bubbles in murky water along the Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail.
The description makes it sound like a risky, marshy walk, yet it is one of the most magnificent attractions for children.
Recommended Ages
At least three years old, children should hike the Fountain Paint Pot Trail.
- Biscuit Basin Trail
The 0.7-mile lollipop-shaped Biscuit Basin Trail is located in Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park.
This route is rich in hydrothermal phenomena, including stunning pools of varying colors.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Hiking the Biscuit Basin Trail will allow you to observe vibrant hot springs and erupting geysers, making it an excellent activity for families visiting Yellowstone.
The Black Opal Pool, Sapphire Pool, Jewel Geyser, Avoca Spring, and Mustard Spring are just a few of the sights you’ll witness along this path.
Recommended Ages
Hiking at Biscuit Basin is suitable for children older than three.
