If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure your family will love, look no further than America’s national parks. With 63 national parks to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Here are our picks for the 13 best national parks for kids in 2022. From awe-inspiring landscapes to exciting activities, these parks offer unforgettable experiences that will leave lasting memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful places on earth!
Here Are Our Best National Parks for Kids
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Every year, millions of people visit the Grand Canyon to appreciate its natural beauty.
The Grand Canyon was carved out by the Colorado River over millions of years. It’s over a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide in places. It’s also one of the seven wonders of the world
Grand Canyon National Park is also a popular destination for hikers, as there are miles of trails with all levels of difficulty. It’s not hard to find great scenic hikes that the kids will enjoy without getting bored.
Grand Canyon National Park is also a great place for kids to explore and learn about the natural world. There are plenty of things to keep them busy, from hiking and camping to educational programs and Junior Ranger activities. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and condors.
Kids can also learn about the different types of rocks found in the Grand Canyon, including shale, sandstone, and limestone. Grand Canyon National Park is a great place for kids to learn about nature and have a great time doing it. With so much to see and do, Grand Canyon National Park is sure to be a hit with the entire family.
The South Rim of the park receives about 90% of the visitors, whereas the North Rim is much more remote and provides for a quieter experience.
For the best weather, visit April through June. The temperatures are moderate and there is little precipitation. July is the rainiest month of the year.
It’s difficult to avoid crowds at the Grand Canyon. It’s the second most visited park in the entire national park system. The park has seen in excess of 800,000 visitors in July more than once. Late April through early June are the best balance of decent weather and manageable crowds.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southeast United States. Located in southern Florida, the park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a number of different ecosystems.
Visitors can take part in activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, and bird watching. There are also a number of ranger-led programs that offer educational opportunities about the Everglades.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Everglades is also a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the Everglades National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country.
There’s a lot for kids to enjoy at Everglades National Park. They can explore the many trails and learn about the different plants and animals that call this place home. At the Miccosukee Cultural Center, they can learn about the history and culture of the Seminole people. And at the Museum of the Everglades, they can explore the different ecosystems of the Everglades and see how humans have impacted this unique environment.
Everglades National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The park is home to nearly 600 species of birds, including the ever-popular flamingo. Visitors can also expect to see alligators, turtles, and manatees. The park is also home to the Florida panther, the state animal of Florida.
In addition to its many vertebrate residents, the park is also home to a variety of snakes, frogs, and fish. With so much wildlife to see, it’s no wonder that Everglades National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state of Florida.
December through April are the best times to visit the park. High temperatures will generally be in the low 80’s, but there is also minimal precipitation. This is also the best time to avoid the highest humidity and insects. It also avoids travel disruption due to hurricanes.
Unfortunately, the best weather also attracts the biggest crowds. Winter is high season for crowds, so you’ll just have to deal with it, unless you want to battle the heat, humidity and insects and the summer when the park has fewer visitors.
Badlands National Park
Badland National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the United States. Located in South Dakota, the park is home to a variety of landscapes, including badlands, canyons, and prairies. Visitors come from all over to experience its dramatic scenery and wildlife.
The badlands are a type of sedimentary rock that has been eroded by wind and water over millions of years. The result is a rugged landscape of canyons, cliffs, and valleys. The badlands are home to a variety of plants and animals, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.
The prairies of Badlands National Park are another popular attraction. These grasslands are home to many different species of birds, including the iconic bald eagle. Visitors can also see bison grazing on the prairies or hiking through the badlands.
Badlands National Park is a popular destination for both day trips and overnight camping trips. There are many different trails to explore, as well as a variety of ranger-led programs. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to appreciate the beauty of nature, Badlands National Park is sure to please.
Badlands National Park is a great place for kids to explore and learn about nature. There are plenty of things for them to see and do, from hiking and camping to stargazing and observing wildlife. One of the best ways to experience the badlands is to take a hike. There are trails of all different lengths and difficulty levels, so there’s sure to be something that’s perfect for your family.
Make sure to stop and take in the views along the way – the badlands are truly unique and breathtaking. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the park’s resident wildlife, including bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs.
Camping is another great way to spend time in the badlands. There are several campgrounds located within the park, so you can choose one that’s close to the activities you want to do. Camping under the stars is an experience your family will never forget.
For the best weather, and the best time to avoid crowds, visit after Labor Day until the end of October. The number of visitors drops sharply in September, but you’ll still have nice weather and the rainy season (April – July) is over.
The hottest months can also be the most crowded. July is the hottest the month and also sees the most visitors.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park is a natural wonder unlike any other place in the world. Located in central Kentucky, the park is home to the world’s longest known cave system.
With over 400 miles of explored passages, Mammoth Cave is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and spelunkers from all over the world.
In addition to its extensive cave system, the park also offers a variety of other outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and canoeing. Every year, millions of people visit Mammoth Cave National Park to experience its unique beauty and history.
Mammoth Cave National Park is an ideal destination for kids who want to learn about caves. The park offers a variety of educational opportunities, from ranger-led tours to junior ranger programs. Kids can explore the cave systems, learning about the geology and biology of the caves as they go. They can also discover the history of the caves, from their formation millions of years ago to their use by Native Americans and early settlers.
The park also offers opportunities to see wildlife, including bats, salamanders, and cave fish. With so much to explore, Mammoth Cave National Park is a great place for kids to learn about caves.
July and August are the busiest months, so going in April through June will provide a little break from the crowds. If you’re looking to hike in the park, you may want to check the forecast and choose late spring to early summer. The caves are generally a constant temperature, so they will be the same regardless of the time of year.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year. The park is best known for its incredible natural arches, formed over millions of years by erosion and weathering.
These arches are truly a sight to behold, and visitors can explore them by hiking, climbing, and even camping overnight. In addition to its amazing geology, the park also offers stunning views of the surrounding canyonlands, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.
Arches National Park is a mecca for outdoor lovers of all ages, but it’s especially popular with families. The park offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities, from easy hikes to ranger-led programs. The arches themselves are a big hit with kids, and there are plenty of trails that wind through the park’s iconic rock formations.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Fiery Furnace offers an unbeatable view of the surrounding landscape. Ranger-led programs are another great way to explore the park, and kids will love learning about the park’s unique geology and wildlife. With so much to see and do, Arches National Park is the perfect place to take the family for an unforgettable adventure.
For the best weather, visit April, May, September and October. Here you’ll find comfortable temperatures. The weather in the summer months can be dangerously hot.
The hottest months also see the most visitors. To avoid crowds, April and October have dramatically smaller crowds and more moderate temperatures.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The park is home to a number of unique natural features, including hoodoos, which are colorful rock formations that were created by erosion. Visitors can explore the hoodoos by hiking along one of the park’s many trails.
Bryce Canyon is also known for its dark night skies, which make it a popular spot for stargazing.
In addition to its natural beauty, the park also has a rich history. Native Americans have lived in the area for thousands of years, and early settlers used the canyon as a route to cross the continent. Today, Bryce Canyon National Park is a beloved destination for travelers from all over the world.
Bryce Canyon is a wonderful place for kids of all ages. There are plenty of activities to keep them busy, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and exploring the many different hoodoos and rock formations. In addition, the park offers ranger-led programs throughout the year that are specifically designed for kids. These programs often include arts and crafts, games, and Junior Ranger activities.
Bryce Canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great place for kids to learn about the natural world. With so much to see and do, Bryce Canyon National Park is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
For the best weather, visit June through September. Here you’ll find comfortable temperatures. The June is the driest month and you should have temperatures topping out in the 70s or 80s.
The hottest months also see the most visitors. Crowds are consistently large from May through, September. However, after Labor Day, you can find smaller crowds and temperatures that can still feel summer-like.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the United States. Every year, millions of people visit the park to enjoy its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
Located in Tennessee and North Carolina, the park spans over 800 square miles. Visitors can hike through dense forests, explore historic towns, or simply relax in the peaceful setting.
The Great Smoky Mountains are also home to a variety of plant and animal life, making it a haven for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is sure to not disappoint.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also a great place to take the kids for a vacation. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also offers ranger-led programs that are specifically geared towards kids. These programs can teach them about the park’s plants and animals, as well as its history and geology. And best of all, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is completely free to enter.
For the best weather, visit spring through fall. You’ll find generally warm daytime temperatures. The wintertime can bring snow and cold nights.
Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park, so avoiding crowds can be a challenge. Visit on weekdays if possible in the spring or summer. The busiest month in the park is October when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant. If you want to visit then, plan far in advance and be prepared for crowds and traffic.
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Every year, millions of people visit Death Valley to experience its unique landscape.
The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as some of the most extreme temperatures on Earth. Death Valley is also a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers. In recent years, Death Valley has become increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world.
Whether you are looking for adventure or simply want to take in the amazing scenery, Death Valley is sure to impress.
Death Valley National Park is an excellent destination for families with kids of all ages. While Death Valley might conjure images of a barren, desolate landscape, the park actually has a lot to offer in terms of scenery and activities. Death Valley is home to the lowest point in North America, as well as the driest and hottest place in the United States. However, Death Valley also boasts stunning mountain vistas, colorful canyons, and bizarre rock formations.
In terms of kid-friendly activities, Death Valley National Park offers Junior Ranger programs, ranger-led walks and talks, Junior Ranger Camps, and more. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Death Valley National Park is an ideal destination for a family vacation that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
For the best weather, visit November through May. The temperatures are more moderate during the winter months. In the summer, Death Valley can be the hottest place on Earth and you’ll likely face temperatures well over 100 degrees. If you’re seeking out the heat, June through August will provide you with an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
The wintertime is also the best time to avoid crowds. If you’re looking for more solitude, park attendance is lowest November through February.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the United States. Every year, millions of people visit the park to see its unique geothermal features, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Yellowstone is especially well-known for its geysers, which are formed when water heated by volcanic activity escapes through cracks in the Earth’s surface.
The most famous geyser in the park is Old Faithful, which erupts every 90 minutes or so. Visitors can also see other fascinating features such as hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles.
In addition to its geothermal wonders, Yellowstone is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. The park’s scenic beauty is also a big draw, with its mountains, forests, and meadows providing a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Yellowstone National Park is a great place for kids of all ages. There are plenty of activities to keep them busy, from hiking and biking trails to geyser basins and hot springs. The park also has a number of ranger-led programs that are specifically designed for kids. These programs include Junior Ranger activities, hikes, and even overnight camping trips.
In addition, the park’s Visitor Centers offer a variety of educational exhibits and films that are perfect for families. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone national park is the perfect place to take the kids for an unforgettable adventure.
April through October offers the best weather in the park. You’ll find decent weather with daily highs in the 70’s in the summer.
Crowds can be large in the summer and you’ll want to plan far in advance if you want to camp. Crowds are smaller in April and drop off after Labor Day, where you can still enjoy decent weather.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The park is home to towering mountains, pristine forests, and dramatic coastline.
Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, paddle the tranquil waters of Acadia Lake, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
In addition to its natural beauty, Acadia National Park also offers a rich history and cultural heritage. The park was originally inhabited by the Wabanaki people, and today, visitors can learn about the Wabanaki culture at the Abbe Museum.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a chance to relax and recharge, Acadia is the perfect destination.
Acadia National Park is a popular destination for families with kids of all ages. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from hiking and biking trails to rock climbing and kayaking. The park also has a Junior Ranger Program, where kids can earn a badge by completing a series of age-appropriate activities.
In addition, Acadia National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, making it the perfect place to explore and learn about nature. With so much to see and do, Acadia National Park is sure to please everyone in the family.
For the best weather, visit the park between late spring and the fall. You will, of course, find the worst crowds in the high summer months. July and August see the most park visitors.
To avoid the crowds and still enjoy some decent weather, try visiting after Labor Day until the end of September. Park attendance drops about 20% from August to September, with a big drop after Labor Day.
Also, check out our 9 Great Things to Do in Acadia National Park When It Rains
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is unlike any other national park in the United States. Every year, millions of people visit the park to see the iconic joshua trees, experience the unique desert landscape, and go hiking and camping.
Joshua Tree is also a popular destination for rock climbing and stargazing. The park is located in Southern California, about two hours from Los Angeles.
Joshua Tree National Park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is from October to May, when the weather is cooler. If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree, be sure to book your campsite in advance – the park gets very busy during peak season!
Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, but it’s especially fun for families with kids. The park offers plenty of opportunities to explore the unique desert landscape, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. For starters, the Junior Ranger Program is a great way for kids to learn about the park’s history and ecosystem.
Families can also go on ranger-led hikes, stargaze at night, or take a scenic drive through the park. And of course, no visit to Joshua Tree would be complete without getting pictures with some of the iconic Joshua trees. With so much to see and do, Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect place to enjoy some quality family time.
Saguaro National Park
Located in southern Arizona, Saguaro National Park is a great way to experience the desert southwest. More than 1.5 million people visit the park each year, drawn by its unique landscape and abundance of saguaro cacti.
The saguaro is the largest cactus in North America, and it is found only in a small area of the Sonoran Desert. As a result, the saguaro is an iconic symbol of the American Southwest, and it plays an important role in the park’s ecosystem.
In addition to its striking appearance, the saguaro is also an important source of food and shelter for desert animals. Saguaro National Park is truly a unique place, and its popularity is well-deserved.
Saguaro National Park is a great place to take the kids for a day of hiking and exploring. The park has two sections, East and West, which are separated by about an hour drive. Both sections have plenty of trails to explore, and the scenery is simply breathtaking.
In addition, the park offers several ranger-led programs that are perfect for kids. These programs include Junior Ranger activities, nature walks, and stargazing nights. With so much to do, Saguaro National Park is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.
Summertime temperatures can be brutally hot. The winter months will give you temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s and are the best for longer hikes.
The busiest months of the year are January and February, when there are cooler temperatures. However, the park rarely suffers from overcrowding.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the most scenic destinations in the United States. Every year, millions of people flock to the park to enjoy its stunning scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The park is home to a variety of landscapes, from glacier-capped mountains to alpine meadows and forests. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, and even go for a scenic drive on the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing getaway, Glacier National Park is sure to disappoint.
Kids will love exploring Glacier National park, where they can see animals such as bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. There are also plenty of opportunities for kid-friendly activities, such as hiking, biking, and canoeing. Glacier National Park is a great place for families to spend time together and create lasting memories.
The best time to visit the park is June through August, where you’ll have pleasant daytime temperatures. Nighttime temperatures can frequently get in the forties. If you visit at other times of the year, you face the possibility of snow and road closures.
To avoid crowds, August has fewer visitors than July. If you’re willing to brave cooler temperatures, the number of visitors drops off significantly in September.
