Yosemite National Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park with kids? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. From giant sequoias to sparkling alpine lakes, Yosemite is one of the best national parks for families—so much so that it’s the park that inspired us to start visiting every national park in the U.S.

Whether you’re coming for a weekend or a week, this guide will help you plan the perfect family itinerary.

Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Yosemite

1. Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Don’t miss the chance to walk among towering sequoias that are thousands of years old. You can take a shuttle bus to Mariposa Grove or enjoy a longer hike in. The flat trails and incredible scenery make this a favorite for families with kids of all ages. The hike to the 209 foot tall Grizzly Giant is uphill on the way there (with minimal elevation gain) and downhill on the way back, making the return trip super easy. This is one of three places in Yosemite to see the sequoias. The other two are Tuolumne and Merced Groves.

2. Glacier Point

For some of the best views in the park, drive up to Glacier Point. From here, you can see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and multiple waterfalls. It’s stroller-friendly at the overlook, so even little ones can enjoy the view without a long hike. The view is absolutely spectacular. There are many spots to pull off and take in the views, but we recommend going straight to Glacier Point for the best view. Keep in mind that Glacier Point Road is typically only open from sometime in May – sometime in November depending on the weather.

3. Biking in Yosemite Valley

Rent bikes in the valley or bring your own to explore the flat, paved bike paths. You’ll pass meadows, rivers, and granite cliffs—without worrying about heavy traffic. This is one of the easiest and most fun ways to see a lot in a short time. They even rent bike trailers if you’re bringing along younger kids. We always see a lot of wildlife in the valley, so it’s great when you can hop off the bike instead if trying to find a parking spot.

4. Floating the Merced River

In the summer, bring a tube or small raft and float the Merced River through Yosemite Valley. The calm waters are safe for kids, and you’ll be surrounded by jaw-dropping views. There are several places in the valley that you can hop in the water. Water temps can be a little chilly, but it’s actually very refreshing especially on a hot summer day.

5. Tuolumne Meadows & Tenaya Lake

Head to Yosemite’s high country to enjoy wide-open meadows perfect for picnics and wildlife spotting. Here you’ll spot plenty of wildflowers and maybe see some Pikas. There are also plenty of places tp pull over and hop into the flowing water – a family favorite for us. Tenaya Lake is an alpine gem where kids can wade, splash, and swim in crystal-clear water. The water is cold, but refreshing and was a highlight of our trip. Keep in mind that Tioga Road is typically only open from sometime in May – sometime in November depending on the weather.

6. Bridalveil Falls

This short, family-friendly trail leads to one of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls. It’s a very easy walk from the car to the waterfall and back, and probably one of the easiest trails in all of Yosemite.

Tips for Visiting Yosemite with Kids

Plan at least 3 days – Yosemite is huge, and you’ll want time to explore without rushing. We could honestly stay for a couple of weeks and not run out of things to do.

Book lodging early – Staying inside the park or just outside the gates will save you hours of driving each day and potentially long lines to get back in. This is not a park where you can easily get something right out of the park last minute. On our most recent visit we overheard folks saying the closest thing they could find was two and a half hours away. Campgrounds book very quickly as well.

Visit in summer or fall – Summer is perfect for water activities, while fall brings fewer crowds and beautiful colors. We personally love visiting in August and September. By mid-August the crowds have thinned out, traffic isn’t an issue, and everything is open. The waterfalls aren’t flowing as heavily as they may have earlier in the summer, but it’s worth the tradeoff for us.

Join the Junior Ranger Program – It’s free, educational, and a hit with kids. They have one of the best Junior Ranger books I’ve seen in the 30+ National Parks I’ve visited.

Watch for wildlife – Black bears, deer, coyotes, pikas, and more are often spotted in the park. We saw all of them earlier this week on our most recent visit, which made for some really great homeschool lessons.

Where to Eat in Yosemite

Our favorite family-friendly spot is Curry Village. It’s casual, easy with kids, and has a variety of food options for picky eaters. We also love to eat at Toulumne Meadows Grill. Unlike most parks, there are food options throughout the park at Yosemite so you’ll typically be able to find something to eat. That being said, if you have dietary restrictions, I’d consider packing your own meals and snacks just to be on the safe side.

Why You’ll Love Yosemite as a Family

Yosemite has something for everyone—easy hikes, scenic drives, adventurous activities, and plenty of places to simply relax and take in the view. It’s the perfect mix of nature, fun, and family time.

If you’re planning your first national park trip with kids, Yosemite is a great place to start. And if you’ve already been? Chances are, you’ll be back.