family trip to yosemite national park

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The Best Family Guide to Yosemite National Park

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A Yosemite family vacation is a fantastic idea if you’re considering a National Park visit! From gorgeous hiking trails to giant sequoias, cascading waterfalls, and native wildlife, there’s just so much to do here with kids. In the Summer of 2017, my family took a two-week trip-of-a-lifetime to California, where we stopped for 3 days in Yosemite. At the time of the trip, our children were 8 and 12 years old, ideal ages for enjoying everything this vast natural playground has to offer families. We had so much fun! If you’re looking to plan a similar trip to Yosemite with kids or aren’t sure where to get started, my Yosemite itinerary can act as a blueprint to choose your own family adventures. Here are some things that made our trip to Yosemite wonderful alongside other tips to help you make your decision!

Where to Stay on a Yosemite Family Vacation

Luckily for those looking to stay awhile, Yosemite National Park boasts nearby accommodations for a Yosemite family trip . We knew that we were looking for a hotel, not a campground, so we started our search with our options narrowed down a bit. My biggest advice in booking places to stay is to plan way in advance! Our plans came together during the summer before we actually took the trip. And yes, even that far in advance (about 10 to 11 months out), we still found that many of the Yosemite lodging options inside the park already said “No Vacancy” for the dates that we needed. For this reason, we had to shake it up and do some searching.

That’s how we found the beautiful Tenaya Lodge in a town called Fish Camp , about 2 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park . Tenaya was a one-stop shop for our family. If you ask our children, “What was your favorite part?” they both agree: when swimming in the outdoor pool, you can hear music pumping underwater! Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite also had lots of things to love, like the spacious, modern, and comfortable rooms. There are also a number of dining options serving up tasty menu items. We loved the outdoor barbecue with live music and games, though the hotel generally offered lots of family-friendly activities, like horseback riding and exploring Mariposa Grove. Of course, proximity to the park was a plus, since we weren’t able to score accommodations inside Yosemite .

Planning a Yosemite Family Vacation

Now that you’ve decided where to sleep, start your Yosemite family vacation adventures! Our first day began at the Southern entrance, where we had about an hour-long drive to get to the Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite Valley. This is a useful starting point when you arrive at Yosemite. Here, you’ll find a ranger-staffed information desk, a bookstore, maps, brochures, and pretty much all services for guests you can think of. A great way to get your bearings in this massive park is to take one of the guided Yosemite family tours offered by the National Park System. Ultimately, we decided on the Valley Floor Tour: 2 hours, ranger-guided, and in an open-air tram (weather dependent, of course!) Fortunately, on this tour, we saw close-up views of all Yosemite’s prized waterfalls; Bridal Veil, Ribbon, and Yosemite Falls, the Merced River, and rock formations like El Capitan, and Half Dome.  

Just One Day In Yosemite National Park? Book Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point & Giant Sequoias Tour With Viator.

Things to Do on a Yosemite Family Vacation

There are so many things to do in Yosemite with kids, it may be hard to keep track! If you’re wondering where to start or what to see throughout your trip to the park, I’ve rounded up some suggestions to make your life a little easier!

Hike Along Stunning Trails

Yosemite family hikes are a great way to see all of the park’s sights. Luckily, there are trails of all lengths and ability levels for children to traverse, as well as some trails that are wheelchair accessible. My family explored the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop Trail after our Valley Floor Tour, which was easy, paved, and not-at-all steep, ideal for little ones who are beginners. It’s also a very scenic walk. After crossing a wooden bridge, we spent a long time enjoying the freezing cold water at the base of the breathtaking falls. Because this trail was so easy and family-friendly, however, it was also quite crowded! But this is to be expected of Yosemite during the summer, the most popular season for the park overall. Another recommended trail is also the one-mile Glacier Point Loop, circling an incredible panorama.

For a list of more trails and Yosemite family hikes , click here .

Book your private family hike in Yosemite using Vaitor.

Adventures on Horseback

A Yosemite family vacation also gives you a fantastic opportunity to get up close with animals! Aside from spotting rare wildlife throughout the park, you also have opportunities to visit some stables. Our horseback riding adventure took place at Yosemite Trails Saddle and Sleigh Company , located in the secluded Sierra National Forest. After we donned our bandanas and safety helmets, we listened to a thorough lesson on interacting with our horses. Then, we were off! Since we didn’t have a lot of experience with horseback riding, though, we signed up for an hour-long trail ride through the hilly forest, over streams. If you’re searching for something longer, there are several options for rides of varying lengths. An hour-long tour was just right for our family and the staff at Yosemite Saddle and Trails was wonderful!

Visit the Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is one of Yosemite National Park’s most popular attractions for travelers. Of course, like many other families visiting this well-known area, we came super excited to see the sequoias. Imagine our disappointment when we found out that Mariposa Grove CLOSED for renovations! But here’s the good news for families visiting Yosemite National Park in the near future: Mariposa Grove has re-opened! Now, you can wander among towering trees in the Southern part of the park, surrounded in awe by 500+ species. Overall, it’s a nice tranquil walk through Yosemite’s lovely scenery, though it could be tiring for some younger children. The Fallen Monarch is the star of the bunch, so be sure to take lots of photos of that! Notwithstanding closures, the usual method of reaching here is driving, and then taking the park shuttle deeper into the grove.

Check out the Top 10 National Parks for Families in the US!

Additional Tips for a Yosemite Family Vacation

Planning a trip to Yosemite with kids can seem like a daunting task. There’s so much to see and do! But it’s definitely worth the effort. Check out this list of travel tips to help you plan an amazing Yosemite family vacation .

Plan your Yosemite family vacation well in advance! And when I say advance, I mean at least a year before you plan to leave. Honestly, when it comes to popular national parks like Yosemite, it’s truly never too early to start planning. As previously mentioned, lodging within Yosemite National Park starts to fill up that early; which is why my family wasn’t able to stay nearby. Don’t worry if you find your first option filled up or you’re hitting a dead end. There are still plenty of places to stay, though you should be sure you’re not booking too last minute. Aside from that, it also helps to have a clear itinerary when visiting a park as big as Yosemite. That way, you’ll know exactly how to plan your route, from where you’ll start your days to ending them. A little structure is the backbone of every successful family vacation!

Find Yosemite National Park Hotels on Expedia

Expect traffic in the summer months and plan accordingly! Patience is generally key to traveling with kids; and this virtue is taken to a new level when confronting crowds at some of America’s most bustling National Parks. Expect no less when you visit Yosemite. Traffic congestion here is a common occurrence, especially during the summer, so arrive early to find parking for the day. (And also remember when visiting during the winter, some trails or sections of the park may be closed to visitors.) Once you enter the park, beware that there is an approximately 37-mile drive to get to the Valley Visitor Center, which will likely take your family approximately 1 hour to reach. Utilize Yosemite’s free shuttle system to get around the park whenever possible after parking your car.

RELATED: Family RVing For Beginners

Anticipate Any Medical Emergencies

Anticipating emergencies should be a safeguard for every family vacation. Of course, you want little ones to stay safe and comfortable when visiting Yosemite, but you should always be prepared for a worst-case scenario. Roads leading into and around the park are steep and very curvy. If anyone in your party suffers from motion sickness, be prepared with strategies to deal with this issue. Additionally, be on the lookout for signs of altitude sickness. Yosemite is 5000 feet above sea level, and many people are not used to hanging out at that elevation. About 2 days into our stay, a member of our family exhibited all of the signs of altitude sickness, which resolved as soon as we reached lower elevation.

Find the lowest rates on home rentals in Yellowstone National Park using VBRO. 

Happy Planning!

No matter when you take your Yosemite family vacation , you and your kids will love everything this breathtaking landscape offers year-round. Looking for more national park inspiration? Check out our list of  Top 10 National Parks For Families .

Written by FLT Contributor Melissa Dona . This article on Yosemite National Parks For Families was adapted from an original blog post within the Travel section on Melissa’s website .

*Due to COVID-19, some of the things to do or accommodations on this list may also be closed or may be offering reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

• This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Last Updated on 3 years by Antonia Grant

Yosemite Itinerary: Ultimate First Time Visitor Guide (1, 2 & 3 Day Itinerary)

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: July 29, 2020  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories North America Travel Blog

Yosemite is a treasure trove of beauty and one of the crown jewels among the very best USA National Parks . This Yosemite itinerary will help you plan the most efficient way to spend your time in this spectacular corner of California. 

The spellbinding awe of Yosemite’s landscapes, smooth domed rock formations and unspeakably majestic valley have to be seen in person to be believed.

We will show you the best way to spend 1, 2 and 3 days at Yosemite to cover day trips, weekend breaks and those fortunate to have an extra day.

No matter how long you spend here, we know you will be swept off your feet – just like the great writers and photographers who immortalized Yosemite before you.

2023 Update : You  do not  need an advanced reservation to visit Yosemite National Park this year. The only exception is weekends in February for those who want to see Horsetail Fall on fire.

Why Visit Yosemite National Park?

Yellowstone is arguably the King of US National Parks – being the first established and immensely popular – but every King needs a Queen and Yosemite National Park’s astonishing grandeur is regal enough for our vote .

The park has something for everyone, from family vacations and couples who love hiking , to expert rock climbers and pro photographers.

Beloved panoramas of sweeping valleys, waterfalls and famous granite monoliths steal the show at Yosemite. Photography enthusiasts will be blown away.

El Capitan and Half Dome are even more impressive than you imagine but simply driving through Yosemite valley is scenic enough to justify a visit.

Various stop-off points around the valley scenic loop road are perfect for the less able or young children.

Yosemite is the gift that keeps on giving. It also happens to be a hikers paradise with hundreds of epic miles of trails with awe-inspiring climaxes to spur you on.

In summary, you should visit Yosemite National Park in California because it is a natural wonder perfect for everyone!

Yosemite National Park Factfile

Address : PO Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Website : nps.gov/yose Phone : (209) 372-0200 Park Hours : All day, every day Entrance Fee : US$ 35 Vehicle 7 Day Pass (or free with America the Beautiful Pass ) Campgrounds : Yes, spread across the park (see campgrounds) Accommodation : Notoriously challenging, some lodging in Yosemite Valley, more in surrounding areas Backcountry camping : Backcountry Use Permit Required Top Activities : Hiking, Camping, Rock Climbing, Stargazing, photography Annual Visitors : 4.5 million

How To Get To Yosemite National Park

Flying / Closest Airports to Yosemite

Smaller –  Fresno-Yosemite International, Merced and Modesto airports are all under 3 hours drive from the National Park.

Larger –  San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Reno-Tahoe airports are all under 5 hours drive. More flights and of course the only options for those traveling from further afield.

• We always use and recommend searching for flights with  Skyscanner  for best prices, options and user experience.
• If you plan to hire a car and drive to Yosemite, compare prices and options with Rental Cars for best value.

Related : Save money with our 15 expert tips on finding cheap flights

Driving Entrances to Yosemite

There are a total of 5 entrances to Yosemite National Park but we will focus on the 4 with access to Yosemite Valley.

Tioga Pass Entrance (East, only open May-October, crosses Sierra Nevada);  Big Oak Flat Entrance (Northwest);  Arch Rock Entrance (Southwest) and  South Entrance (South).

Hetch Hetchy is the 5th entrance to park boundaries but it is a secluded and does not lead to the main Yosemite attractions.

• Los Angeles, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree and San Diego – enter via Fresno and South Entrance
• San Jose – enter via Arch Rock entrance
• San Francisco and Oakland – enter via either Arch Rock Entrance or Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Sacramento (and North to Oregon/Washington) – enter via Big Oak Flat Entrance
• Reno, Las Vegas, Death Valley (and East to all US) – enter via Tioga Pass Entrance (May-Oct)

Read about the best things to do in  San Francisco , Los Angeles and San Diego to help plan your California road trip.

Public Transport Options to Yosemite

Amtrak offer a train/bus combination from most major cities around California. Be aware there could be a number of transfers and it will take between 5-7 hours from San Francisco.

Alternatively, you can book a greyhound to Merced and hop on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS).

This would pass though Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal (all places you might be forced to stay in Summer with lack of accommodation options) and enter via Arch Rock.

YARTS also runs services from Sonora (Big Oak Flat entrance), Mammoth Lakes (Tioga Pass entrance) and Fresno (South entrance). More information on YARTS .

Yosemite Valley Shuttle

Yosemite provides a free shuttle bus which loops around the valley regularly, saving on congestion and pollution.

Especially in Summer, you will need to arrive very early and if you are fortunate enough to find a parking space near Yosemite village, do not move your car until you are ready to leave!

Take the shuttle bus that you can hop on – hop off at each stop.

Do you need help planning your visit to Yosemite National Park? Our popular 50 page Yosemite Guidebook and Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to Yosemite including hikes, hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do and so much more!

Best Time To Visit Yosemite National Park

Close your eyes and point to an annual calendar … it doesn’t matter which date you choose, Yosemite is going to blow you away. Every season offers its own unique take on the park and you will have to compromise one thing for another.

Summer is renowned for being unbearably packed so we advise if possible to plan your Yosemite itinerary in Spring or Fall.

• Spring – The best time to visit for waterfalls in full flow, spring bloom, fewer crowds than Summer, will need layers for hot/cold/hiking.
• Summer – Slightly longer daylight hours, warmer weather, overcrowding problem, busy trails, traffic jams, book accommodation way in advance to stand a chance.
• Fall – Gorgeous autumnal foliage colors, barely any water flowing, comfortable temperatures and crowd levels, layers required.
• Winter – Unique time to visit Yosemite with Skiing, Ice Skating and Snowshoeing very popular. Expect fewer crowds, stunning winter wonderland scenery and cold weather.

We first visited Yosemite National Park in October at the heart of the Fall season and like many places in the US at this time of year, it was beautiful. However, we were (extremely!) disappointed the postcard perfect waterfalls were bone dry.

But hey, that’s the trade off. And you can see how pretty the autumnal foliage is in this Yosemite itinerary. Next time we will visit in Spring!

Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park

The overwhelming majority of best things for you to do on your Yosemite itinerary are within Yosemite Valley itself. However, there are other amazing places to explore away from the valley that are far less crowded.

Here are some of the top highlights for you to consider in Yosemite:

Half Dome Hike

Half Dome is Yosemite’s iconic granite dome at the far end of the valley appearing as though a meat cleaver sliced it precisely in half.

Standing proudly at just under 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and dominating most nearby viewpoints, Half Dome is one of the most sought after and amazing hikes in the world.

What was once considered inaccessible can now be accessed by multiple rock climbing routes and one hiking path. This hiking path is only open between Memorial Day and Columbus Day (May-Oct) and is not for the feint hearted.

Cables are inserted each May to aid hikers with the final stretch to Half Dome summit and it is steep. Extremely steep.

Many take this hike on and have to be assisted by park rangers each year because they underestimated either its difficulty or they were afraid of heights.

Half Dome Lottery Permit

In order to summit Half Dome, you will need a permit and they are not easy to acquire. To be in with a chance, you have to enter a lottery in March for the upcoming season. Only 300 hikers are permitted to summit Half Dome per day, consisting of 225 day hikers and 75 backpackers.

You can apply for up to 6 people and you can only apply once.

If you are successful, you will become the permit holder and everyone else in your party become alternates. This is important because the permit holder must be present on the day for any of the group to summit.

If you are unsuccessful, you can take your chances by applying for a permit in the daily lottery. You can apply 2 days before the date you want to hike Half Dome.

For example, you apply on Monday to hike on Wednesday. You find out the same day if you are successful. Read NPS guidelines for Half Dome to plan your hike.

Half Dome is one of the best hikes in the world but it isn’t easy. To reach the base of Half Dome, you can either take:

• John Muir trail (longer but more gradual) at 16.4 miles roundtrip
• Mist trail at 14 miles roundtrip (shorter but steeper)
• Or a combination of both trails in a loop

Most people take between 10-12 hours total time for this round trip route to Half Dome summit.

Leave at sunrise and give yourself / your group a non negotiable turn around time. For example, if you haven’t summited by 2pm, turn around.

Check Yosemite sunrise times before your visit.

The Mist Trail / John Muir Trail Loop

Half Dome is the quintessential Yosemite hike but don’t sweat it if you can’t get a permit or you visit out of season. Yosemite has a ton of awesome alternatives and here’s something to remember:

You can’t see Half Dome from the top of Half Dome!!

Mist trail is Yosemite’s signature hike and therefore the most crowded trail in the park. You will pass two of Yosemite’s rock-star status waterfalls in Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls on this fantastic hike.

Views over Yosemite Valley and the back of Half Dome from Nevada Falls are worth the effort.

• Trail Distance : 7 miles roundtrip / 8 miles roundtrip Mist up, John Muir down loop (add on 1.5 miles roundtrip if walking from Curry village and not taking park shuttle to trailhead)
• Elevation Gain : 1,900 feet to Nevada Falls
• Trail Time : 4-6 hours if loop completed
• Trail Difficulty : Moderate / Strenuous

In peak season or weekends through Spring/Fall be sure to set off either very early or later in the afternoon to avoid the mid-morning rush.

Read our complete Yosemite Mist Trail hiking guide to learn more, featuring John Muir Loop, Vernal and Nevada Fall, maps and tips to help plan your hike.

Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall will be the very first waterfall you see as you enter Yosemite Valley. It is the iconic waterfall to the right of famous valley images taken in Spring when the fall thunders.

During Summer and Fall Bridalveil Fall is wispy and a light spray trickles from 189 meters above a viewing area.

The trail is just 0.5 miles roundtrip close to a car park which makes it perfect for young children or those with less able family members.

Yosemite Falls

The mighty Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and the fifth tallest in the world.

However, you will only see water here between November and July – as you can see in our photo above taken in October the falls were bone dry.

You can hike to Lower Yosemite Falls, an easy 1 mile flat round trip trail (where the photo above was taken) or hike a strenuous 6-8 hour / 7 mile roundtrip trail to Upper Yosemite Falls.

“El Cap” is one of the most impressive and iconic monolithic features in all of Yosemite.

If you hadn’t heard of it a few years back, you certainly have now thanks to nail biting television productions bringing extreme rock climbing to a wider audience.

Watch The Dawn Wall and Free Solo before visiting El Capitan.

When you arrive at the base of El Cap after a short easy hike from a nearby car park, look up and you will really appreciate what these climbers achieved!

Aside from its notoriety, El Capitan is a mightily impressive granite feature in Yosemite. It is best viewed from El Capitan Meadow, Tunnel View and Valley View (more on these later).

Sunrise is the most beautiful time to photograph El Cap as the pink rays of first light illuminate its famous wall. 

For those with more time in Yosemite who want to say they’ve walked on the summit of El Cap, you can either climb it or hike a 13.5 strenuous round trip trail beginning close to Yosemite Falls.

Views are not as impressive as at the summit of Half Dome but hey, you’re standing on top of El Cap!

Tioga Pass Road

Tioga Pass Road runs from Yosemite’s Northeast entrance (near Mammoth Lakes) to Big Oak Flat Road close to Yosemite Valley entrance.

Use this entrance if also visiting Lake Tahoe, Death Valley or the best natural northern California hot springs around Mammoth Lakes.

This road is also known as CA Highway 120 and is incredibly scenic with plenty of awesome stops along the way.

Although the majority of Yosemite’s highlights are in the valley, Tioga Pass Road – known as the High Sierra – is a fantastic place to begin/end a 3 day itinerary if you have the spare time.

Here are some recommended highlights:

• Hike to Dog Lake and Lembert Dome Summit – 4 mile roundtrip with awesome views.
• Cathedral Lakes hike – 7 mile roundtrip and one of the most popular in the area.
• Olmsted Point – Fantastic viewpoint featuring huge cracked and smooth boulders.
• Others to consider include Tenaya Lake, Gaylor Lakes and Mono Pass (but you can’t do them all!).

Note : Tioga Pass Road is only open May-October. You will not be able to cross the Sierra Nevada on this road between November and April.

Sequoia Tree Groves

Although not on the scale of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite has its own fair share of gigantic Sequoia Trees.

There are three main areas you can walk among Yosemite’s Sequoias:

1. Tuolumne Grove – Located at the joining of Tioga Pass Road and Big Oak Flat Road. A 2.5 mile roundtrip trail with a sharp descent to the grove (and sharp ascent back to the car park) is home to around 30 mature Sequoias.

One dead Sequoia has had a tunnel cut through its base so you can pass underneath and appreciate the circumference of these enormous trees.

2. Mariposa Grove – Located near South entrance. This is the largest and best Sequoia grove in Yosemite with over 500 mature giant Sequoias.

Hike the Big Trees Loop trail if short on time, otherwise, hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant Loop trail. There are longer trails for those with more days.

3. Merced Grove – The smallest Sequioa grove is located further up Big Oak Flat Road on the way in or out of Yosemite. There are only 20 Giant Sequoias but it is by far the least crowded of the three groves.

You know they’re going to be massive, everything you see and read tells you that, but when you see one in person you will still be shocked!

Glacier Point

Glacier Point boasts the best panorama in all of Yosemite, arguably on par with Half Dome. However, getting to Glacier Point is not the easiest or most enjoyable.

You have to drive 16 miles up Glacier Point road – a very congested, constantly winding and at times extremely narrow road. That being said, it is without question worth the drama!

Access to this road is 23 miles from South entrance and best driven either at the beginning or end of your Yosemite itinerary.

Magnificent 270 degree views over Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River are unbelievable. Glacier Point and nearby Washburn Point are the best places in Yosemite to watch sunset.

There are a number of hikes at nearby trailheads: 

• Sentinel Dome – 2.2 mile roundtrip, moderate and find Jeffrey Pine (one of the most photographed trees in the world).
• Taft Point and the Fissures – 2.2 mile roundtrip, easy and stunning views without guardrails found at Glacier Point.
• Four Mile Trail – You can hike to Glacier Point from Yosemite Valley if you take this strenuous 9.6 mile roundtrip trail.
• Panorama – This is an extension of Mist/John Muir trail which can be joined close to Nevada Falls and hiked to Glacier Point, but its 8.5 miles one way and strenuous.

One tip for photographers is to consider the time of your visit because huge valley covering shadows appear in the later afternoon. Astrophotography would be perfect at Glacier Point.

Yosemite Valley

Do not entirely disregard Yosemite Valley in favor of hikes and domes. There are a number of fantastic photography spots around the Merced River, often with reflections of granite monoliths or beautiful autumnal foliage.

Yosemite’s one way loop means you can pull the car over as often as you like. It is perfect for families with older or younger members to enjoy the beauty of this National Park.

Some of the notable stops include Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bridge, El Capitan Bridge and Valley View (the best one).

You can see the likes of El Capitan and the Three Brothers reflect perfectly on still water in Fall.

Yosemite is one of the top places to visit in the US and you will be blown away by the sheer beauty inside Yosemite Valley. Plan to spend a lot of time here.

Best Yosemite Photography Locations

Yosemite national park is a beautiful part of America, the perfect environment for landscape and nature lovers. Photography doesn’t get much easier than inside the valley, looking up at waterfalls and towering granite domes.

We truly enjoyed taking photographs around Yosemite and will definitely be back in future for many more.

If you would like to see all of our favorites from the park in more detail, read our complete guide to Yosemite Photography next.

Tunnel View

Tunnel View is the quintessential Yosemite photograph made famous by Ansel Adams.

You will see the majestic flat face of El Capitan to the left, straight ahead at the end of the valley is Half Dome on a slight angle and Bridalveil Fall to the right.

Vistas don’t get any better than this wobbly-knees-moment anywhere in the world.

Spring is the best time to capture this iconic image at its most powerful. Bridalveil fall takes the photograph to another level and you won’t get it in Summer or Fall.

Winter is another excellent time to photograph Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View as it is shrouded in mist and a light sprinkling of snow.

There is no hiking involved, you simply park at one of the lots close to Wawona/Yosemite Tunnel just a few minutes drive from the Valley. Arrive at sunrise to avoid the crowd. Sunset will inevitably be busy, particularly in Summer.

Go to Tunnel View instead of driving to Glacier Point for stars, which would be amazing but a lot of effort.

T he Milky Way will appear over the tunnel and you can get a great night shot with the tunnel in your foreground.

Also, if you take a long exposure over Yosemite Valley with a wide angle lens, you will see white streaks on El Capitan – they are rock climbers making a night climb to El Cap’s summit. Pretty cool, right?!

Valley View

Depending on the type of photography you prefer, Valley View could beat Tunnel View when you consider how much more you can capture in the foreground.

With still water at sunrise, you can compose an image with a reflecting El Capitan glowing red. This place gets busy and there’s not a lot of room to park so plan accordingly, particularly around sunset.

Take a sturdy tripod and wade out into the river – if it is safe to do so – for enhanced composition. Maybe even walk out to a rock and get a photo of yourself in the foreground?!

Various Yosemite Valley / Merced River Rest Areas

As we mentioned earlier, these Valley floor stop offs aren’t to be missed!

You will see plenty of pro photographers at various points of the day wading through the shallow Merced river (in Fall) searching for the best river reflection shots of towering granite rocks.

Yosemite Valley Meadow

Walk out into the meadows around Yosemite Valley using wooden boardwalks. You will be able to shoot different perspectives of the valley and all of the major features within it.

When we visited in Fall, the meadows had turned yellowy-brown and straw like. Barely anyone will be around and you can get creative with your images.

Yosemite Itinerary Broken Up Into Regions

Phew! That’s a lot of information to digest. Yosemite is a big park and it helps to understand the layout.

Above is a map of Yosemite broken into 3 regions: North, Valley and South. You will find each of the 4 entrances labeled to give you an idea of the routes around Yosemite.

Note : This is separate to the Interactive Map at the end of this article on which you can zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with Yosemite, accommodation options and itinerary highlights.

How Many Days For The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary?

Yosemite is an incredible place, if there’s ever been a true ‘bucket list’ destination, this is it. You could easily spend weeks here and not get bored. However, that is entirely unrealistic for the majority of visitors.

Personally, we believe three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Yosemite, considering work/life/family commitments and what you can achieve here in 3 days.

However, 2 days will allow you to hit most of the major sights and even in one day you can still get through a big slice of Yosemite pie.

Let’s get stuck into the most efficient way to visit Yosemite for each of those timeframes and make the most of your trip.

Yosemite Itinerary Assumptions

The following itineraries do not include hiking Half Dome. If you are hiking Half Dome it will take one full day but you can pick up the 2 or 3 day itineraries around the big hiking day.

One and Two Day itineraries should begin and end either at Big Flat Oak, Arch Rock or South entrances; a common loop route from San Francisco.

Three day itinerary should begin at East entrance and end at South entrance or vice versa for maximum efficiency, ideally as part of a wider US road trip .

An example route would be Las Vegas – Death Valley – Yosemite – San Francisco .

Yosemite Itinerary Map

We have created a 3 day Yosemite Itinerary map to show you how we would spend 3 days in the park.

Please note the map is based on our 3 day itinerary listed below. Our 1 and 2 day Yosemite itineraries do not feature in this map.

Click into the interactive map, zoom in / out, scroll around and click on any icon to see details of attractions on days 1 -3.  Follow the points each day from morning to evening for the most efficient way to see Yosemite.

We always find that spending just a few minutes working out where things are really helps when we arrive.

One Day In Yosemite Itinerary

Morning – Day 1

• With just one day available, you will need to arrive early and expect to leave late.
• Drive straight to Yosemite Valley and watch sunrise at Tunnel View .
• Right next to Tunnel View you can park up at Bridalveil Falls trailhead and hike the short trail.
• Drive around the one way loop and take the first left as if leaving the park. Stop at El Capitan meadow/bridge to see the impressive granite tower contrast against the shadowy foreground you are standing in.
• Continue as though you are leaving the valley and stop at Valley View for the other spectacular viewpoint in the park for photography.
• Do not leave the valley, instead drive round in a loop to join back up where you were not long ago. Frustrating to be retracing steps but necessary.
• Drive past the turn you made to El Cap and stop at Cathedral Beach or Sentinel Beach to see reflections of trees and granite towers in the Merced River.
• Continue to the Visitor Center parking lot and park up. Take the shuttle to Mist/John Muir trailhead.

Afternoon – Day 1

• Hike to Vernal Falls and if you’re quicker you can make it up to Nevada Falls . Go down on whichever trail you didn’t go up on to complete the loop.
• Drive to Lower Falls trailhead and walk the short loop to see the tallest waterfall in North America. You won’t have time to hike to Upper Falls.
• On the way out of Yosemite Valley, stop at El Capitan and walk to its base so you can appreciate the sheer scale.
• Drive through Wawona Tunnel and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end in time for sunset over Half Dome.

2 Days In Yosemite Itinerary

M orning – Day 1

• Enter via Big Flat Oak entrance before stopping at Tuolumne Grove to see Giant Sequoias.
• Drive down into Yosemite Valley, stopping first at Bridalveil Falls, then El Capitan Meadow and Valley View.
• Loop around, stop at every turn off along the valley until you reach either your hotel, lodge or campground. From your hotel or campground, make your way to Mist Trail and hike up to Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls.

A fternoon – Day 1

• Drive the loop, stopping at Cook’s Meadow Loop and Lower Yosemite Falls.
• Walk to the base of El Capitan, stop once more at Valley View and head up to Tunnel View for amazing vistas.
• Head back towards your hotel/campground but stop to watch sunset at either Stoneman Meadow near Curry Village or Sentinal Bridge close to the visitor center. You will have an excellent view of Half Dome at both.
• If you want to stargaze or take astro shots, Summer is best and head to Sentinel Dome / Glacier Point (a long drive) Valley View, Tunnel View or Sentinel Bridge (closer).

M orning – Day 2

• Grab an early start and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls or even further to El Capitan summit. In Spring definitely hike the Falls and only the quicker hikers should continue to El Capitan on the morning of day 2.
• That will take up your entire morning!
• Alternatively, spend the morning walking around the visitor center, Ansel Adams gallery (we bought an awesome astrophotography book here!) and more time in the meadows/valley floor for amazing photography.

A fternoon – Day 2

• Drive through Wawona Tunnel (stopping again at Tunnel View – time of day impacts images) and onto Glacier Point Road. Stop at Taft Point / Sentinel Dome trailhead and choose one of them to hike. Both are great choices.
• Continue to Glacier Point before the huge shadows of late afternoon arrive for the best photographs of Half Dome. It will be busy up here!
• Leave via South entrance but stop at Mariposa Grove to hike the 2 mile Grizzly Giant loop among Giant Sequoia Trees.

Yosemite 3 Day Itinerary

• Enter via South entrance, stop at Mariposa Grove and hike among Giant Sequoias including Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree.
• Head North and take Glacier Point Road all the way to the end. Enjoy sweeping views over Half Dome and the 3,000 feet drop to Yosemite Valley. The views are simply stunning.
• Hike to either Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for more astounding views.
• Drive all the way into Yosemite Valley, stopping at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan Meadow/Bridge, Cathedral Beach and Sentinel Beach.
• Check in to your hotel or campground before walking around the Visitor Center and Ansel Adams gallery.
• Sunset at Sentinel Bridge or Stoneman Meadow with great views of Half Dome and stargaze at any of the places mentioned earlier.
• Wake up early to hike up Mist trail before the crowds arrive. Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and the backside of Half Dome await you.
• Return via the John Muir Trail to complete the loop.
• Expect between 4-6 hours of total hiking time.

Afternoon – Day 2

• Walk the Lower Yosemite Falls loop. We saw a mountain lion cub on the loop when we visited. Fortunately we avoided the mother!
• A little further round the loop, hike to the base of El Capitan to see how frightening the prospect of free climbing it would be! More than likely there will be climbers on the wall. Take a telephoto lens or binoculars.
• Spend the remainder of the afternoon around Yosmite Valley’s many meadows, special viewpoints and river reflection spots.

Morning – Day 3

• If you’re a big hiker and don’t mind early starts – wake up and hike to Upper Yosemite Falls as early as possible. Alternatively, hike Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point.
• Both are strenuous and will take a good few hours.
• For those who prefer an easier morning / if you missed Mariposa Grove at the beginning of Day 1 – drive to Mariposa Grove at the start of Tioga Pass Road to walk among Giant Sequoias.

A fternoon – Day 3

• Before lunch both of the above would converge around Mariposa Grove (hikers wouldn’t have time for the Sequoias). Begin the drive up Tioga Pass Road.
• Stop at Olmsted Point for more awesome views including Half Dome and walk around Tuolumne Meadows.
• Choose either Cathedral Lakes trail (7 mile popular roundtrip) or Dog Lake and Lembert Dome(4 mile roundtrip with excellent views from dome summit).
• Leave via East entrance.

Note: This 3 day Yosemite itinerary can easily be done in reverse (East to South entrances)

Yosemite National Park Map of Key Locations and Accommodation

Spend a few minutes studying our interactive itinerary map of Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas.

Click on the map, zoom in / out and move around to orientate yourself with the park.

• Hotels and Campgrounds in and around the National Park – Purple Markers
• Gas Stations (don’t run out!), Entrances, Visitor Center and Car Parks – Black Markers
• Hiking Trails, Domes, Photography Locations, Major Points of Interest – Orange Markers

Learning the local geography is the best way to save time when you actually arrive into Yosemite.

Where To Stay For Your Yosemite Itinerary

Yosemite’s beauty is revered on a global scale but its popularity means finding somewhere to sleep can be a real problem, particularly in peak season.

We’ve written an extremely popular guide to the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park which we highly recommend as a very useful planning resource.

Campgrounds are notoriously difficult to book and often hotels close to the park charge exorbitant fees.

Whether you prefer camping or hotels, the earlier you know your Yosemite itinerary dates, the better. Be as organized as humanly possible – we’re talking months in advance here! 

Our example

We visited Yosemite in October and began to look for accommodation around 1 week before but barely anything was available.

We lucked out with a spot at Upper Pines campground on 1 of our 3 nights but no other spaces at any campground opened up for our other nights.

So, we spent a night in one of the top hotels in Mammoth Lakes the first night and began Day 1 very early entering from East entrance.

Night 2 we spent in a less than perfect yurt-like cabin (yes it was very cold!) between El Portal and Incline, and night 3 was in Upper Pines campground.

From experience, we can tell you how inconvenient driving in and out of the park is each day. But it will be far cheaper.

Another trade off!

Mariposa is a great place to base yourself to save money. We stayed at Best Western Plus  Mariposa on night 4 and enjoyed a pizza at Pizza Factory after a few days of camp food!

Book in advance if you don’t want to be traveling long distances or moving every night.

Yosemite Campgrounds

If you know your dates early and are certain you want to camp, book immediately. The same goes for backpackers and Half Dome hikers. The earlier the better in all circumstances at Yosemite!

Here are the 4 campgrounds in Yosemite Valley:

• Upper Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 238 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Lower Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 60 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• North Pines – Reservations required, available to book 5 months in advance, 81 sites, US$ 26 / night.
• Camp 4 – Late May to early September campsites are only available through a daily lottery one day in advance ( information here ). September to May is first-come, first-served but fills early and is only US$ 6 / night.

There are more camping options North and South of Yosemite in Wawona and Tioga Pass road. Check NPS for all Yosemite campground information .

Camping Exclusive

Would you like to camp in Yosemite National Park but can’t find any campsite availability?

We have teamed up with The Dyrt to offer our readers the chance to take advantage of our exclusive  30 day free trial of The Dyrt PRO , which can help you get reservations at sold out campgrounds in Yosemite National Park by using a fantastic new feature called Dyrt Alerts.

You can create alerts to notify you of any cancelations at campgrounds in Yosemite, which is huge. When a space becomes available, you simply book it right away to snag a near impossible campsite in Yosemite.

You can try The Dyrt PRO for free, no strings attached!

Hotels Near Yosemite

Booking hotels in and around Yosemite takes a bit of perseverance and a lot of patience. Usually, we would say being flexible gives you the best chance of grabbing a good deal.

However, unless you book a long way in advance, you might not have a choice to be flexible.

Your first step should be to take a look at  hotels and lodges in Yosemite Valley for availability and prices. These hotels and lodges are booked through the National Park Service.

Availability and prices for your selected dates may not work for you. In that case you will need to find a hotel as close to the park as possible .

Your best bet is to find any hotels that have availability for your travel dates. Here’s a complete list of all hotels near Yosemite National Park .

• Input your dates
• Search by list or better yet by map
• Find a hotel (or hotels) in the best regions of the park to suit your itinerary

Cabins / Lodges / Yurts Near Yosemite

A decent compromise between high prices in Yosemite Valley and long drives in/out from the likes of Mariposa is to stay in a yurt, lodge or tent.

There are plenty of these small lodge grounds in places like El Portal, Incline, Yosemite West, Wawona and Fish Camp.

More From Yosemite

• Yosemite Mist Trail: Fun Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls (John Muir Loop)
• Where To Stay At Yosemite: Best Places, Hotels and Lodging Options
• Yosemite In October: 10 Important Things To Know Before You Go
• Yosemite Photography: Best Locations, Iconic Landmarks and Epic Vistas

More From California

• Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: 23 Stops San Francisco to San Diego
• San Diego Itinerary: 9 Unmissable Things To Do In 3 Perfect Days
• San Francisco Itinerary: 15 Amazing Things To Do In 3 Awesome Days
• 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Los Angeles For First Time Visitors
• Alcatraz Tour Review: Is It Worth Your Valuable Time And Money?
• One Day In Death Valley: Perfect Day Trip Itinerary From Las Vegas

Need Help With Planning Your Trip To Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is a spectacular landscape and a firm favorite among nature enthusiasts. But it is also one of the more challenging US national parks to plan.

We have created a 50 page guidebook and itinerary filled with key information and expert advice, example itineraries for hikers and non-hikers, and all essential things to know for both planning and when you are on site in Yosemite.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Yosemite, our guidebook is the perfect resource for you.

We hope this helped you plan your Yosemite National Park itinerary!

Have you been to Yosemite? What was your favorite part?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to Yosemite in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

Share this article!

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

Hello Mark, I want to come from San francisco to yesemite for 2 days and then go to lake taho via tioga pass from October 17th to 18 ( at yosemite) and leave either on 19th or 20th to lake taho. I just need little help to let me know how to exit the park for tioga pass to Lake taho. I have seen your maps but i just needed littel help. YOU have done such a wonderful job of visiting yosemite in october...thank you Mark

Mark and Kristen Morgan

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Anjana, we're glad to hear you will be visiting Yosemite in October, the valley is beautiful and a little less crowded this time of year. You should be fine leaving Yosemite via Tioga Pass Road on October 20th (the earliest they have closed that road in the last 10 years is October 21 but it is usually November). You will exit Yosemite Valley on Big Oak Flat Road and take a right turn onto Tioga Road near Tuolumne Grove. That road will take you all the way out of the park to the northeast. Once you reach Lee Vining, take a left onto US-395 N heading for South Lake Tahoe. Have a great time!

Kyle Schuler

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

Any chance you have a similar guide for Kings Canyon/Sequoia and Joshua Tree?

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

Hi Kyle, Unfortunately we do not, but we hope to have more Guidebooks published later this year. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions :)

Saturday 4th of March 2023

Great article!!

We are coming in from Monterey and staying 1 night in Mariposa... Which entrance and itinerary would be best suited to us please!

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Thanks, Vish! If you are coming in from Monterey, the best entrance to use is Arch Rock entrance on El Portal Road. Assuming you have 2 days including travel both ways we would suggest spending the first day exploring all of Yosemite Valley after arriving, staying in Mariposa, heading back into Yosemite via Oakhurst and Fish Camp so you can do the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias and Glacier Point, before maybe hiking another trail in Yosemite Valley. We would then leave via El Portal Road to head back to Monterey. It is a lot to drive in just 2 days and staying in Mariposa means you have to drive back out and in again then next morning, but you will still be able to see the top sights easily, especially if you don't take on any of the longer hikes. Let us know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!

Wednesday 27th of October 2021

Thank you so much!! This really helps to plan our 3 day trip to Yosemite! Great information and details!

Friday 29th of October 2021

Hi Shrenik, we're very happy to help and hope you have a fantastic trip to Yosemite!

Sylvia Phillips

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

Enjoyed this so much! My granddaughter is a ranger at Wawona. Her mom and I are hoping to travel to Yosemite this summer. Thank you for all your travel tips!

Monday 3rd of May 2021

Thank you Sylvia, Yosemite is a beautiful park - your granddaughter has a great job! We really hope you are able to make it this Summer and enjoy your trip!

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yosemite with Kids

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A family trip to Yosemite National Park is the quintessential American summer holiday. Exploring Yosemite with kids while camping (or glamping as it is for us!), splashing through rivers, and spying out some of the best natural scenes in the US is one of the best trips you can do with your family.

If you are planning a visit to California’s most iconic park, we have laid out all you need to know in order to have the best trip ever in Yosemite with kids. Below are our top picks for things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids as well as options on where to stay and eat. Trust me, seeing this national treasure through your little one’s eyes is a truly magical experience that you will not want to miss.

Jump to a Heading Below

General Information on Yosemite National Park 

Yosemite National Park is California’s most popular national park. It is located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. While Yosemite National park actually encompasses a large area, most visitors to the park spend most of their time in Yosemite Valley.

There is a shuttle service that connects the key sites in the Valley (reopened as of December 2021), as parking is quite limited at many points of interest.

Driving to Yosemite

Yosemite is located approximately 5 hours from Los Angeles and 3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, making it a popular weekend getaway for those in northern California.

For those arriving by car, there are multiple entrances into the park.For travelers heading into Yosemite Valley from Northern California, the two main entrances are on the western side of the park along either Highway 120 at Big Oak Flat or Highway 140 (El Portal Road) at the Arch Rock Flat entrance. Visitors from Southern California will enter on the south Wawona on Highway 41 via Oakhurst.

There are two other entrances less commonly used, unless you are heading to the more remote sections of the park. Those include an entrance into the Hetch Hetchy Valley on the northwest end of the park as well as the eastern entrance off Highway 395 near Lee Vining at Tioga Pass. Note: Tioga Pass is closed in the winter.

Flying to Yosemite

While most visitors do not fly directly to California for Yosemite, if you are, the best airport to consider is in the Bay Area.

Technically, the closest airport is in Fresno, known as the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). This airport is often used by backpackers arriving to Yosemite for the John Muir Trail . There are shuttles from Fresno to Yosemite, taking about 1.5 hours to the Southern Entrance at Wawona. Add another 1 hour to reach Yosemite Valley. 

Yosemite Entrance Fees & Reservations

It is $35 to enter Yosemite by vehicle. This pass is good for 7 consecutive days to enter and exit the park as needed.

NOTE: If you plan to visit Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks to the south of Yosemite, the better value is to purchase the America the Beautiful national Park pass for $80 which is valid for 1 full year for everyone in your car.

If you have a 4th grader in the family, you can get a national park pass for free for the year through the  Every Kid Outdoors program , so definitely take advantage! Make sure to print your documents before arrival.

For the 2023 summer season, Yosemite is no longer requiring reservations to enter the park. This means that it will be back to crazy busy in the summer months.

Reservations are not required if you have a campground or hotel reservation or backpacking permit.

Best Times to Visit Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is a wonderful destination to visit year round. Summer of course tends to be peak season to visit – especially for families. Summer is beautiful, but it can get quite hot in July and August. In recent years, the late summer also brings with it the chance of smoky skies due to wildfires.

We recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons if possible as the weather is moderate and crowds are less.

Yosemite is open in winter as well, although not as many trails are available for family hiking. Snow can start as early as October or November in parts of Yosemite and remain into well into the spring. That said, it is also common for there to be little snow even in February, making a winter trip quite pleasant.

Note, as mentioned previously, Tioga Road is closed in winter (usually some time in November until May or June depending on seasonal snowfall.

How Much Time Do You Need in Yosemite?

There is so much to do in Yosemite Valley and the greater Yosemite park that to really experience it all you need more than a week. On our first time visit, we spent 4 days in Yosemite Valley and were able to just about see all the major attractions, but had many more items on our to do list. We didn’t even venture out to the other areas of Yosemite, like the Hetch Hetchy area which we hear is also breathtaking. In an ideal world, if you can at least spend a week you will have time to visit most areas of the park, visit nature centers and take in a few ranger presentations too.

20 Magical Things To Do In Yosemite with Kids

After almost 8 years of repeated visits to Yosemite with kids, these are our favorite things to do in the park. Note, they are also magical without kids too!

Visit Iconic Overlooks

Some of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids is to visit the various iconic overlooks. These stops don’t often take long, but offer a great view into the park as well as provide the opportunity for beautiful, classic shots of Yosemite that everyone craves!

01 | TUNNEL VIEW

Tunnel View is one of the first views of the Yosemite Valley that most people see as they enter the park from the southern entrance. This vista point has views of the whole valley, including both El Capitan and Half Dome, and is a must-see for all ages. The family photo at the top of this post is from this viewpoint.

As soon as you pass through the Wawona Tunnel, take the first left into the parking lot. It is easy to access, however even with the large parking lot, during busy seasons you might have to circle the lot a few times to get a parking spot. No worries though as most people don’t spend too long here. It is worth a quick stop on your way in and your way out to see it in all it’s photographic glory.

02 | GLACIER POINT

NOTE: Glacier Point Road is still under construction through Fall 2023. Expect 30 minute delays from Spring- Fall 2023.

Glacier Point Overlook offers one of the most iconic views over the park.  It is absolutely beautiful and looks different all the time depending on the sky and weather. You can hike up about 4 miles from the Valley to this viewpoint if you want to spend more time here. Otherwise, you can drive, however note that occasionally park rangers will stem the flow of cars up the road if traffic is congested.

Once you are here, you can easily spend an hour or more cruising around the area exploring different angles. The shuttle does not go here, so if is best to go early or later in the day as parking can be difficult. It takes quite a while to get here up winding roads, so we recommend doing it on your way in/out of the park. This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive your car here.

See Beautiful Waterfalls

While Yosemite is most known for Half Dome and El Capitan, the park is filled with beautiful waterfalls that are worth exploring during your visit. Even during the height of the California drought the waterfalls all continued to have a decent amount of water flowing, so I can only imagine how spectacular they are with more rain and snow melt flowing down.

03 | BRIDALVEIL FALLS (.5 mile round trip)

If you plan to visit this waterfall, I highly recommend doing it on your way INTO the park as you arrive. It is on the way to Curry Village/Yosemite Village from the south entrance and is a quick stop off. The hike is short and easy up to the base of the falls.  Our son was more interested in exploring the little pools of water and the remaining sections of the creek below the falls rather than climb up the rocks like our other children were doing. There are a multitude of places to wander around near here and begin exploring Yosemite. Note: This is not on the shuttle bus route, so you must drive here.

04 | LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS (1 mile round trip)

One of the easiest walks in the park is here at Lower Yosemite Falls. The paved path offers a flat walk from the shuttle stop. For the adventurous, climb up the rocks to get a closer view of the falls and a glistening pool of water at the top. While walking to the Lower Falls you will get a glimpse of the Upper Falls, however note that you cannot see the Upper Falls from the end of the trail. 

Depending on how much you have already done or are planning for the day, you can continue hiking to the top of Lower Falls which is 2 miles in/out.

05 | MIST TRAIL TO VERNAL FALLS (~ 3+ Miles)

The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is not a hike most small kids can do, but our determined toddler managed it just fine! The trailhead starts near the Happy Isles Nature Center and begins with a steady 1 mile uphill climb to a wooden bridge where you can see Vernal Falls in the distance.

The next stage continues uphill, culminating in stairs (that get very wet and slippery the higher you go) cut into the path. It is a 3 mile hike there and back. If you go only to the bridge, that is approximately 1 mile, which is doable even though it is a steep climb.

Expect to take many breaks if you are walking with a child.  The Mist Trail is a beautiful hike with great views throughout. It is only partially shaded, so it can get hot in the middle of the day. Bring snacks and lots of water.

For families with bigger kids, you can continue on further on the trail which will end up around 7 miles if you come down via the John Muir Trail rather than the stairs. It is wet and steep, so make sure you prepare for that.

Go Hiking on the Valley Trails

There are so many hikes to do in Yosemite that you will never be able to fit them all in on one trip. Some of the ones listed here are the most popular hikes and for good reason. They are easy, short and most kids (and adults!) can do them. But there are also a multitude of hikes that are not listed on the maps and do not lead to anything in particular.

Don’t be scared to get off the beaten path a bit and wonder around on smaller trails. This is where you will likely see some wild animals.

06 | SENTINEL MEADOW LOOP & COOK’S MEADOW (2.25 miles)

The Sentinel Meadow Loop and Cook’s Meadow hike offers great views of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River. From this hike, you will get great views of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River. The approximately 2.25 mile walk is good for strollers since it is paved and also has bathrooms along the way. The trail is beautiful and perfect for kids of all ages.

07 | MIRROR LAKE (2.4 miles)

Mirror Lake is one of our favorite walks in Yosemite.  The views of the water reflecting the surrounding area are just beautiful. This is also the closest you can get to Half Dome without actually hiking it. You might be lucky enough to see some hikers on the dome.  For our son, this felt the most like a “real” hike in that it is a rocky path rather than a paved path like we experienced on most other trails in the park. 

08 | TENAYA LAKE (2.5 miles)

Tenaya Lake is a beautiful place to go for a day of exploration. Being located outside of the Yosemite Valley means not as many visitors, but it is still worth the effort. This 2.5 mile loop around the lake offers beautiful views and sandy shores for a little play time. This trail is not paved, but is easily accessible for even small children.

09 | TAFT POINT HIKE (~ 2.2 Miles)

This is a very popular spot for hikers and for photographers (aka Instagrammers!). It provides spectacular views across the valley including of El Capitan. (Have you seen Free Solo? If not, go watch it. WOW!).  You might have seen photos of Taft Point in the news because this is where many visitors press their luck by getting too close to the edge. However, it actually is a safe hike for families as long as you use common sense and keep kiddos (and yourself) from the edges.

10 | MARIPOSA GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS

If you are exiting the park through this gate, do not miss the Mariposa Grove hike. It is a bit hot in sections, but overall this is a great child friendly hike. We saw large sequoias, walked through a tree and ran around through shady groves of trees.  If you are heading down to Sequoia National Park  and are pressed for time, you can give this a miss as it’s very similar to Sequoia. However if you are not heading down to Sequoia, don’t miss this area of the park! 

11 | RIDE BIKES IN YOSEMITE VALLEY

Pulling a kid (or two) behind you in a trailer makes the ride a little more difficult, but does not take away the fun and freedom you have of exploring off the roads and away from the cro wds  a bit more.

Bike rentals are not cheap, but it is worth it. A bike rental will cost around $30 per day. A bike with a child trailer is $60 per day. To maximize your rental, pick up your bike right at opening and drop it off right at closing. Better yet, bring your own bikes!

Hint: This is not totally advisable, but our friends found out the hard way that you can make an even longer day of it by ‘missing’ the closing time drop off. If you return the bikes right away the next morning you most likely won’t get charged extra. However.. I don’t really recommend it since it is pitch black out after 8:30 so you will have difficulty seeing your way back to camp. Luckily our friends happened to have their headlamps with them to guide them home safely.

12 | VISIT THE HAPPY ISLES NATURE CENTER

There is also a short trail that goes over a couple wooden bridges as it zigzags over the Merced River, called the Happy Isles Trail. This is perfect for kids who are not used to long or strenuous hikes.

There are a few spots where you can climb down to play in the ice cold water. However, be extremely careful of high rapids and fast moving water. This section of the river was the fullest of any of the rivers during our visit during the height of California’s drought. It could pull a little one along easily.

It’s nicely shaded in this area so even on a hot day you will find relief.  The park ranger guided walk is at 10:30 a.m. (check here for current times). We didn’t walk far, so this walk can easily be handled by most people. Even with little walking, we learned quite a bit – we chewed on a pine ‘leaf that tastes like lemon, we learned how to call a bird, found raspberry and gooseberries along the paths and saw bear scratchings on trees. It is free and geared for the whole family.

Go Swimming in Yosemite with Kids

During the height of summer in Yosemite temperatures can soar up into the 100s. During our visit, we had several days of high 90s and 100s. Overall though the park is quite shaded so you can easily avoid the blazing sun. That said, when it’s hot, there is nowhere better to be than in the water! Luckily Yosemite has various spots to enjoy cooling down.

13 | SENTINEL BEACH

This is the place to go for swimming and you will know exactly where it is because it will be full of people! Go in the late afternoon or middle of the day to avoid some crowds. Check your Yosemite map for directions on how to reach the beach.

14 | POOL AT CURRY VILLAGE

The pool at Curry Village may only be available to people staying at the cabins and tent cabins, but if you are, it is a great clean pool to let the kids splash around in and cool down. For guests of Curry Village, show your room key for free admittance.

15 | MERCED RIVER

You will see people playing in the rivers all along the park. One of our favorite places to play and explore was the area just across from Curry Village. Follow the wooden path through the meadow and walk through the campground to the river. It is slow moving and relatively shallow water to splash around in at the end of a day.

16 | SWIM AT MIRROR LAKE

After a long bike ride and hike up to Mirror lake, we were not quite rewarded with the fantastic swimming hole we had hoped, but that is all dependent on the years rain. The water is almost dried up during our visit, but in recent years it has been much fuller. Even though we didn’t think there was enough water to swim, there were plenty of families enjoying the small pools of water. Our kids enjoyed running around in what used to be a lake spotting small water snakes swimming in the small pools. The water was nice and cold to our hot and tired feet.  It is an easy trail for most kids, but it is not stroller friendly as it’s rocky along the way.

17 | TAKE A VALLEY FLOOR TOUR

The only program we paid for was the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour . We did this on the morning of our first full day. It was quite informative for the adults and gave us a good overview of the valley. That said, the young kids were hot and a bit bored. I would recommend it for kids 6 and up.  Bring hats, water and plenty of snacks.

If you have a very limited amount of time and you want to get a good overview and lay of the land, then I would recommend you to do the tour. However, if you have more time at the park, my recommendation is to rent bikes and explore on your own for an even better experience and overview of the park.

18 | EARN YOUR JUNIOR PARK RANGER BADGE

For our son, the Junior Park Ranger Program was a super hit. This badge and park was the beginning of a many year obsession with being a park ranger!

There are two options for earning your badge – a free version and a paid version. Both will enable your child to earn a cool wooden Yosemite Junior Ranger badge.  The paid version is a booklet filled with fun activities and exercises for your child to do before earning their badge. Through this option, your child will also receive a button (for younger kids) or a patch. However, if you are pressed for time/money you can complete the free page in the Yosemite newsletter.

19 | SEE A SHOW

During the summer season, there are often great family friendly shows held at the Curry Village Amphitheater. During our visit we saw  Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure.  It was a big hit with all of the kids. It’s pretty silly in parts, but it educates kids (big and small) on the history of the park through a fun comedy sketch.  Definitely check it out if it’s still showing. The National Park website for Yosemite has up to date calendar information for all interpretive programs available each year. 

20 | GO ON A FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT 

One of the best reasons for a summer visit to Yosemite with kids is the abundance of family friendly programming at the park. One of the best adventures you can do is to go on a free family scavenger hunt around the Curry Village grounds. Check out the calendar for details on when it will run. During our visit, the program started at 2 pm which was sometimes difficult to make our way back to camp in the middle of the day. 

What to Bring to Yosemite with Kids

If you stay in Curry Village like us, you will need to bring less than camping, but more than a traditional hotel stay. Staying in Curry Village (or camping) requires some advance planning, particularly for items that will need to go into your bear locker. Yosemite is very intent on keeping the bears away from human food and medicines so they insist that any and every item with a scent is kept in the bear locker. This includes sunscreen, lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, all foods, coolers, water bottles, and in some cases even your child’s car seat. Keep this in mind while packing and separate all of these things into their own bag for ease of packing up the bear locker every day. If you want to keep valuables in your bear locker, bring a lock from home to lock it.

Our general list of what you should bring:

• Extra bedding in case of cooler weather
• Lots of snacks and supplies to make packed lunches and simple breakfasts
• Layers of clothes for all weather. During summer it is hot in the day and cool at night.
• Bikes and/or scooters
• Outdoor supplies such as binoculars, bird guides, animal track books, etc
• Collapsible wagon to carry your bags to/from your tent

 For more ideas, download our Yosemite  packing list .

Where to Stay in Yosemite with Kids

Curry Village

If you want to recapture that feeling of adventure you got from sleepaway camp and share it with the whole family, we recommend Curry Village .  This is the middle ground between staying in a hotel or roughing it by pitching your own tent.  Even within Curry Village there are several options. We opted for the tent cabins.

For those of you scared of camping, the tent cabins at Curry are not that rustic – the only problem is walking to the bathrooms in the middle of the night. But that is also part of the adventure. I saw bats fly overhead on one of my midnight potty runs. 

Hotels Inside the Park

For those of you not quite into the camping or glamping experience, you do have the option to stay in a lodge at the  Yosemite Valley Lodge . This is a nice hotel with all the amenities you will need.

For those of you wanting a little more luxury during your visit, check out the only 4 star hotel in the park, The Majestic Yosemite .

Camping Inside the Park

If you are on a tighter budget, there are also plenty of campgrounds where you can pitch your own tent, as well as Housekeeping Camp where your tent is pitched, but you do everything else just as you would on a regular camping trip. For more information on Yosemite Park lodging options check out their  website .

Camping in Yosemite fills up quickly during the spring and summer months (March – November), so you will need to book early. We heard from many families in Curry Village that even with the 5 month advance reservation system, they were not able to book the tent campgrounds. The NPS corroborates this on their website saying that many of the car camping sites book up within minutes of opening.

Do not give up hope though, we have been able to secure camping reservations several times both in the spring and summer months with diligently checking for cancellations and being flexible on the dates.  Check here for details on how to try to nab a spot.  Curry Village is competitive, but not quite as bad as that. We booked tent cabins 4.5 months in advance without too much trouble.

Traveler  Tip : Even if you go in the summer months, book a heated tent cabin. It might come with electricity including a power outlet to plug your phone into. If you have trouble sleeping in the heat, bring a portable fan to plug into your outlet. It is a little toasty in the tent cabins until around midnight when it cools down significantly.

Where to Eat in Yosemite with Kids

Depending on where you stay, you will have different choices on where to eat, but in general there are limited choices within the park itself. If you need something a bit nicer than what is available in the village, head over to one of the hotels. If you are staying in Curry Village, bring a cooler packed with goodies for breakfast and lunches so that your only meal out is dinner. This helps with cost and variety as well. Several days of eating in the same few places gets old quickly!

Curry Village Pizza Patio

In Half Dome Village, there is a small pizza bar where you can order pizza to be enjoyed while sitting outside. As options within the park are limited, be aware that lunch time crowds are heavy. Go early or plan to be there for a while! 

Degnan’s Kitchen

This small deli in Yosemite Valley offers sandwiches, salads and pizzas for eating here or take-away. It is open mainly for breakfast and lunch, but if you stop in before 6pm you can also grab an early dinner. 

The Loft at Degnan’s

Needing something a little different than burgers and sandwiches? Check out The Loft at Degnan’s which offers Mexican, Asian rice bowls and artisan pizzas. Something for everyone here. They are open for lunch and dinner only. 

Village Grill Deck

The Village Grill Deck is located in Yosemite Valley and is open only seasonally. They serve burgers, sandwiches, shakes on a beautiful deck. It’s not cheap, nor amazing quality food, but for the options provided, it’s a good place to go. Again, wait times can be long during high season and meal times. If you plan to visit with kiddos, go a little before lunch/dinner times. 

As a reminder, please do not feed the animals as cute as they are! They are getting bolder and less fearful of humans as each season passes.

The Majestic Yosemite Dining Room

This fine dining restaurant is part of the 4 star hotel in Yosemite Valley. It offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Typically only guests of the hotel eat here, but it is nice to make a dinner reservation for something a little more upmarket!

Yosemite Valley Lodge Base Camp

This quick, casual eatery offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As always, quality and prices aren’t quite what you might be used to outside of the park, but this is nature after all!

Other Essentials for Exploring Yosemite with Kids

Fill up with gas before arrival.

There are a couple of gas stations inside Yosemite, but it is more than $1 more per gallon than you will pay outside the park. Fill up before you get inside the park, even if you have half a tank. Driving distances can be far once you enter the park gates. No one wants to fill up inside the park if it can be helped!

Expect Spotty Wireless & Phone Service

Looking to stay connected with work or family back home while in Yosemite?Forget it! WiFi and cell service does exist, but very rarely works. There is one place in Curry Village (at the lodge, across from the dining area) that you can get internet access, but you need to go early in the morning or in middle of the day to get on. You have to be patient and wait for a ‘spot’ to open up in the network. But really just forget about it and enjoy the outdoors.

Phone service is spotty at best. If you are traveling with a group, you might consider bringing or investing in cheap walkie talkies. More than once we would pass people on the road holding their phones in the air yelling obscenities at AT&T! Hilarious, but also annoying when you are trying to meet up with your group. Make pre-arranged plans with one another rather than relying on phones.

If Traveling with A Group, Make Reservations Together

If you go with a group, make sure to let the reservations desk know when you book your cabins that you are traveling together and would like tent cabins near to one another. There is no guarantee, but they will try to group you close. We were about 6 tent cabins away from one of our party and another 6 from that one. It was fine, and this was as close as they could get us to one another. Another option would be to book all cabins under one reservation, so you can get them all together. This is very important, as the tent cabins are spread out over a large area.

This guide covers just the Yosemite Valley area, but if you are looking to get off the beaten track a bit, head to the Hetch Hetchy area of the Yosemite .

Have you been to Yosemite? What are your favorite things to do?

Are you visiting other national parks in California? If so, check out our in-depth guides for some of the other amazing parks in the state.

Near Yosemite National Park

• How To Explore Sequoia National Park in One Day
• National Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Tips on Visiting Muir Woods

Other Northern California Parks

• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Redwood National Park
• Whiskey Town

Southern California National Parks

• Joshua Tree National Park  plus our favorite Joshua Tree hikes with kids
• Death Valley National Park
• Channel Islands National Park
• Mojave National Preserve
• Manzanar Historic Site

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30 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yosemite with Kids”

Came across your post on Bombay Expats. Can we chat re: freelance blogging opportunities we have? Thanks! Please email. Thanks!

WOW its so beautiful there! The photos are wonderful.

you have to even put the child seat in the bear locker? didn’t even think of it but makes total sense.

A bob cat? that must have been exciting, but we could imagine very exhilarating!!

The bear locker aspect ended up being such fun for everyone! No one wanted a night time bear visit to the tent!

You’re entire post sounds like exactly how my family would love to explore Yosemite. The Junior Park Ranger Program would be awesome! My husband visited there with his parents as a kid, and really wants to take our 2 children.

It is the ultimate family destination. It makes such lasting memories for kids as wells

We loved Yosemite! We were there for a day last September. Stayed just outside the park in Mariposa.

Mariposa was so beautiful as well! We didn’t make it to Tioga Pass area so that’s our next adventure there!

What a great adventure…very jealous.

I love hiking, and I’m totally sure I’d love Yosemite. It’s on top of my US bucket list. When I finally come to the States, I’ll plug in as soon as possible.

It was fabulous. Plenty off ‘off road’ trails to escape the crowds.

Great point about booking early! Important to remember, especially at national parks. And those cabins look so cozy and fun! I am definitely thinking about planning a trip now!

It’s crazy how far in advance you have to book for national park adventures! But it’s worth it!

Yosemite! One of those places that you´d love to see without the crowds right? Is there an off season? Your trip sounded great. we love glamping too!

We were there in the middle of summer and to be honest it wasn’t that bad. For many of the trails we didn’t notice huge crowds. The only negative during high season was the line for restaurants. There isn’t a ton of options in the valley so lines get long. I would definitely go during the May to Sept time period. Lots of ranger activities and events which adds to the experience.

Those tent cabins look AWESOME!! Cant wait to go back and try them myself. Without kids though 😀

They were pretty fun. Some even have heaters if you go during the cooler seasons.

This is an excellent resource, even without kids! I can’t wait to finally visit Yosemite! I’ll definitely consult this list.

Yes. All of this is pretty great even without kids! Definitely make a visit there!

This is a great post! Yosemite is a great place for kids. I remember going to Yosemite when I was 12 and I had a blast!

Thanks! It does seem to be the place that everyone remembers for a lifetime!

this is such a beautiful place! one day i will travel around the USA with my kids!

It’s a must do in my book!

Spending quality time with family is a good thing. Having fun with kids will make you stress-free and will give you a peaceful mind.

On the day that you rented bikes, did you do hikes along the way? Or was the bike ride the activity for the day? We’re visiting in May with our toddler and really want to rent bikes but having a hard time knowing if you bike is the activity or just the mode of transportation. Thanks!

We mostly rode bikes to areas and then would leave them to do a little hike. We left it on the trail near Mirror Lake and hiked out, then got back on later. I can’t remember at this point if we had locks, but I feel like we didn’t and it was fine.

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Yosemite with Kids Itinerary

4 Days of Things to Do in Yosemite With Kids

Yosemite Mariposa County is one of California’s top family-friendly destinations. If you’re looking for things to do in Yosemite with kids, you’ll find all sorts of options. Whether you want to go rock climbing and explore Yosemite’s many hiking trails, or discover places like Mirror Lake, Bridalveil Falls, Tuolumne Meadows, or groves of giant sequoias, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Yosemite with kids.

From rugged foothills studded with sapphire lakes and Gold Rush towns to soaring Sierra peaks, the Yosemite National Park region is a recreation-rich and topographically diverse realm with plenty of inspiring and educational fun things to do. And, just like your favorite Disney or Pixar film, Mariposa County earns rave reviews from all ages.

Enjoy a kid-friendly Yosemite getaway! From the heights of Sentinel Dome to the bottom of the Valley floor, this four-day itinerary (inspired by classic kid’s films) acts as a “trailer” for all the fun things to do in Yosemite with kids.

Kid-Friendly Yosemite Opening Scenes

Parents know that vacation begins once the safety belts click into place. When “Cars” reach “ Life is a Highway ” velocity, togetherness and excitement build for what’s ahead. Mariposa County is a max four-hour drive for most California residents, just the right length for a day of open-road family bonding (with an optional nap, or two).

Another road trip axiom: entertaining the wee folks in the back seat can be a challenge. We get it. To help manage “when will we be there?,” we’ve created Yosemite Mariposa County board games to keep spirits up and minds engaged (and help those of you riding in the front to relax). Beast Mode Yosemite encourages kids to turn away from screens to the magical world passing by. Just knowing that fantastic beasts like “Brother Bear” live here is a thrill. This is the perfect game to learn about the amazing biodiversity of the region.

Hey, What’s That? A Game of Yosemite Mariposa Landmarks is another way to play. As you’re driving through the history-rich, geo-grand corners of the county and something comes into brilliant focus, you’ve bagged it! Check it off your Yosemite Landmarks board. It could be the glowing face of Half Dome as the setting sun hits just right, or the Miwuk Ceremonial Roundhouse in Yosemite Valley. Both Yosemite Mariposa board games are available for download to save and print, as well as online for digital viewing.

Action and Adventure in Yosemite with Kids

By river, land, lake, and air, adventures await in Yosemite Mariposa County, one of California’s ultimate kid friendly travel destinations. From splashing in rivers and reservoirs to horseback riding through ancient trees, choo-chooing on a vintage steam train and learning how to snowboard we’ve got your “Incredibles” kids covered.

At an elevation of 867 feet, sun-soaked Lake McClure and Lake McSwain are nestled in the oak-studded Sierra foothills in Mariposa County’s northwestern sector. Lake McClure and Lake McSwain are fed by the Merced River and offer full-service family resorts featuring protected swim areas, day-use picnic tables and even a floating obstacle course called the Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park . Camping, fishing and waterskiing are also popular here.

The daredevil in the family will jump at the opportunity to ride at Exchequer Mountain Bike Park , with 700 acres of crunchy, chain-stretching joy overlooking Lake McClure. The nearby Barrett Cove Recreation Area is an inviting venue for a swim or lakeside camping trip.

Take it higher above Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park with Airborrn Aviation Services Scenic Tours , based at the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport. View spectacular waterfalls, rivers, lakes and signature sights like Half Dome, El Capitan and more!

Does keeping both feet planted securely on the ground sound better? Guided tours from Tenaya Lodge into Yosemite covers all of the main sights to see and provide guaranteed access into Yosemite.

For “Frozen” winter adventures, Yosemite Mariposa’s snow-covered terrain comes into play. Badger Pass Ski Area , located just off Glacier Point Road with a peak elevation of 8,000 feet, is the oldest ski resort in California! Touted as one of the Sierra’s most family-friendly slopes, Badger Pass Ski Area offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowboard terrain park, tubing and more. It’s intimate with just five lifts providing access to mostly beginner and intermediate runs, and Badger’s heralded ski school is a great place to learn to ski.

For the pre-ski set, Goat Meadow is a classic under-the-radar sledding hill, located just off Highway 41 in the Sierra National Forest between Fish Camp and Yosemite National Park. Tubing, sledding, and all-around snow play abound.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a throwback excursion located near the Park’s South Gate at Fish Camp. Historic steam engine locomotives chug along the narrow gauge right-of-way of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company with tall trees on either side. The on-site museum details the local logging legacy. During the summer months, enjoy a full evening of dining, entertainment, train riding and adventure when joining the “Moonlight Special” evening events.

Whether you take an all-day trip through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias or the one-hour Big Creek crossing, Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures offers unique journeys into the woods and back in time. Happy trails ahead, just off Highway 41 near Fish Camp

Yosemite With Kids On the Widescreen

Today we go big. The titanic grandeur of Yosemite makes it one of the world’s foremost places to visit. Carved by “Ice Age” glaciers and famed for its granite walls and thundering waterfalls, Yosemite’s elevation gradient is steady and significant, rising from about 4,000 feet in Yosemite Valley to nearly 10,000 feet at Tioga Pass. It’s “Fantasia” with a Sierra filter.

Yosemite’s a-list monuments ““ Half Dome , El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, Mirror Lake, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Bridalveil Fall, et al ““ are tightly clustered in Yosemite Valley, with many in full view from paved paths. Tunnel View , Glacier Point , and Yosemite Falls all offer kid-friendly panoramas from paths accessible by strollers and easy hikes in Yosemite that provide all-star views in less than a mile round trip.

In Yosemite Valley, bike rentals are available during the warmer months of the year, including tandem and small bikes and trailers for children. With more than 12 miles of paved, mostly flat trails, riding a bicycle is an excellent way to see Yosemite Valley . For a cooler experience, raft rentals are available from Curry Village where the family-friendly, placid Merced River makes for a great day on the water. Looking to learn about the Valley from an expert? The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour is ranger-led and gives an open-air tour of the Valley that lays out its rich geologic history. Note: Be sure to double-check availability ahead of time for the dates you are interested in.

Older kids and teens will enjoy learning the ropes from the Yosemite Mountaineering School , with half-day and longer lessons available. Instructors and guides are passionate climbers themselves, not to mention patient teachers who know Yosemite’s cliffs better than anyone. Rock on!

Kids can go full Smokey the Bear and become Yosemite Junior Rangers by completing a self-guided handbook while traveling around the park. The Yosemite Junior Ranger handbook is sold for $3.50 plus tax at stores throughout Yosemite National Park and  online . When completed, share your booklet with a park ranger at any Yosemite visitor center during operating hours to receive your badge and patch.

Fairy Tale Finish in Yosemite Mariposa County

Talk about “A Bug’s Life!” Mariposa was named by the 1806 Spanish expedition of Gabriel Moraga, when so many butterflies swarmed his camp that they nearly blocked out the sun! He named that place Las Mariposas, Spanish for “The Butterflies,” and today the annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival honors the founding flyers.

Mariposa spreads its wings for this signature celebration of music, art, food, education, and of course, butterflies! One of the event’s most anticipated moments is the release of some 5,000 butterflies, creating a colorful storm guaranteed to inspire oohs, aahs, and smiles on sky-turned faces.

Mariposa is a classic Gold Rush town with wow-worthy attractions. Don’t miss the Old Mariposa Jail, where backseat misbehavers may be sentenced, and the Mariposa Museum & History Center , a “Best Little Museum” according to the Smithsonian Institution. At Coffee with the Critters , talking to and feeding organic snacks to the Dr. Doolittle-worthy menagerie of farm animals living here is highly encouraged, while parents sip cappuccino and nibble on scones.

Roll Closing Credits

Mariposa County has a bounty of Yosemite kid-friendly hotels and accommodations , ranging from four-diamond resorts to spacious vacation homes and cabins for an additional level of privacy, space to stretch out, and a kitchen all your own.

Tenaya at Yosemite is located in Fish Camp, just a few miles from Yosemite’s South Gate entrance and set among 50 wild acres of Sierra National Forest. Two-bedroom Explorer Cabins are go-to family options. Tenaya Lodge offers over-the-top activities for the young and the “Brave” including archery lessons, rock wall climbing, ropes courses and more. Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs complete the grand resort experience. Timberloft Pizzeria at Tenaya Lodge is the perfect kid zone with a great menu highlighted by brick-oven artisanal pizza.

While we’re on the subject of food, Yosemite Mariposa offers a tasty and satisfying range of family-friendly travel dining establishments , from awesome burger joints to fancier settings (but not too “Ratatouille” fancy; you’re on vacation and this is Sierra Gold Country, after all). Don’t miss the June Bug Café in Midpines at the Yosemite Rustic Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, the Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa (“largest menu in the Sierra”), and the Coulter Cafe and General Store (kid- and dog-friendly) in Coulterville.

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21 Epic Things To Do In Yosemite National Park With Kids

There are so many things to do in Yosemite National Park and it is a beautiful place to explore in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Originally we were planning on staying at a campground outside of the park, but last minute we had a chance to get a spot at the North Pines campground in Yosemite. I am so glad we did!

If you are exploring all the awesome things to do in Northern California or if you are on a National Park Road Trip Yosemite should be on your list of places to stop!

** Make sure to check the Yosemite website and learn about the new permit process for entering the park!!

Staying in the park gives the experience a whole different feel and I would highly recommend doing it! The first day we got there it was pouring rain and the weather showed the whole week was supposed to be that way. . .

Luckily weather in Yosemite is unpredictable at best and after that first day we only saw rain one other time. It ended up being beautiful and perfect weather for hiking and exploring. There are easy hikes in Yosemite and more challenging ones and we were excited to try a bit of both!

We were there for 5 nights and 4 days. We highly recommend planning 1 week for your Yosemite vacation. It is also a great graduation trip idea . Here is our recommended list of things to do while taking a trip to majestic Yosemite:

Table of Contents

Hike Mist Trail: Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls

Our favorite hike was the Mist Trail all the way up to Nevada Falls and then back down the John Muir Trail. This was a difficult hike with a 2000 foot elevation gain over 3 miles and the whole trail was 6 miles long. But it was so worth it.

You start on the Mist trail and hike up these awesome granite steps that take you right next to the Vernal falls. We got soaking wet, but it was so cool to be that close to the falls. You then make it to the top of the falls where you can look down over the lush greenness and the trail you just hiked up.

This is also a perfect spot to take a rest and have a snack before continuing up to the top of Nevada Falls. This is another 1000 foot gain and it was tough. We saw adults huffing and puffing and having to take breaks. It was hard! If you don’t want to do that you could opt to turn around and head back down at this point.

Once at the top you have an amazing view of the Nevada falls and Yosemite. Then the way down is a lot easier and more enjoyable then the way up. You walk on paths where you are getting rained on from the cliffs and fun switch backs that take you to amazing views of the waterfall.

We even saw a bear just off the trail on the way down! At one point you hit a crossroads where you can decide to walk down the granite steps you walked up next to Vernal Falls or go a different route and follow the John Muir trail. We choose to go on the John Muir trail for new scenery and to avoid the slick rock stairs on the way down.

At the bottom the trails reconnect and you come back out where you started at the Mist Trail trailhead. We have been on a lot of hikes and this one ranks at the top of our all time favorite list!

Lower Yosemite Falls

I am not going to call this a hike as it is a short nature loop that takes you to the powerful and beautiful lower Yosemite Falls . Expect it to be very busy and populated due to how easy it is to get to such a huge waterfall. This is also a great one to do in Yosemite with kids of any age.

Given how beautiful it is (Especially in spring when the water is really flowing) it is worth going even if it is crowded. If you only have one day in Yosemite be sure to do this easy walk!

Yosemite Village Museum

The museum in Yosemite Village hosts a rotation of exhibits with a focus on art work and artifacts related to the history of Yosemite. There is also a large emphasis on the Native Americans that called Yosemite home. They have live demonstrations and a few hands on activities for the kids.

Glacier Point

**Be sure to check the Yosemite National Park website to know when the road to Glacier Point will open each season.**

You can hike up to Glacier Point , but you can also drive. We opted for driving this time. Please note that you normally have to get there early – by 9am or else show up late in the day to get parking. Parking is limited and I have heard on busy days they don’t even let you drive up there to try to park. I believe you can also sign up for a tour of Yosemite that would take you up here.

The main attraction here is the view at Glacier Point. It is magnificent and you look down into the Yosemite Valley and can see Half Dome and Nevada falls. When we were there the clouds rolled in and we couldn’t see anything. But luckily they rolled right out and it was amazing.

There are also other areas you can hang out at to get a slightly different view and there is a visitor center with a shop and a small cafe. You could spend about an hour walking around and taking in the views.

Taft Point Hike

This is a great hike to stop and do on your way down from Glacier Point. Again parking will be a challenge, but you should be able to find something or drive up the road a little and pull over on the side of the road and park there.

It is a 2 mile round trip hike that takes you to Taft Point. Taft Point looks out over El Capitan (one of the famous rock climbing locations) and down into the Valley. It is definitely scary and you have to be super careful with kids! Not to mention the fissures in the rock that just show up past a set of bushes . . .

The fissures are cracks in the rock that go down hundreds of feet. In other words don’t let your kids run ahead once you get to this area of the hike! I still get nervous thinking about it.

Sentinel Dome

If you want a different view and no fissures you can opt for the Sentinel Dome hike which starts at the same trailhead as Taft Point, but you go right instead of left. My parents did this hike and they really enjoyed it.

Bridalveil Fall

Unfortunately, we missed this as it was raining and the end of the day so we opted to just head back to the trailer to hang out and drink beer :). But we have heard good things about it and it is an easy way to see a beautiful waterfall.

**This trail is currently closed for rehabilitation. You can check the Yosemite NP website for updates.**

Tunnel View

An iconic view in Yosemite that you don’t have to hike to. You just park and walk to the Vista. Be aware that it can be very busy so parking may be difficult later in the day.

Pioneer Village

The Yosemite Valley area is so busy! But head out to the Pioneer Village in the Pioneer Yosemite History Center area and no one is there. It was a fun village area where they have brought a variety of historical houses together along with stagecoaches to show you what life use to look like in Yosemite.

It was worth a visit and was a nice walk through a fun covered bridge to get to the village where you can walk around and read about the buildings you are looking at.

Big Trees Lodge

This is where the Big Trees Lodge is located, so if you are looking to have a fancy dinner this is where you do it. There is also a small visitors center where you can learn more about the history of the area. Big Trees Lodge is also home to Big Trees Golf Course, so if you’re looking to hit the links while in Yosemite, this is your spot.

Chilnualna Falls

To get to the top of the falls is a strenuous uphill 8 mile hike. Or else you can just do a short half mile hike to get close to the lower part of the falls. Be prepared as you drive through what seems like a neighborhood to get to the trailhead.

Then at the foot of the trail head it says Mountain Lion area. And again it is not busy so be aware of wild animals. You can get really close to the falls and they are amazing. Note – we were there at the end of May and I know as the summer goes on the water falls get smaller.

Swinging Bridge/Swimming Hole

This is also where you can check out a swinging bridge and in the summer there is a swimming hole too. In the spring, the rapids are still to crazy for swimming, but in the summer it settles down. Stop at the visitor center to ask for directions to the swim hole and if they think the river is safe for swimming.

Big Trees Lodge Store

Then you can make your way back to the Big Trees Lodge Store, grab a few beers and snacks and sit down by the river for a break before heading back to the Valley or to your hotel. They even had locally brewed Cider here!

Mariposa Grove

This area where you can see a grove of giant sequoias was closed when we were there. However, since we had already seen all the amazing giant Sequoia trees at Sequoia National Park we were OK with it. I would definitely recommend planning a trip to Sequoia and King Canyons National Park when you visit Yosemite!

Tuolumne Meadows

A beautiful and much less busy area of Yosemite that is at about 10,000 feet! On the way there we stopped at the lake and there was still snow on the ground! (This was at the end of May). The kids played there for a while and loved it!

Pothole Dome hike

We parked by marker 19 – we drove by a few times before we realized this is where the trailhead was. And then hiked over to the large boulder and hiked up it to get an amazing view of the meadow.

Not much else was open in this part of the park yet, but I believe in summer there is a visitor center and snack bar area. If you are looking for a less busy part of Yosemite this is it!

Hetch Hetchy

This one will take you a while to get there. But again if you are looking for less crowds and a more relaxing part of the park Hetch Hetchy may be your place. It is all based around the reservoir. Which was built (against John Muir’s wishes) in order to provide drinking water for all of San Francisco.

Supposedly before the reservoir was put in the valley floor here mirrored the valley floor in Yosemite Valley. Sad to imagine all the beauty is below all that water and to think it would have been much less busy if there were two Yosemite Valleys to visit . . .Even with that it is still a beautiful area.

There is a fun hike that takes you over the dam/bridge, through a mountain and right next to a waterfall (you literally get sprayed from the water). It is a 5 mile hike, but a lot of it is flat (some elevation at the end).

I was definitely glad we made the trip over to Hetch Hetchy and highly recommend it.

Rafting or playing in the Merced River

This is the river that runs through the Yosemite Valley. You can find random “beach” spots where you can play in the water (watch for the current) or if you would like you can rent a raft or a kayak and float down the river!

Guided Tour

If guided tours are more your thing there are certainly a lot of those offered and I would recommend asking about what is currently available in the Visitor Center when you arrive. Or check out this site and book your trips ahead of time during the busy season .

If you are looking for more things to do in Yosemite check out this post: Yosemite Day Hikes .

Extra Things To Do

If you are staying in the San Francisco area, the Yosemite National Park tour offers round-trip transportation. You’ll visit lots of the places I mentioned above like El Capitan and Bridaveil Falls and enjoy an all-day adventure.

Another tour option from San Francisco is the 2-Day Yosemite Park Tour that includes an overnight stay at Cedar Lodge. This tour will certainly give you more time and flexibility to explore and enjoy the amazing scenery.

If you are staying in the San Jose area, the Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip offers round-trip transportation. You’ll visit many of the famous stops I mentioned above and have time to take lots of pictures! This all-day tour includes 5 hours in the park to explore, relax, and enjoy!

If you are staying in the Lake Tahoe area, the Full-Day Tour offers round-trip transportation. This tour includes a picnic lunch, 6 hours of exploration in the park, and a stop at O’Nelly Deli on the way back to grab a bite to eat for dinner.

If you prefer more of an off-road adventure, check out this Jeep Tour that explores the remote areas of the Sierras. You’ll stop at Bass Lake Vista, venture out to a secluded Sequoia grove, and take a hike to see Bull Buck Tree!

Where To Eat

There are a few options for eating when you are in the Valley.

Pizza – Half Dome Village

There is a pizza bar where you can order pizza at the window and sit outside to enjoy it. Take note that on a busy summer day (pretty much any day in summer in Yosemite) you will probably wait a good 30 minutes in line to order. Then a good hour to get your pizza.

The beer here is expensive, but if you are OK taking your pizza to go and finding a bench or somewhere else to eat. You can go buy beer at the store around the corner for less than $2 a bottle. Needless to say we did that!

Village Grill – Yosemite Village

Another option if you don’t want pizza is the Village Grill. They serve cheeseburgers and grill items like that. The prices aren’t crazy and it is a nice way to get a meal and sit out in the village and eat while you people watch.

Note: when eating in the village the squirrels are fearless and crazy! We heard one squirrel jumped on a kids table and grabbed a piece of pizza and ran off. So be aware and pay attention to your food.

There is also a cafeteria area along with some fancier restaurants at the hotels throughout the park.

Where To Stay

We stayed in the North Pines Campground and it was great. No hookups and minimal sun with all the trees for solar, but we made it work and it was worth it! There is actually a rule you can only stay for up to 7 nights in one calendar year. Take advantage of those nights and stay at a campground or somewhere in the park .

At the North Pines Campground we also had a great Verizon Signal. We have heard it doesn’t work that well at all the campgrounds, but we did not test it out.

Curry Village  in Yosemite is another option and there are more Yosemite camping options in the park.

Getting Around

In the valley there is a pretty decent shuttle service. It will take you around to all of the places you want to go. It was recommended to park your car in the Village Visitor Center lot early in the morning. Then just plan to take the shuttle all day.

Or if you are staying at the campground you can walk to the front of the campground and jump on the shuttle there. Or if you are up for it you can walk to a lot of places from the campground too.

They do have parking throughout the park, but it is very limited. So really any time after 9:30am you would be lucky to get a spot.

Surprisingly enough there is a strong Verizon internet signal when you are in Yosemite Village. It won’t work everywhere in the park, but when you are in the village and if you have Verizon you will have internet and cell coverage. The same applies to T-Mobile. In the heart of the Village it works great, but that’s about the only place.

We highly recommend getting the Yosemite Moon Guide before you come. It is filled with great information to help you decided what parts of the park you want to explore.

Check out this great post for more info on Visiting Yosemite National Park With Kids .

If you want more fun in the area check out this great Bass Lake California Travel Guide .

We have visited a LOT of national parks and Yosemite came in at #3 for us. Glacier National Park is #1, then Yellowstone at #2 and Yosemite at #3 with Dry Tortugas taking spot #4.

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4 thoughts on “21 Epic Things To Do In Yosemite National Park With Kids”

Hey Bryanna,

We are looking into taking a trip this summer to California, planning on checking out Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and some of the coastal highway. But we are limited to 10 Days, How would you break up your trip? We have a 12 year old son, so don’t have to do a lot of kid activities. Would like to do some hikes (probably shorter ones as we are not very experienced hikers) And I LOVE waterfalls. So which hikes in Yosemite would you recommend. ? Thanks Barbie

I think you could do Sequoia and Kings Canyon in 2 days – 1 day for each park. You’ll be able to see a lot and those parks aren’t too big, so that should be plenty of time. Yosemite on the other hand, you could stay a month and not see it all. I’d say a few days there. Our favorite hike was up the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls ( http://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/things-to-do-in-yosemite/#Hike_Mist_Trail_Vernal_Falls_to_Nevada_Falls ). Have a great trip!

the view from the picture at the top of this post with your whole family is amazing! is that Glacier Point?

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Yosemite National Park family travel guide

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: November 26, 2020  - Last updated: January 30, 2024

Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited or dreamed about destinations in the United States.  Can you blame everyone for wanting to explore the valleys and peaks that are the subject of countless Ansel Adams photographs?  Who wouldn’t want to stare up at the incredible granite cliffs from the valley floor.  

Check out our full West Coast National Parks Road Trip through the Mountains for more great NPS sites!

And did you know that there are ways to enjoy Yosemite National Park beyond the standard Yosemite Valley… like a second valley that’s just as incredible and impressive?  It’s true!  Take a look at our travels through Yosemite to help plan out your own adventures.

Suggestion :  beyond lodges, there are tons of camping and glamping spots around Yosemite to make for an interesting trip. Check ’em out!

Yosemite National Park Family Travel Guide

Everybody has a different travel style.  Despite having been to Yosemite National Park without kids several times, visiting the Park as a family was a totally different experience and our itinerary was limited to kid-friendly activities. Yosemite is one of the best National Parks with kids !  Beyond what we’ve covered here in out blog, we’ve also done the crazy climb up Half Dome, traveled through Tioga Pass and so much more.  I think we’ll be returning to Yosemite National Park many more times in the future so that we can experience even more with our whole family.

Touring Yosemite National Park

It’s rare  that we do actual structured tours, but we did the Yosemite Valley Tram Tour and it was wonderful.  Check out our thoughts on the Tour and how to determine if it’s right for you family’s travels through Yosemite National Park.  Is there more value in doing a tour when you have limited time or exploring on your own with easy hikes in Yosemite ?   Yosemite Valley Tram Tour

Photography in Yosemite

There are countless sights in Yosemite National Park that you’re going to want to stop at, be in awe of, and then snap a thousand pictures…  The best way to determine what you want to do and where you want to go is by surveying the Park and thinking about what is going to create the most memorable experience in Yosemite.   Tunnel View of Yosemite

Unknown Yosemite at Hetch Hetchy

Even though we’ve been to Yosemite several times there are still limitless possibilities of what or where to explore.  Have you heard of Hetch Hetchy?  Yeah, we hadn’t either… but now we’ve experienced it and it’s amazing!!!  And there are hardly any people there!  Check it out.   Unknown Yosemite at Hetch Hetchy

Lodging at Yosemite National Park

We do love our camping adventures ( reservations here ), but when you’ve been on the road for a while or been roughing it for some time, staying in a nice lodge feels amazing.  We got to stay at two different lodges for our time in Yosemite National Park and each was totally different offering varying experiences.  Take a look at our reviews of two of the options outside the Park and see what fits within your family travel plans.   Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite   or   Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite

Here’s a quick recap of our Yosemite National Park trip so you can see a little of what’s in store:

or view video on our YouTube channel .

With our family travel guide our goal is to be helpful in maximizing time NOT in the car and suggesting what are truly the best sights in the park. Check out our similar advice regarding the following US National Parks :

Glacier National Park Mt Rainier National Park Olympic National Park Yellowstone National Park

Please leave comments below or email us with more questions or suggestions about visiting Yosemite National Park. Feel free to comment on each individual post as well.  For more kid-friendly Yosemite ideas , visit our friends over at No Back Home for their suggestions too!

If you don’t have a National Parks Pass yet…get one!!  And a National Parks Passport too!

Wednesday 1st of March 2017

I can't believe I've never visited Yosemite. All those years of living in the US (33), and now thousands of miles away. Your post is giving me a serious ache for experiencing it! As always, you provide super helpful tips. I like that you focus on time spent outside of the car. Great post!

Sophie Nadeau

Ooh really really want to head to Yosemite one day- it just looks so beautiful! Yet again though, I literally had NO IDEA that it was in California haha!

Ashley Smith

Man, I really need to make it out west. I am such a landscape lover--I know I'd love it at Yellowstone! I loved your video and that scenery looks stunning. I've definitely never heard of Hetch Hetchy lol.

15 Family Friendly Activities To Do In Or Near Yosemite National Park

One of the most stunning pieces of nature in the United States,   Yosemite National Park is a grand spectacle in every sense. This is a realm of giant granite formations, sharp valleys eroded over eons by glaciers, vast meadows where wildflowers flourish, and forests where mammoth trees, older than this country, reach ever upwards. Yosemite should be on the bucket list of any traveler with even the slightest interest in nature, such is its hypnotic allure. There is so much to see and do here, for any type of traveler, and especially so for adventurers that will revel in the park's varied, dramatic topography. 

And yet Yosemite, tucked into the east of California, and not far from its border with Nevada, isn't just the purview of hardened outdoors enthusiasts, the ones with impossibly sinewy arms, bulging calf muscles, and the enviable ability to sleep anywhere (even on the side of a rock face, suspended on a platform). It's also a fantastic place for families to visit, with a range of options open to adults and their kids, both inside the park's boundaries, and also close by. Here are some worthwhile alternatives for families that plan to visit this natural wonder.

While Yosemite is a year-round destination, with each season bringing different aspects of the park's beauty to the fore, the warmer months are when it really shines. It's then that all of the terrain is open — the Tioga Road, for instance, that accesses the higher elevations of the park, is closed during the winter — and the weather is certainly more attractive for being outdoors. In addition, this time of year is when the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of some of the waterways presents itself, especially the chance to splash in some of the park's pools and rivers where visitors can cool off after some physical exertion. 

There are tons of places to frolic in the water around and in the park, in water that is stunningly clean and crisp. These include outdoor pools that any member of the public can use both at Curry Village and also the Yosemite Valley Lodge, but non-guests will only be able to dip in them for a small fee. Given the glorious natural surroundings, a more rewarding way to get wet is in a natural waterway. Stop by the sandy beaches on stretches of the Merced River, fabulous options for a foray into the depths — other parts of the river are prone to rapid currents and aren't advisable for a swim. Other choices include the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, part of the Tuolumne River including the Dana Fork, and close to the Vernal Falls. In addition to a swim, families can also boat, raft, and kayak here.

Get up high

While a trip to Yosemite is, for some visitors, akin to ascending to a higher spiritual plane, the park is also a place of great physical altitude. That is apparent, perhaps most strikingly, at Glacier Point, a viewpoint that will have you and the kids feeling like you are standing on the roof of the world. It really is the kind of lookout that feels grander than life, with most of the park highlights open to see in a panorama that no photo can truly do justice. Standing here, visitors will see sweeping vistas of the Half Dome (the iconic rock face that is a shrine for rock climbers), the Yosemite Valley, the park's high country, and Yosemite Falls. 

Given its location and elevation, this viewpoint is only open seasonally — the road is often blanketed in snow during the colder months — so this area is typically only accessible from late May until some point in the fall. That said, it is accessible in the winter, but only to cross-country skiers willing to make the 10-mile trip up here. There is a parking lot that gets visitors close to an easy paved walkway leading to the viewpoint, which sits more than 3,000 feet above the base of Yosemite Valley. While the drive from the base of the valley usually takes an hour, it can be longer in the height of summer, and there can be back-ups along the route. But the wait will certainly be worth it.

Splash around an otherworldly waterway

While there are plenty of opportunities in Yosemite to take to the water, from swimming to rafting and more, one aquatic adventure nearby to the park will make families feel as if they have entered an eerie, ghostly realm. The formations of Mono Lake , which is in the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve, northeast of Yosemite, are truly eerie. Measuring about 65 square miles, it is notable for its jagged towers of minerals, created when the water from freshwater springs rises up through the alkaline content of the lake's water. 

These spiky, haunting structures are known as tufa and are made up of calcium carbonate, like the stalagmites and stalactites of caves, and sit atop the waters of a lake that is more than 1 million years in age. Even though the lake is inland, it is salty, meaning that visitors that come here for a swim will find themselves floating effortlessly, a bit like at the Dead Sea in Israel. Salt, here? Yes, that's right, this salt flows in from the streams of the Eastern Sierra mountains and is left behind when the freshwater evaporates, making this lake much saltier than the ocean. Kids will find the sensation of being afloat in the water, bobbing around like an unmoored boat, quite exciting, and adults might find the alkaline liquid restorative.

Take a ride

What kid doesn't like a nice journey on a railroad? That's especially true if it's the type that toot-toots as it chugs along and shoots plumes of steam into the air as it plods on its merry way. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has a few different options for a ride through the Sierra National Forest, all of which will appeal to families, with a couple that are especially attractive to adults. The two trains used are both historic, built in 1913 and 1928, with steam engines that really take passengers back in time. 

The top-selling ride is the Logger Steam Train, which lasts one hour and winds through forests as narrators detail the area's rich history. The Moonlight Special is a night-time excursion, including live music and dinner before embarkation, a stop at Lewis Creek Canyon with more live performances, and a trip back under the cover of darkness. Other options include jazz music in the forest and a live theatrical performance on a stage surrounded by towering trees.

Watch water fall

One of the most mesmerizing pieces of a visit to Yosemite is the chance to see plenty of impressive cascades, ever-changing, mutating bodies of water that have a hypnotizing effect on anyone watching — the sound of them is also undeniably soothing. While some of the waterfalls exist all year round, springtime is the peak time for seeing them, shortly after the snow pack melts and the resulting run-off feeds the cascades. One of the top sites in Yosemite Falls, which flows from November through July, and is one of the tallest falls on the planet at almost 2,500 feet in all. It is actually made up of three sections, and since it can be seen from many parts of the valley, and is easy to get to from Yosemite Village by foot, and it gets very popular during the peak months. 

With a drop of about 2,000 feet, Sentinel Falls is a jigsaw of a number of smaller waterfalls and can be seen while driving along Southside Drive, or for the more active, while wandering along the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail. One of the lesser-known gems is the Chilnualna Falls, almost more than 2,000 in length, and flowing all year, with the most thunderous output in May. It is a secretive waterfall, not all visible at once as it sneakily maneuvers behind rocks and turns as it unfurls, and it can't be driven to, instead requiring visitors to hike to see it, via a trail that is challenging.

Find fossils

A two-hour drive from Yosemite National Park gets travelers to the cool-sounding, Californian town of Chowchilla. It's here that they can visit the Fossil Discovery Center, where plenty of remnants of ancient life are on display. Not exactly a museum, this destination represents a tie-up between the local county and the San Joaquin Valley Paleontology Foundation, and is located on the site of a huge fossil excavation — so it really has a sense of place. The fossils here are from the middle-Pleistocene era, and since there are few sites around the country from that time period, this makes this one extra special. 

The center looks both at the paleontology finds and also the excavation area, which is actually in a landfill, placing the discoveries into context and tracing the trajectory from past to present, studying how waste disposal facilities are also shaping the future. It's a fascinating, and unique, set-up, and visitors will be able to look at the valley floor and foothills of the Sierras and see where old rivers carried old bones downstream to their current resting place. Bring the family here and you will see remnants of camels, giant sloths, saber-tooth cats, and replicas of their skeletons, in full size. Guests will marvel at the 13-foot recreation of a Columbian mammoth, and in the onsite laboratory adults and kids can learn about the techniques used to bring the fossils out of the earth and how technicians ensure they don't degrade. Kids can even stop by one area where they can carry out their own dig.

Step back in time

The old structures in the Yosemite History Center take visitors back to another era. Kids will especially love the chance to take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, maybe under a covered wooden bridge with a high-peaked roof and sturdy timber trusses, and see some old cabins that recall years gone by. The center comprises a collection of old buildings, coupled with signboards that explore their history, their former tenants, and the role they played in the park's evolution. 

Exhibits include an old Chinese laundry, and also a place where blacksmith makes actual tools over red-hot coals. These buildings, located originally at a number of spots around the park, were moved to Wawona in the 1950s and 1960s, and are a great way to learn about the past in one, central location. They are also a good place to get a handle on the travails of people that were a part of Yosemite's history, a comprehensive way to look back with the rest of the family.

Visit a ghost town

Not far from Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park is also a place that transports visitors into the past. Rather than a recreating a settlement from the past, this destination is the actual, real vestige of a former gold-mining hamlet, a town that once was 10,000 strong until the last residents left more than half a century ago. It's a spare, barren place, a true ghost town, named for a prospector who found a little gold in the terrain near Mono Lake. Upon a larger discovery in 1875 by other diggers, fortune hunters descended on the place, rapidly boosting its number and the stock of houses and businesses to cater to them. 

The gold rush eventually died out here, and so did the people interested in pursuing this quickly diminishing opportunity, and slowly residents left. Today, only a section of the town is still standing, and even that is slowly falling apart, left in its natural state for visitors to see and pore over. There is nothing here apart from the buildings, no souvenir shops or food outlets, though there is a small bookstore in the museum, and the lack of commercialism is wonderfully refreshing. While Bodie is accessible to visitors every day of the year, it can only be visited by skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles in winter.

Have some liquid fun

Less than 90 minutes by car from the park, Splash-n-Dash will have the whole family yelping in joy. This water park in Lake McSwain has slides and other inflatable features that guarantee thrills, spills, and plenty of fun, and is open throughout the summer, as well as select weekends on either side of that season. It's not a traditional water park per se, but more an adventure/obstacle set-up, with various inflatable structures where guests can slide, jump, bounce, tip-toe, and get soaked along the way. 

On a warm, sunny day, it's really a joyful destination, full of laughter, revelry, and screams of excitement and trepidation. Among the highlights are the All-In-One Tower, which rises 17 feet off the water and has slides, climbing obstacles, and bits that participants must jump through. Race Trax is a mini-obstacle course out in the water that requires guests to climb, clamber, scramble, hurdle, and test their sense of balance. And on the trampoline, kids can leap and twist in the air, or use it to launch themselves into the water. How fun is that?

Enter wilderness

Most visitors are familiar with the valley part of Yosemite, the area where to find Half Dome, El Capitan, some of the marquee waterfalls, and the visitor's center. But, up Tioga Road, and only open to cars during the warmer climes, the higher elevations of Tuolumne Meadows are a pristine tableau of alpine majesty. This vast area of the Sierra Nevada sits more than 8,500 feet above sea level and feels more untamed and untouched than the main part of the park. 

The Tuolumne River is a defining part of the meadows, with a granite base gently winding between craggy peaks and large orbs of rock carved by glaciers. In the spring, large parts of the meadows disappear underwater from all the snowmelt, and much of this water feeds the drinking supply for San Francisco, hundreds of miles away. Granite is the main rock in Tuolumne Meadows, and its tough, rugged form, contrasting with grassy plains and still alpine lakes, creates a tableau of immense natural beauty that a vast majority of visitors to the park don't make the effort to see. But, take the family with you, and you won't regret it.

Picture perfection

A stage for one of the most celebrated American outdoors photographers, the Ansel Adams Gallery, in the park has an unrivaled collection of his works and even offers photography classes aimed at capturing Yosemite in all its beauty. The gallery is where to find a selection of his original prints, exposed and printed by the man himself, and since they are limited in their number — he died in 1984 at the age of 82 — these really are collector's items. They are priced accordingly, ranging from $4,000 to upwards of $60,000, and while they might not be the most suitable gift for the kids in the family, they are certainly worth seeking out for their splendid detail and visual form. 

Visitors can learn a little about the art of great photographic composition in the workshops offered. The twice weekly photo walks, which are free but tickets are required, and led by photographers from the gallery, teach guests the ground rules for exposition and how to capture the park's sublime natural contours. For the more serious camera buffs, there are a number of workshops taught over many days, covering topics such as how to master natural photos with an iPhone, composing images as Adams did, and how to use the light and shapes of the Yosemite Valley to maximum effect.

Reach for the stars

There is so much to explore in the park, and visitors thirsting to get beyond the usual experience should sign up for climbing classes with Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service . These aren't just for adults, though, and even children under age 10 can participate. In operation since 1969, the service offers adventures in climbing as well as backpacking, and hiking, and visitors have the option of joining group tours or setting up customized trips. For many, the main attraction is the climbing component, offered in anywhere from a half-day to multi-day adventures. 

Trips usually congregate in Half Dome Village or in the high country of Tuolumne Meadows, and for multi-day courses, the skills gradually progress each day. Children 12 and older can enroll without parental supervision, while those that are 10 or 11 need to have an adult there. For children under 10, private tuition is the only option. For other disciplines, the service is a great choice, since the staff know the terrain of the park intimately, and can take care of all the necessary logistics. Sign up, and you and the family can backpack through the wilderness, hike up to the top of Half Dome, and even go cross-country skiing with expert guides.

Walk among giants

One of the most enjoyable things to do in the park is also one of the most low-tech, and simply involves visitors strapping on a pair of comfortable boots and walking. There are hiking trails suitable for visitors of all ages in all corners of the park, as well as many that will challenge even the most ardent hiker. Among the most popular is the Big Trees Loop Trail, which is probably widely traveled because of its ease — it is less than a half mile in length — and takes in a part of the park that is beloved by many visitors, the giant sequoias in the Mariposa Grove, trees that are older than the United States. 

A longer walk, the Grizzly Giant Trail Loop, takes in Grizzly Giant, a tree that is estimated to be three millennia in age. The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail passes by the bottom section of Yosemite Falls, the 320-foot drop at the bottom of the cascade, especially powerful and voluminous during the spring and beginning of summer. Visit then, and the kids will shriek in excitement at the footbridge near its bottom, the spray from the falls spraying anyone standing here.

Marvel at the night sky

What goes hand in hand with all this amazing nature? A blessed absence of artificial light, and thanks to the dearth of LED glares and blaring street lights that most of us are used to in the cities, the skies in the park are primed for stargazing. The nearest city lights are miles from here, and the nights here can be very dark, making the stars, when the sky is cloudless, pop out and sparkle like bright baubles strung across the heavens. Visitors that bring along telescopes or binoculars will be greeted by amazing sights, with planets and stars visible. 

For a more involved exploration of the night sky, considering joining the crews of amateur astronomers that unbuckle their equipment at Glacier Point on summer Saturdays and set everything up to peer into never-ending space. There are also talks sometimes held by astronomical experts in the Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, a great way to learn about the delights that hang in the local night sky.

A drive west of the park will get travelers from Yosemite to the town of Coulterville, home of Dreamor Unlimited . A ranch that rescues horses and trains them and also places them for adoption, the business has been an equine savior for more than 45 years and has helped to better the lives of hundreds of horses in the process. It also, under its Dreamor Adventures business, offers horse rides in the Sierras, a way for visitors to take in the area's stunning scenery on horseback. Rides start at $80 each, and last 90 minutes, trekking across mountain trails and making the most of the sweeping scenery. Riders of all ages are allowed, though anyone under 18 is required to wear a helmet. 

Horses aren't at the ranch just to take visitors out on rides but are also trained for performances and shows, so these are well-trained creatures that listen to instructors that accompany the trips. Guests don't have to have prior experience riding to sign up, and irrespective of their prior ability, the journey among the grand expanses will be something they will never forget. For families, it will be a trip that will make memories that will last a lifetime.

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Gone With The Family

Adventures in Family Travel

The Best Family Adventures in Yosemite National Park

California , National Parks , United States / October 2, 2020 by Guest Author / 2 Comments

There is no place like Yosemite National Park , and this iconic slice of California now attracts over four million visitors every single year. From legendary rock climbing to hiking, ancient sequoias, and rafting, there is no shortage of fun things to do for the entire family.

Engaging your kids with nature by enjoying Yosemite can spark a lifetime of adventure. Whether you’re stopping in for a day or a week, here are 8 incredible, family-friendly adventures in Yosemite National Park. 

Please check all travel restrictions and safety precautions in effect prior to visiting any destination or attraction.

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1. Take a Hike

With 800 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite is the perfect place to get the entire family on their feet. Whether your kids are out scrambling you or you’re just looking for minimal elevation gain, there’s a perfect hike for you in Yosemite. 

For families with strollers, Glacier Point Loop is a great, relaxed option. A portion of the trail is paved and the rest of it is clear and easy to follow. Need a mid-hike snack? There’s an ice cream shop along the way! Now that’s a great way to hike. The trail leads to a 270-degree panoramic outlook over Half Dome, the Yosemite Valley, and various peaks and waterfalls. 

If you’ve got older kids willing to trek a little further, I love the Panorama Trail. At 8.5 miles, it’s a more satisfying trip without being too steep or difficult to navigate. You’ll enjoy unforgettable views of the valley and falls that make the distance absolutely worth it. 

Those seeking wildflowers over dirt trails will love Tuolumne Meadows. In the late spring through mid-summer, you’ll be treated to miles of flowers skirting the granite peaks and flowing river. Keep an eye out for deer!

If you’re willing to put the work in for a birds-eye view, try Lower Mariposa Grove. While the ascent is a bit steeper, you’ll be able to sneak a peek of the world’s oldest sequoia, Grizzly Giant. The trail also leads you through the California Tunnel Tree, which the little ones are sure to love. It’s more than worth the effort!

Of course, there are plenty more hikes in Yosemite to choose from, so spend some time picking the perfect trail for your family. 

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2. Get Sworn in as a Junior Ranger 

Got a tiny park ranger on your hands? Get your kids involved in the park by having them sworn in as a Junior Ranger! This fun task is designed for kids aged 7-13, and little ones aged 3-6 can become a Little Cub. Junior Rangers must purchase the self-guided booklet ($3.50 at the Visitors Centers), complete all the pages, collect a bag of trash, and attend the guided program. Upon completion, your little ranger will earn a badge and their Junior Ranger status. 

Young ones can pick up the Little Cub Handbook, complete the pages, and earn their button. The programs are fun for kids and help to engage the entire family in the park. Visiting in 2020? The Junior Ranger and Little Cub programs are available virtually!

3. Ice Skate Under Half Dome

Visiting Yosemite in the winter? You’re in for a treat! The ice skating rink at Curry Village has been getting families on skates since 1928. The rink has a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and cliff faces, is surrounded by trees, and the fire pit lights up your view of Half Dome. It’s about as beautiful as a winter outing can be!

You can bring your own skates or rent them for the family. Helmets and skate sharpening are available too. Lucky enough to live close to the park? Season passes provide unlimited skating and rentals. Seems like a perfect way to spend the winter. 

Looking for a place to stay on your trip to Yosemite National Park? Check reviews and current rates for Yosemite Valley Lodge on TripAdvisor.

4. Wildlife Watch 

With 400 species of animals calling Yosemite National Park home, odds are good that you and your family will spot a critter during your trip. Nothing gets the kids excited like seeing a fawn, fox, or bighorn sheep along the side of the road!

Speaking of foxes, here are some of the other animals you might be able to see in Yosemite: black bears, bobcats, 250 species of bird, mountain lions, turtles, snakes, toads, and plenty more reptiles.

Now, if black bears and bobcats sound a bit intimidating, don’t worry too much- most family-friendly trails and viewpoints are well-trafficked enough that those kinds of animals won’t want to be anywhere nearby. 

Families wanting to make a point of seeing some wildlife can do a few things to maximize their chances. First, you can link up with one of the naturalist tour guides to learn about the animals while you search for them.

Alternatively, you can explore the Mariposa Grove or Tuolumne meadows, which are favoured spots for local creatures. If all else fails, you can check in with the park rangers, who are up to date on wildlife sightings and where to safely view wildlife.

If you’re spending more than a day in the park, I suggest playing Animal Bingo with the whole family as a fun way to keep the crew engaged and the kids focused on what’s around them. 

5. Ice Cream in Half Dome Village 

Remember how I mentioned ice cream? Yes! Any family trip to Yosemite needs an ice cream stop at Half Dome Village (Curry Village). Grabbing a cone to take along one of your hikes is a perfect afternoon treat, or you can settle in at the village for a bigger snack. The village has everything from food trucks to pizza patios, making it a perfect midday break. My personal favourite is the taco truck, but you can do some taste testing to find your go-to. 

6. Walk Under Giant Sequoias 

Is anything more incredible to a three-foot-tall child than a 250-foot sequoia? Honestly, even as a 6-foot adult (on a good day) I can’t get enough of these towering trees.

There are three groves of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park. The first, Mariposa Grove, is the most easily accessible and the best choice for those with small children. It’s near the South Entrance and is accessible from spring through fall, and boasts over 500 mature giant sequoia trees.

For an even easier journey, there’s a free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza. Families with strollers can take advantage of the accessible trails in the grove, and those with older children can enjoy the more rustic trails. 

If your family is more game for adventure, you can try the less-visited Tuolumne Grove. You’ll only be able to reach the grove after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss. I know what you’re thinking: that means the hike back to the car gains 500 feet. Worth it for the two dozen massive sequoias you’ll be able to admire. 

If your gang wants the least crowded sequoia viewing experience possible, you can head out to Merced Grove. Similar to Tuolumne Grove, you’ll have to hike a mile and a half down and return the same distance up with 500 feet of elevation change. Parking is extremely limited for this grove, which makes it the perfect choice if you want a quiet experience and you’re willing to get there nice and early. 

7. Float or Wade in the Merced River 

If you’ve got fish for kids, taking advantage of the Merced River is a must-do while in Yosemite. Depending on how comfortable your family is in the water, you’ve got a couple of options.

I love renting rafts at Half Dome Village and floating down the stretch of river from Stoneman Bridge to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. If you have your own tubes or rafts, you’re welcome to bring them as well.

Just keep in mind that the combined water and air temperature have to exceed 100 degrees and the water level at Sentinel Bridge has to be under 6.5 feet. Other than that, you’re set to enjoy a hot day cruising the river.

If you’re not quite keen to hop on a raft, wading and swimming is a low-key way to enjoy the water. There are a few different places you can swim in Yosemite, but I recommend North Pines Campground, Cathedral Beach, or Tenaya Lake. Throw out some towels, put the lifejackets on, and enjoy the afternoon!

8. Cruise in a Shuttle

If you want sightseeing without all the driving, hopping on one of the park shuttles is a great way to spend part of the day. Shuttles service nearly every corner of the park, from El Capitan to trailheads to the Valley.

You can also use shuttles to access sequoia groves or trailheads that have limited parking or jump on shuttles that offer tours along the way. Remember to check when each shuttle runs throughout the year, but otherwise, all you have to do is get comfortable and get that Animal Bingo ready.

With 8 exciting ways to explore Yosemite National Park with the whole family, you’ve got plenty of fun-filled days ahead. From hiking to swimming and everything in between, this incredible park is the perfect place to involve the entire family with some of the most outstanding nature in the United States. So, will it be the sequoias or rafting first?

Lukas Saville is a travel writer who’s main focus is adventure travel. His passion for wildlife and nature has carried him to many countries of the world. He loves hiking the best trails on earth and sharing his experiences through writing. He hopes his experiences will help more people to start their own adventures and appreciate the world surrounding them a little bit more.

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Reader Interactions

Jennifer L Brommer

March 13, 2021 at 6:00 pm

We have always wanted to visit Yosemite, and this post has got me even more excited to do so! I don’t think one can actually imagine how huge the sequoias are until you’re right next to them like in your photos 🙂

Lisa Goodmurphy

March 13, 2021 at 6:04 pm

Those sequoias are truly amazing!! Hope you get to Yosemite soon!!

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To this day, I still remember my first trip as a child to Yosemite National Park. It was on a 2,000-mile road trip from the Midwest. Similar to John Muir ’s journey from the Great Plains to Yosemite, my personal experience of seeing the legendary valley with my own eyes sparked my love of nature and to explore the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a family trip that will create a lifetime of memories for everyone including your children, Yosemite National Park is a must.

Planning The Perfect Family Trip To Yosemite

There is so much to see and do in the park that you’ll want to make a solid game plan ahead of time, so you don’t get overwhelmed upon arrival. Whether you want to just relax, see the main attractions or dive into a bit of the area's history, you can find the ideal activities to suit your agenda.

For Those That Just Want To Relax

See The Sights

One-of-a Kind Creature: Yosemite is home to an arachnid called the Yosemite Cave Pseudoscorpion . This animal, which resembles a scorpion, is believed to exist only at Yosemite.

Delve Into History

Depending on when you visit, there’s several activities that really give you a taste of each season. For those kiddos or adult that enjoy steam-driven locomotives, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a MUST. Another fun activity to check out is the  Yosemite History Center . Here you’ll get a small dose of education and history along with lots of adventure.

While my first adventure to Yosemite was three decades ago, I still thank my parents for igniting my love of the mountains. Yosemite isn’t just a national park but rather an opportunity to inspire your children to see the world in a different light. As John Muir so eloquently put it, “The Mountains are calling, and I must go.”

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Alex founded localfreshies.com® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.

How to spend your first visit to Yosemite National Park

Apr 16, 2021 • 6 min read

What's better than waking up underneath pine trees as the sun breaks across Yosemite Valley? © Nae Chantaravisoot / 500px

Yosemite has long been revered for its stunning, unique landscape, and no wonder. From the glacier-scarred face of Tutokanula – that's the native Miwok name for the iconic granite formation also known as El Capitan – to  giant sequoias bigger than a school bus to North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite is full of larger-than-life sights.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the Yosemite Valley was home to Indigenous tribes including the Miwok, Paiute, and Ahwahneechee – and indeed, many of their descendants still live in the surrounding Mariposa County . Over the past 130 years since this corner of their lands were turned into a national park, generations of visitors have experienced the surreal splendors of Yosemite, from its famous firefall  to the shimmering  Tuolumne Meadows.  Hikers, climbers, backpackers, grandparents, tots – Yosemite has a little something for everyone, so much it can be hard to know where to begin your visit.

If this is your first time to Yosemite, we can help you narrow it down with a greatest-hits of one of the greatest parks in the United States. From your approach to the park by car to when your head hits the pillow at one of several lodges and campgrounds on site, and all the adventures in between, here's what to do on your first trip to Yosemite.

The drive into Yosemite Valley,  Yosemite National Park

On the thrilling, winding drive into Yosemite Valley, you'll be impressed by the panoramic windshield views of a glacier-carved canyon, thickly forested, with grassy meadows beside a bubbling river and granite monoliths scraping the sky. Stop at Tunnel View for a postcard-perfect shot of the valley floor, snaggletoothed Half Dome , stalwart El Capitan and cascading waterfalls rushing down sheer cliffs.

Yosemite National Park: hiking the Valley

In the valley, park your car for the day and ride the free visitor shuttle buses to avoid traffic jams. Be sure to arrive early, as parking lots may fill up as soon as 9am. From convenient shuttle stops, it's an easy stroll right up to the base of double-tiered Yosemite Falls , the continent's highest at over 2400ft, or pulse-pounding Bridalveil Fall. If you've got more time and stamina, ascend the slick granite-rock staircase on the Mist Trail , which runs so narrowly beside Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall that you're likely to get sprayed with water, above which spritely rainbows flash. Still got some energy? Get an advance permit for the all-day hike to Half Dome or sign up for a rock-climbing lesson with Yosemite Mountaineering School . Or chill on a blanket in El Capitan Meadow with a pair of binoculars and watch the pros scaling its daunting granite face, looking like ants.

For the kids

For a leisurely afternoon, grab a picnic spot and have a splash at Happy Isles . If you prefer a dry cool-down, bring the kids to the Valley Visitor Center for a free film about Yosemite's show-stopping wonders, then peruse the natural history displays and check daily schedules of free ranger walks and talks. At the nearby Yosemite Museum , cultural demonstrators bring to life Native American tribal traditions, including intricately patterned woven baskets.

Heading into Yosemite's High Country

After a day or two in Yosemite Valley, escape to higher – and significantly cooler – elevations. It's an hour's drive to Glacier Point, winding through pine forest to a stellar viewpoint that peers down into the valley and over the jagged, rocky rooftop of the Sierra Nevada. On the way up or down, stop off for a walk through wildflower meadows out to dizzying Taft Point or climb Sentinel Dome . Afterward, detour south to Wawona , with its open-air pioneer village, and catch a free shuttle to the majestic Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees, the largest living things on earth.

An even more gobstopping scenic drive follows historic Tioga Rd (Hwy 120) to high-altitude Tuolumne Meadows (8600ft), which bursts with a rainbow's palette of summer wildflowers and is ringed by granite domes that beckon to climbers and hikers. Also off Tioga Rd, don't skip Olmsted Point , with its panoramas of Half Dome and startlingly deep Tenaya Canyon; or pristine Tenaya Lake , a refreshingly cold dip on a hot summer day. Hiking trailheads abound, most served by free shuttle buses. If you'd rather see the Sierra Nevada's peaks and alpine lakes on horseback, book a trail ride with Tuolumne Meadows Stable .

Visiting Yosemite National Park in any season

Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, when all roads are open and a variety of outdoor pursuits are possible. Be prepared for big crowds, elbow jostling on trails, jam-packed campgrounds and 'No Vacancy' signs at park lodgings.

Spring is another busy time, when Yosemite Valley's waterfalls peak during April and May. Early in spring, some park roads will still be closed by snow, but valley campgrounds are open and lower-elevation hiking trails are passable. Plan your trip here .

Fall is Yosemite's shoulder season, with fewer crowds. Many waterfalls are dry and overnight temperatures make camping chilly. But you'll have some hiking trails almost to yourself as the aspen trees begin turning a shimmering gold.

Winter in Yosemite really is a wonderland, with snowshoe trails and tame downhill and cross-country skiing at Badger Pass , California's first alpine ski resort established in 1935. Bonus: park lodging rates drop during winter.

Tip: Check here for road closures before you go.

Where to sleep in Yosemite

What's better than waking up underneath pine trees as the sun breaks across Yosemite Valley? To drink coffee with this view, you'll usually need to book rooms, cabins or campsites many months in advance, as park lodgings are usually in high demand – especially for summer vacations. 

Tip: to find last-minute cancellations, check online or call starting a week before your trip.

In Yosemite Valley, the historic 1927  Ahwahnee Hotel is one of the nation's best (not to mention most luxurious) examples of 'parkitecture,' designed to blend with an outstanding natural setting. In summer, imbibe cocktails on the back patio with views of Half Dome, or toast your tootsies by grand fireplaces during winter. For budget travelers, old-fashioned Curry Village , dating from 1899, sets up canvas-tent cabins in the forest and by the river that are big enough for families. Motel-style Yosemite Valley Lodge looks ho-hum, but new eco-friendly 'green' rooms and waterfall-view tables inside the Mountain Room restaurant are noteworthy.

Outside the valley, the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel (closed in winter) is a genteel hostelry with wide porches and grassy lawns near the Mariposa Grove. Open only in summer, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and White Wolf Lodge both rent rustic canvas-tent cabins off Tioga Rd that feel like going to camp when you were a kid.

If you bring your own tent, the park's busiest campgrounds are in Yosemite Valley, and you'll need reservations (except during winter). First-come, first-served campgrounds outside the valley are more immersed in nature, but they fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays – arrive before 10am to hopefully score a site.

Lonely Planet's Yosemite, Sequoia & King's Canyon guide features in-depth research and advice on the best sights, hikes and camping grounds. Perfect for everyone, from the road-tripping family to the serious outdoor enthusiast.  Also check out our articles on Yosemite's top day hikes and Hiking through Yosemite's back-country for more information on how to experience Yosemite to its fullest.

This article was first published August 2019 and updated April 2021

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Yosemite with kids: essential guide to plan your perfect family vacation in yosemite national park.

All you need to know to plan the perfect family trip to Yosemite National Park. Yosemite must see sites, activities and all the practical tips you need to plan the perfect stay in Yosemite with kids.

Majestic, imposing, jaw-dropping beautiful.

Words struggle to capture the feeling Yosemite evokes when you see it for the first time.

One of the most popular and better known of all the National Parks in the United States and one of the most beautiful places in California , Yosemite National Park is in Northern California and welcomes the visitors to pristine Alpine scenery, fast water streams and green valleys.

I first visited Yosemite when I was a teenager and it reminded me of the beautiful Italian Alps I love so much.

We then visited again with our children and paid more attention to what is unique in this stunning park: the granite peaks, the green valleys in otherwise dry California and the rich wildlife.

This is bear land, deer land and mountain lion land and every step of the way nature reminds you that this is her home and you are just a guest (which is a wonderful feeling)!

Despite this power and large extension (over 12,000 square miles!), it is easy to enjoy Yosemite with children.

In this guide, we look at the most beautiful spots in Yosemite , give pointers on the most suitable for families and go through the practical info we gathered during our last stay in this stunning National Park.

This is one of the best if not the best West Coast National Park for kids – I hope you love it as much as we do!

Going to California soon? Then you may also like our quick family guide to San Francisco and our guide to another stunning National Park: Joshua Tree !

Table of Contents

The best time to visit Yosemite with kids

Yosemite is wonderful in all seasons however, your experience of the park will be very different if you come during a snowy winter, a bright spring, a colorful autumn or a hot summer.

We visited Yosemite in the summer as that worked for us in terms of activities and school holidays. However, I highly recommend you consider other seasons too as the park must be even more magical outside the busy summer weeks.

Have a look at this guide to the best time to visit Yosemite to pick the perfect moment.

How to get to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park sits in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. It stretches over 700.000 acres and is open to visitors all year round.

The easiest way to reach Yosemite is by car but no cars are for hire in the park so all arrangements, pick up and drop off must happen in off park locations such as the airport.

The park is open 24 hours a day all year round and a pass is currently 25$ in winter and 30$ in summer per car.

There are 4 park entrances:

• Northwest: Big Oak Flat Entrance from Hwy 120
• East (open summer to late fall only): Tioga Pass entrance via Hwy 120
• West: Arch Rock entrance via Hwy 140
• South: Entrance via Hwy 41

We drove to Yosemite on a sunny summer day, from San Francisco.

The road there is well kept and wide but make no mistake: it is a mountain road and it climbs up pretty high!

We are not good with heights and the drive had both my husband and I quite nervous (there is no guard rail and it’s all mountain hairpin turns…).

If you are not afraid of heights, you shouldn’t have problems on this road but in our case let’s just say that when we got to the Priest Station cafe and left the scenic road behind us, we were pretty relieved (it took a few minutes for our legs to stop shaking though)!

Arriving to Yosemite by plane or train

According to official park info, the closes airport to Yosemite is Fresno/Yosemite International airport. 

Driving from San Francisco International Airport SFO to Yosemite will take about 3 hours and driving from Los Angeles LAX about 6 hours.

Other airports close to Yosemite are:

• Oakland OAK (4h by car),
• Sacramento SMF (6h by car),
• Modesto City-County Airport MOD (2.5h by car),
• Reno International RNO (5h by car via Tioga pass, seasonal),
• Las Vegas LAS (8.5h by car, seasonal),
• Merced MCE (2hby car).

These timings are approximate and calculated to reach Yosemite Valley.

Take into account that Yosemite is big so depending on where exactly you need to arrive, these times can change significantly.

Trains do not arrive in Yosemite as such but Amtrak reaches Merced , from which coaches are available.

Best places to stay in Yosemite with kids

Yosemite is generous with lodging options and this is an overview of some of the accommodation most suitable for families.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend providers we trust and use ourselves. 

The Majestic Yosemite hotel, formerly The Ahwahnee

The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, formerly The Ahwahnee ( click here for details and prices )  is open all year round.

This stunning hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.

The hotel has a great location offering incredible views, a full concierge service and family-friendly amenities including connecting Rooms, cribs, kids’ meals, free Wi-Fi, laundry service, onsite dining, refrigerator and year outdoor heated pool.

Yosemite Valley Lodge, formerly Yosemite Lodge at the falls

Yosemite Valley Lodge, formerly Yosemite Lodge at the falls, ( click here for details and prices ) has an eco-friendly theme: as well as 200+ ‘green’ rooms they have amenities such as bicycle and electric scooters rental and swimming pool.

This is one of the families’ favorite places to stay in Yosemite because of the convenient transport options and the accessibility of the hotels which has wide doors, family rooms with king beds and bunks, private bathroom, refrigerator, free wi-fi coffee maker and more. Please note: the hotel has fans but no air conditioning.

Half Dome Village, formerly Curry Village

Half Dome Village, formerly Curry Village ( click here for info and prices ) is another popular place to stay in Yosemite with families since it comprises motel rooms, cabins and canvas tent cabins.

The village is well serviced with shared showers and toilet facilities, a swimming pool, shops, restaurants and bike and raft rentals and an amphitheater with junior-led activities for kids and adults.

With our children, we opted for the tent cabins and had a lovely stay: the ranger-led activities in the evening and the screening of old films about Yosemite history was among the highlights of our stay!

Big Trees Lodge Yosemite, formerly The Wawona hotel

Big Trees Lodge Yosemite, formerly The Wawona hotel ( Click here for info and prices ) is a gorgeous Victorian-era lodge near the stunning Mariposa grove of giant sequoias.

The hotel has a restaurant on-site and is a hub of activities since it has a swimming pool, tennis course, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding.

This is where I stayed on my first visit to Yosemite and have amazing memories of the beautiful rooms and restaurant.

What you cannot miss in Yosemite: Yosemite must see

Did you know? You can get your kids excited about visiting Yosemite taking a free virtual field trip there! Find this and more fun virtual field trips for kids they can safely take from home here.

Yosemite Valley: the most kid-friendly area in Yosemite

Yosemite valley is the most popular part of Yosemite and where many of the must-see sites and activities are.

Here you have for instance Bridalveil falls, Yosemite falls, views of El Capitan and Half dome, Happy Isles, Mirror lake and famous Tunnel View.

Yosemite Valley is the area with all the facilities and it is likely to be the place you will spend most of your times at.

Lots of family friendly hikes are in this area and you have the visitors center, hotels, restaurants and parking lots.

Six miles south of the park south entrance Wawona is where you have the beautiful giant sequoias and charming historical buildings such as the Yosemite history center.

This is a lovely area to visit with kids as the trees are sure to make a strong impression on them, the sequoias are huge!

Glacier Point Viewpoint

The perfect location for a birds eye view over Yosemite valley.

Tours from the valley make their way here in summer and the path is wheelchair accessible which means it is also accessible to kids strollers and pushchairs. Great if you have a toddler.

Hetch Hetchy

Described by John Muir as ‘a grand landscape garden, one of Natures’ rarest and most precious mountain temples’ Hetch Hetchy is a more remote part of the park perfect for hiking  and offers opportunities to go fishing, camping and (motorless) boating.

Toulumne Meadows

This is the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada and a popular spot for day hikes.

Tioga road and high country

Tioga road is famous for being scenic and views are what attract people here.

Olmsted Point is said to be one of the most spectacular vistas in the whole of Yosemite but I’ll be honest, I read that road is so scary if you are not good with heights that we did not go up!

Top things to do in Yosemite with kids

You will be spoilt for choice when looking for what to do in Yosemite with kids.

Depending on the age of your children, your physical shape and their willingness to engage with activities, you can spend lazy days in the valley or challenge yourself to hikes, cycling or even a rafting experience!

Here are some of our favourite ideas.

Cycle in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite valley is (mostly) flat and cycling around is a fun and easy way to cover good distances.

Bikes are available in the park: we rented ours in Half Dome Village and got equipment for the kids too.

My son got a tail attached to dad’s bike and my daughter went into a trailer attached to mine.

We had lots of fun but if you have never pulled a trailer, be aware that it is VERY heavy!

Bathe in the Merced river

Nature must be respected at all times and the delicate ecosystems of National Parks mean that some areas are off limits to the public.

However, some areas can be easily enjoyed and one of them is the Merced river where kids and adults bathe to cool off during hot summer days.

The streaming water is a delight and some areas are shallow enough for small kids to be safe too.

Admire waterfalls

Yosemite has stunning waterfalls, falling from the high peaks all the way down to the valley floor.

In summer, the water may not be abundant but you still get an idea of their might.

You can get quite close to Yosemite Fall and Bridal Veil Fall but be careful as when you get close, the rocks can be slippery!

Visit the Nature Center at Happy Isles

Our cycling expedition brought us to the nature center in Happy isles, in Yosemite Valley.

This is a small but well-equipped nature center where kids can learn about the wildlife in Yosemite and get to grips with why you must always use bear boxes to store food (the old car with the door ripped off by a bear made quite an impression on our two!).

The center is informative and the area immediately outside lovely, good to stretch your legs without majour effort.

Go on a hike

Yosemite really comes into its own when you hike and some of its paths are suitable for families.

A lovely area is Toulumne Meadows , which in summer you can reach with the park shuttle. Here you have a visitors’ centre and store.

Become a junior ranger

I love the junior ranger programme. We discovered it in Joshua Tree and it is perfect for the kids.

Yosemite has one too.

Kids can be awarded the junior ranger badge if they complete the several activities in the park booklet and answer the questions about the park wildlife conservation threats and history.

It is a great way to experience Yosemite with kids and adults will learn a lot too!

Take a Yosemite Valley Floor Tour

One of the easiest ways to learn about Yosemite is to take a valley tour on an open-air vehicle.

They happen in the summer only and are very popular (book in advance!). 

They follow a 26 mile trail and the commentary explains the history of Yosemite, its geology and wildlife.

Don’t be surprised if a deer suddenly crosses the road in front of you while you snap photos!

Join a ranger-led evening

Ranger-led activities are a big part of what is available for kids in Yosemite and, for me, were one of the highlights of our stay.

Our kids participated in a fun workshop about trees and, later, an activity for adults took place where they showed an old film about the history of Curry Village and the Yosemite fire fall tradition.

Enjoy the view from Glacier Point

Glacier point is famous for towering over Yosemite Valley and offering stunning views of the park.

Its location 3,200 feet above the valley can be disconcerting for families but the viewpoint is safe (it’s still a viewpoint so be careful!) and the view breathtaking.

Hug sequoias

Or rather, form a circle of people around them since your arms won’t be able to hug these giant trees!

Sequoias are in several parts of the park: when we visited, Mariposa Grove was closed but you can also see them in Tuolumne and Merced groves.

We love sequoias and saw in Muir Woods as well: their record-breaking characteristics (they are the tallest living thing in the world!) are always a hit with the kids!

What to pack for a trip to Yosemite with kids

What to pack for Yosemite depends largely on the season of your visit and the type of accommodation you choose.

In the good season, Yosemite is one of the best hiking spots for families in the US so outdoor gear and good walking shoes are a must.

In winter, you want to make sure you wrap up!

Some of the essential items we recommend are:

Please note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites

• Good walking shoes for adults and kids, ideally with good hiking sole and ankle support – find our favorite hiking shoes for kids here.
• A rain jacket/windbreaker
• Layers (long sleeve top, short sleeve top, jumper etc)
• Water bottle 
• Binoculars – find our favorite kids binoculars here
• Essential first aid kit – find what we have in our first aid kit here
• Sun hat  (summer)
• Bathing suit and flipflops
• Snow gear (winter)

You are new to National Park vacations and hiking with kids, don’t forget to also check out our tips for hiking with kids and our hiking packing list for kids , with all you need on a family day hike.

I hope you enjoyed our guide to visiting Yosemite with kids and found it useful!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is the creator, writer and creative mind behind Learning Escapes. A travel loving mama of two from Italy, Marta currently lives in Ireland with her husband and two kids, they take frequent trips to European destination, the US and beyond. A professional travel blogger for over a decade, Marta is passionate about traveling with kids and helping others to travel more and better as a family.

2 thoughts on “ Yosemite with kids: essential guide to plan your perfect family vacation in Yosemite National Park ”

The Yosemite National Park is on my bucket list for a while now and exploring it sounds like so much fun. You definitely had an awesome experience, Marta. When’s the best time of the year to go there hiking?

Yosemite is probably my absolute favorite corner of the earth! My family has been coming here for generations, so I grew up going here every year. It’s truly a magical, awe inspiring place. This is a great write up! We’ve taken our toddler here a couple times and he absolutely loves camping here and playing in the dirt, or napping in the meadow.

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The Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Yosemite National Park

Hitting the trails in Yosemite is one of the best ways to experience this spectacular park. But with more than 750 miles of possible trails, finding the right trail for your family can be tricky. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite kid-friendly trails in Yosemite National Park. We got you! ?

Before we get into our trail recommendations, it’s important to get a lay of the land. If you’re new to Yosemite National Park, we recommend starting here ! There are several regions within Yosemite National Park. When choosing the trails for your Yosemite visit, be sure to take the drive time into consideration. It can make for a very long day if you’re looking to hike in the Valley and Tioga Pass within the same day. If you only have one day within the park, consider scoping out the best sights (and possibly 1-2 short trails) instead.

There are certainly more popular (and much more difficult) trails within Yosemite, but we selected these trails for the views and the ease of hiking with kids. Here are a few of our favorites!

Yosemite Valley

Lower yosemite falls.

Distance:  1.2 miles (loop)  | Elevation Change:  59 feet

Want to see Yosemite’s tallest waterfall up close? Then this is the trail for you! This short and easy paved walk is perfect for all ages, and offers some excellent views of Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls. For the most optimal view, take the trail clockwise. Lower Yosemite Falls is accessible year-round, but keep in mind that you may feel the mist on the footbridge during Spring and Summer!

Bridalveil Fall

Distance:  0.5 mile (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  85 feet

This short and sweet trail leads you to one of Yosemite’s most prominent waterfalls, which flows 620 feet from the top. The Ahwahneechee tribe believed this waterfall to be the home of a spirit that protects Yosemite Valley, and that by inhaling the mist one’s chances of marriage would be increased. (Hey-o!) The best time to see Bridalveil is in the Spring when the snow melt peaks, but you can access this trail year-round — just note that this is a very popular walk because of its easy access. Go first thing in the morning, or late in the evening to beat the crowds.

Artist Point

Distance:  2.3 mile (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  741 feet

Want a fantastic view of Yosemite Valley without fighting the crowds at Tunnel View? This lesser-known trail offers unrestricted views of El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls — and is a great way to stretch your legs and get the blood pumping! The beginning of the hike is fairly steep, but it soon levels out for an easy stroll. Because this trail isn’t as popular as others in Yosemite, the National Park doesn’t maintain it as well, so be prepared to climb over fallen trees and various natural debris.

In June of 1855, artist Thomas Ayres stood here and drew a picture of Yosemite Valley, becoming the first ever by a professional artist… or so the story goes. Another fun fact: this trail used to be one of the first toll roads for stagecoaches coming into Yosemite from Wawona. Eventually the steep grades became too hard for early automobiles to traverse, so Tunnel View was built instead.

Glacier Point Road

Sentinel dome.

Distance:  2.1 miles (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  456 feet

We’ve hiked all over Yosemite, but I was blown away by one short and easy hike that had the BEST payoff: Sentinel Dome!

Hiking to the top of Sentinel Dome is the easiest way to experience miles and miles of 360-degree breathtaking views. Look west and you’ll see down Yosemite Valley and beyond to the Merced River canyon. (If you’re lucky and it’s an exceptionally clear day, you might be able to spot Mt. Diablo in the coastal range.) To the north is Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Look east and you’ll see Nevada Fall, Half Dome and Clouds Rest, as well as an assortment of stunning High Sierra peaks.

And remember when I said this trail is easy? It’s only 2.2 miles and gains just under 500 feet of elevation, making it perfect for families and folks of all ages! ?? One other quick note — do NOT climb a dome during a thunderstorm. Be sure to check the weather before you make this trek.

Glacier Point Trail

Distance:  0.6 miles (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  167 feet

You cannot visit Yosemite without heading up Glacier Point Road for some of the most beautiful views, and Glacier Point Trail is a super quick and easy way to soak this in. And it’s very family-friendly — the paved overlook trail allows easy access for leashed dogs, strollers and wheelchairs. It does get pretty busy in the summer months, so head out early to get unobstructed views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley below, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome, as well as Vernal and Nevada Falls. This trail is perfect for families with little ones that don’t want to put in too much effort to see unsurpassed views.

Tioga Pass Road

Distance:  2.8 mile (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  498 feet

If you are looking for a quick hike with incredible views on the Northeastern side of Yosemite, then consider May Lake, off of Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park. It’s 3 miles round trip with nearly 500’ of elevation gain, making it great for all ages. The trail takes you through beautiful scenery — including expansive views of Tenaya Lake, Half Dome and Clouds Rest — on the way up to a stunning high altitude lake. With an overnight permit, you can even camp here, or add on a few more miles to reach the top of Mt. Hoffmann, a striking granite mountain that towers over this lake.

Olmsted Point Nature Trail

Distance:  0.4 mile (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  55 feet

This overlook is a popular stop to set your sights on Tenaya Canyon, Clouds Rest and Half Dome, but most don’t realize that there’s a quick 10-minute trail here too. If you’re coming from Yosemite Valley, this is a great stop to stretch those legs after all of that driving! The trail leads you mostly over granite rock with a small section that takes you through a cluster of trees. While this trail is classified as easy, be careful with kids as there are some steep drop offs on the plateau.

Tuolumne River Trail

Distance:  2.3 mile (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  111 feet

Once Tioga Pass opens in the Spring, this is a must-hike trail, especially if you’re a fan of peaceful strolls among the wildflowers. This path will take you along the Tuolumne River (pronounced “ too-AH-lum-ee ”), around Pothole Dome and through the forest to a series of waterfalls on the river. Bring a picnic lunch — it’s an excellent spot to relax and take in Yosemite’s beautiful high country.

John Muir Trail

Distance:  3 miles (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  98 feet

While Half Dome and El Cap are truly amazing sights, Tuolumne Meadows is an outdoor lover’s dream. This vast, sub-alpine meadow features the winding Tuolumne River and picturesque views of mountain peaks and glacially-carved domes. Early in the season Tuolumne Meadows is green and abundant with wildflowers, and is considered one of the largest high elevation meadows in all of the Sierra Nevada.

While there still are quite a few visitors to this area, it is relatively less crowded than some of Yosemite’s other sights. It’s tranquility and peaceful views make it the perfect spot to have a picnic lunch.

For a great and easy hike with the kiddos, hike the first mile of the John Muir Trail to Twin Bridge.

Tenaya Lake Trail

Distance:  3 miles (loop)  | Elevation Change:  98 feet

There’s a good reason why Tenaya Lake is called the Jewel of the High Country. It’s a stunning alpine lake with inviting blue water. There are two ways to hike Tenaya Lake: by going all the way around it as a loop (listed here) or as an out-and-back that increases the mileage to 3.4 miles. Either way, you cannot go wrong with this gorgeous trail!

Off of Tioga Road, this lake located between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows and offers up a backdrop of light granite rocks, whose beauty was revered by the Native Americans. Like Tenaya Canyon below it, Tenaya Lake is named after Chief Tenaya of the Ahwahnechee people, who inhabited much of Yosemite before their forced relocation in the 1850s.

Without hardly any elevation gain, this trail is perfect for all ages. The only watch out? Part of the loop runs along Hwy 120, so hike with caution. But afterwards, break out your beach gear and jump into this crystal blue lake to cool off! ?

Southern Yosemite

Swinging bridge trail.

Distance:  1.2 miles (out and back)  | Elevation Change:  59 feet

We randomly discovered this trail while doing some Yosemite research prep, and boy — we’re glad that we did! This trail is less about the hike, which is relatively flat and very easy. It’s more about the fun you’ll have once you get to the Swinging Bridge! Pack your swim gear because there are many swimming holes along the South Fork Merced River, including a granite “slide” that the kids will love going down. You could easily spend all day here playing in the water and enjoying a river-side lunch. Don’t skip this one — your kids will love you for it!

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Distance:  6.2 miles (out and back)  | Elevation Change:  1,213 feet

This has always been a family favorite of ours, particularly when you could take a shuttle up to the main entrance and hike a couple miles around the forest of giant trees. Unfortunately, a major windstorm came through in January 2021 and decimated a lot of the trail. But — you can still access the sequoias if you’re willing to put in the work to get there. There are more than 300 giant sequoias that call this area home, with some being as old as 3,000 years! One of the main sights is the Grizzly Giant, which is 100′ around the base of the tree.

Note: There is now a 2-mile trek you must walk to even reach the Mariposa Grove, making the trip to Wawona Point a minimum of 10 miles with close to 2000′ of elevation gain. These two miles are completely uphill and on the paved road, with a LOT of sun exposure. Consider going very early in the morning when it’s nice and cool!

Lower Chilnualna Falls

Distance:  0.6 miles (out & back)  | Elevation Change:  252 feet

This is a quick but steep hike to the base of Chilnualna (pronounced “ chil-noo-al-na “) Falls, which are incredibly pretty. It’s a good one to get that heart pumping! The Lower trail is considerably less crowded than many of Yosemite’s other waterfall trails, making this one a gem for photos. Don’t bother with the last 0.3 miles listed as it just leads to a trail crossing — no view, no other falls. That is, unless you’re in the mood for a strenuous hike that takes you to the tippy top of the waterfall. (Keep in mind that it’s a total of 8-9 miles and nearly 2,200′ of elevation gain!)

Final Thoughts

Each year, park rangers and search and rescue personnel respond to approximately 250 emergency incidents in the park. Before you head out on a hike with kiddos, make sure you’re prepared. With the change of elevation, many people experience high altitude sickness. Water is super important, so make sure to bring enough for each person on your hike. We really love  this Osprey pack  for Levi, and  this one  for Harvey. Both come with a 1.5L water bladder, which helps keep everyone hydrated.

Snacks are key too. Make sure everyone has had a solid meal prior to your hike, or pack one for your midway point. The boys are always motivated for a bag of chips or Clif Kid Z bars , as well as a sweet treat when the hike is done.

Because cell coverage in non-existent in Yosemite National Park, make sure you download the trail maps before you head out. The premium version of AllTrails app is perfect for this.

Finally, lather up in sunscreen! The high elevation will scorch your skin, especially on exposed trails.

If you have any other questions about hiking in Yosemite National Park with little ones, please let me know in the comments! What other family-friendly trails have you found in Yosemite?

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Alexis Nascimento

Feisty, fun, outspoken mom to two boys and wife to an adventure-lovin' weekend warrior. Love my fam, lifting, hiking, animals, music, reading, sushi, beaches, sunshine & Jesus.

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The Family Vacation Guide

15 of the Best Yosemite National Park Hotels for Families

posted by James Brockbank on February 18, 2022 // last updated on February 18, 2022

Looking to plan a California vacation with fun and adventure for the whole family?

If you’re looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, beautiful Yosemite Park makes an excellent destination for families of all sizes and varying interests. The park offers stunning natural beauty, great hiking trails, and wildlife with a vibrant surrounding area and no shortage of nearby attractions.

Here are some of the best Yosemite National Park hotels that will exceed expectations for the whole family and help ensure a fantastic trip. 

AutoCamp Yosemite 

Yosemite valley lodge, yosemite southgate hotel & suites, best western plus yosemite gateway inn, echo adventure’s yosemite basecamp, the ahwahnee, worldmark bass lake, wawona hotel, yosemite view lodge, holiday inn express & suites oakhurst-yosemite park area.

• Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite 

Shaver Lake Village Hotel

Mariposa lodge, cedar lodge , tenaya lodge.

For a unique and immersive experience, you really can’t beat AutoCamp. With six locations nationwide, their Yosemite offering provides amazing experiences and accommodations. Camp out in style with a selection of airstreams, luxury tents, basecamps, and cabins, providing a rustic outdoor experience with modern luxury. The camp offers several dining options, including a general store, cafe, and BBQ pits where you can have family cookouts. 

Located in Midpines, about 40 minutes from the entrance to the park, Autocamp offers some unique Yosemite experiences for all seasons, including Yosemite Park day tours, easy access to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad , hiking, skydiving, horseback riding, and snowshoe/skiing.  There are plenty of camp activities, including a sundeck and seasonal pool. They also provide complimentary mountain bikes to explore the nearby area and hammocks with a variety of lounging spots. With maximum comfort in a unique scaled-back setting, a stay at AutoCamp is an exciting and memorable change of pace.

Located near Yosemite National Park, the lodge is an excellent choice for families. The hotel is located right next to beautiful Yosemite Fall with easy shuttle access to travel throughout the park, making it an ideal basecamp. The lodge offers multiple rooming options, including traditional and family rooms with rustic wood architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows. For a relaxed atmosphere in a perfect location, you can’t beat the Yosemite Valley Lodge. 

The lodge ranks among the top Yosemite National Park hotels for families with an intimate setting and rustic feel. Amenities at the lodge are plentiful. There are multiple dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, amphitheater, onsite bike rentals, and transportation throughout the surrounding area. Other nearby attractions and activities include hiking, backpacking, biking, guided bus tours, and rafting.   

Suppose you are looking for excellent quality, affordable rates, and an ideal location. The Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites checks all those boxes. Located in Oakhurst, CA, just 14 miles from Yosemite National Park, the hotel offers excellent comfort with an assortment of seasonal specials and packages. Accommodations include spacious and luxurious suites with plenty of room for the whole family. Amenities include a seasonal heated pool and spa as well as a sauna. A complimentary breakfast is also included.

If you are looking to save money but not cut back on the comfort, Yosemite Southgate is an excellent launchpad for the beauty in the surrounding area. Experience the nearby Yosemite Valley to witness some of the world’s most famous rock formations, including El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks , as well as a vast array of wildlife.  

Families that want access to Yosemite National Park along with plenty of amenities and luxury can turn to Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn for a trusted and dependable brand name. The hotel provides a charming rustic lodge-style feel while offering exercise facilities, indoor/outdoor pools, a year-round spa, a cocktail lounge, a restaurant, and a complimentary breakfast. There are rooming options of all sizes to best match your needs. 

In addition to Yosemite National Park, other nearby attractions include Sugar Pine Steam Railroad and Bass Lake . There are activities for all seasons, including the nearby Badger Pass Ski Center (located in Yosemite). Best Western is a great hotel for families, and they do not miss a beat with their Yosemite location. 

Echo Adventure’s Yosemite Basecamp provides a compelling housing option that is one of the best hotels for families in the area. The Bunkhouse offers a neat 450 square foot hideaway with one queen and five twin beds. The room also includes a TV, couch, and workspace. Lodging is located less than 30 minutes from the entrance of the park. 

Echo Adventure is one of the best Yosemite National Park hotels for families wanting a more unique experience. Echo Adventure includes an outdoor outfitter with equipment to match your needs. Activities include bike rentals, snowshoe rentals, and bear vaults (ideal for camping). Other nearby adventures include fly fishing, backpacking, and rafting. If you and your family are looking to up the ante with an exciting outdoor experience, this is an opportunity not to be missed.  

Located within Yosemite National Park, the Ahwahnee is the height of luxury in an unbeatable location. The hotel itself is listed in the National Register for Historic Places and has earned the distinction of National Historic Landmark with its stunning architecture and impressive interior. The Ahwahnee is located near famous park landmarks, including Yosemite Falls , Half Dome , and Glacier Point . Other nearby activities include biking, hiking, rock climbing, and ranger/naturalist programs appropriate for all ages. 

The Ahwahnee will easily rank as one of the most memorable stays among all Yosemite National Park hotels for families and is worthy of consideration when mapping out your trip. Apart from being a physical marvel, the Ahwahnee includes excellent amenities, including a heated swimming pool, lounge/bar, gift shop, and waterfall/mountain views. The hotel also provides shuttle access to the rest of the park.

WorldMark is an excellent option for families who would like to explore Yosemite National Park and want the flexibility to explore the surrounding area. The resort makes for a great extended stay with full house rentals providing ideal space and privacy. Units come equipped with a balcony/patio, fireplace, BBQ grill, and washer/dryer with options for full or partial kitchens. 

There is no shortage of family-friendly activities on scenic Bass Lake, including swimming, boat rentals, and jet skiing. Resort amenities include a children’s playground, basketball courts, adult and children’s pools, and a recreational center. In addition to Yosemite, other popular nearby attractions include California State Mining and Mineral Museum and the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area.  

Another excellent lodging option within the Yosemite National Park area is the Wawona Hotel, which served as one of California’s original mountain resort hotels. The hotel has some really nice features that have stood the test of time, including over 100 rooms, horse stables, a swimming pool, and an onsite golf course. The hotel plays into its victorian charm with nightly piano music and a cozy fireplace with nightly fires during the winter months. 

The hotel provides ideal access to many hiking trails within the park and provides access to horseback riding lessons, tennis, shopping, and the Yosemite Mountaineering School. If you’re looking to take a trip back in time, the Wawona Hotel is a fun and memorable experience that ranks among the best Yosemite National Park hotels, and it’s just 27 miles from the world-famous Yosemite valley.   

Hotel location can play a crucial role when planning the perfect Yosemite vacation. The Yosemite View Lodge ranks as the closest resort to Yosemite valley, making it the ideal launchpad for daily family adventures. Right on the banks of the Merced River, the hotel provides gorgeous views, balcony rooms, a pool, fireplace, and meeting spaces. The resort offers an ideal setting for all seasons. 

Convenience is one of the major selling points, with easy driving access to the park and some of the most famous landmarks found in Yosemite Valley. The lodge is also near a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transit System) stop making it easy to travel throughout the park. If you want to maximize your time in Yosemite National Park, this makes for the perfect accommodations to do so. 

While the Holiday Inn may not jump off the page as the most exciting option on this list, it provides a really solid choice for families looking to save costs on lodging while still offering some great amenities in an ideal location. The hotel provides an assortment of rooms and suites with connecting rooms available for families. The facilities include an outdoor pool and an indoor fitness center. Complimentary breakfast is included, and the hotel is pet-friendly. 

In addition to Yosemite, the hotel is situated between some great local attractions, including Bass Lake, several pristine golf courses, historical museums, and plenty of restaurants. If you are planning for an extended stay and looking to explore the surrounding area, the Holiday Inn makes for a great affordable option for families of all sizes.   

Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite  

Step back in time at the beautiful Evergreen Lodge nestled right along the border of Yosemite National park. Self-described as a “historic resort combining a timeless feel with modern comforts,” the lodge combines quaint rural charm with some really nice amenities–all in a quiet, laid-back natural setting. The resort offers an assortment of cabins with plenty of room for families and a balcony. 

If you are looking for quiet and comfort in a scaled-back setting, the Evergreen Lodge is one of the best Yosemite National Park hotels for families around. The resort offers tailor-made adventure plans that you can book for the whole family, including Yosemite flight tours, naturalist hikes, glassblowing, and painting. Some notable nearby attractions include Dana Mountain, Taft Point, and the Sentinal Dome Loop trail. There are also plenty of nearby dining options. 

The Shaver Lake Village Hotel isn’t as close to Yosemite National Park as some of the other options on this list, about a 90-minute drive away. If you don’t mind the drive, it provides a unique opportunity to take in the surrounding area and explore off the beaten path. The hotel offers access to several spectacular outdoor activities for all seasons. Summer activities include fishing, boating on the lake, jet skiing, biking, and camping. Winter activities include cross country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and snowboarding with close proximity to China Peak Ski Resort.

Built in the 1930s, the resort itself includes a rich history with a rustic feel on beautiful and secluded Shaker Lake. The hotel offers over 30 cozy cabins and is located in the Sierra National Forest . Shaker Lake provides an opportunity to get out and explore all the region has to offer.   

Located about an hour from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Lodge is located right in the heart of downtown Mariposa with plenty of shops, restaurants, and museums within walking distance. Accommodations include multiple queen bedrooms, a private deck, a swimming pool, and a whirlpool spa. 

The lodge has a friendly and knowledgeable staff that can help plan excursions and map out sights in Yosemite National Park, such as Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. Popular daily activities include hiking, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and whitewater rafting. If you are looking for a plethora of activities in a convenient setting, the Mariposa Lodge is an excellent hotel for families. 

Those looking for closer access to Yosemite will love the convenience of Cedar Lodge, which is located just 8 miles from the park entrance. The hotel offers a combination of rooms and suites that are plenty big enough to house the entire family. Rooms come with balconies, and the resort has a pool and hot tub. 

If you and the family are looking for outdoor adventures and want to maximize your time in the park Cedar Lodge makes for a great base camp with a lovely relaxed setting. Located in El Portal right on the central Yosemite highway, you can beat the morning traffic and hit the trails whenever you like. Given its proximity, the hotel ranks among the most convenient Yosemite National Park hotels for families. 

Last but definitely not least, the award-winning Tenaya Lodge combines the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding area with maximum comfort and luxury. The resort is excellent for all seasons but offers some unbeatable winter packages with cozy cabins and campfire pits. The hotel provides an assortment of rooms with options that can easily accommodate families of all sizes. Amenities include a pool, a spa, and a game room equipped with skee ball, air hockey, billiards, and foosball. 

The Hotel offers guided Yosemite Park tours with easy access to famous landmarks such as Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove , Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. They also offer guided nature hikes and flashlight hikes. 

Suppose you and the family are looking for maximum adventure but don’t want to sacrifice quality. In that case, a stay at the Tenaya Lodge will provide the perfect combination of action and leisure, offering a little something for everyone. 

Visit Beautiful Yosemite Park

Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is an excellent idea for families, with breathtaking beauty, local attractions, and outdoor activities as far as the eye can see. The region is unique in that it offers tons of activities regardless of the season and provides a range of things to do for any age group. 

While your trip to Yosemite is sure to be a memorable one, top it off by considering some of the best hotels for families in Yosemite National Park that combine modern comfort with laid-back vibes in an unforgettable setting.  

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Yosemite National Park Vacation Guide

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

If you're planning a Yosemite vacation, these resources will help you plan your trip like a pro.

Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the east side of California. Almost due east of San Francisco , it's a four-hour drive from there and about six hours' drive from Los Angeles. All the ways to get there, from San Francisco, are summarized in this guide: how to get to Yosemite .

What to Expect at Yosemite

Yosemite's heart is a glacier-carved valley. Soaring granite monoliths, cliffs, and waterfalls surround you—and a river runs through the middle of it all. Mile for mile, it offers some of the most spectacular scenery you're likely to see anywhere. Elsewhere in the park, you'll find groves of giant sequoia trees, high mountain meadows, and panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

Visitors go to Yosemite National Park for the natural beauty and outdoor recreation. You don't have to be a hyper-fit backpacker to enjoy it. There are plenty of things to see on short, easy hikes or even from the windows of your automobile. Families also enjoy taking the kids there.

How Long to Stay on Your Vacation

You can get a nice look around in just one day. To make the most of such a short visit, use this guide to one day in Yosemite . If you can stay for a weekend, try the Yosemite weekend getaway planner .

If you only plan to do a few hikes and drive around to see the sights, three days is enough to see most everything. If you'd like to linger, you'll have time to enjoy more ranger-led activities, attend evening programs, take tours, and hang around enjoying the scenery.

Key Locations in Yosemite National Park

The best way to get a sense of where things are located is to take a look at the Yosemite map . It shows all the lodging in the park, entrance stations, and major sights, but here's a summary:

• Yosemite Valley : Sights to include are El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and the visitor center. You'll find a variety of hotels here, plus a campground and tent cabins.
• Glacier Point : A viewpoint just above the Valley, giving a different perspective on its sights—along with sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and a great view of Half Dome.
• Wawona and the Mariposa Grove : Located here is the classic hotel Wawona Lodge , and the biggest and most easily accessible grove of giant sequoia trees is nearby.
• Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road : Drive east through the park on CA Highway 120, which takes you through a high mountain meadow and the Tioga Pass. You'll get some excellent views along the way at Olmstead Point and Tenaya Lake.
• Hetch Hetchy : Accessed by a separate entrance from the rest of the park, Hetch Hetchy's main feature is a lake, created as a water supply for the city of San Francisco.

How to Support Yosemite and Save Money

The non-profit group Yosemite Conservancy restores trails and lookouts and protects habitat and wildlife. Get a membership before you go, and you'll not only support their work, but you'll also get a bunch of discount coupons that will save you money on lodging, food, and activities. Visit their website to find out more.

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Yosemite Lodging: A Complete Guide

A 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park With Kids

Are you looking for a fun 2-day itinerary in Yosemite National Park with your kids?

Yosemite National Park is the perfect destination for families with young children. With its stunning views, breathtaking waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor activities, Yosemite will be a hit with your family.

In fact, it was voted one of the best national parks to visit with kids and it’s one of the nine (9) national parks in California .

In this two-day itinerary, we’ll explore some of the best activities and attractions Yosemite offers. From short and easy hikes to scenic bike rides, there’s something for everyone in this itinerary. We’ll also provide recommendations on places to stay and eat.

So, let’s get started!

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links . If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost . Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you .

A Few Things to Know When Planning a Trip to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park receive almost 4 millions visitors per year, with 75% of them visiting during the summertime.

Here are a few things to know when planning a trip to Yosemite.

Where is Yosemite in California?

Yosemite National Park is located in the scenic mountain region of east-central California. It’s about 140 miles (225 km) east of the city of San Francisco , 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Sacramento and 280 miles (450 km) northeast of Los Angeles .

What is the Most Popular Time to Visit Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park is a popular national park that gets really crowded in the summer. The best time to visit Yosemite would by in the early spring when the park’s waterfalls, such as the Bridalveil Fall, are at their peak flow.

By the end of the summer and fall, some waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, may be pretty much dry.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is really popular and accommodation can be booked up 12 to 18 months in advance. For national campgrounds, the reservations usually opens 6 months in advance.

Curry Village is the largest lodging facility in Yosemite Valley and it’s a great home-base when visiting Yosemite. Our 2-day itinerary in Yosemite below is based on an overnight stay in Curry Village.

The Villagge offers many lodging options, including motel rooms, wood-sided cabins with private bathrooms, wood-sided cabins with shared bathrooms and canvas tent cabins with shared bathrooms .

Plus, the Curry Village complex offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, an ice skating rink in winter, an entertainment amphitheatre, ranger programs and a few dinning options.

The Yosemite Valley Lodge is another of the great options for lodging in Yosemite National Park.

If you wish to stay outside the park, there are a few towns nearby, but plan on adding a few hours of driving each days. You can look at:

• Mariposa : Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel or the AutoCamp Yosemite are good family options.
• Fish Camp: Narrow Gauge Inn is a good option for families.
• Oakhurst: Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn is a good family option.

Do You Need a Car to Get Around Yosemite National Park?

It’s best to have a car when visiting Yosemite National Park with kids. It will allow you to be more flexible. Plus, there is a lot of driving to get from one point to the other one, so when you have your own car, kids can take a quick nap between activities.

If you need to rent a car, compare prices on DiscoverCars.Com . And make sure to download the audio guide from Gypsy Guide to learn all about the National Park while you’re driving.

But you can use the free public transportation across the park and get to most of the sights using the shuttle in the summertime. Learn more about the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System here.

A 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park with Kids

Here is our 2-day itinerary in Yosemite National Park for the family. You can also download your PDF itinerary here:

A Quick Recap of our 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park

A two-day itinerary in Yosemite for families with young children includes a variety of activities. On the first day, families can take a hike to the iconic overlooks of Glacier Point and Tunnel View . Then, they can explore beautiful waterfalls such as the Bridalveil Falls and the Lower Yosemite Falls .

On the second day, families can take a stroll around Yosemite Valley on the Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow Loop . Then they can visit the Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit , and take a hike in the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias area. Finally, families can take a train ride on the Yosemite Valley Railroad .

Day 1 of 2 Days in Yosemite National Park with Kids

Take a Small Hike at Glacier Point and Washburn Point

Start your first day in Yosemite National Park at Glacier Point . If your kids wake up early, try to be there for sunset, it’s breathtaking…. but we know it’s not always possible and sometimes it’s better to let the kids sleep.

The easiest way to get to Glacier Point is to drive on Glacier Point Road, which is usually open from late May or early June to sometime in November. The road ends at Glacier Point and it is a short walk to the viewpoint.

You’ll be at 7,200 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level.

From this viewpoint, you can follow the short trail. It’s one of Yosemite’s easiest hikes and much of the trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible. It’s a 1.0-mile (1.6-km) out-and-back trail with amazing views.

On your way down Glacier Point Road, make sure to stop at Washburn Point . This viewpoint also offers beautiful views.

Admire the Views at Tunnel View

Then, drive to Tunnel View , one of the famous viewpoints of Yosemite National Park where you’ll have a perfect view of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls.

Tunnel View is just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. You’ll find parking lots nearby. This spot can be very popular in summer, so you may have to wait a little for parking.

Chase some Yosemite Waterfalls

There are more than 25 waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. The smallest fall is the 100-foot-tall Alder Creek Falls and the latest one is the 2,425-foot-tall Yosemite Falls. Most of the famous waterfalls at Yosemite can be seen from viewpoints or short paved, wheelchair-accessible trails.

Start with Bridalveil Falls . Bridalveil Fall is a short waterfall that typically flows throughout the year. You can park at the Bridalveil Fall Parking Area off Wawonda Road. This 0.5-mile (0.8-km) round-trip trail will lead you close to the waterfall.

Then, drive to Lower Yosemite Falls . Lower Yosemite Falls is the final 320-foot (98-meter) drop of Yosemite Falls, the latest waterfall in North America. The trail to reach the Lower Falls is a 1.0-mile (1.6-km) loop.

Be careful when walking near the waterfalls. There are some stairs and it can be really slippery and steep in some areas. Try to walk the loop in a clockwise direction for the best views of Yosemite Falls.

Note that the eastern portion of this loop trail is wheelchair accessible (when not covered in ice or snow).

Also, if you visit at the end of the summer or in the fall, the waterfall may be dry or really tiny.

Enjoy the rest of the Day at Curry Village

When you’re ready, slowly head to Curry Village , where you’ll stay for the night. There are a few restaurant options, such as a pizza parlour, a coffee shop, the Meadow Grill and the Curry Village Bar.

There is also a pool and some ranger programs. If you got the Junior Ranger booklet for your kids, you could take something with them to complete it.

Day 2 of 2 Days in Yosemite National Park with Kids

Walk on the Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite Valley

Start your day with a leisure stroll in Yosemite Valley with the Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow loop . The Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow loop is a 2.25-mile (3.6-km) round-trip trail. On this trail, you’ll see green meadows, wildflowers and Yosemite Falls.

The trail is accessible year-round, and leashed pets are allowed on paved portions.

Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit

Then, visit the Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit .

The Yosemite Museum and Indian Cultural Exhibit is a great place for families. It was the first museum built in the national park system and has a variety of educational initiatives for visitors.

The Yosemite Museum shows displays of the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people. It showcases tools and items such as tone tool-making, basket-weaving, beadwork and traditional games.

In front of the museum, you’ll find a cross-section of a giant sequoia tree that visitors can touch, and a re-creation of an umacha (a Miwok and Paiute cedar bark house). Behind the museum, you can also do a self-guided accessible trail through the reconstructed Indian Village of Ahwahnee. You’ll learn about plants and structures.

Explore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Area

Once you’re done with the museum visit, head back in the car and drive to Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias . From the Yosemite Museum, it takes about an hour to reach the south side of Yosemite to Mariposa Grove.

The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a popular place in Yosemite National Park. It’s the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.

There are a few different trails to take with the kids to admire the sequoia trees. Some trails are even wheelchair and stroller accessible.

• Big Trees Loop Trail: It’s an easy 0.3-mile (0.5-km) loop from the trailhead. This trail is wheelchair accessible and features the Fallen Monarch and interpretive panels on the life and ecology of giant sequoias.
• Grizzly Giant Loop Trail : It’s a moderate 2.0-miles (3.2-km) loop from the trailhead. It features notable trees such as the Bachelor and Three Graces, the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant, and California Tunnel Tree.

You can also opt for one of the several guided tours. The National Park Service offers a Big Trees Loop Trail, a two-hour hike.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

If time allows, visit the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad . It’s a great family-friendly excursion if your kids love trains. It’s located only 10 minutes from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park off Highway 41, a little pass at Fish Camp.

At the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, you can take a scenic train ride through the Sierra National Forest. The “The Logger” train ride is an hour. You’ll earn the area’s amazing history.

The historic railroad offers train rides, gold panning , an on-site rail museum, and a fun gifts and collectibles store.

Final Thoughts: 2-Day Itinerary Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is one of the nine (9) national parks in California. It’s a beautiful park to visiting with kids. While it would be ideal to stay for at least 3 to 4 days, you can still get a good overview of the national park and its beauty in 2 days.

Related Articles – California With Kids

If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park and California, you might enjoy reading those articles:

• Family Hike: Where to Hike in California
• Things to do in lake Tahoe with kids (California side)
• 10 Day California Road Trip with Kids: San Diego to San Francisco

Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.

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A New Under Canvas Tented Camp Is Coming to This California National Park

The beloved glamping brand will soon offer a stylish new way to experience the natural beauty of yosemite..

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Under Canvas Yosemite will be the brand’s first foray into the Golden State.

Courtesy of Under Canvas

There’s about to be a wonderful new way to visit the giant sequoias, waterfalls, two remaining glaciers, and dizzying granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome at Yosemite National Park . Under Canvas announced its first-ever camp in California just outside of the park.

Under Canvas , a brand known for its safari-style tented camps near national parks, mainly in the American West, will open its newest glamping outpost on May 22, 2025, which will be set on 80 acres of pine-dappled forest 10 minutes beyond the west entrance of Yosemite National Park.

“We are thrilled to be opening our 12th Under Canvas camp in California, a destination that we’ve had our sights set on for many years,” Matt Gaghen, chief executive officer of Under Canvas, told AFAR. “Each of our properties has something unique to offer, and what we’re really looking forward to with this location is offering our guests unmatched access to Yosemite National Park.” He added that “travelers will have the opportunity to be immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort and style.”

The tents at the Yosemite property each will have king-sized beds (with heated mattress pads), bedside lanterns, and USB charging packs, along with an en suite bathroom featuring a sink, a hot shower, and a flushing toilet. They will also all have a private deck, and some will include stargazing windows above the bed (the camp’s sister property, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, became the first lodging worldwide to earn a DarkSky Lodging certification from DarkSky International in 2023, a designation the Under Canvas camps in Zion, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Moab earned soon thereafter).

Under Canvas will soon bring safari-style glamping to the Yosemite National Park area.

Like all of the other Under Canvas properties, the 70 guest accommodations will surround a central lobby tent. The Yosemite iteration will feature communal lounge spaces decorated with West Elm furniture, a game area, and an indoor-outdoor café-style dining area serving seasonal dishes and a selection of California wines and craft beers. Because Under Canvas expects that its guests will be in the national park during the day, it will also offer grab-and-go lunches and snacks for purchase and will have an Adventure Concierge on hand to help guests book experiences like rafting, rock climbing, and guided hiking trips in the protected land. At night, there will be complimentary activities, including yoga, live music, and a s’mores bar.

Because the brand’s ethos revolves around minimizing disturbance to the land and maximizing guests’ immersion in nature, the camps do not offer Wi-Fi and reduce water usage with pull-chain showers and low-flow toilets. Notably, the bus stop for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System sits directly across from the property, making it easy for parkgoers to visit without driving a vehicle of their own.

Under Canvas originally announced the Yosemite property in 2019. It was slated for a 2020 debut, but the opening date was pushed back. The three other California properties that were announced in conjunction with Yosemite, including near Joshua Tree National Park, on Catalina Island, and in Sonoma, have since been scrapped .

Reservations for Under Canvas Yosemite’s inaugural season, which will run from May 22 to October 27, 2025, have already opened. Rates start at $319 per night.

During the 2024 summer season, Under Canvas will operate 11 properties, including Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, Moab, Mount Rushmore, North Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, and Zion. Ulum, the more upscale spin-off of Under Canvas (which AFAR recognized as one of the best new hotels in 2024 ), is also open.

Environment | Yosemite reservations will begin Saturday –…

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Environment | google to stop showing links to california news reports, environment | yosemite reservations will begin saturday — here’s how they work, famed sierra nevada national park will limit the number of vehicles in an attempt to reduce crowding.

Hope to visit Yosemite this year? Starting this Saturday, you’ll need a reservation to drive into the park.

Joining Rocky Mountain, Arches, Muir Woods and a growing number of other national parks, Yosemite National Park will require day-use reservations for the next six months. It’s part of a test program aimed at limiting the large crowds that led to traffic jams as long as three hours last summer, and which have plagued the scenic Sierra Nevada destination for decades on busy weekends.

The idea is popular with environmental groups, but opposed by businesses in the surrounding communities.

Here are the basics:

Q: Why are Yosemite officials doing this?

A: Last year, 325 million people visited America’s national parks. During weekends and summer months, the most popular ones can receive huge crowds. Yosemite officials imposed a temporary reservation system in 2020 and 2021 to reduce crowd sizes during the COVID pandemic, and in 2022 because many of the park’s main roads and facilities were closed due to construction upgrades.

Last summer, there were no reservations required for day-use visitors. Traffic jams on summer weekends snarled roads for miles. People parked illegally in meadows. Bathrooms were overwhelmed. Parking lots were full, and visitors circled Yosemite Valley for hours. Parks officials drew up a pilot program for this year and said their goal is to make the trip to see Yosemite’s famed waterfalls, massive granite walls and scenic forests more enjoyable.

“We are hopeful that our test pilot for 2024 will prove fruitful in providing a great visitor experience and protecting these resources, which is what we try to do every day here,” said Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon during a public meeting on the plan in February.

Q: OK, how will it work?

A: From April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required to drive into the park from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (May 27 and June 19). A reservation is not required on other days.

July 1 through Aug. 16: A reservation is required to drive into the park every day from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 17 through Oct. 27: A reservation is required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (Sept. 2 and Oct. 14). A reservation is not required on other days.

There are two types of reservations: full day and half day, with arrival at noon or later. Each is valid for up to three consecutive days.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The current park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, regardless of how many people are in the vehicle. There is a $2 service fee added for the reservation.

Q: Where can I make a reservation?

A: Go to Recreation.gov

If you don’t have computer access, you can call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.

Q: Are same-day reservations available? Can I wait at an entrance station and drive into the park if people with reservations don’t show up?

A: No. Reservations will not be available at the entrance stations, park officials say. You can check Recreation.gov before arriving at the park to see if any reservations have become available due to cancellation, but internet access can be spotty on the rural roads near Yosemite. It’s better to book ahead.

Q: What if I have booked a hotel or campsite inside the park?

A: Then you won’t need a reservation to drive your vehicle into the park.

You’ll still pay the $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only). But a reservation for in-park lodging or camping, a Half Dome permit, or a wilderness permit allows anyone to enter the park for the duration of their reservation or for three consecutive days, whichever is longer.

People who stay in hotels or vacation rentals outside the park will still need to make a vehicle reservation to enter.

Q: Are there any the tips to get around the rules?

A: You can visit Yosemite any time without a reservation if you show up very early or come late in the day. The park is open 24 hours a day. Vehicles arriving before 5 a.m. are not required to have reservations. Nor are vehicles arriving after 4 p.m.

But don’t arrive before 4 p.m. and plan to sit by the side of the road. Rangers say they will write tickets for motorists who do that.

Also, if you enter Yosemite via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses, on a bicycle, on foot or on horseback, or if you visit the Hetch Hetchy reservoir portion of the park, you don’t need a reservation to enter the park. Park entrance fees still apply.

Also, the National Park Service began taking reservations for this summer on Jan. 5. But there are still plenty available. Additional reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date (for example, an arrival date of June 27 will have more reservations open June 20) starting at 8 a.m. Pacific time on Recreation.gov.

Q: Is this a permanent thing?

A: Unclear. The park is working on a “visitor access management plan” that will involve public hearings this summer. A draft plan is expected out next year, with more public hearings then. Park planners are looking at things like reconfiguring park entrances, setting up contactless entrance systems, expanding bicycle routes, parking lots and shuttle bus services.

Whether day-use reservations continue to be required may also depend on who wins the presidential election. The reservation system has been put in place by the Biden administration, and is supported by environmental groups. It is mostly opposed by business leaders in the nearby communities, and Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Modesto, whose district includes Yosemite. If Donald Trump wins the presidency, the reservation plan could well be scrapped.

Q: I have an annual or lifetime pass that gives me free entrance. Do I need a reservation to drive in during peak hours?

A: Yes. The annual and lifetime passes cover the park entrance fee. The $2 reservation fee still applies to day use reservations.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: At Yosemite National Park’s website, at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

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Yosemite reservations will begin Saturday — here’s how they work

Hope to visit Yosemite this year? Starting this Saturday, you’ll need a reservation to drive into the park.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Hope to visit Yosemite this year? Starting this Saturday, you’ll need a reservation to drive into the park.

Joining Rocky Mountain, Arches, Muir Woods and a growing number of other national parks, Yosemite National Park will require day-use reservations for the next six months. It’s part of a test program aimed at limiting the large crowds that led to traffic jams as long as three hours last summer, and which have plagued the scenic Sierra Nevada destination for decades on busy weekends.

The idea is popular with environmental groups, but opposed by businesses in the surrounding communities.

Here are the basics:

Q: Why are Yosemite officials doing this?

A: Last year, 325 million people visited America’s national parks. During weekends and summer months, the most popular ones can receive huge crowds. Yosemite officials imposed a temporary reservation system in 2020 and 2021 to reduce crowd sizes during the COVID pandemic, and in 2022 because many of the park’s main roads and facilities were closed due to construction upgrades.

Last summer, there were no reservations required for day-use visitors. Traffic jams on summer weekends snarled roads for miles. People parked illegally in meadows. Bathrooms were overwhelmed. Parking lots were full, and visitors circled Yosemite Valley for hours. Parks officials drew up a pilot program for this year and said their goal is to make the trip to see Yosemite’s famed waterfalls, massive granite walls and scenic forests more enjoyable.

“We are hopeful that our test pilot for 2024 will prove fruitful in providing a great visitor experience and protecting these resources, which is what we try to do every day here,” said Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon during a public meeting on the plan in February.

Q: OK, how will it work?

A: From April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required to drive into the park from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (May 27 and June 19). A reservation is not required on other days.

July 1 through Aug. 16: A reservation is required to drive into the park every day from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 17 through Oct. 27: A reservation is required from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (Sept. 2 and Oct. 14). A reservation is not required on other days.

There are two types of reservations: full day and half day, with arrival at noon or later. Each is valid for up to three consecutive days.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The current park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, regardless of how many people are in the vehicle. There is a $2 service fee added for the reservation.

Q: Where can I make a reservation?

A: Go to Recreation.gov.

If you don’t have computer access, you can call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.

Q: Are same-day reservations available? Can I wait at an entrance station and drive into the park if people with reservations don’t show up?

A: No. Reservations will not be available at the entrance stations, park officials say. You can check Recreation.gov before arriving at the park to see if any reservations have become available due to cancellation, but internet access can be spotty on the rural roads near Yosemite. It’s better to book ahead.

Q: What if I have booked a hotel or campsite inside the park?

A: Then you won’t need a reservation to drive your vehicle into the park.

You’ll still pay the $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only). But a reservation for in-park lodging or camping, a Half Dome permit, or a wilderness permit allows anyone to enter the park for the duration of their reservation or for three consecutive days, whichever is longer.

People who stay in hotels or vacation rentals outside the park will still need to make a vehicle reservation to enter.

Q: Are there any the tips to get around the rules?

A: You can visit Yosemite any time without a reservation if you show up very early or come late in the day. The park is open 24 hours a day. Vehicles arriving before 5 a.m. are not required to have reservations. Nor are vehicles arriving after 4 p.m.

But don’t arrive before 4 p.m. and plan to sit by the side of the road. Rangers say they will write tickets for motorists who do that.

Also, if you enter Yosemite via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) buses, on a bicycle, on foot or on horseback, or if you visit the Hetch Hetchy reservoir portion of the park, you don’t need a reservation to enter the park. Park entrance fees still apply.

Also, the National Park Service began taking reservations for this summer on Jan. 5. But there are still plenty available. Additional reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date (for example, an arrival date of June 27 will have more reservations open June 20) starting at 8 a.m. Pacific time on Recreation.gov.

Q: Is this a permanent thing?

A: Unclear. The park is working on a “visitor access management plan” that will involve public hearings this summer. A draft plan is expected out next year, with more public hearings then. Park planners are looking at things like reconfiguring park entrances, setting up contactless entrance systems, expanding bicycle routes, parking lots and shuttle bus services.

Whether day-use reservations continue to be required may also depend on who wins the presidential election. The reservation system has been put in place by the Biden administration, and is supported by environmental groups. It is mostly opposed by business leaders in the nearby communities, and Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Modesto, whose district includes Yosemite. If Donald Trump wins the presidency, the reservation plan could well be scrapped.

Q: I have an annual or lifetime pass that gives me free entrance. Do I need a reservation to drive in during peak hours?

A: Yes. The annual and lifetime passes cover the park entrance fee. The $2 reservation fee still applies to day use reservations.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: At Yosemite National Park’s website, at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

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This Popular Glamping Company Is Opening Its First California Location at Yosemite National Park — With Safari Tents, Patios, and an 'Adventure Concierge'

Under Canvas is coming to Yosemite National Park and you can book your stay now.

Charles Chu/unsplash/Courtesy of Under Canvas Yosemite

Under Canvas, the luxury glamping company with sites near some of the country's most beautiful parks in Utah , Montana , and South Dakota , will make its debut in California in the spring of 2025. 

The company chose the Golden State's most visited national park for its first outpost, which will boast 80 acres of scenic land and amenities just a few miles from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park. 

"Under Canvas' expansion into California has been our goal since the brand's inception in 2012," Matt Gaghen, chief executive officer of Under Canvas, said in a press release provided to Travel + Leisure . "We look forward to bringing the Under Canvas experience to Yosemite, home to many outdoor enthusiasts and a sought-after destination for adventure travelers around the globe."

Courtesy of Under Canvas Yosemite

The camp will feature safari-inspired tents nestled among lush native greenery and equipped with all the amenities to rival an upscale hotel, such as king-size beds, luxe linens, heated mattress pads, a private deck, and ensuite bathrooms. Under Canvas Yosemite will also offer its guests several special tents, including the brand's signature Stargazer Tents with a viewing window above the bed, and an El Capitan Suite Tent, perfect for families or friends consisting of two individual tents connected by a private deck and an outdoor area.

Some of the camp's communal areas will be located in a lobby tent with lounge spaces, and dining and game areas. The culinary program will include freshly made dishes as well as grab-and-go items and snacks, with a special highlight on local wines and craft beers.

While the main draw will be Yosemite National Park, the camp will also offer plenty of on-site recreational activities, such as live music, daily yoga classes, kids' programming, and nightly s'mores. A nearby natural swimming pool and proximity to hiking trails will provide even more opportunities to stay active. An "adventure concierge" will help travelers book in-park activities such as rafting, fly fishing, rock climbing, and photography classes. 

This will be Under Canvas' 12th camp, and it is expected to open for its first season on May 22, 2025, with bookings open for stays between then and Oct. 27, 2025. Nightly rates will start from $319.

What is the most visited national park in the US? Answers to your biggest park questions

Most people have heard of Yosemite’s Half Dome or Yellowstone's Old Faithful , but how about the largest national park? Or which gets the most visitors each year? 

USA TODAY rounded up answers to the most popular park questions to help travelers better understand these national treasures and share some fun trivia with family and friends on their next park visit.

Here are 10 things to know about America’s national parks .

What is the most visited national park in the US? 

Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in America, by far. Last year, it drew nearly three times the visitors as the second-most visited park, Grand Canyon , according to National Park Service data .

These were the 15 most visited national parks in 2023:

• Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee - 13,297,647
• Grand Canyon in Arizona - 4,733,705
• Zion in Utah - 4,623,238
• Yellowstone in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming - 4,501,382
• Rocky Mountain in Colorado - 4,115,837
• Yosemite in California - 3,897,070
• Acadia in Maine - 3,879,890
• Grand Teton in Wyoming - 3,417,106
• Joshua Tree in California  - 3,270,404
• Olympic National Park in Washington - 2,947,503
• Glacier National Park in Montana - 2,933,616
• Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio - 2,860,059
• Indiana Dunes in Indiana - 2,765,892
• Hot Springs in Arkansas - 2,502,967
• Bryce Canyon in Utah - 2,461,269

The least visited national park is Gates of the Arctic in Alaska, which drew 11,045 visitors last year even though there are no roads to get there.“Even for Alaska, Gates of the Arctic is sort of above all the rest in terms of difficulty of reaching it, solitude, remoteness,” Peter Christian, chief spokesperson for Public Affairs for the National Park Service’s Alaska region, previously told USA TODAY.  

'Finding hidden gems': America's least visited national parks

What are the big 3 national parks?

When people think of national parks, three loom large in many minds: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite. 

However, they’re neither the three most visited national parks nor the largest in size. 

What is the largest US national park?

Wrangell-St. Elias is the biggest of all. It’s more than three times the size of Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks combined. 

The three biggest national parks are all in Alaska:

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve - 13.2 million acres
• Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve - nearly 8.5 million acres
• Denali National Park & Preserve - more than 4.7 million acres

The smallest national park is Gateway Arch in Missouri, at roughly 91 acres.

What is the newest national park?

New River Gorge , in West Virginia, became America’s newest national park in December 2020.

It was previously designated a national river. 

Story continues below.

How many national parks are in the US?

There are 63 national parks across the country, including two in U.S. territories.

USA TODAY has been spotlighting each one in a yearlong series that shares insights and tips from the park rangers who know them best.

Has anyone been to all 63 national parks?

Yes. Multiple people have accomplished this bucket list feat, including Stefanie Payne, who visited all 63 parks within one year and wrote about them in " 100 Things to See in the National Parks ."

“The Alaska parks are the ones that are deepest in my heart because they are in such a remote and rugged landscape,” she previously told USA TODAY . “It's really just mind-bending to be in some of those areas, especially when the mountains are so big and the glaciers and the terrain is really challenging and you start to see what you're made of.”

What state has the best national parks?

Many national parks fans point to Utah’s Mighty Five : Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion, but best is subjective. 

“I'm sure every park is like, ‘Everywhere is the best.’ It's all so good, right?” Petrified Forest National Park park ranger Jessica Barnett told USA TODAY.

Which state has the most number of national parks?

California has the most national parks, with nine: Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia, and Yosemite.

Death Valley actually straddles California and Nevada. A number of America’s national parks span multiple states.

What state has no national park? 

There are no national parks in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont or Wisconsin.

However, all 50 states are home to other National Park Service units , like national battlefields and seashores, which are sometimes called parks.

The National Park System currently has 429 units. The most recent addition is Amanche National Historic Site in Colorado. Travelers can find sites by state on the National Park Service’s website .

What is a national park a park for? 

When Yellowstone became America’s first national park in 1872, Congress designated it “a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,” but national parks have come to offer and protect much more.

“The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations,” according the mission shared on its website. 

To help protect these spaces, visitors are asked to leave no trace .

Contributing: Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY

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From Yosemite to Acadia, National Park Week 2024 kicks off with free entry

National Park Week kicks off April 20 with free entry to every national park in America.

That’s not just capital NP national parks like Grand Teton and Olympic , but all 429 sites within the National Park System , ranging from national battlefields to seashores.

Entry fees are only waived that first day, but there are special activities planned throughout National Park Week (and many sites don’t charge entry fees anyway).

"With countless options of things to do and see, there really is something for everyone in our country’s national parks,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a statement.

What travelers should know:

What is the purpose of National Park Week?

The first National Park Week in 1991 marked the 75th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The next wasn't until 1994, but since then, it’s become an annual, presidentially proclaimed celebration across America’s ever-growing list of national parks, according to National Park Service spokesperson Kathy Kupper.

“During National Park Week, and throughout the year, I encourage people to discover and enjoy the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities available in national parks and through National Park Service community programs,” Sams said.

How long is National Park Week?

National Park Week spans nine days. It runs from April 20 through April 28.

Each day will spotlight a different parks-related theme.

◾ April 20: Discovery

◾ April 21: Volunteers

◾ April 22: Earth Day

◾ April 23: Innovation

◾ April 24: Workforce Wednesday

◾ April 25: Youth Engagement

April 26: Community Connections

◾ April 27: Junior Ranger Day

◾ April 28: Arts in Parks

Travelers can find their nearest park through the National Park Service and National Park Foundation’s Find Your Park site.

What is the most visited national park? Answers to your biggest park questions

Are national parks free on Earth Day?

Not this year. Earth Day is April 22.

Last year, it happened to coincide with the first day of National Park Week when parks offer free entry.

However, this year, the first day of National Park Week is April 20.

When are all US national parks free?

There are five more free entry dates this year:

◾ April 20 : First day of National Park Week

◾ June 19 : Juneteenth

◾ Aug. 4 : Great American Outdoors Day

◾ Sept. 28 : National Public Lands Day

◾ Nov. 11 : Veterans Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was also an entry-fee-free day in January.

Certain groups like military service members, veterans , and U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disabilities are eligible for free entry any time of year. Fourth graders and their families are also eligible for free park visits through the Every Kid Outdoors program.

Visitors should note some parks charge fees for parking , access to specific facilities, and other things, even when entry fees are waived.

What activities can people do when visiting the national park?

Activities vary by date and location and can be found on the National Park Service’s event calendar . Junior Ranger Day events include the chance to build biplane models at Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama and learn about the history of dogs in Hidatsa villages and earn a BARK Ranger badge for their own pups at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota.

“Of course, we hope that kids will want to protect parks and want to make sure that we pass on parks to the future generations of kids, but in order to do that, we have to make sure that we are letting kids come to our parks to have fun, to fall in love with nature, to fall in love with history and culture,” Caitlin Campbell, interpretation and engagement coordinator for the National Park Service, told USA TODAY.  “Our primary objective is to make sure that kids feel welcome in parks and know that parks are a fun and safe place where they belong.”

All year long, kids of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in the free Junior Ranger program in parks and online .

"They can find Junior Ranger programming probably pretty close to where they live," she said. "Any day of the year, they could celebrate (being a) Junior Ranger, but we hope that they celebrate during National Park Week."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Park Week 2024 guide: Dates, free entry, and more

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