National Parks are such a fantastic way to see some of the beautiful and unique spots our country has to offer. National Parks are generally full of breath-taking sights and tons of history making them not only great family vacation spots but perfect for homeschooling families too. Last week I shared with you our three favorite National Parks in California. Today I want to tell you some of my other favorite National Parks to take kids. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the National Parks in the United States. These are just a handful of the ones that our family loves! So here are five of our favorite National Parks to enjoy as a family, heading from west to east.
5 National Parks to take kids to while they’re still young
Zion National Park
I’ve been to Zion National Park several times and each time it’s incredible. I’ve been there with friends, with my husband, and with our kids. No matter who goes, and we can always find something to do. Watchman Campground is a great place to camp in the park right next to the visitor center (where you can hop on the free park shuttle) and accepts reservations. You’ll also enjoy some beautiful sunsets as the light plays off of the red rocks.
Emerald Pools and RIverside Walk are great easy hikes with kids. Riverside Walk is the start of the Narrows if you’re hiking from the bottom up and it’s a great place to splash around in the water! There are also lots of fabulous options for vacation rentals just outside the park if you want to go as a big group or have all the comforts of home.
Here are some great posts to help you plan your Zion National Park adventure!
Visiting Zion National Park with Kids
Stay at this Vacation Rental near Zion National Park
Go Glamping near Zion National Park
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is definitely one of those places where pictures don’t do it justice. As an adult you’ll be amazed by the grandeur of it, so can you imagine what your small child would think? Most visitors will only make it to the South Rim, which is open all year. The North Rim has a limited season and is on average 1,000 feet higher in elevation than the South Rim. However, if you can make the trek you’ll enjoy a more secluded experience. If your children are older you might want to participate in the famous mule rides or rafting trips.
The Grand Canyon Railway would be a great activity to do with the whole family. If you do have more time to explore and hike a little, you want to be sure to exercise extreme caution in regards to heat and water intake, especially with little ones. Be smart, be alert, carry water!!
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Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is another place that I have yet to visit with my own kids, but I cannot wait! I know my little ones will love exploring all the cliff dwellings. The great thing about this park is that you can take in a lot in just one day, which is especially nice as there is nowhere to stay actually within the park boundaries. A lodge and campgrounds are located not too far from the park entrance. Once inside the park, Spruce Tree House is a must see, being the best preserved of the cliff dwellings. If you’re the type of person who likes doing things at their own pace, it’s available for self-guided tours most of the year.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
We took our little dove to Carlsbad Caverns when he was 15 months old. Even at such a young age, you could tell he was enthralled by it all! We chose to hike in, and take the elevator out, which is what most park visitors do. Although we opted for a self-guided tour, there are guided tours available. Some of them take you to remote parts of the cave that you wouldn’t normally get to see otherwise! If you visit the park in the Summer or early Fall, you really don’t want to miss the nightly bat flight.
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Dry Tortugas National Park
Being 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas is the southern-most National Park in the United States. Due to its location, it’s only accessible by seaplane or ferry. However, it’s well worht the trip. Not only is it unique and beautiful, it’s also full of history, being home to Fort Jefferson. I visited this spot when I was a teenager, and I cannot wait to go back with my own kids! I have been snorkeling in Hawai’i and the Caribbean, and I still say that this is the best snorkeling spot I’ve ever been to. How many other National Parks are there where you can go snorkeling? In addition to the visitor centers, the fort, and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, you can even have a primitive camping experience at this park.
What are some of your favorite National Parks to take kids to?
