articles

Five Family-Friendly National Parks

By Lisa Barry-Gofberg July 9, 2013
National parks are a perfect vacation spot for families. Whether you have young children or teenagers (or maybe both), kids of all ages will be amazed by the natural beauty all around the United States. Plus, you can feel good about taking this vacation - national parks are full of educational experiences AND fun so chances are, the kids will be having a blast and they will never realized they were learning about history and science along the way! Here's five great parks you won't want to miss:

Yosemite National Park (California)
When most people think of Yosemite, they think of Half Dome and Yosemite’s many waterfalls. While both of these are must-dos during your visit, Yosemite’s options are endless. Sequoia National Forest, located at the south end of Yosemite, is home to massive redwoods that will impress you and your kids at any age. Visiting in the summer? Try rafting on the Merced River (you can rent a raft or bring your own). Visiting in the winter? Head over to Badger Pass for skiing or tubing or consider exploring Yosemite on snowshoes.

Go the extra mile and take part in Yosemite’s Habitat Protectors of Yosemite program- a weekly volunteer program where you work along with park rangers to protect and restore the park’s habitat. This program is open to all ages, making it a great family opportunity. Mac Kid Tip: If you are travelling to Yosemite between November and May, plan ahead as many roads in and around the park are closed for the winter.

Everglades National Park (Florida)
The Everglades are all about the wetlands and protecting the ecosystem that is currently being threatened by growing development in Southern Florida. To really get up close and personal with the wildlife of the Everglades, rent a canoe and explore. Prefer to stay on dry land? Enjoy a tram tour at Shark Valley located in the northern region of the park to see and learn about the wildlife from a knowledgeable tour guide. If you are looking to experience a power airboat, you will have to head outside of the park grounds as they are not allowed. Be sure to check out the Everglades’ geocaching program where you can learn what it is like to be a park employee for the day and what it takes to care for the Everglades. Mac Kid tip: Try to avoid mosquito season by visiting in the winter or spring months.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park consists of over 100 limestone caves and offers a great learning experience for kids. Through the park’s Junior Ranger program, children complete fun activities that teach them about the natural resources and features of the caves. Take the elevator down to the Big Room in Carlsbad Cavern - a 14 acre natural limestone chamber - to get the full experience of the caves. Come in the summer and stick around to watch approximately 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly out of the cavern at sunset every evening. Mac Kid Tip: Strollers are not allowed and children under 3 cannot take the guided tours (but can go on self-guided tours with their grown-up).

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Visiting Yellowstone means visiting Old Faithful (which erupts approximately every 90 minutes) and is a must do with the kids. Also check out Mammoth Hot Springs, an ever-changing hydrothermal scene in Yellowstone. Kids will enjoy seeing the variety of colors ranging from white to brown to pink and green that are created by the hot springs “residents” (a.k.a. algae and bacteria).

If you are looking to do some fishing, head out to Trout Lake which has been a popular fishing spot for over 100 years. Be sure to grab a fishing permit at a ranger station before you head out - anyone over the age of 15 needs one! Mac Kid Tip: Go on an adventure with a Stagecoach Adventure and ride a stagecoach out to Pleasant Valley for an Old West Cookout! Fun for all ages and a great family memory!

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
If the Grand Canyon isn’t on your family’s bucket list, it should be. You can show your kids all the pictures in the world of the Grand Canyon but seeing it in person is the only way to truly understand its vastness and natural beauty. See it from above of course, but try seeing it from within as well. There are plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy to hard and you can even use the park’s shuttle bus system to pick and choose your hiking spots around the canyon. Consider a mule trip into the canyon to give your kids a unique adventure but keep in mind, these book up quickly and have age and weight requirements. Mac Kid Tip: Try traveling to the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ. A train ride and national park all in one trip? Your kids will never forget it!