Yellowstone National Park (overall)
add photosYellowstone National Park is the nation's first National Park. It contains an impressive collection of geysers and hot springs including Old Faithful. The extensive park is filled with fascinating geological formations rarely found so accessible anywhere else. Yellowstone Park is divided not several main areas: Mammoth | Norris | Madison | Old Faithful | West Thumb & Grant Village | Lake, Bridge Bay & Fishing Bridge | Canyon Village |Tower-Roosevelt
23 Reviews for Yellowstone National Park (overall)
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'11, '12, '130 families found this helpful
"Beautiful & Intriguing National Park"
I love this park! It is massive and takes a TON of time to drive around (rangers say to plan on 20 miles/hr) so be prepared for long car rides.
Snag a Jr. Ranger guidebook at any ranger station or visitor center to keep the kids occupied and entertained in the car while not on the lookout for wildlife.
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1 family found this helpful
"Top 5 Family Adventures in Yellowstone National Park"
Yellowstone
1. Circuit hike along the south rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to Lily and Clear Lakes - The best way to see the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is to take a hike along the South Rim Trail, in addition to Lily Lake and Uncle Tom's Trail. The Lily Lake trailhead is at the far end of Artist Point. The trail follows the steep ledges of the Canyon before it enters a pine forest and by two small lakes and thermals. Uncle Tom's Trail gives all visitors a cardo workout climbing down and up 328 steps. At the bottom, you stand at the base of the lower falls to feel mist on your face.
2. Take a picnic dinner to an overlook in Lamar Valley to watch animals - If there is one national park known for wildlife; it is Yellowstone. We grabbed fixings for a picnic dinner and drove into Lamar Valley. This valley is stunning. My children learned a valuable lesson from animal spectators fitted with their large scopes about why preserving this valley's habitat is vital for the balance of the ecosystem. In the valley, we watched hundreds of buffalo and looked for bear and wolves.
3. Hike to Bunsen Peak - Have you ever want to bag a peak with your kids? Bunsen Peak is a good one to do. The hike is a moderate 2.1 mile trek to the peak on switchbacks. The views at the top are well worth it. The climb was a good challenge for my kids but they loved skipping down the mountain.
4. Walk the Fountain Paint Pots boardwalk - This was the touristiest adventure of our time in Yellowstone because everyone wants to see the geological thermals. They are well worth the crowds. This was my son's favorite part of Yellowstone.
5. Camping - Yellowstone offers both reservation only and first-come-first-serve campgrounds. The reservation only campgrounds usually fill well ahead of time. The first-come-first-serves are in beautiful locations in the park but have limited, such as vaulted toilets.
0 families found this helpful
"Amazing National Treasure"
We went on a cross country road trip and stopped at Yellowstone National Park. It was simply amazing. We were there four days and three nights. Camped out the first night - because you can't be there and NOT camp at least once. But we rented a small cabin the second two nights because we were there early September and the temperatures drop to 20 degrees F during that time. Views are amazing. Animals are great to observe. The sunset and sunrise are absolutely breathtaking. It's a great place for children and adults alike to explore and enjoy nature. We went horseback riding as well. The guides were great and very friendly. We didn't want to leave. Hoping to make it there every five years.
2 families found this helpful
"Absolutely Wonderful!"
This is one place we would love to go back to! We got a campsite at Bridge Bay in July 2010. This was days after a fatal bear attack just outside the park so I was a nervous wreck! My daughter and I ended up sleeping in the truck the first night while the guys took a risk and slept in the tent.
We had a rafting trip planned at Flying Pig Rafting Co so we went straight there the first morning and saw so many animals along the way. After rafting, we started our tour of Yellowstone. The place is amazing. You need to have windows clear so everyone can see what's on the sides of the road. We saw a grizzly and later on a black bear, both just off the road. We took so many beautiful pictures. There were just so many things to see. We ended up buying blankets, because it got very cold at night and our blankets were not enough. And my daughter and I did sleep in the tent the rest of the trip.
We did not bring any food so we ate snack foods or ate out. Having breakfast in the cafe every morning was fun. It did get expensive that way, but honestly I would never bring my own food. They have all the warnings about how to store the food and where to put trash because of the bears. I would rather not chance it!
We happened to see people in the water when we drove by Firehole swimming area so the next day we went back there to check it out. Parking is horrible, you just line up on the side of the road. The restrooms were horrible, so the less changing you have to do the better. I'm sure they aren't always like that. Other than that, we had a great time. Younger kids should go straight to the swimming area. The older ones can walk down to the left and dive in the rushing water from the falls. My kids really enjoyed that. You have to fight the current to get over there from the swimming area, but we finally made it. Only to realize we could've just walked there! But now we know, or rather, now YOU know!
We also drove over to Yellowstone Bear World during our trip so we could see bears up close and the kids could bottle feed cubs. It was an expensive extra, but it was worth it!
0 families found this helpful
"Yellowstone"
Great! But know that you'll spend the $25 to get in the park whether you're there for three hours or a full week. Also, bring your own food in, not many places to buy food but tons of georgeous places to picnic. Know that you'll be driving a lot. It's great for kids though to see a buffalo walking down the road towards their car, or see an elk just off the way.
0 families found this helpful
"One of the best National Parks!"
We visited here 2X with our kids. It's awsome. We stayed at Roosvelt Lodge and Old Faithful Inn. What a great experience. I personally liked the Lodge better. It is very rustic, but comfortable. My kids loved seeing the buffalo cross the road and pass right by the car...a little bit intimidating! They could do some real damage if they wanted, but don't seem to mind all the cars.
1 family found this helpful
"An awesome park, but..."
I love Yellowstone. However, it's a really really big park, and you need to drive a LOT to see the majority of it. It's really amazing how much the park changes from section to section. From Old Faithful to the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, the scenery changes quite a lot. You can see some really great animals in the park if you keep your eyes out; however there are a lot of other people keeping their eyes out, and if they DO see a animal (even DEER) they will stop in the middle of the road and cause huge traffic jams. I recommend visiting in June or early July, as the park is the busiest in late July and all throughout August.
1 family found this helpful
"Fun, but be prepared!"
This is a great trip that I think every family should take at least once. However, I don't think it's fabulous, because you are trapped in the car most of the time. You can get out in some spots, like the paint pots, and the geysers, however, for younger kids, its difficult for them to enjoy the scenery.
0 families found this helpful
"It was fantastic"
Yellowstone is gorgeous! The mineral pools, the wildlife, everything is just amazing. We were there shortly after a fire had devastated part of the park, but even with the recent loss the park was beautiful. The colors in the pools were so vivid. I couldn't stop taking pictures! I definitely recommend this to any family as a great vacation spot.
1 family found this helpful
"The most beautiful place in the United States"
Yellowstone is my family's favorite place to vacation to. The last 2 times we have gone, we have taken our 5th wheel and stayed in the Bridge Bay Campground. This is a really nice campground and has an area with full hook-ups. The more family we can get to come, the better time we have. It is especially fun when the little kids are able to come with their parents. Our favorite thing to do is go on rides and look for animals. We have been able to see bears the last few years that we have gone. We love to see the wildlife just wandering around free. The last time we went we got in the middle of a buffalo herd that was going down the road. It was so awesome. Some of them were mad and snorting. It was scarey but really exciting and fun. Yellowstone is a great place to take kids of all ages. We will continue to go as long as we are able. I have been going since I was a little girl and have loved taking my family and hope to be able to take my grandchildren when I get some.
0 families found this helpful
"We were very lucky!"
We must have picked a really great day to visit because were able to see bighorn sheep, bison, foxes, elk, and eagles. Early June was a great time to visit because the crowds are smaller, and if you can stay a bit later into the evening, like 5 or 6, the crowds are smaller than that. We visited for two days, staying in Montana, and that was the perfect amount of time. We really enjoyed the hot springs, Old Faithful, the waterfalls, and the scenic drives. We brought snacks and lunch for during the day, since the food inside the park is expensive. That early in June, there was still snow, and we got out and played in it a bit. Do bring your winter coats if that's when you go, because we got anything from rain, to snow, to sun in two days!
0 families found this helpful
"AWE---SOME TRIP"
MY KIDS,MY MOM AND I ENJOYED OUR TRIP TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK. IT IS LOADED WITH VARIOUS WILDLIFE FOR THE KIDS TO GO "WILD". THEY LOVED TAKING PICTURES AND STOPPING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SEEING ANIMALS THAT THEY NORMALLY DO NOT EXPERIENCE. WHEN WE ARRIVED, THEY GAVE THE KIDS A SPECIAL PAMPHLET WITH THE VARIOUS WILDLIFE TO CHECK OFF AS THEY CAME ACROSS THEM. AFTER WE STOPPED AT 4 DIFFERENT GIFT SHOPS TO GET THEIR PAMPHLET STAMPED, THEY RECEIVED A COUPON FOR ICE CREAM( BIG SCOOPS OF HOME-MADE) AT ANY OF THE ICE CREAM SHOPS IN YELLOWSTONE. THEY ALSO RECEIVED A NICE STUFFED MOOSE. THEY ENJOYED STAYING IN A CABIN IN THE PARK. THEY ENJOYED A CAMPFIRE AND BUILDING A FIRE IN THE POT BELLY STOVE THE NEXT MORNING. THEY THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE COACH RIDE AND ALL THE STOPS WE MADE. MY KIDS WERE 11 AND 8 AND LOVED THE TRIP. IN FACT , WE RAN INTO MY OLDEST CHILD'S AWANA TEACHER (FROM OUR CHURCH IN SOUTH CAROLINA) AT MAMMOTH SPRINGS WHERE HIS TEACHER WAS WORKING DURING THE SUMMER. MAMMOTH SPRINGS HAD ALOT OF BEAUTIFUL SPRINGS AND ELK THAT THE KIDS WENT CRAZY OVER. AN AWESOME FAMILY TRIP.
0 families found this helpful
"Great place for kids"
The amount of animals in the park would be a huge draw to children. Also, visit the geysers and springs. Only drawback is the sheer large size of the parkand the amount of time it takes to travel to different areas. Other than that, give kiddos a list of animals that they might see. Bison are abundant, but don't get too close. The only place we have ever been with so many wild animals out and about!
0 families found this helpful
"AWESOME!"
What an amazing drive! The best part is just taking in God's great outdoors! His amazing creation! It's definitely long, but you won't really notice since it's so gorgeous and so much to look at! Besides the amazing pictures you will capture, it's just one of those lifetime experiences that everyone should have!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful Country!!!!"
I went here when i was 8. this is beautiful country to drive through. it's fun to get out and explore a bit but really hot. kids may tier quickly of this, but i could look at is forever. i hope to go again soon!!! if you go visit make sure you bring all your own food and everything cause there isn't much around!
1 family found this helpful
"Nature's Best Playground"
My family visits Yellowstone National Park every year in the spring. We love this time of year for two reasons. 1) The park is less crowded; 2) There are so many cute baby animals to see. There is so much to see at Yellowstone. Our favorite area is the Northeast corner of the park where we try to spot wolves. We have also seen many bears in the Tower Falls area. Our family looks forward to our trip to Yellowstowstone every year.
4 families found this helpful
"One of the Places to Visit Before You Die"
Remember that famous travel book? Well, this was definitely on my list of the top 10 places in the world I wanted to see. A must see for anyone who is fascinated by Volcanism and striking evidence of our restless Earth. As a National Parks ranger pointed out, most of the earth's crust is like a ream of paper (500 sheets) away from magma. In comparison, the magma under Yellowstone Park is like a mere sheet away. Hence the amazing geological and geo-thermal features. Wildlife abounds here, see bison, wolves, wolves, black bear, grizzly bear and elk. My top 10 picks for a well-rounded 3 night stay within park boundaries:
1) Old Faithful Geyser and the 2.8 mile walk up to Morning Glory Pool
2) Old Faithful Inn and its unique architecture.
3) Driving the Grand Loop Road
4) Lamar Valley at sunset or sunrise for optimum wildlife viewing
5) The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
6) Mud Volcano ramble with a park ranger for 1.5 hours
7) Mammoth Hot Springs
8) Canyon Village Visitor Education Center
9) Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. Opening in 2010.
10) Ranger-led walks available at all major sites. 1.5 hour walks are suited to the 5 and older crowd. Take in as many as your little ones will let you. Or do the shorter ones.
Elementary-age children will probably enjoy the Junior Ranger Program. If you have a scout, they may earn a special BSA badge for attending ranger-led programs and visiting exhibits/museums; ask at Visitors Centers.
2 families found this helpful
"A must see for every American"
Yellowstone was America's first National Park and its also one of the best. From the otherwordly Geyser Basin to the Serengeti feel of Hayden Valley at sunset, this park is truly a national treasure. Some of the must attractions include Mammoth Springs, the Lamar Valley, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Yellowstone Falls, Hayden Valley, Lake Yellowstone,and Geyser Basin. During our three night stay we saw plenty of bison, elk, deer, black bears, and a grizzly bear. The scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife observation opportunities are plentiful. If you see one National Park in your lifetime, make it this one.
2 families found this helpful
"Depends on your time and family"
I worked 2 summers in Yellowstone so I knew the park well when I took my family (parents and 18 month old son) there last summer. We stayed 3 nights in Mammoth to see the north half of the park and 2 nights at Old Faithful to see the south end. I really don't recommend trying to see most of the park in anything less than that many days. Otherwise, just pick one or 2 locations you want to see.
Driving time in the park is 45 minutes per "segment" of road due to speed limits and animals crossing the road. There are many places to stop and get out and enjoy the sites along the way though. Short hikes for little ones to day hikes for tweens and teens. July is the best time for wildflowers due to the elevation of the park. You may or may not get snowed on, especially before June.
Message me if you have any specific questions!
1 family found this helpful
"Yellowstone for 3 days"
Enjoyed our trip there. Is quite big and some of the roads were constructing so getting around even in car took quite a while. Kids are quite young so most of the geological features were lost on them.
But they liked the open spaces, playing see-saw on fallen logs, seeing the animals and playing on the shores of Yellowstone lake.
Food options were adequate and we stayed at the Mammoth Springs hotel room which had no attached bath, but turned out quite OK. Rather spooky corridors and yesteryear feel - but clean and everything worked well. As a bonus, the elk were running about the front lawn when we were there. Rut season - rangers were on hand to supervise the people.
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