Yellowstone National Park is a perfect vacation spot where you can appreciate some quality time without interruption, save the cry of an endangered Bald Eagle or the humbling roar of a gushing waterfall.
Theodore Roosevelt saw it as a gift for all humans to enjoy. Nearly three decades later, his fifth cousin and 32nd president of the United States described it as the ultimate icon of America. In 2009 President Barack Obama and his family vacationed there, then had lunch at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Today, over two million acres of undisturbed nature and an endless list of recreational activities provide not only an invaluable experience for any family to enjoy at Yellowstone National Park, but at little to no cost as well.
The catch? If you’re lucky, maybe a giant rainbow trout from the Big Horn River.
A Day at Yellowstone Lake
Starting out at Yellowstone Lake, which lies at the heart of this Wyoming park that straddles the borders of Montana and Idaho, the family may never want to leave with the overwhelming number of activities offered in the area.
Known to be the continent’s largest mountain lake and stretched out over 80,000 acres, Yellowstone Lake is ideal for fishing. Visitors should be aware that fishing season ends on the first Sunday of November. Thousands of trout populate these waters and it’s impressive to note, too, that there is no stocking done in this lake; the fish that populate these waters are all wild.
For the more thrill-seeking type, canoeing and kayaking are just a few of the great activities offered in the area. As waves calmly lap back and forth against the boat, the combined visuals of nearby geysers, hot springs and mud pots will be sure to make the paddling effort well worth the while.
During the later fall months, camping and lodging within the park becomes a scarcity, while in the winter months all entrances – with the exception of the North gate – are closed to private vehicles. Therefore, for winter lodging and park excursions, Flagg Ranch Resort near the north gate might be the best bet for any icy expeditions. They are well known for their snowmobile excursions!
Old Faithful & Other Attractions near Yellowstone Lake
Trekking west of the lake along Route 20, the Old Faithful area is overflowing with activities for kids during the summer and early fall seasons. Before visiting the area’s most famous attractions – the Old Faithful geyser and Grand Canyon area – taking a self-guided tour is a sure way to see every kind of thermal feature the park has to offer.
The Old Faithful Visitor Education Center opened in August 2010 to much acclaim as the first national park visitor center to earn Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Thanks to generous funding and technical know-how provided by Toyota engineers, the OFVEC provides hands-on, state-of-the-art exhibits that interpret Yellowstone’s volcanic and geothermal science and the park’s ecosystem. The very cool, energy-efficient facility also provides a library, classroom space for learning programs, and a theater to view Yellowstone educational films.
The Biscuit, Midway and Black Sand Basin Tours will awe and amaze the whole family with fascinating geysers, pools, fumaroles and more. (For all the non-geologists, a fumarole is an opening in the Earth’s surface that emits steam and gases released from boiling groundwater.)
North of Yellowstone Lake at the junction of the Norris Canyon and Grand Loop roads, the Canyon Visitor Education Center allows kids to learn more about these geological features and enjoy interactive exhibits, fun educational films and find out what the center’s 9,000-pound rotating kugel ball is all about. (No definition handout on this one – go and see it for yourself!)
After completing a list of fun and easy requirements within certain areas of the park, kids can receive an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger patch. Activity forms are available at any visitor’s center.
Yellowstone Association Learning Programs for Real Fans
Kids seem to love park rangers, and what better vacation than to spend an inexpensive week at Yellowstone surrounded by them?
The Yellowstone Association is the park’s educational arm, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round day and multi-day field courses that give families an opportunity to explore the park. We’ve heard from many FTF families that this is a fabulous learning vacation.
The Yellowstone for Families program which is centered around Mammoth has beenselected “Best Summer Family Camp in America” by “Good Morning America” and Family Fun magazine. Like the others, it includes guides, activities and lodging, breakfast and lunches. Rates are modest for a program geared to ages 8-12. Typically, during the four-night programs, families dine with other participants and enjoy expert instruction and optional evening programs given by the National Park Service.
Mammoth Hot Springs & Yellowstone
But most families choose to explore this region on their own, so guidance is in order. My favorite, and not to be missed, the Roosevelt Arch looms impressively over the northern entrance, which was once meant for coach trains to pass through. Going beyond this portal – though by newer means of transportation – the whole family can spend summer days trotting along the rim of the Cascade Canyon at Mammoth Hot Springs.
Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins offers safe and fun horseback rides through scenic pine forests and meadows, as well as impressive views over the canyon. If the family hasn’t had its fill of geological features, the Wraith Falls is worth a small trek up the hillside. Named by a team of geological surveyors for its eerie specter-like shape, the falls offer more than just scenery with the amount of diverse wildlife in the area.
During the winter, private vehicles do not have access to the northern park entrance near Mammoth nor are any snow-related activities available in the area. However, Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins not only provide guests with accommodations and transportation, but snow coach tours, skiing and snowshoeing activities as well. During Yellowstone’s winter, travelers can spend their time on the slopes at any of the area’s popular skiing trails. The Indian Creek Loop Trail in particular is perfect for beginners and families with small children.
While the trip certainly doesn’t have to end here, the Canyon Village area is an ideal location to settle down and rest from a long and exhausting journey. Not far from the park’s Northeast entrance along Route 212, travelers will pass by the Slough Creek Campground. While it’s a good place to hunker down for a few nights and enjoy some fly-fishing on the side, the campground has limited amenities.
Before leaving the wild paradise of the Yellowstone National Park, one last good look of the park might be in order. Visitors will not regret this small hike when they take in the 308-foot drop of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone, which are located southward along Grand Loop Road from Route 212. The brilliant view may inspire a few words worthy of those of Roosevelt’s, or may just leave you speechless.
Yellowstone Road Trip Planning
From Montana’s Little Big Horn, it is approximately 130 miles (2.5 hours) to the park. Depending on whether you’re coming in from Idaho or Montana, you might enter Yellowstone from its north, northeast or east entrances. Note that the north entrance at Gardiner, Montana (a fun mountain town with lots of family attractions) is open to regular family cars all year round.
During the winter months, the west, south and east entrances are open only to officially-permitted tracked over-snow vehicles such as snowcoaches and snowmobiles. Tours to visit the park this way can be arranged by a few local resorts, or in nearby tourist towns in Idaho and Wyoming.
Families should make it a point to drive at least part of the Beartooth Highway. Located on either side of the Wyoming – Montana border just east of Yellowstone’s Silver Gate, the highway has been recognized for its spectacular mountain views and was selected Top US Road by the American Motorcyclists Association. The 68-mile road covers most of the ground between Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana, and 54 of those miles have been named by National Scenic Byways as “All American Road.”
It’s often used by park visitors on their way to or from the towns of Cody, Meeteetse and Powell, who also typically use the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway which connects to the Beartooth.
Places to Stay in & around Yellowstone National Park
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch (307/543-2861), located in Moran, Wyoming 83013, offers multiple-itinerary snowmobile tours to popular park attractions in winter. In summer, the property managed by Vail Resorts keeps a popular wooded campground near the Snake River, with 24-hour showers, laundry facilities, and pull-through RV sites with full hook-up (20 amp electric). Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. They also feature cozy log cabin rooms furnished with either two queen beds, or one king bed. Each room has a private bath, telephone, coffee maker and patio with rocking chairs. Accommodations are now available in winter (December to March) as well as summer (late May to early October) and advance reservations are highly recommended.
There are a few wonderful NPS lodges that families can book with advance planning. Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins, open to winter visitors, offers comfortable mid-range rooms with two double beds, frontier cabins with a few options including hot tub, and less “rough it” style suites with telephone and cable TV.
For a more rustic family-style experience, try the Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, which has a large corral operation that offers horseback trail rides, stagecoach adventures and even a popular Old West Dinner Cookout. Reservations for the cabins can be made for dates between June 9th and September 4th 2017.
Open during select dates year-round, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge was completed in 1999 and offers a full service dining room and “Geyser Grill,” as well as furnished rooms harkening back to a time of rustic old western style.
More information on Yellowstone National Park can be found at the U.S. National Park Service website or by calling at 307/344-7381. Reservations for accommodations at any of the park’s lodges can be found at the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website or by calling 307/344-7901.
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On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.