Are you looking for a vacation that encourages family bonding in a tech-free environment? A visit to any one of these National Parks is just the thing for you.
Most parks have programs, like the Junior Rangers, specifically to keep kids engaged. Make sure to always stop at the Visitor Centers to be completely prepared and get tips on safety. If you feel like hiking through the parks may be too ambitious for you to do independently, you can always join a guided hike or hire a private guide.
Make sure to get a map and download any information you need from Google Maps before your hikes, as you will have a weak phone signal. And if you’re going to be visiting multiple parks in a year, look into the Annual Parks Pass. You’ll even get a free pass for the whole family to the parks if you’re traveling with a 4th grader! And finally, most of our contributors mention sub-par food and long lines, so consider packing your own lunch.
Read on for the Top 10 recommended National Parks by our contributors.
1) Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
Book early, even a year in advance, for this trip! You will have to get a head start here before the popular areas fill up their parking spots. Many of our contributors recommend staying in a hotel in nearby Jackson Hole (if you’re not planning on camping). You will get amazing views and be able to experience wildlife safaris. Get off the beaten track and consider going in off-season to fully enjoy the world’s first National Park. Yellowstone is part of an active super-volcano, so you’ll find unique hot springs and geysers (Old Faithful being the most popular).
2) Yosemite National Park (California)
Anyone who has been to Yosemite will tell you they cannot put the beauty of this National Park into words. You will find majestic views of El Capitan and tremendous sequoias to explore. Our contributors can’t pick their favorite hikes because there are so many scenic options with more waterfalls than you will be able to see in one trip. Don’t miss Bridal Veils Falls and the Misty Trail hike. Use the shuttles while in the park to make your visit more convenient.
3) Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
While you can visit Grand Teton National Park in all four seasons, the best time to visit is from mid-May to late September. During that time, all of the activities and trails will be available so you can maximize your stay. There is an open-air vehicle wildlife safari within the park that you can’t miss. You will also find numerous activities at the glittering two mile long Jenny Lake. If you have the time, combine your trip with a visit to Yellowstone National Park and get a discount on your admission.
4) Arches National Park (Utah)
Arches National Park is one that not everyone has heard of it, but after visiting, one that surprises people with how much they loved it. It is known as a red rock wonderland and has over 2,000 natural stone arches. Go in the Spring or Fall and take advantage of the many kid-friendly trails available. Don’t miss the 18 mile scenic drive around the park, which is especially great if you’re traveling with little ones who can’t handle too much hiking.
5) Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier National Park is located in the Rocky Mountains and has glacier-covered peaks for you to enjoy while hiking and kayaking. The park is more remote and not as easy to get to
6) Acadia National Park (Maine)
This is a popular location if you’re looking for an East Coast National Park option. You don’t want to miss a visit to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point of not only the park, but of the entire North Atlantic coastline. That means that, at 1,530 feet in elevation, it’s the first place to feel the sunshine each morning. You can even drive up to the top! Add a stop in the town of Bar Harbor before or after your park visit for some great restaurants.
7) Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska)
For something different, our contributors love recommending a visit to the 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness you can find at Denali National Park. Denali is North America’s highest peak, at 20,310 feet high. Be prepared to see large wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.
8) Zion National Park (Utah)
A visit to the Zion National Park is a must for those who love hiking. If you’re traveling with small children, you will want to visit the Emerald Pools Trail with its spring-fed pools, views of the canyon, and many waterfalls. You can also jump in your car for the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, a beautiful road that will allow you to experience amazing scenery with no hassle. Our contributors recommend doing the Narrows hike if you’re up for a challenge. Just know that it goes through the water so you will need appropriate shoes. Bryce Canyon is also a must-visit and is about an hour and a half away.
9) Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
How can you set out to visit the country’s national parks without stopping at the Grand Canyon? Unlike many of the other parks, you do not need as much time to visit this one. Consider a helicopter tour for a unique experience. Don’t miss the Desert View Watchtower for amazing views of the Grand Canyon. You will be only a 2 hour drive away from Sedona, which our contributors highly recommend visiting.
10) Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina/Tennessee)
If you imagine lush forests and plant life when thinking of a national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be at the top of your list. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes you can take advantage of in any season. Our contributors recommend the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as being great options for families.
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