Best National Parks in the Western United States for Kids

The United States is scattered with great national parks across the country, from the West Coast to the East Coast. National parks are amazing places to take the kids; they offer great opportunities to let them explore nature, learn about the differing environments in this country, and see some really cool wildlife.

Being a local of Colorado, I’m prone to taking my kids to the Western United States, and this part of the country does not disappoint when it comes to national parks. From the Pacific to the desert to the Rocky Mountains, there is so much to explore.

In this post, I’ve outlined the top 20 to bring the family broken out by the state, from the top sites to see and where to stay to the best times to visit each one.

Junior Ranger Programs

If you are taking your kids around to the National Parks it’s worthwhile to look into the Junior Ranger Programs. The Junior Ranger Program is a special initiative by the National Park Service for kids which is designed to get kids to learn about the natural and cultural resources found in each park. They offer both online and onsite programs for kids. Each park will offer kids upon arrival an activity booklet at the visitor center. These are filled with educational activities and challenges related to the park’s natural resources. Once the kids have completed a certain number of activities in the booklet, they can return to the visitor center and receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch. This a really fun way to keep your kids engaged as you travel through each park.

For a list of participating parks, click here

California

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, about 200 miles east of San Francisco. This is one of the great National Parks parks in the Western United States. The most popular times to visit Yosemite are between May and September, as that’s when you’ll experience the best weather. The peak season is summer when you’ll encounter the most crowds, so planning ahead is important as lodging can fill up quickly.

There are lots of easy-to-challenging hikes that you can do with kids within the Yosemite Valley and amazing sites to see around the park, making it a great place for kids of all ages. From waterfalls to the giant sequoias to the stunning rock formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, the kids will not be bored.

Below is a list of top things to do at Yosemite:

• Walk through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Get a Panoramic View of Half Dome and El Captain at Tunnel View
• Check out the Spectacular Views at Glacier Point
• Hike the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
• Hike the Mist Trail
• Relax at Tenaya Lake
• Hike to Bridalveil Fall

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California, about 4 hours southeast of San Francisco and near the town of Visalia, California. The closest airports to Sequoia are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) and Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS). The park is open year-round, but for the best weather, the peak time is from June to August. Fall, from September to November, brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a fantastic time to visit the park. The foliage begins to change, and hiking conditions are excellent during this time of year.

Sequoia National Park can provide an unforgettable adventure for kids of all ages. The unbelievably tall sequoia trees offer an experience you won’t forget—their enormity is awe-inspiring. The landscapes and diverse wildlife add to the overall experience. There are many great landmarks to see, from the largest living tree on Earth to adventures like swimming, kayaking, and horseback riding. You are sure to find something great for the family.

Things to do in Sequoia National Park:

• Visit the General Sherman Tree
• See the trees at Giant Sequoia National Monument
• Tour the Giant Forest Museum
• Tour the Crystal Cave
• Drive through Tunnel Log

Channel Islands National Park

Another great National Park in the Western United States is the Channel Islands National Park in California. The Channel Islands can be a fantastic destination for families who want to enjoy the outdoors and marine life. Located off the southern coast of California, the Channel Islands are a chain of eight islands, with five of them (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands) making up Channel Islands National Park. The islands are near the California mainland, with the nearest point near Ventura, California. To get to the Channel Islands, you will need to book a ferry or a plane.

There are lots of things to do with kids at the Channel Islands, exploring the diverse wildlife being a great option as there are many seals, sea lions, and dolphins that can be viewed. There are also lots of outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and walking along the scenic beaches on the different islands.

Things to do in the Channel Islands National Park:

• Explore The Sea Caves
• Hike around Santa Cruz Island
• Visit Anacapa Island
• Rent Sea Kayaks
• Go Whale Watching

Oregon

Crater Lake National Park

Just north of California, you will find Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon about 250 miles south of Portland. The Park is centered around Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the clearest lakes in the world. With 90 miles of hiking trails in the park, visitors can also enjoy driving around the lake, where numerous scenic overlooks offer breathtaking views of the crystal blue waters.

The best time to visit Crater Lake with kids is in the summer after the snow has melted. There are plenty of fun activities that kids will enjoy, providing opportunities to explore the beauty of nature and view wildlife. Families can go on scenic drives and easy hikes suitable for kids. You can also take a guided boat tour to Wizard Island, the volcanic island in the middle of Crater Lake. Kids can explore the island’s trails, swim in the lake (though it’s chilly), and learn about the area from park rangers.

Things to do at Crater Lake National Park:

• Drive around scenic Rim Drive
• Take a boat tour to Wizard Island
• Ride on the Crater Lake Trolley
• Go on a kid-friendly hike

Washington State

Olympic National Park

One of the most breathtaking parks in the Western United States is the Olympic National Park in the state of Washington. Olympic National Park is about 100 miles west of Seattle and bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, and the Hood Canal to the east. Olympic Park is quite a diverse ecosystem that includes rainforests, a coastline, and an alpine mountain range, which to me is the best of all worlds.

Summer is typically the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park due to its lower average rainfall during this season. The park offers plenty of great outdoor activities for families. The Hoh Rainforest is a spectacular area with towering mossy trees that will leave your kids in awe. You may also spot wildlife such as elk and deer. Additionally, there are many family-friendly hiking trails where you can explore waterfalls, lakes, beaches, and towering trees.

Things to do at Olympic National Park:

• Hike through the Hoh Rain Forest
• Visit Ruby Beach
• Hike to Sol Duc Falls
• Take a soak at Sol Duc Hot Springs
• Check out the tide pools at Rialto Beach
• Hike through the Quinault Rain Forest

Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park and near Jackson. The park is part of the Teton mountain range, a spectacular chain of mountains that is a must-see if you are visiting the Western United States. When it comes to nature and wildlife, Grand Teton has so much to offer, with lakes, rivers, and forests where you may spot a grizzly bear or moose.

The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is during the summer months between May and September. This is when the snow has melted, and activities such as horseback riding and fishing are available. There are lots of activities for kids at the park, from hiking to wildlife viewing to stopping at several visitor centers around the area.

Things to do at Grand Teton National Park:

• Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
• Stop at Schwabacher Landing
• Hike the Jenny Lake Trail
• Go on the Grand Teton Scenic Drive
• Go on a half-day Wildlife Safari Tour
• Go sailing or walk around Jackson Lake

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming and borders parts of southern Montana and eastern Idaho. It is about a 2 to 2 1/2-hour drive from the town of Jackson, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the entrance to the park. Jackson is also the closest airport. Yellowstone is a hugely popular National Park, primarily known for its geothermal features and famous geysers, such as Old Faithful. Wildlife is also abundant here and is a significant draw to the park.

The busiest time to visit Yellowstone is summer (June to August), you can visit any time of the year, so going in the off-season is a great way to avoid crowds. I went to Yellowstone in April, and it was majestic and peaceful. The ice was melting on Lake Yellowstone, and it was incredible to hear it cracking as it broke apart.

Things to do at Yellowstone:

• Stop at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Visit the Grand Prismatic Spring
• Watch Old Faithful Geyser Erupt
• Hike around the Upper Geyser Basin
• Check out the Mammoth Hot Springs
• Drive the Grand Loop Road

Montana

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located in Northwestern Montana along the border of Canada. The nearest airports are in Kalispell and Great Falls, Montana. Glacier National Park is known for its spectacular natural beauty, which includes alpine lakes, forests, and waterfalls. The unique aspect of the park is that it was sculpted by ancient glaciers, which left behind dramatic landscapes. Glacier National Park still has over two dozen active glaciers and icefields, which make this quite an interesting and ultra-beautiful place to visit.

The best and most popular time to visit Glacier National Park is from June to August when the weather is generally warmer, and all areas of the park are accessible. You may even still see snow at this time of year, and it can still get cold at night! Fall can also be a great time to visit with fewer crowds and beautiful fall foliage. For kids, there are many great things about this park. There are family-friendly hikes and wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats, that kids would love spotting. The geology and history of the park are also interesting; this is a great opportunity to learn about glaciers and climate change.

Things to do at Glacier National Park:

• Stop at the Apgar Visitor Center
• Take a boat tour of Lake McDonald
• Drive or take a shuttle up Logan Pass
• Hike to Avalanche Lake
• Go rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead

Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona and is interestingly one of the oldest (and most well-known) national parks in the United States. The Grand Canyon is an iconic landmark, most known for its stunning rock formations caused by massive erosion carved by the Colorado River over millions of years (quite interesting for the kiddos!). Seeing the Grand Canyon is quite unlike anything else you will ever see.

The Grand Canyon is hugely popular and crowded during the summer months, and if you want to avoid the crowds, spring and fall may be the best times to visit. The mild temperatures from March to May and from September to November make it an appealing time to visit. For kids, the Grand Canyon is an amazing sight to see. The park has many educational opportunities with ranger-led programs and visitor centers that offer educational exhibits. Some family-friendly trails are safe for kids and can offer stunning views.

Things to do at Grand Canyon National Park:

• Visit the South Rim Visitor Center
• Stop at the Hopi Point lookout
• Go out on the Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Hike the Rim Trail
• Hike to Shoshone Point
• Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
• Go river rafting or tubing

Utah

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located in southern Utah near the town of Springdale. It’s only about a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, which is the closest major airport. Zion is famous for its stunning red rock formations and unique geology. Within the park, you will see towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and beautifully colored rock formations. There are many scenic drives throughout the park and lots of hiking trails. In addition to hiking, Zion is a mecca for recreational activities such as rock climbing, and canyoneering.

There are a lot of trails in Zion National Park that are labeled easy and are great for families. Kids will love the unusual rock formations the park has to offer and have fun just walking around in wonderment. Zion provides opportunities to splash around in rivers, and kids can even partake in activities like rock climbing or rock scrambling.

Things to do in Zion National Park:

• Visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center
• Hike the Narrows (Note- this hike may be challenging for kids)
• Hike the Canyon Overlook Trail
• Hike the Riverside Walk
• Go on a Jeep tour
• Go on a Rock Climbing Rappelling experience (for kids 10+)

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is located in southeastern Utah, just 5 miles from Moab. The closest major airport to get to Arches is Salt Lake City which is about a 3 1/2 hour drive to the park. Arches National Park is famous for its geological wonders, and as the name states, its amazing arches. The park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, which makes it the largest concentration of arches in the world. Arches National Park is a great recreational area for hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and stargazing.

Arches is a great park for kids, as many of the park’s iconic arches and rock formations are easily accessible from viewpoints and short walks. Many short and easy hikes are perfect for kids. The park provides fun opportunities for kids to explore, scramble over rocks, and peer through the arches. The wildlife here is also great for kids, as they may spot a bighorn sheep or a lizard!

Things to do at Arches National Park:

• Hike to the Windows
• Visit Sand Dune Arch
• Walk to Double Arch
• Drive the Arches National Park Scenic Drive
• Hike to Delicate Arch (a more difficult hike)
• Visit the Skyline Arch at Sunset

Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Colorado and is located just northwest of Denver right outside of the town of Estes Park. The Park is known for its amazing scenic beauty, from stunning mountains and lakes to lush forests and rivers. The wildlife in the park is amazing; from elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, it’s not uncommon to get stopped on the road and look to the side to see one of these amazing creatures. There are also lots of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

The most popular and busiest time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is in the summer (June to August), but fall is a beautiful time to visit as well. Between September and October, when the leaves change colors, it is a breathtaking time to hike and enjoy all the other outdoor activities. There are lots of kid-friendly hikes and outdoor activities that kids will love. The alpine lakes are fun to play around in and perfect for fishing or picnicking, and the wildlife is so much fun for kids to see. Watching a herd of elk roam across the road is a memorable experience, and seeing your first mountain goat on Trail Ridge Road can’t be beaten!

Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park:

• Drive over Trail Ridge Road
• Visit the Alpine Visitor Center (at the top of Trail Ridge Road)
• Hike to Bear Lake
• Walk around Lily Lake
• Hike the Dream Lake Trail
• Hike to Lake Haiyaha

Great Sand Dunes National Park

One of the most unique parks in the Western United States that is great for kids is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is located in the southern part of Colorado. The park is at the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley along the western base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near the town of Alamosa, Colorado. The Great Sand Dunes are well-known for just what the name states: the expansive valleys of sand dunes, formed by the wind depositing sand from the surrounding mountains. Sand is the main attraction of the park, but the park also has grasslands, wetlands, and alpine forests.

For stunning bluebird sky days and fewer crowds, fall (September – October) is the best time to visit the Great Sand Dunes. Between the great weather and the changing colors, it is a beautiful time to visit. Summer (June-August) is the busiest time of the year, with temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees F. However, during this time of year, the sand can get really hot, so you need to wear protective footwear and sunscreen! The Sand Dunes are like a playground for kids; sand sledding and sandboarding are great fun activities they can enjoy. There are also areas to hike, and there is a creek at the dunes where kids love to wade and play during the spring and summer months.

Things to do at Great Sand Dunes National Park:

• Check out the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center
• Hike the High Dune Trail
• Splash around and walk across Little Medano Creek
• Rent a Sandboard or Sled
• Go Stargazing

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. It’s right near the town of Cortez and about 35 miles west of the town of Durango. The park is one of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the US. The biggest attraction of Mesa Verde is the preserved cliff dwellings, pit houses, and other structures, which showcase the engineering and artistic achievements of the Ancestral Pueblo people. To view the cliff dwellings, you must make a reservation as there is a limited number of tours available each day. For 2024, the tour season begins May 12th and runs through October 22nd.

Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit Mesa Verde if you want to avoid crowds. The weather from March to May and September to October is typically milder, and the park is less crowded. If you want to partake in the cliff dwelling tours, you will want to visit from May to September.

Things to do in Mesa Verde National Park:

• Visit the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
• Go on a half-day Guided Tour
• Tour the Cliff Palace
• Tour the Long House
• Hike to Park Point
• Drive the Mesa Top Loop Road

New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the southeastern part of New Mexico near the town of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The park is situated in the Guadalupe Mountains and is known for its vast network of underground caves, with Carlsbad Cavern being the most famous. To enter Carlsbad Cavern, timed-entry reservations are highly recommended, and there is a $15 entry fee to tour the cavern.

Carlsbad Caverns is a year-round destination due to its mild temperatures all year long and a constant cave temperature of 56°F (13°C). The park has a monsoon season that usually occurs from July through September when massive thunderstorms drop much of the rain for the year. The peak season for the park is between May and September. Exploring the massive underground chambers and formations of Carlsbad Caverns is a fascinating experience for kids. It’s like wandering into another planet with stalactites and stalagmites, which is an awesome and truly educational experience for kids to learn about geology and nature.

Things to do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park:

• Stop at the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center
• Book a Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour
• Tour the Big Room
• Check out the Bat Flight Program in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
• Check out the Night Sky Programs

Related links:

• Discover the Best Small Towns to Visit in Colorado
• The 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Colorado
• The 10 Best Northern California Day Trips From San Francisco
• 15 Great Road Trip Games for Kids

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