Yosemite National Park in Northern California shows off Mother Earth's coolest setups and environments. This park is the site of the 2018 rock climbing documentary called Free Solo—a film detailing Alex Honnold who is the first person to free climb the 3,000-foot rock formation known as El Capitan. Other landmarks like the Half Dome and Hetch Hetchy are the reason that millions of visitors choose to check this destination off their travel bucket list every year.
Yosemite is a great getaway for residents of California, Nevada, and tourists of this scenic West coast state. From kids and teens to parents and grandparents, this kid-friendly national park is the perfect spot for a family trip.
Activities for Kids and Parents at Yosemite National Park
More than 1,150 miles of land makes up the famous Yosemite National Park. The Park contains countless scenic landmarks that parents and children alike will love to explore. As a result, sightseeing and capturing photographs is a common pastime for individuals and families that travel here.
People visiting Yosemite get the chance to experience historic landmarks, hike beautiful landscapes, go rock climbing, biking, camping, fishing, and more. Hiking trails exist for all types of park goers. The trailheads range in distance from less than a mile hikes like the Bridalveil Fall Trail in Yosemite Valley, to journeys that last several hours like the Half Dome Trail. Paths toward Wawona and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias are some of the most highly trodden loop trails that the park has to offer. These walking trails can be manageable for children and adults alike. Upon entrance, park goers should check for trail suggestions regarding the best hikes at the visitor's center.
Guests of Yosemite National Park will experience rare, picturesque scenes at every turn. The environment in this region of America is made up of granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, meadows, glaciers, and more. Don't forget to take photos of the kids standing next to the one-of-a-kind sites in each area of the park!
How to Get to Yosemite National Park
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This recreational area managed by the National Park Service (NPS) is located in Northern California inside the Sierra Nevada region. Yosemite National Park can be accessed by heading to the small town and park headquarters known as Yosemite Valley. Travelers can find opportunities for lodging in Yosemite Village as well as Curry Village (also known as Half Dome Village). Plus, dining, events, entertainment, and shopping can be found in this area located right on the Merced River.
Yosemite is so big that it sits in four different CA counties: Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono, and Madera Counties. Travelers arriving at Yosemite must pay an entrance fee in order to access historic landmarks, wilderness areas, education centers, free parking lots, and more. The park's giant size and easy accessibility makes it an awesome stop for one day or one week—whatever fits into a family's schedule.
Planning for the Yosemite Trip
Yosemite National Park is home to various scenic landmarks that kids and adults should plan to see during their stay. Tourists visiting Yosemite National Park can take advantage of beautiful waterfalls like Lower Yosemite Falls, Horsetail Falls, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls. Trails like the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail will bring you to these fascinating cascades. There are seemingly endless options for hiking, biking, and backpacking. Other popular areas include Wawona & Glacier Point as well as the Tuolumne Meadows.
The park's management often hosts free education programs through the visitor center. The most popular for kids would be the junior ranger program where children receive a ranger badge upon completion. Also, travelers often choose to see and learn about several sites all in one sitting via open-air tramcar trips known as Yosemite Valley Floor Tours.
Yosemite National Park is an easy choice for a day outdoors in a well-kept recreation area. For those who'd like more than just day use of the park, there are many options to stay in 13 different campsites located throughout the park. Campers will experience some amazing stargazing experiences when sleeping under the stars at Yosemite.
Since the early 1900s, travelers have come to Yosemite National Park for a pet-friendly getaway with awesome accommodations. When it's time for a family vacation via plane or road trip, head to Yosemite National Park with kids. It's a fun time that outdoor lovers of any age will enjoy.
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