10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Yellowstone with Kids
Yellowstone National Park is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. Home to erupting geysers, colorful hot springs, incredible wildlife, and some of the most unique landscapes in the world, it’s an unforgettable destination for families.
The challenge isn’t finding things to do—it’s narrowing down your list.
After spending several days exploring the park with our kids, here are my recommendations on the top things to do in Yellowstone with kids. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or combining Yellowstone with nearby Grand Teton National Park, these are the attractions that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
1. Watch Old Faithful Erupt
Whether it’s your first visit to Yellowstone or your 10th, the iconic Old Faithful is a must.
Watching one of the world’s most famous geysers shoot thousands of gallons of steaming water high into the air is something your family won’t forget. The eruptions happen roughly every 70 – 90 minutes, making it one of the few natural wonders you can actually plan around.
Before or after the eruption, spend time exploring the nearby Upper Geyser Basin, where you’ll find dozens of bubbling pools, steaming vents, and other active geysers along easy boardwalk trails.
2. See the Colors of Grand Prismatic Spring
It’s impossible to appreciate Grand Prismatic Spring until you’re standing in front of it.
The vivid rings of blue, green, yellow, and orange look unreal, and it’s truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
Walk the boardwalk for an up-close look, or tackle the short hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook. The elevated view gives you a completely different perspective and is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
Either way, your kids will surely love this “rainbow” pool.
3. Go Wildlife Watching in Lamar Valley
If your kids are animal lovers like mine, Lamar Valley is the place to be.
Often called the “Serengeti of North America,” this expansive valley is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the United States.
I recommend arriving as close to sunrise as you can, as this is when animals are most active. Bring binoculars, pack breakfast, and enjoy one of the highlights of your trip.
4. Explore Mammoth Hot Springs
Unlike the colorful pools found elsewhere in the park, Mammoth Hot Springs looks almost like a frozen waterfall.
The white travertine terraces are constantly changing as mineral-rich water flows over the landscape, creating one of Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal areas.
The boardwalks are stroller-friendly in many sections, making this a great stop for families with younger children.
5. Become a Yellowstone Junior Ranger
One of our kids’ favorite parts of any national park trip is earning their Junior Ranger badge.
This free program is available at nearly all national parks, and is a great way for kids to learn about the parks history and conservation.
As soon as you enter the park, pick up Junior Ranger booklet at the nearest Visitor’s Center and spend the next several days completing activities, answering questions, and learning about Yellowstone’s geology, wildlife, and history.
When they are finished, pop back into any of the Visitor’s Center and have the booklets checked by a Ranger, complete the Junior Ranger oath, and receive their free badge.
This is one of our favorite souvenirs, and my kids have collected so many of these badges over the years.
It’s a fun way to keep kids engaged and learning throughout your time in the park.
6. Walk Through the West Thumb Geyser Basin
If you only have time to visit one additional geothermal area beyond Old Faithful, make it the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
The boardwalk winds along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake, where colorful hot springs and steaming geysers seem to rise directly from the water’s edge.
The cool lake water right next to the bubbling geysers is such a stark contrast that it seems wild the two can coexist so closely.
One of our favorite stops here was Black Pool, whose crystal-clear blue water is absolutely stunning.
Because it’s generally less crowded than some of the park’s other geyser basins, West Thumb is a wonderful place to explore the geothermal features of Yellowstone National Park.
7. Experience the Roosevelt Old West Cookout
This ended up being one of the highlights of our entire Yellowstone trip.
The adventure begins with a horse-drawn wagon ride through the rugged northern section of the park before arriving at a scenic cookout site tucked away in the wilderness.
After enjoying a hearty cowboy-style meal, families can relax, play lawn games, listen to live music and soak in the peaceful surroundings before riding back to Roosevelt Lodge.
It’s a completely different way to experience Yellowstone and one that kids are likely to remember long after the trip is over.
8. Take a dip in the Firehole River
One of the park’s best-kept summer secrets is the Firehole River, where cool river water mixes with warm runoff from nearby geothermal features to create a refreshing place to cool off on a hot day.
It’s one of the few designated swimming areas in the park and a favorite among families visiting during the summer months.
Make sure to bring water shoes, towels, and a change of clothes.
9. Visit Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
While Yellowstone is famous for its geysers, one of the most breathtaking sights in the park is actually its canyon.
Carved by the Yellowstone River, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone stretches nearly 20 miles and features dramatic cliffs painted in shades of yellow, orange, and pink. The canyon is also home to the iconic Lower Falls, which plunges an impressive 308 feet—more than twice the height of Niagara Falls.
There are several overlooks along both the North and South Rim Drives, making it easy to enjoy spectacular views without committing to a long hike.
Don’t miss Artist Point, one of the most photographed viewpoints in the park and an incredible place to take in the scale of the canyon.
10. Explore Lake Yellowstone by boat
One of the most unique ways to experience Yellowstone is from the water.
Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-elevation lake in North America, and getting out on the lake offers a completely different perspective of the park.
You can rent a boat for the afternoon and cruise along the shoreline, soaking in the mountain views, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
Whether you choose to rent a motorboat, join a guided boat tour, or simply spend some time along the shoreline, Yellowstone Lake is great spot to spend a day.
Tip: Boat rentals are available seasonally from the Bridge Bay Marina, and reservations are recommended during the busy summer months.
Tips for Visiting Yellowstone with Kids
A little planning can make your trip much smoother.
- Start early to avoid crowds and improve your chances of seeing wildlife
- Pack plenty of snacks and water—driving distances are much longer than they appear on a map
- Download offline maps before entering the park
- Carry binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Stay on designated boardwalks around geothermal features at all times
- Pack a cooler with breakfast and lunch – restauraunts are few and far between
- Always keep a safe distance from wildlife
- Build flexibility into your schedule—bison traffic jams are part of the Yellowstone experience!
Sample Family Itinerary
Wondering how to fit these experiences into one trip?
Here’s how we did it:
Day 1: Northern Range Trail, Tower Fall, Roosevelt Old West Cookout
Day 2: Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin
Day 3: Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring
Day 4: Mammoth Hot Springs
👉 Read my complete 4-Day Yellowstone Itinerary for all the details
Final Thoughts
Yellowstone National Park is one of those rare places that captures the attention of both kids and adults. One minute you’re watching a geyser erupt, the next you’re in a traffic jam caused by a herd of bison.
Whether your family loves wildlife, hiking, geology, or just spending time outdoors, Yellowstone offers endless opportunities for adventure. The hardest part isn’t deciding whether to visit—it’s figuring out how to fit everything into one trip.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Yellowstone with kids, I highly recommend this list of favorites that our whole family fell in love with.
