Kids of all ages will never say no to going to the sun and go horseback riding during their family travel. You can take a road trip to different national parks and cross each one on your bucket list. You can also go revisit your favorite national park during the low season to have it all for yourselves. Something kids will love for sure is vamping into the trail of cedars while you are galivanting outside the park for souvenirs.
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Acadia National Park
Maine
Acadia is a National Park by land and sea. An amalgam of two enormous bodies of nature furnished with beaming colors and panoramic scenery. Simply a veneer beauty of life. The biodiversity in this natural abode is uncanny while glaciers that formed the granite mountains, ponds, and streams kept the park as robust as diamonds. Nestled along with the territory of the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia's coastal trims are one of the most gorgeous there is.
With forty miles of carriage roads, you can ride a horse, hike, or bike while emerging in the fantastical landscapes of Acadia housing hidden beaches, peaks, ocean views, and visual gems. At night, put on your comfiest socks and jackets and lay under the stars at one of its 600 campsites around the park. If that's too raunchy for your taste, hotel chains and Bed and Breakfast establishments are just around the corner.
Arches National Park
Utah
If you want picturesque silhouettes of rocks in sunset palettes, Arches National Park is a vast tangerine landscape filled with an exhibition of grotesque nature-formed rocks creating illusions after illusion while the sun goes down.
Arches is a popular spot for big adventurous families. The boastful amount of arches and the fleeting formations of rocks makes you feel like seeing it the first time once again even after a few visits. It makes such a stunning backdrop for photos and the nearby Moab, a funky town, is just the perfect place to end your adventure with your kids with more outdoor adventures.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Colorado
Black Canyon is taller than the Empire State Building and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Black Canyon is an enormous formation at 2,700 deep and 48 miles long. It is vast, majestic, and almost menacing to look at from the top view. The dramatic views of one of the steepest cliffs in the world exude a different kind of alluring beauty when you catch a glimpse of it at sunset. It is simply breathtaking to look at when you see rock climbers working on sweat and blood climbing up a long and winding wall.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Montana
Another gem situated in plain sight is Big Horn Canyon. Straddled along the borders of Wyoming and Montana, the spectacular beauty of this enormous natural architecture of nature is radiating utterly vivid colors of tangerines contrasting with the deep shades of turquoise and emerald green.
Big Horn Canyon is a recreational park for kids. You can go mountain biking, hiking, boating, or fishing around the park. If you want a little bit more stimulating, watch the wild mustangs take a royal gallop or see how a bighorn sheep spends its day.
Bryce National Park
Utah
An otherworldly destination exhibiting a haven of hoodoo that spindles upwards is quite a scene to stare at Bryce National Park. Even in winter, Bryce is a kid-friendly national park to visit. Its fresh air, famed sunset rim hikes, its sunrise's notorious appeal, and snowy hikes are a few of the must-experiences in Bryce. This architectural wonder houses a few Canyon Lodges made with natural materials. The lodge restaurant within the vicinity of Bryce is something worth splurging and indulging in warm comforting food.
Capitol Reef National Park
Utah
The Capitol Reef National Park is perfect for those who want away from the crowds. It is an introvert's paradise inspiring many to take a solo hike amongst the geologic rock formations and sleep under the starry nights along the petroglyphic cliffs walls. If you want a time with your kids in a place where only an old homestead and some pioneer-raised fruit orchards are your only witness, Capitol Reef National Park is something your family can surely spend quality time in.
Channel Islands National Parks for Kids
California
Just around the coast of California lies a beautiful seascape. A hidden gem housing over 145 species of flora and fauna. Channel Island National Park is an unspoiled mass of nature near the beautiful territory of the Galapagos. It stands out amongst other national parks in the country due to the unending surprises and random astonishment you get to witness exploring its cunning scenery.
Apart from its tropical appeal on the land, the underwater life is brimming with adrenaline-rushing water activities while the local dwellers such as the dolphins and whales are just simply going about their daily sea crea ture shenanigans.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida
Being the most remote park in the US will make disconnect you the urban temperature and immerse you in a visual field trip. You can go on a day trip and enjoy snorkeling and swimming with your family or go stay for the night and enjoy a breezy evening at one of the local stays in the area. In the morning, you can go kayaking for breakfast and tour the island on the boat while you grab some delicious Mediterranean dishes.
Everglades National Park
Florida
A lush national park located in Florida is the Everglades National Park. Its vast expanse of wetlands nurtures exotic wildlife and you get to see these friendly animals up close. You also might see some alligators roaming around its fence, so make sure not to get close to it, however.
You can also take your time at Flamingo Marina and wait for some manatees to the harbor to get a few sips of freshwater. Everglades National Park is an unparalleled luscious landscape appealing for kids who love to meet and greet their favorite animals on Animal Planet.
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona
How about a helicopter ride in the Grand Canyon? Imagine looking at it from an angle of birds when they glide around the rim of the rocks. The Colorado River right in the middle making a separation made this majestic place a haven for outdoor activities. You can also go whitewater rafting down the river or go biking to fishing areas or go all out and try skiing.
The Grand Canyon is one of the USA's best national parks with kids. From the South Rim to the bottom of Havasupai Falls, both other halves deliver grand experiences to kids. You can stay the night at Mather Campground if you want to explore the South Rim.
Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming
Howdy! Are you up for something raunchy and rustic? The Grand Teton is a haven for kids who loves Woody from Toy Story. It has several camping grounds, majestic views, hiking trails, and real cowboys! Kids would love to explore the glimmering Jackson Lake or the subtle perfection of String Lake. Jenny Lake is also there to beguile you with such pristine trim. The mountain ranges around Grand Teton call for a nice family picture deserving to be framed and hanged on your foyer.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Colorado
Go sandboarding at the Great Sand Dunes and enjoy several beach plays with your kids. It is a paradise for little children who wants to spend all their energy hiking the southwest area of Colorado. Great Sand Dunes is a diverse terrain where grasslands and mountain vistas meet halfway.
You can day hike the High Dune and take a short afternoon walk going to Zapata Falls. You can also hop on a four-wheel drive and tour around the areas where buffalos take long naps and do fun plays with the other buffalos.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee and North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located between the beautiful town Knoxville and Asheville. It is just a drive away from Chicago and Indianapolis and it houses varieties of wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains are embellished with majestic waterfalls and wrapped in rich and thriving Appalachian culture and tradition.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park covers an area of 522,419 acres of lustrous forest with over 10,ooo species of wild plants and animals. From black bears, deers to colorful dancing birds, the Great Smoky Mountain is also famed for its Cataloochee Valley elk herd which was just reintroduced to the world twenty years ago.
Joshua Tree National Park
California
Joshua Tree National Park always calls for overnight under the star-studded night sky and gigantic boulders where you can take shelter when the moon rises. It is a blooming desert where you can clearly see the wonders of the galaxy with naked eyes. Star-gazing during the new moon is one of the activities visitors are after. You can go to Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center and enjoy a night of watching shimmering balls of compounds float in space.
During the day, take a scenic drive around the park and fill your water bottles because it's going to be a hot ride. Then, pass by Oasis Visitor's Center and take a short hike to Skull Rock Nature Trail. Rock climbing is also rampant in this abode, so if you want to try a little more adventurous and heart-pumping, make friends with some of the local rock climbers, they'd be happy to belay you. Just a tip, book it during spring or fall when you are traveling with your kids and discover why it is one of the best national parks to visit with kids.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado
If you like climbing mountains up to your heart's content, the Rocky Mountain National park in Colorado has varieties of it all. Cross over the Continental Divide and smell the pine trees along the way is a simple yet memorable experience. You can also soak under the sun while paddling your way through its calm and serene lakes and cross its rushing streams while you watch the elk and the moose munch on some afternoon snacks by the plains.
Visit Bear Lake so you won't miss the centerpiece of the park. Then drive the Drive Trail Ridge Road, a highway over 12,000 feet tall, and take an Instagram-worthy picture by the alpine. Holzworth Lodge is one of the perfect accommodations to end your day.
Saguaro National Park
Arizona
It is in Saguaro National Park where the most iconic cactus towering towards the sky lives. These cactuses are called Saguaro, thus, it is only right to name the park after it. You can only find these famed cactus in the Sonoran Desert in both districts of Rincon Mountain District and Tucson Mountain District.
Visit Rincon Mountain District just to enjoy the scenic drive on the way. When you get there, catch a short film at the Visitor Center and learn about the history of the park and have your kids join the Junior Ranger Program. For another eight-mile drive, the Cactus Forest Drive loop is one voguish image you don't get to see every day. Walk through the vast desert dominated by cacti and tell your kids to spot the tallest one or spot the one with the most holes made by birds who help pollinate the cacti's flowers. The winner gets ice cream on the way back.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
California
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are sitting next to each other with giant trees that live within their thick luscious nature. The oldest and by far the tallest trees in the world called Sequoia are only found in the expanse of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Mt. Whitney is also can be seen from here and the marble hallways you get to get a glimpse at are found underground in Crystal Cave. Then, meet General Sherman to complete your visual experience.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California are some of America's best national park vacation ideas for families. Plan a two-day adventure around the park and it will seem like it's never enough. On your first day, explore the hidden treasures of Generals Highway and head to Grant Grove Village on your second day. If you feel like extending for another day, check out the Panoramic Point. Book your night stays at Atwell Mill Campground or Sentinel Campground. Either way, it will be a special family vacation for everyone in your family.
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho
From geysers, geothermal waters, colorful springs, and other otherworldly sights are all found in the landscape of Yellowstone National Park. Tiny muds, fishing spots, and hiking trails are also a few of the enjoyable activities families can do around the park.
Norris Geyser Basin is one sight to see and take a plunge in geothermal water at Firehole Falls or Grand Prismatic Spring. You can also go wildlife sighting at Hayden Valley or Mammoth Hot Springs. When the night falls, you can lodge or camp around Yellowstone. for first-timers, pitch your tents at Canyon Village. it is the central part of Yellowstone's best spots.
Yosemite National Park
California
If you want to go crushing on waterfalls like the 90s song or go overboard and try your luck for a serious cliff climber, Yosemite National Park will never cease to keep your heart pumping and your adrenaline rushing.
Yosemite Valley has waterfalls everywhere and towering cliffs over your head wherever you go. The Tuolomne Meadows is another sight to see on the western side of the park and Hetch Hetchy is meant for backcountry lovers. If you have enough free time to spend in Yosemite, a three to five-night stay will be enough for you and your kids to fully embark on its out-of-this-world beauty.
Zion National Park
Utah
Zion National park is amazingly rendered in salmon, tangerine, and fiery red colors while the rick formations radiate a mystical appeal. The timeless Kolob Canyons and Zion Canyons are quite famed but not too many take time to have a glimpse. The Virgin River is one area you need to row your day away while hiking the spectacular landscape of the park.
Pop-up food places are always there to feed your hungry stomach while canyoneering Kolob Terraces adjacent to Zion National Park. Moreover, you can go hiking at the Canyon Overlook Trail and can be a great visual treat if you enter via the East Entrance. The Court of the Patriarchs is another scene to see and biking the paving road of Pa'rus Trail and Emerald Pool Trail can be quite an experience.
Visit One of the World's Best National Parks for Families
Your do not need to stop traveling just because you have kids! With our guide to carry on only travel with kids, visiting the best national park is one of the family vacations the whole family will have a share of fun. There are other national parks worth the plane ticket such as Shenandoah National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Dunes National Park. These family-friendly national parks will allure your kids in their natural beauty while giving everyone a chance to reconnect with nature.
