US National Parks: The Ultimate Guide for Families

National Parks offer top destinations across the U.S. for families. It’s an iconic vacation, a road trip with the kids, their snacks and the jewels of the continent. This National Parks loving SheBuysTravel has visited national parks across North America. This is her guide to the best US national parks to see mountains, caves, volcanoes, the ocean, sand dunes and more.

Load up the kids and take an All-American road trip to a US National Park in your state or across the country. It will be a road trip the kids will remember forever, so pack snacks and grab some gear.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Before you go, explore the US National Parks Junior Ranger Program. It’s the way to keep kids engaged and learning without even realizing they’re learning!

Best US National Parks for Everyone

Yellowstone National Park

The country’s first national park, Yellowstone is the home to the famous

Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn. The park is bigger than Rhode Island.  Since kids love animals drive through Hayden or Lamar Valley for bison, bear, elk or even wolves. Located in northwest Wyoming and northeast of Salt Lake City.

Yosemite National Park

With waterfalls, wildflower meadows and mountaintop vistas the Yosemite Valley inspires everyone, including photographer Ansel Adams and naturalist John Muir. Located in the central Sierra Nevada mountain range of California and east of San Francisco, Yosemite offers a convenient location and epic landscapes.

Redwoods National and State Parks

Learn about the tallest living creatures in the world. The best place to see the redwoods is in Northern California, close to the border of California and Oregon.

Grand Canyon National Park

During the summer, the South Rim seems like the international terminal of JFK with visitors from around the globe. Stay for a few hours or for a few days. The Grand Canyon offers hikes and views for everyone. Located in northern Arizona, north of Phoenix and about an hour’s drive from Interstate 40.

Mount Rushmore National Monument

An iconic image that most Americans know. To experience the magnitude of the sculpture, stand in front of it. Don’t think of Mt. Rushmore as a quick road trip stop. The Black Hills of South Dakota offers several days of western adventure for families in southeast South Dakota, north of Denver, Colorado.

US National Parks in the Biggest Cities

Don’t think all national parks are all big landscapes and wilderness. National Park sites can be found in urban areas, like New York City. Did you know that the Statue of Liberty is actually a national park?

New York City

Lady Liberty is on your list, but what about the other 10 National Park sites? Visit Ellis Island Immigration Museum or the Lower Eastside Tenement Museum for a deeper look into immigrants and their history.

Boston

Offering a maze of American History that you should walk to understand. Start in the Boston Common, the park in the center of the city, to find the red line painted on the sidewalk. The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile urban trail, will walk kids through the American Revolution.

San Francisco

Another vibrant city with postcard landscapes, San Francisco offers a handful of national park sites. Don’t forget San Francisco’s icons, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, both national parks.

Best US National Parks for Mountain Getaways

When you’re hot and tired at home, it’s time to load up the car and head for the hills. The mountains offer cooler summer temperatures, even in August.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Drive the Trail Ridge Road and drive on the top of the world. It’s 12,000 feet above sea-level and surrounded by peaks reaching 14,000 feet. See elk, mountain goats and marmots during the summer. Located west of Denver, it offers two separate entrances.

Glacier National Park

Along with Diving-to-the-Sun Road, hop onboard a wood boat to cruise the Lake MacDonald or stay in the historic Many Glacier Lodge. Located on the Canadian border of Montana.

Grand Teton National Park

The craggy peaks of the Tetons reflect off the lakes at the base. Find moose, elk and bear across the park. Located north of Jackson, Wyoming, and south of Yellowstone National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, drive along ridge after ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. The most visited national park in the US National Park System offers a treed oasis on the East Coast.

Denali National Park

There’s no lodge in this Alaska park, but you can camp. Rules allow private vehicles to drive in only the first 15 miles. After that, you need to board a bus to see the rest.

Best US National US Parks for Hiking

Zion National Park

Known for its steep red cliffs, emerald pools, and waterfalls, it’s one of the most popular national parks in the United States. With a variety of hiking trails, it’s ideal for solo travelers, families, and any age group.

Arches National Park

You can take in much of the splendor of this park near Moab, Utah, from the window of your car. But why would you when pull-off parking lots are numerous, and these typically provide very short hikes to see these fantastic structures up close. Arches is perfect for a day of outdoor adventure spent rock “climbing” (more like scrambling) and short, easy trail access to impressive arches. Canyonlands National Park is close by. If you are up for it, it is actually doable to visit both on the same day.

Bryce Canyon National Park

There are a variety of family-friendly hiking trails here. One of our favorites is the Queen’s Loop Trail. Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos, spires and red rock colors contrast with the vivid pine greens for Instagram-worthy shots everywhere you look.

Sequoia National Park

Here you can take a wheelchair-accessible trail to see the world’s largest tree, the General Sherman giant sequoia, which is wider than a city street.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Named for the 26th US president, this North Dakota park, offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy to rugged.

Shenandoah National Park

This park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia includes a section of the ultimate hiking trail: the Appalachian Trail. Mostly forested, hike with the kids to the waterfalls and rocky peaks like Hawksbill and Old Rag mountains. Keep an eye along the way for the elusive black bear.

Haleakala National Park

Hike the backcountry at the Maui national park to see the stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest.

Badlands National Park

The rock formation here and found along the Needles Highway are like nothing anywhere else. Stop often on the drive to take one of the short hikes into the Badlands. Come prepared: Bring water, sunscreen and hats.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Just outside the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, has more than 125 miles of hiking trails, many of which wind along the Cuyahoga River.

Best US National Parks for Volcanoes

Since kids love things that explode, visit a national park dedicated to volcanoes.

Mount St. Helens Volcanic National Monument

Do you remember seeing it exploding on TV? It was the most destructive volcanic event in U.S. history. But it’s recovering and now a place of research. Located in southern Washington state, it’s north of Portland, Oregon.

Mount Rainier National Park

At the center of the park, Mount Rainier rises 14,000 feet and is an active volcano. It’s also the most glaciated peak in the lower 48. Located southeast of Seattle, on clear days you can see it from the Space Needle.

Newberry Volcanic National Monument

With plains of lava, piles of lava and a tube made from lava, it’s your destination if your kids are fascinated by all things lava. Even climb a cinder cone, a giant pile of lava. Located in central Oregon, it’s near Bend.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

For a pretty park that offers volcanoes, head to Lassen. With smaller crowds, it’s just as scenic as its California neighbors, Yosemite and Sequoia. Located in northern California, east of Redding.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Crater Lake National Park

The only national park in Oregon, is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States. This majestic lake was formed 7,700 years ago when a violent volcanic eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak to form the deepest lake in the USA.

Best US National Parks to See Sand Dunes

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Huge snow-capped mountains flanked the dunes all around and a snow melt creek ran in the front. But that’s not all. Great Sand Dunes National Park has adventures for everyone from hiking and backpacking to tubing Medano Creek, sandboarding and sand sledding to Junior Ranger programs.

Indiana Dunes National Park

The 61st national park was elevated to that status in 2019. It has 15 miles of beaches just a hour east of Chicago along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Climb the ancient dunes for amazing views of Chicago’s skyline.

Best US National Parks to Learn about the Ocean

Who doesn’t love the beach or animals? Learn about both at a National Park site.

Olympic National Park

As a year-round outdoor destination, it boasts rugged coasts dotted with tide pools, hidden trails meandering through temperate rain forests and mountaintop meadows perfumed with wildflowers all within two hours of Seattle, Washington.

Cabrillo National Monument

Offering moments of wonderment when kids spot a star fish or anemones at one of the top spots to tide pool in San Diego. Then learn about explorer Cabrillo who landed in San Diego in 1542.

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Visit the six-mile rocky beach, known for its orca viewing on the Strait of Juan de Fuca at American Camp. Located on San Juan Island, a ferry ride from Seattle.

Acadia National Park

As the oldest national park on the east coast, Acadia offers a look at the marine life of the Atlantic. Located on the Maine coast, near Bar Harbor.

Channel Islands National Park

This central California coastal park includes five of the eight Channel Islands and the surrounding one mile of the Pacific Ocean. You can hike and camp here, but the water is the big draw.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Seventy miles west of Key West, Florida, Dry Tortugas is a remote 100-square-mile national park that consists of seven small islands and open water. Getting there is half the fun — you can take a boat or seaplane. Once you arrive, explore the 19th century Fort Jefferson then spend the rest of your family vacation snorkeling among the reefs.

Everglades National Park

OK, not really on the ocean, but this water-based national park is the place to teach kids about the interconnected world. Take the kids on a thrilling airboat ride to experience the wonder and see the alligators up close.

Best National Parks to Explore Caves

Go underground to explore with the kids. Caves offer cool environments in the summer, away from the heat and the sun. Remember that jacket; it gets chilly underground.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Visit the longest known cave system in the world. Mammoth boasts 400 miles of charted caves. Located in central Kentucky, north of Bowling Green.

The Caves of South Dakota

With two caves within miles of each other, the Black Hills offers some of the best caves. Hike through Wind Cave National Park on one day then follow up at Jewel Cave National Monument the next.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Walk through the Big Room, the largest cave cavity in North America. Then see the Mexican Free Tail Bats exit the cave in the evening. Located on the New Mexico and Texas border, east of El Paso. 

Oregon Caves National Monument

Discover the marble halls of Oregon with your kids. Book a night at the historic lodge to end the day in the evergreen forest. Located in southern Oregon.

Best US National Parks in the Desert

Since all deserts aren’t the same don’t let the desert scare you. It’s an amazingly diverse and vibrant landscape to explore. The rim of the Grand Canyon is comfortable in the summer though the bottom of the canyon can reach over 100 degrees F.

For the rest of the desert national parks, it’s best to visit them during the school year. With temperatures over 120 F, the risk is too great for kids.

Big Bend National Park

Home the Chihuahua desert, Big Bend borders Mexico along the Rio Grande. It’s the greenest of the deserts and offers a remote location for night sky viewing. 

Saguaro National Park

When I think of the desert, I see saguaro cactus with its iconic cactus shape. With two different locations around Tucson, Arizona, the eastern portion offers more saguaro though the western location offers a more convenient location off Interstate 10.

Joshua Tree National Park

Discover two different desert ecosystems in a park that’s easy to explore from a car. Find the Joshua Trees and the teddy bear cactus but don’t touch. Easy side trip from Palm Springs, California.

Death Valley National Park

As a land of extremes, it’s home to the lowest point in North America, 282-feet below sea level. And the highest air temperature ever recorded happened in California at the Furnace Creek Resort in 1913. The thermometer topped 134 F! Located east of Los Angeles.

Best US National Parks to See Summer Snow

Kids want to play in the snow in the summer. Seriously. Throwing a snowball in the summer is fun. Head to national parks that boast glaciers for a chance to see summer snow.

Glacier National Park

Known as the Crown of the Continent since it’s located on the Canadian border of Montana. Drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road to see the highlights though check to see if it’s plowed first. Sometimes it doesn’t open until late June.

Olympic National Park

Not just tide pools and rain forests. Head to Mount Olympus to see its glaciers. Located a couple hours west from Seattle. 

Glacier Bay National Park

See 50 named glaciers on an Alaskan cruise with the kids. Park Rangers climb onboard with passport stamps and Junior Ranger booklets. See icebergs and calving glaciers while spending a day sailing among seals and other wildlife.

Don’t Forget about Washington, D.C.

Can’t throw a stone without hitting a monument or memorial. Stay a week and still not see all the US National Park Service sites that include The White House, or Presidents Park.

• Washington Monument
• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial

Most Luxurious US National Park Lodges

When you think about staying in a national park, do you think it’s all camping and RVs? Not so! The National Park Service offers some luxurious lodging too.

Death Valley’s The Oasis at Furnace Creek

Find the glamorous still lounging by the legendary pool, sipping cocktails and hiding under large chapeaus, sometimes shining brighter than the nighttime stars overhead.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel

In Yellowstone National Park, its premier property offers a lodge reminiscent of grand East Coast hotels. Find white tablecloths in the dining room and a pianist in the lobby.

Jenny Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park

Stay in a rustic cabin dressed with peeled pine furnishings and hand-crafted quilts. Use a complimentary cruiser to tour the park. Then end the day at the five-course dinner in the dining room with a view of the Tetons.

Kid Fun in National Parks

The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about a National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the park rangers present them after completing their booklets.

National Park Service Annual Passes

If you plan to visit a few national parks this year, then an America the Beautiful Pass might be for you.

Type of Pass	Eligibility	Cost
America the Beautiful Pass	All visitors	$80 annual
Military Pass	Current U.S. military members and their dependents	Free
Every Kid in a Park Pass	U.S. fourth-grade students that complete requirements at EveryKidinaPark.gov	Free
Senior Lifetime Pass	U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62 years and older	$80 Lifetime
Access Pass	U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a permanent disability	Free
Volunteer Pass	Visitors volunteering 250 hours a year	Free annual

Tips for Visiting US National Parks 

• National Parks are popular destinations during school breaks and holidays.
• Lodging reservations are available 13 months in advance; make them as soon as possible.
• Parking can be an issue at popular destinations during the middle of the day, try in the morning and late afternoon.
• Since many features feature barricades kids can climb over, watch your children at all times.
• Since wild animals are unpredictable, give them space and don’t feed them.
• Bring food and refillable water bottles for your visit. Food service can be limited.
• Know your personal limits and the limits of your equipment.

US National Parks by State

There are 61 US national parks spread across 29 states and two U.S. territories. California has the most with nine, followed by Alaska with eight, Utah with five, and Colorado with four.

Alaska

• Denali National Park
• Gates of the Arctic National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Katmai National Park
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

American Samoa

National Park of American Samoa

Arizona

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Saguaro National Park

Arkansas

• Hot Springs National Park

California

• Channel Islands National Park
• Death Valley National Park, (also in Nevada)
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Pinnacles National Park
• Redwood National Park
• Sequoia National Park
• Yosemite National Park

Colorado

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park

Florida

• Biscayne National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Everglades National Park

Hawaii

• Haleakala National Park
• Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Idaho

• Yellowstone National Park (also in Montana and Wyoming)

Kentucky

• Mammoth Cave National Park

Illinois

• Gateway Arch National Park (also in Missouri)

Indiana

• Indiana Dunes National Park

Maine

• Acadia National Park

Michigan

• Isle Royale National Park

Minnesota

• Voyageurs National Park

Missouri

• Gateway Arch National Park (also in Illinois)

Montana

• Glacier National Park
• Yellowstone National Park (also in Idaho and Wyoming)

Nevada

• Death Valley National Park (also in California)
• Great Basin National Park

New Mexico

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

North Dakota

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park

North Carolina

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (also in Tennessee)

Ohio

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Oregon

• Crater Lake National Park

South Carolina

• Congaree National Park

South Dakota

• Badlands National Park
• Wind Cave National Park

Tennessee

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (also in North Carolina)

Texas

• Big Bend National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Utah

• Arches National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Zion National Park

Virgin Islands

• Virgin Islands National Park

Virginia

• Shenandoah National Park

Washington

• Mount Rainier National Park
• North Cascades National Park
• Olympic National Park

Wyoming

• Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone National Park (also in Idaho and Montana)