2 min summary Best time to go Map & highlights Things to do Wildlife Families Tips Responsible tourism All our USA guides

USA National Parks for families

USA national parks for families on vacation are all about the outdoors, big landscapes, wildlife and camping, as well as great budget prices. However, with such a super efficient national park system, they book up months in advance – those American outdoorsy types are hovering with their finger over that bivouac button ready to book. Which is why you want to book with a family vacation specialist who knows how to do it, where to go, and the best family friendly itinerary possible.

Home\North America\USA\National Parks of America

USA national parks for families

It cost us $80 per person for a day pass to Universal Studios. And $80 for an annual family pass to all of the US's national parks. And they are priceless. Go figure.

If you mention American ‘parks’ to most children they will, sadly, probably be able to name you half a dozen theme parks they have on their wish list. It might be hard, therefore, to convince them that the natural wonders of America’s national parks are just as overwhelming, but once they take in their first view of the Grand Canyon, raft down the Colorado River or spot their first moose in Alaska, you will have converted them to the real thrills of life. And, most impressively, they are a heck of a lot cheaper. To visit the USA national parks with families will cost you $80 for an annual pass, and children under sixteen go free.

For health and safety information, please see our Travel advice page.

Our National Parks of America family Vacations

Activities for families

Go wild

Wild camping is encouraged in national parks, although you need backcountry permits to do so. As you are unlikely to be traveling with a tent, national park tour operators often offer camping options which is handy, as many of them book up far in advance. Although the wilder the site, the quieter the night.

Water parks

‘Running the river’ may sound like a theme park experience but, to coin a well know American phrase “It’s the real thing” when you raft down the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River, the Merced River in Yosemite or the icy waters of Denali National Park in Alaska. You can also swim in certain parks, but always stick to allocated ‘beaches’.

Cowboy/girl culture

Many of the national parks are in the Wild West, so when in Rome…..take a horseback ride western style, stay on a ranch or wild camp in the canyons under the stars. And to redress that all important balance, you can learn about the Wild West’s real history with a chance to explore, for example, the living culture of the Navajo Indians on a guided hike in Monument Valley.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about National Parks of America or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Traveling with children

Ian Shiels, from our leading US National Park supplier, Grand American Adventures: I have a few do’s and don’t for families exploring national parks: Do hit the trails. Do get the kids away from cell phones to discover the incredible nature in national parks. Do bring your swimsuit for rivers, streams and freshwater pools. Do be prepared to play games around the campfire, sleep under the stars and share a laugh with new friends. Do pay attention to the tour leader and ranger whilst they explain about flora and fauna of the national park. Do charge up your camera battery. Do try the local food in each place – deep-fried alligator anyone?

Don’t feed or get too close to the wildlife. Don’t hike alone or get too far away from your group. Don’t leave rubbish along the trail. Don’t forget to take plenty of water, snacks and lunch to keep your energy levels up. Don’t forget to wear the correct shoes and clothes whilst exploring national parks.

Dave Patrick from our specialist Alaska operator Infinite Adventures:
"We sometimes take families on our Alaska wildlife tours but it’s important to understand that it is an adult environment. Kids are put to work too on our trips same as everyone else, helping out with cooking and cleaning. They’re encouraged to pitch in and learn responsibility. In our experience what you put in is what you get out on this kind of trip."

More about National Parks of America

Best time to visit US National Parks

Learn about the best time to visit US national parks for hiking and wildlife watching with our month-by-month explainer and find tips on how to avoid the worst of the crowds.

USA National Parks travel guide

We're huge fans of American national parks here at Responsible Travel. There are 62 of them in total, and on top of that there are tribal parks on their doorsteps, as well as a plethora of state parks and forestry reserves.

USA National Parks map & itineraries

There are 62 national parks in the USA and they are all outstanding. Some are very well known, but take a look at our USA national parks maps & itineraries to see just a few more of the greats.

Things to do in USA National Parks

Hiking is of course one of the greatest things to do in USA national parks. You can go for a few hours or for days, but they are vast, so you really do need to know what you are doing.

USA National Parks & wildlife

The national parks are very switched on to their wildlife populations, the conservation needed to protect them, and ways in which we can prevent conflict between humans and animals.

USA National Parks travel advice

The USA national parks travel advice below comes from both tour guides and expert companies who know the parks inside out, and also travelers who have been there and loved them.

USA National Parks responsible tourism issues

National parks are, in many ways, the pioneers of responsible tourism.

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

USA National Parks for families

USA national parks for families

Our National Parks of America family Vacations