Chelsea Gonzales
by Chelsea Gonzales
Posted April 21, 2023

Planning a trip to Yosemite with kids? That’s amazing! Yosemite National Park is one of the most incredible places in the entire country, and you and your family are sure to have a wonderful time exploring the park and having outdoor adventures together. 

That said, Yosemite is a huge park with a lot to see and do. Some hikes and other adventures are not kid-friendly, while others are perfect for families with kids. Your best bet? Figure out in advance what to do in Yosemite with kids and go in with a solid plan. This will ensure everyone has an amazing time and will remove a lot of the stress of experiencing a large national park while also being responsible for little adventurers. 

Not sure how to begin planning your adventure in Yosemite with kids? Lucky for you, we’re here to help. Below is all you need to know for a fabulous family RV adventure. 

Yosemite National Park

When to Go

First, you have to decide when to visit the park. It’s important to know that the park is covered in snow for the entire winter, and while it is possible to visit during this time, you won’t be able to do or see much. 

Usually the snow melts in late April, but weather in April and May can be unpredictable. June and July tend to be the best months to visit. These months offer majestic waterfalls and warm weather. August and September will give you warm weather, but the waterfalls will likely be dry by then. Once October rolls around, the cold weather sets in and snow is likely again.


RVs For Rent Near Yosemite

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Where to Stay

Of course, you will need to find a place to stay in between your days full of outdoor adventures. There are several lodging options around Yosemite, but we think RV camping is the best way to fully experience this beautiful natural area. The best way to take a Yosemite camping trip? Head to Outdoorsy Yosemite, of course. 

Outdoorsy Yosemite is a beautiful, full-service RV resort with all kinds of amazing amenities. The best part? The campground is just a short drive from the entrance of Yosemite National Park, meaning all of your outdoor fun is just around the corner when you wake up each morning. 

Outdoorsy Yosemite also offers glamping options in case you’d rather not bring an RV. You could stay in a luxury text or fully equipped cabin where you’ll get all the comforts of home (like private bathrooms, ACs, kitchenettes, etc.) in a beautiful natural setting. 

And if you’d rather have an RV delivered and set up for you when you arrive at camp, you can do that too.

Kids kayaking at Yosemite National Park

What to Do

As mentioned above, there are tons of things to do in Yosemite. If you’re wondering what to do in Yosemite with kids, check out our top picks listed below. 

Learn Something New

One of our favorite things to do when traveling with kids is sneak in a little bit of learning. Fortunately, this is super easy to do when visiting national parks, and Yosemite National Park is no exception. 

First, we highly recommend starting your trip at the Valley Visitor Center. Spend some time looking at the center’s exhibits together and discuss the information provided. Watch the ‘Spirit of Yosemite‘ film and chat with rangers about things to do in the park.

While you’re in the visitor center, grab Junior Ranger books for all of the kids. You might also ask for a schedule of ranger programs, as these can be a fun way to learn even more about the park. Finish the Junior Ranger workbooks over the course of your visit and return them at the end for super cool (and totally free) Junior Ranger badges to take home!

Other educational opportunities in the park include the Yosemite Museum where you can learn about Yosemite’s native people, the Happy Isles Art and Nature Center where you can learn about natural history and attend art workshops, and the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Go on a Hike

No trip to a national park is complete without a good hike. There are tons of amazing hiking trails in Yosemite. Although some of these trails are too challenging for the average child, others are the perfect addition to a trip to Yosemite with kids. 

Mist Trail Hike is one of our favorite hikes to do with kids while in Yosemite. This trail takes you past both Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, giving you breathtaking views of both. Not only that, but the hike will put you close enough to the falls to feel their spray, especially in the spring and early summer when they are going strong. This is a lot of fun for little ones and a great way to keep cool!

Another great Yosemite hike for kids is the Sentinel Dome Hike. This is a short, 2.2-mile trail that takes hikers from Glacier Point to Sentinel Point. It’s a relatively flat trail and includes some very rewarding views, making it an ideal choice for families with little hikers. 

And before you go, be sure to stock up on all the hiking gear you need from our pals at REI.

Watch Local Wildlife

Whether you’re out hiking, sitting in your campsite, or enjoying one of the park’s many incredible viewpoints, there is always the option of wildlife viewing. 

Yosemite is home to tons of amazing animals, and during the spring and summer, these animals come out of hiding and can often be seen wandering the natural area. Bring a pair of binoculars and keep an eye out for black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and more. 

Remember that animals in national parks are wild and should never be fed or approached. Use your wildlife viewing sessions as opportunities to teach your young adventurers the importance of respecting wild animals and giving them their space. 

And better yet – you can stock up on wildlife viewing equipment to watch animals from a safe distance.


RVs For Rent Near Yosemite

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Play in the Water

In the summertime, nothing is better than cooling off with a bit of water play. Why not include some water fun on your trip to Yosemite with kids?

The Merced River runs through the park and is a popular place to swim, boat, and paddle. Paddling can be tons of fun with kids. Just make sure they wear life vests!

Swimming and water play are permitted in the river, but swimmers should enter and exit the water only at sandy beaches. Additionally, it’s important to note that swimming in a river can be hazardous due to strong currents. For this reason, only strong swimmers should enter the river fully, and only when and where the current is not strong. Young children should wear life vests and stick to playing in the very shallow water. 

Mirror Lake is a wide, shallow part of the river where swimming is popular and relatively safe. You do have to hike to the swimming hole, but it is worthwhile.

Hug a Tree

Everyone who visits Yosemite should make a point of walking amongst the Sequoias in Mariposa Grove. Standing next to these gigantic trees will make even the biggest man feel tiny, and kids are fascinated by the magical vibe of the grove. 

When it is available, the shuttle is the best option for getting to and from the grove. Once there, head out on the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail. a two-mile loop that will give you and your family a chance to see the 3,000-year-old “Grizzly Giant” and stand in the iconic California Tunnel Tree. 

As you can see, there are tons of options when it comes to deciding what to do in Yosemite with kids. Why not book your Yosemite RV rental or glamping spot and start planning your family getaway to Outdoorsy Yosemite today so you can unplug, get outside, and reconnect as a family in the beautiful Yosemite National Park as soon as possible? You certainly won’t regret visiting Yosemite with kids!

Chelsea Gonzales

http://wonderwhereverwewander.wordpress.com/

 

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