5 Best National Parks for Beginners + Itineraries for Each
Does visiting a national park feel overwhelming? Maybe you’re dreading the crowds, worried it won’t be kid-friendly, or nervous about venturing outdoors if it’s not usually your thing. But with the right tips and a little planning, visiting a national park can be a relaxing and fun experience—even for total beginners! As a mother of three who has taken her kids to 20 different national parks, I’m here to give you my best tricks and park recommendations to help put you at ease. I’ll share five of the best national parks for beginners, plus itineraries to help take the stress out of planning. Get ready to travel with less stress and more confidence!
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National Park Tips for First-Time Visitors (Fees, Reservations & More!)
- Fees: Each park has a different fee structure. Some are free to enter, while others require fees for parking, entrance, or tours. Make sure to find out about fees ahead of time.
- Many individuals like to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass if they plan to visit multiple parks in a year. To encourage kids and families to go to the parks, the National Park Service offers a free 4th-grade pass that is very easy for current fourth-grade students.
- Many individuals like to purchase the America the Beautiful Pass if they plan to visit multiple parks in a year. To encourage kids and families to go to the parks, the National Park Service offers a free 4th-grade pass that is very easy for current fourth-grade students.
- Reservations: Very popular parks may require reservations to enter by vehicle at certain times. Furthermore, some parks may require some advanced planning to secure guided tours are access to difficult-to-reach portions of the parks.
- Crowds: The best way to beat crowds is to get there early. But even if you hit congestion or feel overwhelmed by the number of people, try to focus on what is in front of you and embrace the collective sense of community as you explore some of the world’s greatest sights.
- Gear: You DO NOT need to go out and spend a lot of money to be prepared for your first park trip. All of my recommended hikes and activities simply require the basics: decent sneakers or hiking sandals (these are great for hiking in water too), plenty of water and snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a map. You can download offline maps of the National Parks with the NPS App (and it’s free!) If you’re looking for a fun way to enhance your trip, I created a National Parks Activity Book full of fun facts and challenges for kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy during the long flights and drives.
1. Arches
Arches is a fantastic park for those who want to be wowed without working too hard. While you can certainly enjoy longer, more technical hikes, you can still see some of the park’s most iconic sites with only a short walk.
I love that it is easy to get around via car and the scenery is stunning, even on long hikes. If you don’t think you’re ready for Delicate Arch, consider stopping and taking a quick peek at Wolfe Ranch and the petroglyph trail, both at the beginning of the Delicate Arch hike.
This post provides a full itinerary that lets you get time at some of my favorite spots including Delicate Arch (the long and short hike versions), Sand Dune Arch, the Windows, and more. Following this itinerary will soon show why it’s one of the most kid-friendly national parks.
Why it’s Great for Beginners:
– Many viewpoints and short hikes
– Easy to navigate
– Close to Moab, UT (a great home base)
Be Prepared:
– Requires reservations in peak season (most of April-October)
– Can get deathly hot, so bring more water than you think
– Some parking lots can fill up fast. Be patient or find a less-crowded trail.
2. Bryce Canyon
This kid-centered itinerary is also perfect for those who don’t want to hike too much, but still see what Bryce has to offer (which is a lot!). While the Navajo Loop is included in this itinerary if the steep hike in and out doesn’t appeal, just skip it and enjoy the walk from Sunrise Point to Sunset Point.
Check this post that gives you a full-day itinerary in the park. If you have more time, take a leisurely pace and enjoy other nearby destinations like Red Canyon. If you are traveling in the busier season, there are often some great shows and rodeos in Bryce Canyon City and the surrounding area.
Why it’s Great for Beginners:
– Relatively compact
– Low-effort, high-reward viewpoints
– Summertime entertainment
Be Prepared:
– A shuttle runs during the busy season and may be a better choice than driving
– High altitude park, so drink lots of water and rest as needed
3. Glacier
While this one might take a little more planning because of reservation requirements during the summer, it is absolutely worth the effort. Even if you don’t snag a reservation, spending time at Lake McDonald alone is a delight, and you can also explore several other areas of the park.
One of my favorite moments here was kayaking with my family on Lake McDonald. We didn’t need all day on the water to enjoy a few minutes of peace, and it was the highlight of my trip!
Family-favorite hikes include the Trail of the Cedars, Sun Point Nature Trail, and the Hidden Lake Nature Trail. The last one has some steep stairs, but if you take it slow, the views are incredible.
Why it’s Great for Beginners:
– You can skip all the navigation work and just take the free shuttle and enjoy the views
– Several regions to explore with lots of activity options
– Forests, lakes, wildlife – the quintessential national park
Be Prepared
– Reservations are required at some entrances during peak travel
– Bears are active in the park and you need to bring bear spray
– Even in the summer, the weather can be difficult, especially in the higher elevations
4. Yellowstone
I fell in love with Yellowstone when we first camped there with a 4-year-old, 2-year-old, and pregnant with our third. While you can face some congestion throughout the park, it is so big that you can still escape the crowds if you try.
Because of how big it is, there are many options for hikers of all interests and abilities, and you can find something for your family in each region of the park. While I think Yellowstone should be a multi-day trip if at all possible, don’t skip it because you only have one day.
From the iconic Old Faithful to the less talked about Storm Point Trail, there is so much to love and discover in Yellowstone National Park.
And added bonus is the southern end of the park is not far from Grand Teton! We love to travel through Grand Teton on our way to or from Yellowstone, and highly recommend you do the same. Simply driving through the park is beautiful, but a stop at Jenny Lake is a fantastic option for families.
Why it’s Great for Beginners:
– Easy to access iconic sights
– Close to a second park: Grand Teton
– Lots of shorter hikes or viewpoints
Be Prepared:
– Yellowstone is big. You will probably want multiple days if possible (but anytime is worth it!).
– This is bear country + other wildlife are also present. Be respectful of them and carry bear spray.
– Much of the park access is closed in winter. Make sure roads will be open when you go.
5. Death Valley
While its name isn’t very inviting, Death Valley has become a family favorite park and is one of the best national parks for families. It is so easy to access many of its best sights, and you don’t need a lot of hiking stamina to enjoy Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, or Artist Palette (in the winter).
Devils Golf Course also requires little physical effort – but quite a bit of effort from your car so plan on driving very slowly or driving a car that does well on gravel and unpaved roads.
A great day trip or quick overnight from Las Vegas, Death Valley is delightful in the winter. For an easy-to-follow and easy-to-complete itinerary, read this post with a manageable and fun Death Valley National Park itinerary for beginners.
Why it’s Great for Beginners:
– Easy to see lots in a half-day excursion (6 hours)
– Lots of attractions off the two main roads.
– Close proximity to Las Vegas for an extended trip
Be Prepared:
– Have more water than you think, even in the winter. There is very little shade and services.
– Regular sleds didn’t seem to work very well at the dunes, but we had fun simply running up and down the huge hills.
– Avoid the summer
Conclusion
National parks are one of the best ways to experience nature, whether you’re hiking for the first time, taking in the views, or just enjoying the peace of the outdoors. These five beginner-friendly parks are sure to light a fire in you and pretty soon, you might be trying to visit all 63!
Want to make your trip even more engaging? I’ve created the National Parks Activity Book—a 30-page printable workbook packed with fun facts, puzzles, and interactive challenges to help you (or your kids!) learn more about the parks as you explore. It’s perfect for road trips, downtime at camp, or even as a keepsake from your adventures. Plus, you can print multiple copies so everyone has their own!
👉 Grab your copy here and bring a little extra fun to your next national park trip!
Happy Travels!