Ashlyn Hayes
Exploring National Parks with our kids is one of our favorite things to do. National Parks are an incredible collection of beauty, history, culture, and educational opportunities. We are delighted to bring our children along on our quest to see all 63 US National Parks. I have compiled a list of the 5 best National Parks to visit with kids that we have seen (so far) in hopes of inspiring you to get your kiddos out to explore these national treasures, too.
Table of Contents
Map of The Best National Parks to Visit With Kids
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park, located in southeastern California, is a wonderland of rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. This park is named after the unique Joshua trees that fill the park, giving it an almost otherworldly appearance. Joshua Tree tops my list of best National Parks to visit with kids. This is due to the never-ending rock formations they’re welcome to climb and the unique desert ecosystem.
Top Kid-Friendly Activities at Joshua Tree
Rock Climbing and Scrambling at Skull Rock: This iconic rock formation is a favorite among kids for climbing and exploring. The rocks are relatively easy to scramble over, making it a safe and fun activity for young adventurers.
Hiking Through the Desert: Joshua Tree National Park is formed by two different, distinct deserts- the Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert. There are ample kid-friendly hikes through both of these regions that offer so many learning and exploring opportunities.
Stargazing: Joshua Tree is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. Kids will be amazed by the clarity of the Milky Way and the abundance of stars. Our first night in Joshua Tree my family laid in a hammock in the backyard of our AirBNB and talked about stars, planets, and the universe for over an hour.
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Pinnacles National Park
Located in central California, Pinnacles National Park is known for its stunning volcanic formations and diverse wildlife. This park offers a variety of landscapes, from rugged rock spires to peaceful oak woodlands, making it an exciting destination for families. We had so much fun at this park and think it is highly underrated!
Top Kid-Friendly Activities at Pinnacles
Exploring Talus Caves: The park’s talus caves are a highlight for kids. These caves, formed by large boulders piled on top of each other, are fun to explore. Bring a flashlight and be ready for some scrambling!
Bird Watching: Pinnacles is one of the best places to spot the California condor. Kids will enjoy trying to find these majestic birds soaring overhead.
Easy Hiking Trails: Trails like the Moses Spring-Rim Trail Loop are perfect for families. They offer beautiful scenery without being too challenging for little legs.
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Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park, located in southern Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus. These giant cacti, which can live for over 200 years, are a fascinating sight and provide a unique backdrop for a family adventure. Our favorite part was pointing out unique cacti and sharing what we thought it looked like.
Top Kid-Friendly Activities in Saguaro
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: While this isn’t technically part of the National Park, it is located just outside of the West entrance and is a must-see! Numerous paths through botanical gardens, aquariums, a huge children’s play area, and even the chance to pet sting rays make this museum incredible.
Hiking: There are multiple short hikes that are fun for kids. And short is good here, since the heat gets pretty extreme.
Ranger-Led Programs: Check the schedule for ranger-led programs and walks. These can be a great way for kids to learn more about the park’s natural history in an engaging way.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. This unique landscape provides endless opportunities for family fun, from sand sledding to creek splashing. We had an incredible time at this park and I highly recommend it for families! It is a close second in my rankings for best National Parks to visit with kids!
Top Kid-Friendly Activities at Great Sand Dunes
Sand Sledding and Sandboarding: Rent or bring sand sleds and boards for a thrilling ride down the dunes. This activity is a hit with kids and adults alike. Sleds and boards are available for rent right outside of the park, you can’t miss it.
Splashing in Medano Creek: In the spring and early summer, Medano Creek flows at the base of the dunes, creating a natural water playground. Kids will love wading and splashing in the shallow waters.
Dispersed Camping: There are many dispersed camping locations surrounding the park, allowing your kids to really connect to nature. The peace and quiet in these areas at night is so relaxing. Check out Camping with Kids Checklist: Must-Have Outdoor Camping Gear for Kids for a complete camping with kids checklist and my favorite outdoor gear for kids!
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks, located in northern California, are home to the tallest trees on earth. These ancient redwood forests provide a magical setting for family adventures, with towering trees, lush undergrowth, the nearby Pacific Ocean, and a rich variety of wildlife.
Top Kid-Friendly Activities at Redwood
Walking Among the Giant Trees: Trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail offer an easy walk through some of the most impressive groves. Kids will be awed by the sheer size of the trees, many of which you can even walk through.
(Some hikes require a permit so make sure to plan ahead. We didn’t know this when we visited!)
Exploring Tide Pools at Enderts Beach: At low tide, the beach reveals a world of marine life. Kids can discover starfish, crabs, and other sea creatures in the tide pools.
Beaches and Overlooks: The parks like the incredible Northern California coast and offers so many incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. During our stay here, we actually tent camped right on the beach just outside of the park. It was incredible!
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Exploring national parks with kids is an incredible way to connect with nature and each other. Each of these parks offers unique experiences that are perfect for families, from the otherworldly landscapes of Joshua Tree to the towering giants of Redwoods National and State Parks. Whether you’re scrambling over rocks, sledding down sand dunes, or walking among ancient trees, these adventures will create memories that last a lifetime, and instill a passion for the outdoors in your kids.
Have you been to these parks? I’d love to hear which was your favorite. Or, if you have one you think should have made the list, share it with me!
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