Top 5 National parks for families with kids

If you want to take your family on an unforgettable excursion in nature and help them relieve their stress, then with a little help from a ranger you can explore any national park in the country. There is no doubt that all our parks are full of stunning surroundings and beautiful sceneries where you can go hiking, cycling, fishing, or swimming under a waterfall.

However, not all national parks across the country are suitable for the whole family, especially if you travel with kids. But, worry not because here’s a list of the best national parks for families in the United States.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, bull elk in the meadow – Author: Brian W. Schaller

Nature enthusiasts should consider traveling with their families somewhere where all family members will enjoy. One of those national parks that offer amusement for the whole crew is Rocky Mountains, National Park. The park is great for kids because there are plenty of short of trails that won’t exhaust the little ones. Don’t forget to bring a magnifying glass for them to explore the different rocks, plants, and insects. Also, you can bring binoculars and try to spot some squirrels jumping around the ponderosa pines. If you want more excitement, then explore the waters under the bridge for beavers along the Beaver Boardwalk.

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Interior Formations – Author: Eric Guinther – CC BY-SA 3.0

New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns are a paradise for young adventurers who are not afraid to explore the secrets of the underground. Remember that your kids must be at least four years old to join the basic cave tour of the Big Room. As for the brave ones over twelve years old, there are more adventurous opportunities including crawling through a labyrinth of narrow tunnels at Spider Cave. Around sunset, join the Bat Flight program and see how more than 400.000 bats fly out from the cave in a search for dinner.

Grand Teton National Park

The John Moulton Barn on Mormon Row at the base of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming

Natural wonderland for kids between eight and twelve years old who have the chance to join the daily Junior Ranger programs throughout the park. Rangers make sure that your kids stay busy and entertained with all the kid-friendly hikes, artwork, stories, and scavenger hunts throughout the park. If you want an activity for the whole family, then join a cruise around Colter Bay to learn about the park’s ecology.

Yellowstone National Park

Wonders of Yellowstone National Park

Although this one is little too obvious, it still deserves to be on this list as one of the most visited national parks in the US. America’s first national park offers more than the visitors can expect. Hot springs, steaming geysers and extraordinary wildlife, including grizzlies, bison, and elk are some of the attraction that Yellowstone will gladly share with you and your family. The entire park encompasses 2,2 million acres which are impossible to explore at once. If you’re going to Yellowstone for the first time, then visit the famous Old Faithful and then go for a wildlife spotting in the Lamar Valley.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore welcome sign

If you and your crew prefer the beach, don’t worry about it because there is a national lakeshore waiting for you at Cape Hatteras. The park contains barrier islands along the Outer Banks. You can join an evening of pirate tales with the seashore rangers or climb up the lighthouse. If swimming or shelling is your family’s favorite things, then head for the miles-long beaches and spend your days relaxing while your kids fly some homemade kites. Don’t forget your camera and make the best photos ever that your kids will be thankful for one day.

Choose one of these five national parks and spend a day or two with your family. Good luck!

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