Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, the first National Park in the United States, is an amazing landscape - the most geysers anywhere in the world, bubbling mudpots, turquoise hot springs, rushing waterfalls, steep canyons, steaming creeks, a huge lake and abundant wildlife.
Yellowstone National Park covers a big area (it's the size of Connecticut). In planning your trip, allow several days, we recommend at least three. In summer, the roads are crowded and it's some distance to get to different parts of the park. You'll want time to enjoy the sights (not just drive and drive), and don't cram too many things into one day.
Wildlife - The wildlife you'll see up close is unforgettable. We saw elk herds grazing in the meadows, bison everywhere (sleeping in the sagebrush or walking down the middle of the road), plus moose and two calves, bald eagles, chubby marmots and white pelicans. Grizzly bears and black bears are often seen also. Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are especially good for wildlife spotting, especially early in the morning or later in the day. Be sure to bring binoculars, as you want to keep your distance.
Yellow Bus tours - Take a tour on a vintage yellow bus (1930's style), with canvas top that rolls back for spectacular views. Your best bets are the geysers and wildlife watching tours (parents can enjoy the scenery instead of driving). Tours depart from lodges and campgrounds, and West Yellowstone. A wonderful park tradition.
Madison Junior Ranger Station - At the Madison Trailside Museum are ranger-led programs, just for kids (ages 5 -12). May to August, programs focus on different wildlife, geysers, history and lore of the park. For the daily schedule, stop into the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, or in Madison.
Snowcoach tours - Take a snowcoach tour in the winter landscape, December to March. Snow covers the ground, lakes and rivers freeze over, but hot springs steam in the cold and the wildlife is amazing. The tours are accompanied by naturalist guides, who know where to spot elk or bison in their winter grazing grounds.
Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotels, all styles and price ranges, convenient to fun things to do with kids in:
