Yellowstone Hikes for Families: Best 5 Easy to Visit Spots
If you’re wondering if Yellowstone National Park is a good place to visit with kids, the answer is a resounding yes! There are plenty of Yellowstone hikes for families of all ages and abilities. The best part is, each region of Yellowstone has so much to offer, so if you only have a day or two you will still get a chance to truly experience the wonder that is Yellowstone.
Do note that Yellowstone is a large park broken up into several areas, and I would recommend hitting the following sites over the course of two days, with other spots mixed in if at all possible. Travelers planning a Yellowstone family trip should consider these five stops that are sure to impress with low stress and minimal physical effort – perfect for those who use wheelchairs and/or strollers, or have little ones with bodies that tire quickly. If you’re looking to visit Yellowstone, check out my Yellowstone Family Vacation Guide!
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Yellowstone Hikes for Families: Old Faithful Geyser
A true icon, Old Faithful is a must-see for any family trip to Yellowstone. With a huge parking lot, stroller and wheelchair-friendly paths, benches to sit on, and a visitor center to explore, Old Faithful is a no-brainer for families of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Make sure to snap some pictures with the Old Faithful sign and have your camera ready for the eruption itself. Eruptions last from 90 seconds to 5 minutes long. For those looking to extend their time in the area, take the Old Faithful Geyser Loop trail. This 0.7-mile loop takes you around the Old Faith area
Old Faithful Amenities:
*Please note that many of these amenities may only be available seasonally.*
- Large Parking Area
- Flush Toilets
- Visitor Center
- Benches
- Paved
- General Store and Restaurants (seasonally)
- Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Old Faithful Tips:
Make sure to get an estimate for the eruption if you have a tight schedule. While it’s still relatively consistent, don’t expect the geyser to erupt right on time. There are several ways to find out the estimated next eruption. The website Geyser Times will give detailed eruption information, and it’s handy to have the phone line number [307-344-2751 (option 2)] as well in case you don’t have internet/data service.
Also, the bathrooms get a tad crowded right after an eruption. If you’re going to want to use the bathroom and you have the time, consider going beforehand. Just don’t cut it close or you might miss it!
Yellowstone Hikes for Families: Grand Prismatic Spring
You can catch a glimpse of the Grand Prismatic Spring in a few different ways. Option one is to walk along a boardwalk. This is a great choice if you are looking for a more accessible view of the spring. You still have to walk about .7 miles (total) to see several pools and the dormant Excelsior Geyser, as well as the Grand Prismatic Spring, but it is an easy walk and wheelchair/stroller friendly. Be mindful of little ones who like to wander because if it isn’t obvious, the pools can be very hot and dangerous.
The second option is to hike about 1.1 miles (round trip) toward the Fairy Falls Trail and get a bird’s eye view of the spring. This would not be wheelchair or stroller accessible and has some elevation gain. However, it’s doable for most families who are even moderately active. It’s a nice little hike, and seeing the spring from above it is definitely worth the walk.
Whichever route you choose, a glimpse of Grand Prismatic Spring and the other geothermal pools is a must for any Yellowstone family trip.
Grand Prismatic Amenities:
Don’t count on toilets or water at either parking lot, so plan ahead.
Grand Prismatic Tips:
If you have the time, try to get a look at Grand Prismatic from both views. If not, you will want to choose where to park based on your activity. To walk along Grand Prismatic Spring, park at the Midway Geyser Basin Trailhead/Grand Prismatic Spring Parking lot. If you are going to hike to the overlook, park at the Fairy Falls trailhead parking lot.
Yellowstone Hikes for Families: Artist Point
This spot is named Artist Point for a good reason – you can’t help but feel inspired by the views you see. It’s a short, accessible, walk from the parking lot to one of the lookouts. There is also a 2.7-mile (round trip) hike to Point Sublime if your family wants to escape some of the crowds at Artist Point.
Artist Point Amenities:
- Medium-sized parking lot
- Vault Toilets
- Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Artist Point Tips:
If you can’t get enough of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, consider adding the following stops nearby:
- Upper Falls View (4 minute drive)
- Brink of Lower Falls (7 minute drive: overlook where you can also hike down, but lots of switchbacks and definitely not stroller or wheelchair friendly)
- Lookout Point (9 minute drive)
- Grandview (10 minute drive)
- Inspiration Point (13 minute drive)
Yellowstone Hikes for Families: Mammoth Hot Springs
Near the northern entrance to the park, Mammoth Hot Springs feels almost like a little town. It boasts a post office, visitor center, and hotel. But the sites not to miss are the other-worldly hot springs terraces. In peak season, parking can be tricky so be prepared to possibly walk up to the terraces from the village. Check out the official trail page from the National Parks Service here.
Mammoth Hot Springs Amenities:
*Please note that many of these amenities may only be available seasonally.*
- Visitor Center
- Post Office
- Flush toilets
- Dining Options
- Hotel
- Gas Station
- Wheelchair/Stroller accessible paths are available, but much of the boardwalk can be steep or have stairs.
Mammoth Hot Springs Tips:
Mammoth Hot Springs is located in the northwest area of Yellowstone. Make sure to have a planned route and plenty of time if you are adding it to your itinerary.
The northern entrance (near Gardiner, Montana) is the only one open to regular vehicle traffic year-round (weather permitting), so Mammoth Hot Springs is a year-round option. Just make sure to research winter weather conditions before you plan your trip!
Yellowstone Hikes for Families: Tower Falls
A moderate (200 ft) walk to the overlook allows visitors a chance to see the well-known waterfall that is flanked by rock towers (hence the name). While it too can get crowded, it’s a great stop because of its access to bathrooms, paved walkway to the overlook, and food for sale (seasonally). Oh, and there is a pretty cool waterfall too! Stop here if you are traveling between Canyon Village and Mammoth Hot Springs on your Yellowstone family trip.
Tower Falls Amenities:
*Please note that many of these amenities may only be available seasonally.*
- Bathrooms
- General Store
- Wheelchair/stroller accessible, but assistance might be needed due to the grade of the slope
Tower Falls Tips:
There is a hike down to the river that you can take if you want to continue after the overlook. Just be aware that it goes down with several switchbacks and might be difficult to come back up. Check out the trail info here if you want to know more.
Yellowstone Hikes for Families – There’s Always More
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the Yellowstone hikes for families available. The thing I love and hate the most about the park is that there is just so much to see and do. Just don’t let the worry of missing something ruin the experience for you! If you want to learn more about planning a successful Yellowstone family trip, check out my detailed guide here.
Other great resources for planning a trip to Yellowstone for families include:
Restroom locations
Yellowstone Accessibility Guide
Yellowstone Junior Ranger and Young Scientist Programs
I can’t wait for you to get out and explore one of my favorite national parks, and I’d love to help you have a successful family trip to Yellowstone! If you’re looking for a custom itinerary for your family check out my custom travel planning services packages – with options for every budget.
Happy travels!