Traveling with kids can be both daunting and rewarding. While finding the perfect destination might take a bit of extra care and consideration, you are bound to make some of the best memories once you do so. The U.S. National Parks are some of the best places to take the whole family, because the outdoor activities are endless. While you could literally just pick up a National Parks map and point to any random destination, there are a few that are even better suited for kids and families.
Next time you’re looking for a place to visit with the kids, consider one of these state parks.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located in Northern Arizona. This natural chasm in the early stretches 277 river miles in length. At certain points, it reaches up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, according to the National Park Service. There are a ton of activities from camping to hiking to river expeditions, making it close to impossible for your family to not find the perfect activities. There is just so much to explore, which is one of the reasons that the Grand Canyon is the perfect destination for your kids with curious minds.
Yellowstone National Park
If you take a look at any Wyoming National Parks map, Yellowstone National Park is sure to stand out. It is one of six that are within the state, and it is surely the best one to plan a trip for the whole family. The park sits atop a volcano, making it a site filled with geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and more. It is a beautiful park with so much to explore, and your family is sure to spot a few bison roaming around as well.
Everglades National Park
While it isn’t as popular as some of the other spots on the U.S. National Parks Map, Everglades National Park is full of wildlife to explore. As one of the largest National Parks, the Everglades has several beautiful hiking trails, where you are sure to spot an alligator or two (or more!) as well as many birds, snakes, insects and more. If your kids love animals, this is the place to go. You can even finish your visit with an airboat ride, which is sure to be a thrilling addition to the trip.
Great Sand Dunes
Once again, this choice is something of an oddball. The Great Sand Dunes are quite different from many of the other national parks, and it is surely not what comes to mind when you think of a family vacation. But, you and your family are sure to have a blast sandboarding a sledding — and the sunsets and sunrises at the Great Sand Dunes cannot be missed. Next time you’re looking for a place to take the kids that’s maybe a bit more laid back and relaxing than some of the other national parks, make sure you consider the Great Sand Dunes.
