Family Vacation to Yellowstone: 17 Activities You Must Add To Your Itinerary!

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Holy huge!!

That was one of my first reactions when visiting Yellowstone National Park! After months of researching the park, I knew there was a lot to see, but I didn’t realize how huge the park was and how long it could take to get from one area to the next.

We are here to make sure you don’t make the same mistake when planning your family vacation to Yellowstone! We want you to maximize your time and explore as much of this great park as possible!

Nonetheless, exploring Yellowstone National Park was one of the best experiences I have had, and is easily my favorite US national park! The park offers such a unique combination of natural sights and beauty, from bubbling hot springs to erupting geysers to waterfall trails and open meadows full of wildlife.

There are so many different options and things to do for families, whether it’s watching Old Faithful erupt, spotting bison roaming the plains, or walking safely along colorful hot spring boardwalks.

With the right planning and kid-friendly stops, a trip to Yellowstone can be both manageable and magical, creating memories your family will talk about for years to come.

About Yellowstone National Park

Did you know that Yellowstone was America’s first national park? It is not hard to see why this amazing area should be protected! Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park spans 2.2 million acres in parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

The park sits on top of a massive supervolcano, and its volcanic activity is responsible for the geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles that define its dramatic terrain. The park contains over 10,000 geothermal features, the most concentrated area in the world.

The Yellowstone area has a long history of being inhabited by humans, extending back 11,000 years. The area was inhabited by multiple Native American tribes, including the Crow, Sioux, and Shoshone tribes. In the 1800’s the park starting being explored by European Americans, and the area would be named the first national park.

Yellowstone’s main attractions include Old Faithful, one of the world’s most predictable geysers, and the Grand Prismatic Spring, famous for its vivid rainbow-colored waters. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, carved by the Yellowstone River, offers breathtaking views and cascading waterfalls.

Wildlife is another major draw—visitors often spot bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles throughout the park’s diverse ecosystems. From geothermal wonders to scenic overlooks and rich biodiversity, Yellowstone provides an awe-inspiring glimpse into the power and beauty of the natural world.

Must-Do Activities on Your Family Vacation to Yellowstone

Go For a Hike

If you have read any of our other U.S. national park guides, you may have seen this coming! Hiking is one of the top activities we recommend in any national park that you visit! It is one of the best ways to explore the nature of a destination and also helps you maintain that active, healthy lifestyle we try to promote!

The park offers a variety of short, easy trails that are perfect for young hikers, including the boardwalks around geyser basins like Old Faithful and Norris, where kids can safely get up close to bubbling hot springs, colorful thermal pools, and erupting geysers.

Some of Yellowstone’s best easy to moderate hikes include:

• Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful Loop
• Fountain Paint Pot Trail
• West Thumb Geyser Basin
• Midway Geyser Basin (boardwalk trail around Grand Prismatic Spring)
• Fairy Falls Trail to Grand Prismatic Overlook. You can opt for the longer 5.4 mile trail to Fairy Falls (mostly flat except the climb to the overlook)
• Storm Point Trail
• Trout Lake
• Mammoth Falls Hot Springs Trail
• Ice Lake Trail
• Mystic Falls Trail

One important thing to be aware of, and you will see signs at pretty much every trail entrance, is bear sightings. Bear sightings are not uncommon in Yellowstone, so it is important for parents to always carry bear spray, educate kids on staying on the trail, and practice wildlife safety. Know what to do if one occurs, but don’t let this deter you from experiencing Yellowstone’s nature up close!

Go For a Scenic Drive

Okay, let’s be honest. The entire park is a scenic drive! But there are some areas that we recommend in particular to make the most of your family vacation to Yellowstone!

Scenic drives are one of the best ways for families to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, geothermal features, and wildlife if your family is not feeling up for a hike (does that even happen though?).

The most famous route is the Grand Loop Road, a 142-mile figure-eight shaped drive that connects all of Yellowstone’s major attractions, including Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

When planning your trip, plan it around this road. Batch different areas of the park together to minimize travel time and maximize time spent exploring the park (for example, you could spend one day in the Old Faithful area, one day in the Mammoth Springs area, and one day in the Grand Canyon area).

The Lamar Valley Drive in the northeastern section of the park is one that you don’t want to miss! Often called “America’s Serengeti” for its exceptional wildlife viewing, the Lamar Valley Drive will reward you with views of bison, elk, wolves, and bears wandering the valley. Don’t be surprised to run into a bison traffic jam though (plan plenty of time for this drive)!

Hayden Valley is another great drive for seeing wildlife. Similar to Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley offers wide open spaces great for viewing the wildlife that wanders the area, including bison, elk, bears, and the occasional wolf.

Driving along the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is another great option. There are plenty of stops along the way, including the popular Artist Point and Inspiration Point, that will give you stunning views of the canyon and Yellowstone River rushing through. There are some short hikes that you can take from the pull off areas as well, making it a great experience all around.

Visit Old Faithful

You just cannot miss seeing Old Faithful during your family vacation to Yellowstone! Old Faithful is perhaps the most well-known geyser inside of Yellowstone, and like the name suggests, is faithful in going off at regular intervals.

Old Faithful goes off approximately every 90 minutes, so your chances of seeing it on your family vacation to Yellowstone are excellent. If you stop at one of the visitor centers on your way into the park, you can find the approximate times Old Faithful will erupt at.

The Old Faithful area has an abundance of other activities and things to do, so even if you find yourself waiting for the next eruption, your time will not be wasted! You can take a walk along the boardwalk in the Upper Geyser Basin (we will get into this more below), visit the Old Faithful Visitor education center, grab a bite to eat, or shop for some souvenirs.

Family Vacation to Yellowstone: Explore the Upper Geyser Basin

Exploring the Upper Geyser Basin is one of the most rewarding things to do on your family vacation to Yellowstone. This area is home to the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser, but that’s just the beginning.

The Upper Geyser Basin contains 25% of the world’s geysers. Some of the top geysers to see in Yellowstone include the Morning Glory Pool, Castle Geyser, Daisy Geyser, Grotto Geyser, and the Old Faithful Geyser.

A well-maintained system of boardwalks and paved paths makes it easy and safe for families to explore the otherworldly geothermal features up close. The loop through the Upper Geyser Basin can also be customized in length, ranging from a short walk around Old Faithful to a few miles if you include outlying geysers and follow the Firehole River.

The flat, accessible trails are stroller-friendly in most sections, making the Upper Geyser Basin a great choice for everyone.

You will also want to stop at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center before your hike to learn about geyser activity and get eruption predictions, which can help you time your walk to catch multiple geysers in action.

Wildlife Viewing

Another one of those top activities when visiting any U.S. National Park-wildlife viewing. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, moose, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. Early morning and late evening are the best times to see wildlife when animals are most active.

While you can spot wildlife anywhere in the park, popular spots for wildlife viewing include Lamar Valley, often called “America’s Serengeti” for its abundant wildlife, and Hayden Valley, known for its frequent bison and bear sightings. These wide, open spaces offer sweeping views and excellent chances for spotting large mammals with binoculars or a spotting scope.

While watching wildlife in Yellowstone, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance—at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other animals. Never feed or approach animals, both for your safety and theirs. Patience is key, as some of the most rewarding experiences come from quietly observing nature and letting the animals appear on their own terms.

Go For a Bike Ride

While bike riding in the park is limited, there are some spaces where bike riding is permitted. Bikes are permitted on the main park roads and on designated bike trails. Biking through Yellowstone provides a different perspective of the park’s natural beauty and is a great way to spend time together as a family.

Notable biking trails include the Lone Star Geyser Trail, a relatively flat ride leading to a geyser that erupts approximately every three hours, and the Fountain Flat Drive, which offers access to stunning geothermal features and meadows.

The Old Faithful Morning Glory Trail is another great option for biking that brings you to the well known Morning Glory pool. The Natural Bridge bike trail is a 2.5 mile out and back trail that will take you to Yellowstone’s natural bridge. Another popular route is the Bunsen Peak Road, which provides a more challenging ride with rewarding views. The trail is 10 miles long and includes steep climbs and descents.

Bike rentals are available at the Old Faithful Inn. They do tend to sell out quickly, so if you plan to go for a bike ride be sure to arrive early in the morning or bring your own bikes.

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Visiting the Grand Prismatic Spring is a must-do on your family vacation to Yellowstone! As the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the most colorful natural features in the world, it’s an unforgettable sight.

The vibrant rainbow hues—deep blue in the center surrounded by rings of green, yellow, orange, and red—are caused by heat-loving bacteria that thrive in the varying water temperatures. Families can view the spring up close by walking the boardwalks at Midway Geyser Basin, which also includes other impressive features like Excelsior Geyser and Turquoise Pool.

For the best panoramic view, consider hiking the Fairy Falls Trail to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. The short 1.6-mile round trip takes you to an elevated vantage point where the full spectrum of the spring’s colors can be seen more clearly. The elevation gain is 105 ft.

The trail is wide, mostly flat, and kid-friendly. Be sure to visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting. Bugs may be heavy on the trail, they were when we visited. Don’t forget the bug spray.

Have A Family Picnic

Having a picnic is a delightful way to slow down and take in the park’s stunning scenery while enjoying a meal surrounded by nature. With over 50 designated picnic areas throughout the park, visitors can choose from a wide range of scenic spots—some with views of rivers, lakes, geysers, or mountain meadows.

Popular picnic areas include Madison Junction, Gibbon Falls, Yellowstone Lake, and the Lamar Valley, each offering picnic tables, restrooms, and bear-proof trash bins. These stops are perfect for taking a break, stretching your legs, and recharging before continuing the adventure.

Family Vacation to Yellowstone: Visit The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a breathtaking experience and a highlight for families exploring the park. It will bring you face to face with the other side of Yellowstone outside of the geysers and hot springs.

Carved by the powerful Yellowstone River, this stunning canyon stretches about 20 miles long and plunges to depths of over 1,000 feet, revealing vibrant layers of yellow, orange, and red rock.

The canyon features two major waterfalls—the Upper Falls and the more dramatic Lower Falls, which towers at 308 feet and is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. These natural wonders are easily accessible via scenic viewpoints and short, paved trails, making them perfect for families with kids.

Many viewpoints along the way like Artist Point, Lookout Point, and Brink of the Lower Falls offer up close and absolutely stunning views of the canyon, falls, and river. There are also several short hikes along the North and South Rims, many of which are less than a mile and lead to safe, fenced-in overlooks.

Bonus tip: At certain times, you may be lucky enough to catch a rainbow from Artist Point. 9:45-10am is said to be the best time to catch a glimpse of the rainbow. We did not catch it on our trip, but it is in the plans for the future!

Lamar Valley

Visiting Lamar Valley in Yellowstone with kids offers one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the park—and possibly in the entire United States. Known as “America’s Serengeti,” this vast, open valley in the northeastern section of the park is home to large herds of bison, pronghorn, elk, and bighorn sheep.

It’s also one of the best places in the world to spot wild wolves, especially in the early morning or evening hours. Kids will love scanning the landscape with binoculars and spotting animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Lamar Valley is also ideal for a scenic drive with plenty of pullouts and wide-open views, so little ones don’t even need to leave the car to enjoy the experience. If your family is up for a short walk, there are easy trails and safe spots to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic.

Be sure to bring snacks, layers, and a camera with a zoom lens or binoculars to enhance the wildlife spotting experience. When visiting Lamar Valley, be prepared for traffic jams! There are sometimes hundreds of Bison wandering the area, and they are not opposed to walking in the road!

Visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin

The West Thumb Geyser Basin is located near the shore of Yellowstone Lake. The basin features a boardwalk trail that meanders through a variety of thermal features, including hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Notable attractions include the Abyss Pool, a deep, aquamarine hot spring approximately 53 feet deep, and the Fishing Cone, a geyser once famous for the (now prohibited) practice of cooking freshly caught fish in its boiling waters.

Visitors can also observe Big Cone, a geyser partially submerged in the lake, which occasionally emits gentle eruptions. The basin’s unique location means some geothermal features extend beneath the lake’s surface, visible as slick spots or slight bulges during warmer months.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin is accessible via a well-maintained boardwalk, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The nearby West Thumb Information Station, housed in a historic 1925 building, provides educational exhibits and ranger-led programs to enhance the visitor experience.

Visit the Natural Stone Bridge

One of the best things to do on your family vacation to Yellowstone is visiting the Natural Stone Bridge. This 51-foot-tall rhyolite formation, sculpted by Bridge Creek, is accessible via a 2.5-mile round-trip trail starting at the Bridge Bay Marina parking lot.

The hike takes you through a lodgepole pine forest with views of the marina before joining an old service road that leads to the Natural Bridge. An interpretive sign near the base offers insights into the geological processes that formed this unique structure.

For those seeking a slightly shorter route, a bike-accessible trail begins just south of the marina off the Grand Loop Road. Cyclists can ride up to the base of the bridge, but bikes are not permitted on the steeper footpath that loops around and above the arch.

It’s important to note that walking on or climbing the bridge is prohibited to preserve its delicate structure. Additionally, the trail is typically closed in early summer when bears feed on spawning trout in Bridge Creek; Be sure to check with the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center for current trail conditions and closures.

Go Camping

Camping in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. With 11 campgrounds and over 2,000 campsites spread throughout the park, there are options for both tent campers and RV travelers.

Popular campgrounds like Madison, Canyon, and Grant Village offer convenient access to major attractions such as geyser basins, waterfalls, and scenic drives. And one of the best parts? You will already be in the park in the morning and will be able to avoid the long lines to get in!

Camping in Yellowstone allows you to enjoy the park at a deeper level—watching wildlife at dawn, stargazing at night, and warming up by a campfire.

Campers must use bear-safe food storage boxes, follow fire regulations, and pack out all trash. Some campgrounds offer basic amenities like restrooms, potable water, and fire rings, while others are more primitive.

Hayden Valley

Much like visiting Lamar Valley, visiting Hayden Valley in Yellowstone is an excellent option for wildlife viewing in the park. Hayden Valley does tend to be a little more crowded, so be prepared for this. Common wildlife sightings in Hayden Valley include bison, elk, coyotes, wolves, and grizzly bears.

The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late evening when animals are most active.

While the valley itself is closed to off-trail foot travel to protect sensitive habitats, there are nearby trails such as the Mud Volcano Trail, a short 0.66-mile loop that offers a safe and engaging walk to view geothermal features like bubbling mud pots and fumaroles.

Additionally, the proximity of Hayden Valley to other attractions like Yellowstone Lake and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone makes it easy to combine a visit to Hayden Valley with Yellowstone’s other unique features.

Be prepared for traffic jams! Bison and other wildlife have no objection to roaming in the streets. It’s part of the fun!

Go For a Swim

While swimming might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Yellowstone, there are some great options for swimming in the park! Boiling River and Firehole River are both great options!

The Boiling River is like a natural hot tub. Cold water from the river combines with hot water from a hot spring, resulting in water that is comfortable enough to swim in. The river does have a current, so if visiting with young children, be sure to stay close by. Staying near the side of the river may be best.

The Boiling River is about 2 miles North of Mammoth Springs, just off the main road to Gardiner. There is a parking area with a 5-10 minute walk to the river.

NOTE: Boiling River is currently closed to swimming due to damage from flooding in 2022. It is unclear if the swimming area will ever be able to be reopened.

Another family-friendly swimming area is Firehole River Swim Area, located off Firehole Canyon Drive. Here, the river flows through a calm, scenic section perfect for wading and floating. The current can be strong in places, so always supervise children closely and be sure everyone is wearing appropriate swim gear.

Safety is of utmost importance when considering swimming in Yellowstone. Most of Yellowstone’s water features—including hot springs and geothermal pools—are not safe for swimming due to extremely high temperatures and fragile ground. Be sure to stay in designated swimming areas ONLY!

Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is another one of the most unique features in Yellowstone. Mammoth Hot Springs can easily be explored with kids via boardwalks and stairs.

Located near the North Entrance, this area is renowned for its stunning travertine terraces—formed by hot water rising through limestone, depositing calcium carbonate, and creating dynamic, colorful formations. The terraces are in a constant state of change, with features like Minerva Terrace and Canary Spring showcasing vibrant hues of white, orange, and green due to thermophilic organisms thriving in the hot waters.

The short drive along Upper Terrace Drive provides access to features like Orange Spring Mound, allowing families to experience the geothermal activity from the comfort of their vehicle.

Beyond the geothermal wonders, Mammoth Hot Springs is full of history. The area encompasses Fort Yellowstone, a historic district where the U.S. Army was stationed from 1886 to 1918 to protect the park and its resources. Many of the original buildings still stand and are used by the National Park Service today.

The Albright Visitor Center, housed in the old bachelor officers’ quarters, offers exhibits on the park’s history, wildlife, and geology, providing an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Wildlife is abundant in the area; elk frequently roam the grassy lawns around the historic buildings, offering excellent viewing opportunities right from the boardwalks.

Visit Yellowstone Lake

As the largest high-elevation lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake boasts over 110 miles of shoreline, providing ample opportunities for exploration. While swimming is discouraged due to the lake’s cold temperatures, families can enjoy scenic walks along the shore, wildlife viewing, and educational experiences at nearby visitor centers.

The West Thumb Geyser Basin, located on the lake’s western edge, features boardwalks that wind past colorful hot springs and geysers, offering a safe and engaging way for children to learn about geothermal features.

You can get out on the lake on a one hour guided boat tour to see the lake from a different perspective.

Relaxing and picnicing are popular activities at Yellowstone Lake. The Gull Point Picnic Area, nestled among trees with easy access to the shoreline, allows children to play and explore while parents prepare lunch. Another excellent spot is the Steamboat Point Picnic Area, situated on a bluff overlooking the lake, providing stunning views and the chance to observe steam vents nearby.

Additionally, the Fishing Cone—a hot spring in the lake—provides a fascinating glimpse into the park’s unique geology. Although cooking fish in the cone is no longer permitted, its history adds an intriguing story to your visit.

Family Vacation to Yellowstone: Visit the Old Faithful Inn

The Old Faithful Inn is one of the best stops during a family vacation to Yellowstone. Constructed between 1903 and 1904, the lodge is considered the largest log structure in the world and a masterpiece of “Parkitecture,” a rustic architectural style designed to harmonize with natural surroundings.

Architect Robert C. Reamer designed the inn to reflect the natural beauty of Yellowstone, using local materials such as lodgepole pine and rhyolite stone. Just visiting the Inn to admire the wood working itself is worth the trip, but there is so much more that makes the visit unique.

The inn’s location adjacent to the famous Old Faithful Geyser allows for easy access to one of Yellowstone’s most renowned natural features. Guests can enjoy watching the geyser’s regular eruptions from the comfort of the inn’s expansive porch or nearby viewing areas.

Staying at the Old Faithful Inn while visiting Yellowstone will put you right in the center of one of the park’s most famous areas. The Inn is located right next to the Old Faithful Geyser, allowing visitors to get views of the erupting geyser throughout the day and night.

It also gives you direct access to the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks and trails. There is also a gift shop and dining options on site. The dining room is first come, first serve for breakfast and lunch, with reservations required for dinner.

Go Stargazing

Stargazing in Yellowstone National Park is a breathtaking experience, thanks to its high elevation, clean air, and vast stretches of wilderness free from light pollution. On a clear night, the sky comes alive with thousands of stars, the glow of the Milky Way, and the occasional shooting star.

Whether you’re viewing from a campground, a pull-off along the Grand Loop Road, or a scenic overlook near Yellowstone Lake or Lamar Valley, the park offers some of the best dark-sky viewing in the country. During summer months, the park occasionally hosts ranger-led astronomy programs that offer telescopic views of planets, stars, and even galaxies.

Visit the Norris Geyser Basin

The Norris Geyser Basin is another unique area in the park to explore. The basin has boardwalk trails extending over unique geothermal features. As the park’s hottest and most acidic thermal area, Norris is a constantly evolving showcase of geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.

The basin is divided into two main sections: Porcelain Basin and Back Basin. Porcelain Basin is a stark, treeless expanse where acidic waters and mineral deposits create a vivid, otherworldly palette of colors. The Porcelain Basin is a 3/4 mile trail, mainly on boardwalks.

Back Basin is set within a regenerating forest and features a variety of geothermal phenomena, including the world’s tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser, which can erupt to heights of 300–400 feet. The Back Basin trail is a 1.5 mile loop.

A visit to the historic Norris Geyser Basin Museum enriches the experience, providing context and insights into the area’s geothermal activity and ecology. Constructed in 1930 as one of the park’s original trailside museums, it serves as an informative gateway to the basin . The museum’s exhibits delve into the science behind the geothermal features and the unique life forms that thrive in these extreme conditions.

For those planning a trip, it’s advisable to arrive early in the day, as the parking lot can fill up quickly during peak summer months. Additionally, visitors should stay on designated boardwalks and trails to ensure safety and protect the fragile environment .

View the Roosevelt Arch

Visiting the Roosevelt Arch at Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, offers a profound connection to the park’s rich history and enduring mission. Standing 52 feet tall and constructed from locally quarried basalt, this iconic structure was completed in 1903 under the supervision of the U.S. Army at Fort Yellowstone.

President Theodore Roosevelt, who was visiting the park at the time, laid the cornerstone on April 24, 1903, during a dedication ceremony attended by thousands. The arch bears the inscription “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,” a phrase from the 1872 legislation that established Yellowstone as the world’s first national park.

Join the Junior Ranger Program

The Yellowstone Junior Ranger Program is a fantastic way for kids to engage with the park in a fun, hands-on way while learning about its wildlife, geology, and conservation. Aimed at children ages 4 and up, the program encourages young visitors to explore Yellowstone more deeply by completing a series of age-appropriate activities found in the official Junior Ranger booklet.

Once finished, kids can return to a ranger station to be “sworn in” as official Junior Rangers and receive a collectible badge. It’s a memorable experience that not only gives children a sense of accomplishment but also helps build a lasting connection with the natural world.

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone

The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park largely depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, but late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to early October) are often considered ideal. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is generally pleasant, wildlife is highly active, and crowds are lighter compared to the peak summer months.

In spring, baby animals are being born, rivers are full from snow melt, and wildflowers begin to bloom, making it a magical time for families and photographers alike.

Summer (late June through August) is the most popular time to visit, offering the warmest weather and full access to all park roads, trails, and visitor services. However, it’s also the busiest season, so be prepared for traffic, full parking lots, and long lines at major attractions.

Winter, while limited in accessibility, provides a unique and quiet experience for those interested in cross-country skiing, wildlife watching, and seeing Yellowstone’s geysers steaming against a snowy backdrop. Each season brings its own special charm, so the “best time” really depends on your family’s interests and tolerance for crowds or weather.

Tips for Your Family Vacation to Yellowstone

• Yellowstone is huge! Make yourself familiar with the figure 8 layout and where each of the main features are. Plan your days out based on what features are in which part of the park-you won’t want to skip around too much on the same day.
• Yellowstone is a popular national park, making it a busy national park! Reservations for lodges, restaurants, and tours begin a year ahead of time and often fill up quickly. Be sure to plan ahead and book these things well ahead of time.
• Arriving at the park early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid the long wait times and crowds entering the park. It will also make finding parking easier.
• Safety is most important when visiting the geyser basins. Be sure to remind children to stay on marked paths for safety around the fragile thermal features.
• Bear sightings aren’t uncommon-know what to do in case you encounter one!
• When exploring Lamar and Hayden Valleys, be sure to bring binoculars for better viewing.
• Like most national parks, cell service in the park can be spotty. Plan ahead, download maps, and be prepared to be without service.
• Dress in layers. The weather can change quickly in the park, so it is best to be prepared for all types of weather.
• Bring plenty of snacks and drinks. There are dining options in the park, but because of how big the park is you might be far from them.

Make Your Trip to Yellowstone Eco-Friendly!

Yellowstone National Park truly is a natural gem and one of the most unique places on the planet. When visiting, it is our duty to ensure that our behavior and actions do not harm the park and all of its features.

• Do not go off the paths! The paths/trails/boardwalks are marked for a reason. Going off of them can damage sensitive eco-systems as well as put you at risk. When we were visiting, we saw a man walk right up on to the Old Faithful geyser and shortly after being banned and escorted out of the park. Not only did this have the potential to harm the geyser and surrounding landscape, it also put his life at risk if the geyser had erupted while he was up there.
• Understand wildlife safety tips and how to protect yourself and the animals. Follow all park guidelines for distance recommendations, never feed wildlife, and know to react if a close up animal encounter occurs.
• Make sure all trash and recyclables are disposed of properly. Do not leave trash lying around, it can damage the sensitive eco-systems and can attract wild animals.
• Avoid single-use products. Bring reusable water bottles, silverware, food storage containers, etc.

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