The Best National Parks to Visit in the US For All Ages

Family vacations are the heart of lifelong memories. They open your minds to new cultures, activities, and breathtaking backdrops, providing endless, sharable memories and hopefully a lot of laughter!

However, deciding where to take the family on your next vacation is the challenging part.

The solution? Take the family to a national park for your next fun-filled family adventure. 

From Yellowstone's geothermal marvels to Acadia's coastal beauty, you'll discover why these parks are must-visit destinations for families seeking unforgettable adventures.

If you're planning a family vacation to a national park in the US, Yellowstone should be at the top of your list. Yellowstone is the world’s first-ever national park. It offers a unique blend of geological wonders and abundant wildlife that will captivate both kids and adults alike. Home to 10,000 geothermal features, including 500 active geysers, hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles, visitors can also hike, horseback ride, fish and raft. Spanning 2.2 million acres across parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone requires a few days to do it all. If you are on the Wyoming side, you may want to head to another notable National Park, Grand Teton.

Activities and must-see things to do

Yellowstone National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders you and your family will love. Here are some of the top attractions and activities.

• Old Faithful geyser: witness the spectacular eruption of this world-famous geyser, which occurs roughly every 90 minutes.
• Grand Prismatic spring: marvel at the vibrant colors of the largest hot spring in the United States.
• Wildlife viewing: keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, bears, and wolves in their natural habitats.
• Mammoth hot springs: explore the otherworldly terraces formed by mineral deposits.
• Yellowstone river: enjoy scenic boat tours on the lake or hit the river for white-water rafting thrills.
• Lamar valley: experience an Old West Dinner Cookout with a wagon ride and songs around a campfire.

To make the most of your visit, participate in the Junior Ranger program. It's an excellent way for kids to learn about the park's ecology and geology while having fun.

Yellowstone’s accessibility 

Many of Yellowstone's main attractions are easily accessible by car or short walks, making it one of the most accessible national parks perfect for families. Boardwalks and paved paths around geothermal features ensure safety and ease of movement, even for those with mobility requirements or strollers. For more adventurous-seeking families, there are plenty of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.

Here's are some of the different activities you can get up to:

• Geyser viewing
• Short nature walks
• Wildlife watching
• Hiking
• Camping

One of California’s most visited national parks, Yosemite National Park, offers a breathtaking landscape filled with towering granite cliffs and unique granite rock formations, such as Half Dome and El Capitan. It also stands out for its cascading waterfalls, such as the Vernal Fall and Bridalveil Fall. Yosemite offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an unforgettable experience for families seeking both.

Activities and must-see things to do

Yosemite National Park is filled with plenty of family-friendly activities and awe-inspiring sights. Here are some must-see attractions and engaging activities for your family:

• Yosemite falls: as one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, this iconic cascade is a sight to behold, especially in springtime or early summer. Take a short hike to Lower Yosemite Falls for an up-close view.
• Half Dome: this massive granite formation is a symbol of Yosemite. While hiking to the top is challenging, admire its grandeur from various viewpoints in the valley.
• Tunnel view: this scenic overlook offers a postcard-perfect vista of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.
• Glacier point: great for summer and fall time, drive or hike to this viewpoint for panoramic views of the park and High Sierra.
• Junior Ranger Program: kids are able to earn a badge while learning about the park's ecology and history.

Yosemite’s accessibility 

Yosemite caters to visitors of all ages and abilities, making it one of the best national parks for families with little and big ones. The free shuttle bus system makes it easy to navigate the park without a car, reducing stress for parents and adding to the fun for kids.

Many of Yosemite's most famous sights are accessible via short, paved trails or from roadside viewpoints. The valley floor is relatively flat, with numerous wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities.

Some trails, like the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, offer a bit more challenge but are still suitable for active families with older children.

Strenuous hikes, like the cable route to Half Dome's summit, provide a thrilling experience for adventurous families (a permit is required).

When planning your visit, consider the season. Summer is the busiest time but offers the best weather for most activities. Spring showcases roaring waterfalls, while fall treats you to stunning foliage. Winter transforms Yosemite into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ice skating and cross-country skiing activities.

Migrating to Arizona, you’ll find The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic and best national parks to visit in the US. This natural wonder offers a Grand experience for families, combining breathtaking vistas with exciting outdoor activities. Pictures don’t do it justice; they must be seen in person. With endless hiking trails, opportunities to white-water raft down the Colorado River, or a chance to take a mule ride through the canyon, the whole gang will fall in love with this national park.

Activities and must-see things to do

Not only does the Grand Canyon offer so many family-friendly activities, but it is also teeming with culture as it sits on the homeland of the Havasupai Tribe. Here are some activities and sights you won't want to miss.

• South Rim viewpoints: start your journey at Mather Point for an awe-inspiring introduction to the canyon's vastness.
• Grand Canyon Skywalk: for a thrilling experience, walk on the glass bridge extending over the canyon's edge.
• Rim Trail: this paved path offers easy walking and stunning views, perfect for families with young children.
• Bright Angel Trail: a popular hiking trail suitable for older kids and more adventurous families.
• Junior Ranger Program: engage your children in educational activities and earn a badge.

To help you plan your visit, are some popular viewpoints:

• Mather Point – best for overall views
• Yavapai Point – best for geology enthusiasts
• Desert View – best for sunset watching
• Bright Angel Point – best for panoramic vistas

Grand Canyon’s accessibility

The Grand Canyon has so many activities to choose from, making it one of the best national parks for families. 

Rim Trail walks, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs are perfect for families with young children or those with limited mobility.

Short hikes into the canyon, like the first mile of Bright Angel Trail, offer a taste of adventure without being too strenuous.

Full-day hikes or mule rides to the canyon floor are suitable for older children and more experienced hikers.

Combine your Grand Canyon adventure with another half-day trip to see the Hoover Dam, take a helicopter tour, go on mule rides or kayak at nearby Lake Powell.

Utah’s Zion National Park may be one of the lesser-known national parks in the US, but don’t let that fool you! This Utah gem offers a unique landscape that will mesmerize your family with its narrow canyons, emerald pools and striking red rock formations. Zion is a thrill-seekers paradise, offering hiking trails like Angels Landing, which brings you up through a nearly 1,500-foot natural staircase and requires a permit. Trek The Narrows, a 10-mile trek through the thinnest section of Zion Canyon, walking upstream through the Virgin River. For a less strenuous exploration of the park, there are shuttle bus tours to traverse through the park's most famous landmarks. The best time to visit Zion National Park is between April and November when the park's free shuttles are running and the weather is comfortable.

Activities and must-see things to do

Zion National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s diverse landscape and various activities make it an excellent choice for families seeking adventure and natural beauty. Whether exploring slot canyons, admiring emerald pools, or simply taking in stunning vistas, Zion offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Here are some of the must-see attractions and activities you shouldn't miss:

• The Narrows: this iconic slot canyon hike is thrilling for families with older children. You'll wade through the Virgin River, surrounded by towering canyon walls. 
• Emerald Pools: a series of three pools connected by trails, perfect for a refreshing break on a hot day.
• Angels Landing: for families with teens and a taste for adventure, this challenging hike offers breathtaking views of the canyon. (A permit is required to hike this trail which is handed out on a lottery system.)
• Weeping Rock: a short, paved trail leads to a rock alcove with dripping springs, creating a unique hanging garden.
• Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway: take a scenic drive through the park, including the impressive 1.1-mile tunnel cut through solid rock.
• UTV tours: take a ride-along UTV tour along the cusp of Zion. Explore the sand dunes and natural beauty of Zion in a thrilling way.

Zion National Park’s accessibility

Zion National Park offers a range of activities suitable for different skill levels and ages, making it one of the best national parks for families. Some trails are not for young children, however, so plan accordingly. 

The park has several paved, wheelchair-accessible trails like the Riverside Walk and Pa'rus Trail. These are perfect for families with young children or those with limited mobility.

Trails like the Lower and Middle Emerald Pools offer a bit more challenge but are still manageable for most families with school-age children.

The Narrows and Angels Landing offer unforgettable experiences, but they also require careful consideration of your family's abilities and comfort levels. They are not recommended for children under 10.

Switch gears and head to the US’ 50th state, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, for a truly unique family experience. This extraordinary park on The Big Island of Hawaii showcases the raw power of nature and provides an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. See two of the world's most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. Take a scenic drive along Chain of Craters Road and stop at the Kealakomo Overlook for expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the ancient village of Kealakomo. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers unique landscapes, educational opportunities, and a range of activities, making it one of the best national parks for families looking for an unforgettable experience.

Activities and must-see things to do

When you visit Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, you'll be amazed by the diverse range of activities and sights available. Here are some must-see attractions and family-friendly activities:

• Kīlauea visitor center: start your journey here to get oriented and learn about the park's geology and cultural significance.
• Crater Rim drive: take a scenic drive around the Kīlauea caldera, stopping at various lookout points for breathtaking views.
• Thurston lava tube: explore this 500-year-old lava tube, which is like walking through a natural tunnel formed by ancient lava flows.
• Steam vents: feel the Earth's heat as you watch steam rise from cracks in the ground.
• Sulfur banks: witness colorful mineral deposits and smell the distinct aroma of sulfur.
• Jaggar museum: learn about volcanology and witness the glow of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater at night (when conditions allow).
• Puu Loa petroglyphs: take a short hike to see ancient Hawaiian rock carvings.
• Chain of craters road: drive this scenic road to see past lava flows and stunning coastal views.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park’s accessibility

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most accessible national parks, making it an excellent choice for families with children of all ages. The park offers a range of activities suitable for different requirements.

Many of the park's main attractions, such as the Kīlauea Visitor Center, Jaggar Museum, and several lookout points, are easily accessible and wheelchair friendly.

Some trails, like the Kīlauea Iki Trail, offer a more challenging experience but are still manageable for most families with children over 8 years old.

For more adventurous families, longer and more strenuous hikes, such as the Mauna Loa Trail, are available.

Nestled along the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a unique blend of ocean vistas, rocky beaches, and lush forests. This park is a paradise for families seeking outdoor adventures and stunning natural beauty on the East Coast. Acadia is jam-packed with adrenaline-pumping activities like horseback riding, biking, hiking, and even rock climbing. You might even see harbor seals sunning on the beachside rocks!

Activities and must-see things to do

Acadia offers plenty of activities for all ages and abilities, including rock climbing, ecology tours, and sunset boat cruises. When visiting, check out these must-do activities.

• Carriage roads: explore 45 miles of car-free paths perfect for biking, walking or horseback riding.
• Cadillac mountain: drive or hike to the summit for breathtaking sunrise views.
• Thunder hole: witness the power of the ocean at this natural wonder.
• Jordan pond: enjoy a scenic walk around the crystal-clear pond and indulge in famous popovers.
• Sand beach: relax on this rare sandy beach surrounded by rocky shores.
• Rock climbing: Otter Cliff and Great Head provide a spectacular setting for sea cliff climbing, which is not commonly available elsewhere.

Acadia’s accessibility

The carriage roads provide easy, flat terrain ideal for families with young children or those using strollers. For more adventurous families, hiking trails range from easy walks to moderate climbs. The park's accessibility makes it one of the best national parks for families, offering a perfect balance of challenge and ease.

Glacier National Park, voted #1 by US News as the Best National Park in 2024, does not disappoint. Nestled in Montana's Rocky Mountains, It offers your family a breathtaking wilderness adventure. With its rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife, It promises an unforgettable family adventure amidst some of America's most stunning landscapes.

Activities and must-see things to do

Take advantage of Glacier's expansive hiking trails, including favorites like the Trail of the Cedars and Iceberg Lake Trail. Other activities include a ride along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road and a trip to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park on the Canadian border. Glacier National Park also hosts plenty of free ranger-led activities like guided hikes and stargazing events for all ages.

• Going-to-the-sun road: take a scenic drive on this engineering marvel.
• Hiking: explore over 700 miles of trails suitable for various skill levels.
• Wildlife watching: spot bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
• Ranger-led programs: engage in educational activities perfect for kids.
• Logan Pass: hike to highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road with stunning views
• Many Glacier: explore this area known for its lakes, hiking trails, and historic lodge
• Lake McDonald: boat and kayak in the largest lake in the park
• Hidden Lake Overlook: take a trail with views of Hidden Lake

Glacier National Park’s accessibility

While Glacier offers challenging hikes for experienced adventurers, it's also one of the best kid-friendly national parks. Many trails and activities are suitable for families with kids of all ages. 

For a gentle stroll, visit Trail of the Cedars and for more of a strenuous hike, explore either the Highline Trail or Grinnell Glacier.

Now that you have the run-down of a few of the best national parks in the US the whole family will love, it’s time to start planning your next adventure. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the dramatic landscapes of the Grand Canyon, you'll find endless opportunities for exploration and family bonding. Each destination offers a chance to connect with nature, learn about diverse ecosystems, and create lasting memories together.