22 Best Things to Do in Yosemite with Kids in 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN YOSEMITE WITH KIDS?

You’ve come to the right spot! Our family visited Yosemite National Park during a west coast road trip and we can’t wait to go back! Sure, serious outdoor adventurers come to conquer Half Dome and El Capitan, but we were pleasantly surprised that are so many things to do with kids in Yosemite.

Pulling from our experience, we’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Yosemite with kids, along with some helpful tips to help your trip run as smooth as possible.

With nearly 1,200 square miles of beautiful landscape, waterfalls and great hiking trails filled with abundant wildlife, your kids are sure to love Yosemite National Park.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Glacier Road is closed through 2022. This means you won’t have access to Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, Taft Point, and your other Glacier Road destinations unless you take a long and difficult hike. In 2023 the road is slated to be partially open with delays. You can read more about the delays and look for updates on the NPS website.

Yosemite is a very large park and deserves much more than just a day trip. Most people stay in Yosemite Valley, but there is much more to Yosemite than just Yosemite Valley. We recommend spending at least three days in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite entry costs $35 per vehicle. It is included in America the Beautiful Annual Pass, so if you plan to visit a few other parks during the year, buy the pass to save some money. The pass is $80. Also, if you have a 4th grader, you can visit for free through the Every Kids Outdoors program.

America the Beautiful

It is ideal to have a car to explore Yosemite National Park. There is a free shuttle bus, but it does not go everywhere in the park. The shuttle bus is especially helpful in Yosemite Valley. If you’re going to be exploring Yosemite Valley for the day, I would recommend parking your car near the lodge and taking the shuttle bus.

Outside of Yosemite Valley, for places like Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows, you can drive your car. We found the parking and driving in Yosemite to be frustrating. It would have saved us a lot of frustration to use the shuttle bus rather than trying to navigate and find parking spots.

A lot of the roads were closed or were one-way, and our GPS didn’t realize that. The shuttle is free and runs from 7 am – 10 pm.

Internet through cell providers is very limited in the park. We found the best coverage near the Yosemite Lodge.

Things to Do in Yosemite with Kids

1. Visit Lower Yosemite Falls

Visiting Lower Yosemite Falls is a fun thing to do in Yosemite with kids
  • Length: 0.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 59 feet
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy

Lower Yosemite Falls is a 2,425-foot waterfall, making it the tallest in North America and the fifth tallest in the world. It is visible from so many different places in the park. From this hike, you can see the lower sections of the falls. It is the shortest section of the falls but is still an impressive 320 feet and is one of the easy hikes in Yosemite.

The best time to see Lower Yosemite Falls is during the spring. By late summer and early fall, the falls have often dried up. Visiting Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the best and easiest things to do in Yosemite with kids.

Kids can easily walk to Lower Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park

This is one of the easiest Yosemite waterfalls to hike to and is one of the best things to see in Yosemite. This is a heavily trafficked loop that is paved and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. If you are making the walk from Yosemite Village, it is 1.5 miles.

The free shuttle buses stop at the trailhead. The closest parking is at Yosemite Village, along Northside Drive, or Half Dome Village.

There are restrooms at the trailhead.

2. See the Giant Sequoias in Mariposa Grove

Sequoia Tree in Mariposa Grove

Mariposa Grove is a popular destination in Yosemite National Park. The grove is home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the famous Grizzly Giant. It is located at the south end of Yosemite National Park and is home to more than 500 giant sequoias.

There is a free shuttle that will take you from the Grove Welcome Plaza, which is by the South Entrance to Mariposa Grove. The parking there typically will fill up by mid-morning, so it is better to get there early.

If you are driving your own car, the road is open from about April to November, and it is only open to those who have a disability card displayed on their car. When the shuttle is not working, you can hike there, but it is a 4-mile round trip.

If you’re interested in more information, check out the NPS website.

3. Taft Point Hike

Older kids will enjoy hiking the Taft Point Hike in Yosemite
  • Length: 2.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 374 feet
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

This easy Yosemite hike will take you about 1-2 hours. The trail to Taft Point is through the woods, with nothing that spectacular to see along the way but the view from Taft Point is amazing. You will see the North Valley Wall, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls.

There are not any guard rails at Taft Point, so be very careful, especially if you are traveling with little ones. If you are looking to avoid the crowds at Glacier Point, then taking the walk to Taft Point is one of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids.

At the trailhead, there are outhouses.

4. Grab a Treat at Half Dome Village (Curry Village)

If you're visiting Yosemite with kids, grab ice cream at Half Dome Village

Half Dome Village, AKA Curry Village, is a fun spot to visit when you need a break from hiking and exploring. If you’re looking to stay in the park, there are cabins, tent cabins, and regular rooms available. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and lots of dining options.

We went to Curry Village for an ice cream treat after exploring Lower Yosemite Falls and Cook’s Meadow.

5. Sentinel Dome

Sentinel dome is a great hiking trail in Yosemite with kids
  • Length: 2.1 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 456 feet
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

Sentinel Dome is a hike that also starts at the Taft Point trailhead. Hiking Sentinel Dome is an easy and family-friendly way to take in miles and miles of beautiful views. Along this trail, you can also see the fallen Jeffrey Pine, formerly one of the most famous trees in the world.

This trail is very easy until you reach the final ascent up Sentinel Dome. The last part is short but steep. At the top, you will be treated to views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest.

6. Become a Junior Ranger

Our kids love doing the Junior Ranger Programs. They love to learn about the different animals and find the activities in the Junior Ranger booklets very entertaining. The badges are fun to collect as well.

You can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at any visitor center in Yosemite National Park. Once the kids have completed the activities in the booklet, they take it back to a ranger to get sworn in and receive their badge. It’s a great way to teach kids about nature and our national parks.

7. Visit Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls is a great waterfall to visit in Yosemite with kids
  • Length: 0.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 80 feet
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

Bridalveil Falls is 620 feet tall and is one of the easy Yosemite waterfalls to see. There is a paved path from the parking area that will take you to the base of the falls, and it is one of the best things to do in Yosemite with kids.

Family in front of Bridalveil Falls

There is a steep grade on the trail so keep that in mind if you’re taking a stroller. The waterfall flows year-round but has the heaviest flow in the spring and early summer.

You can climb along some boulders at the bottom of Bridalveil Falls but be careful. They are wet and can be slippery even when they are dry.

8. Tunnel View

Tunnel View is a great stop in Yosemite with kids

Tunnel View is a must-see if you’re wondering what to do in Yosemite. This is one of our favorite views in the national park and really easy to get to. Just outside the Wawona Tunnel, you will find incredible views.

You can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. There is only a short walk from the parking lot to the vista.

9. Olmsted Point 

View from Olmsted Point

Olmsted Point is a beautiful viewpoint off Tioga Road. Tenaya Lake, with its surrounding granite domes, is off to the east, with Clouds Rest and Half Dome to the west. From the parking lot, there is about a 0.25-mile walk to the viewpoint.

You get to walk around the boulders that were left when the last glacier came through.

10. Mist Trail (Vernal and Nevada Falls)

Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park
  • Length: 1.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 400 feet
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Mist Trail has two popular waterfalls that can be seen from it. These falls are Vernal and Nevada Falls. You can also take the John Muir Trail, which splits off from the Mist Trail after about a mile and a half. The trails run parallel to each other, so the views are similar.

If you want to hike to the top of Vernal Falls, the hike is 2.4 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain, making the trip about twice as long, and it starts to get a bit more difficult. This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Yosemite with kids.

To the top of Nevada Falls from the Mist Trail, the hike is 5.4 miles round trip and 2000 feet of elevation gain. This would typically take about 6 hours and is a difficult trail because of the elevation gain and the length.

11. Play in the Merced River at Sentinel Beach

When visiting Yosemite with kids, the Merced River is fun stop

Sentinel Beach is a beautiful spot along the Merced River where you can relax, swim, and play in the water. The beach is situated at the base of Sentinel Rock, a popular spot for rock climbing. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the river and Sentinel Rock.

The beach is next to Swinging Bridge and is open year-round, but you will probably want to visit in the summer. That is the best time.

12. El Capitan Meadow

El Capitan Meadow in Yosemite National Park

El Capitan Meadow sits at the base of El Capitan, a 3,000′-granite wall that towers over the western portions of Yosemite Valley. It is a great place to marvel at the beauty of El Capitan and is one of the most famous things to see in Yosemite.

El Capitan is a very famous rock-climbing spot and is a great spot to watch the climbers prepare for their climb as well as watching them climb up El Capitan. It is also the site of the documentary Free Solo.

While we were in El Capitan Meadow, there was a group of volunteers with spotting scopes on the climbers, and they provided a lot of knowledgeable information about the sport of rock climbing. It is a great place to enjoy a picnic, enjoy the beauty of Yosemite National Park and let the kids explore.

13. Happy Isles Nature Center

Happy Isles Nature Center is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley and is a great place to learn about the plants, animals, and geology of Yosemite National Park. The center has interactive exhibits as well as ranger-led programs.

Our kids love visiting the different nature centers and playing with the hands-on exhibits. They also have some fun workshops.

The nature center is also the trailhead for several hikes, including Mirror Lake Trail, Vernal Fall Footbridge, and the John Muir Trail. The center is open all year round, but the hours vary seasonally.

14. Glacier Point

Glacier Point in Yosemite

Glacier Point is one of our favorite views of Yosemite National Park. If you are researching what to do in Yosemite, please be sure to include Glacier Point in your list. Glacier Point is open to cars from late May through October or November, depending on the weather. If you are interested in hiking down to Yosemite Valley, you can buy a one-way bus ticket.

The Four Mile Trail will take you from Glacier Point to Sentinel Rock. One-way, it is 4.8 miles and if you’re hiking up, expect an elevation gain of 3,200 feet.

Family at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park

Glacier Point has an overlook with majestic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. There is a short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint. Near the vista, you will find pit toilets, a cafeteria, a gift shop, and places for eating. My kids also had a great time exploring and playing in the Geology Hut.

15. Ride Bikes in Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is a great place to ride bikes and is one of the easy things to do in Yosemite. There are 12 miles of bike paths, and the views are incredible. You can rent bikes from Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village.

Curry Village also has a bike shop if you need any repairs while you’re on your trip. We like to ride our bikes earlier in the day before it gets too hot if you are there in the middle of the summer.

16. Cook’s Meadow Loop

Cook's Meadow Loop is a great activity in Yosemite for kids
  • Length: 2.2 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 85 feet
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy

If you are wondering what to do in Yosemite, a stroll through Cook’s Meadow is a great start. It is a flat, easy hike that takes you through a beautiful meadow with views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. It is a great place to get familiar with Yosemite and its beautiful landscapes.

If you visit during the spring, there are beautiful wildflowers, and Yosemite Falls will have a lot of water flowing. If you are hiking from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead, the Cook’s Meadow Loop will pass right by it so you can easily combine the two.

It is a nice trail to take with little kids because you do not necessarily have to walk the entire loop. You can walk parts of it between attractions or just walk part of the loop. There are a few different meadows, so if you’re confused about which meadow you are in, remember that Cook’s Meadow is north of the Merced River and Sentinel Meadow is south of it.

17. Go Camping

Kids will love camping near Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National park is home to many campgrounds and RV campgrounds. If you want to camp inside the park, you will need to make a reservation 6 months or more ahead of time, as the campgrounds fill up quickly.

There are some campgrounds outside of the park if you cannot get a spot inside the park, but they require a daily drive to get in and out of the park. If you can camp inside the park, it makes things much easier. We have camped just outside Yosemite and had a lot of fun!

18. Tenaya Lake

Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park

Tenaya Lake is found on Tioga Road between Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows. It is a perfect spot to escape the Yosemite crowds and enjoy some kayaking, boating, sunbathing, and hiking. The sandy beaches at Tenaya Lake are on the west side of the lake.

If you’re looking to picnic, check out the Tenaya Lake Picnic Area. There were only a couple of other people at the lake at the same time as us, so it was nice and relaxing. Playing at the beach was one of my kids’ favorite things in Yosemite.

Tenaya Lake

If you want to head out on a hike, check out the Murphy Creek Trail to Polly Dome Lake. Murphy Creek Trail in Yosemite National Park is a moderately used trail with wildflowers and gorgeous views. Since it is out and back, you can hike for as long as you’d like if you don’t want to go the full 6.4 miles.

  • Length: 6.4 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 669 feet
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

19. Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park
  • Length: 2 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 100 feet
  • Route Type: Out and Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

To get to Mirror Lake, you will need to do some hiking. The Lake Trailhead is at Shuttle Stop #17. The trail to Mirror Lake is pretty flat and easy, with a few small rocky sections. The hike should take about 45 minutes to an hour each way. The lake is best seen in the spring, as it tends to dry up in the summer months.

It is also at times referred to as the Mirror Meadows because the lake can dry up. The lake is gradually disappearing because of all the sediment buildup. The hike is very pretty and open year-round.

20. Hike in Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne meadows

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley, we recommend driving Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows. It is one of the largest high-elevation meadows in the Sierra Nevada. The Tuolumne River flows through the meadow channel with the rugged mountain peaks in the background.

Here is how we spent our time in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park –

Visitors Center – The Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center is open from late May through early September. There are exhibits about the area’s geology and wildlife. There’s also a ranger-staffed information desk if you have any questions.

Tuolumne Meadows Grill – We stopped in at the grill for an ice cream treat before heading back to our motorhome, but they offer a variety of different dining options. They have chili dogs, burgers, and hearty breakfasts.

Soda Springs Trail –

  • Length: 1.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 52 feet
  • Route Type: Out and Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

Tioga Road, the road to get to Soda Springs Trail, is open from late May or early June and closes sometime in November. The trail starts just down from the Tuolumne Meadows Visitors Center at the Lembert Dome Parking Area. You will pass by Soda Springs bubbling out of the ground and the historic Parsons Memorial Lodge.

Here are some other day hikes in Tuolumne Meadows –

  • Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail (easy) – 8 miles
  • Elizabeth Lake (moderate) – 4.8 miles
  • Gaylor Lakes (moderate) – 2 miles
  • Cathedral Lakes (moderate) – 7 miles
  • Mono Pass (moderate) – 8 miles
  • Glen Aulin (moderate) – 11 miles
  • Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (strenuous) – 13.8 miles

21. Go Ice Skating

Ice skating

If you want to try something unique in your itinerary for things to do in Yosemite with kids, check out The Curry Village Ice Rink. It is open from the end of November through March. Rentals are available at the Curry Village Pavilion.

The rink is sometimes lit up at night with holiday lights, which makes for a festive atmosphere.

22. Swinging Bridge

Swinging Bridge in Yosemite National Park

The Swinging Bridge is located in Curry Village and spans the Merced River. It is a suspension bridge that sways when you walk across it. It is fun to walk across and take in the views of Yosemite Valley.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Yosemite With Kids

Where is Yosemite?

Yosemite National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of central California. The park spans over 748,000 acres and is home to many different ecosystems.

The park is best known for its waterfalls, but there are also sequoia groves, meadows, glaciers, and much more.

Getting to Yosemite National Park

The closest airport to Yosemite National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport. It is about an hour and a half drive from the park. There are also airports in Modesto and San Francisco, which are two and 3 hours from the park.

The best way to get to all of the fun things to do in Yosemite with kids is by car. You can look for a rental car here.

There is a park shuttle, but it only runs from late May to early September. When the park is busy, we recommend taking the shuttle. Parking can be challenging when the park is busy and the park is one-way. This means if you miss a stop or there is no parking, you have to make the loop again.

Family enjoying Yosemite with kids

Yosemite National Park Entrances

There are four entrances to Yosemite National Park-

The south entrance is located near the town of Wawona, which is about an hour and a half drive from Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

The east entrance is located near the town of Lee Vining and is about a 3-hour drive from Reno Tahoe International Airport.

The west entrance is located near the town of El Portal and is about a 3-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport.

The north entrance is located near the town of Tioga Pass and is about a 3-hour drive from Mammoth Lakes Airport.

Permits and Cost for Entering the Park

It is $35 per vehicle to enter Yosemite National Park. A motorcycle is $30, and if you are on foot or bike, it is $20. If you have a van that will hold more than 15 people, the cost is $20 per person but free for anyone under 15 years old. You can also purchase an annual pass for $70.

El Capitan in Yosemite National Park

If you are planning on doing any activities that require a permit, such as back-country backpacking or rock climbing, you will need to obtain a permit in advance.

For more information on fees, passes and reservations, check out the NPS website here.

Getting Around Yosemite National Park

You can get around the park by taking a car, shuttle, hiking, or biking. During the busy season, the shuttle is the best way to get around. There are some areas the shuttle does not go, and you will want to take a car for those areas.

Where to Stay in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

The Yosemite Valley Lodge is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley and is close to many of the popular sights in the park. There are standard rooms and suites available. The lodge has a pool, restaurants, and a gift shop.

It is very close to Yosemite falls, making it one of the best locations for a place to stay. You will enjoy the seasonal onsite bike rentals and the ease of access to the shuttle. If you are a solo traveler or coming with your family, the Yosemite Valley Lodge is a place you should look at.

The lodge does not allow pets at this time. This area is where your cell phone will work best.

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Room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge
Outside the Yosemite Valley Lodge

⭐ Yosemite Valley Lodge Reviews (4.2 out of 5 Stars)

Great place to stay with family. Family-friendly. Can’t beat the views all around. – Oscar (Expedia Review)

Staff are friendly and very quick to answer questions. Very accommodating with our request. – Emie (Expedia Review)

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Getting to Yosemite Valley Lodge

📍 Yosemite Valley Lodge Address: 9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA, 93727 | Google Maps | Book Yosemite Valley Lodge Now

Timberlodge Cabin

Timberlodge Cabin

The Timberlodge Cabin is a great place to stay for those who want to be close to nature. The cabins are located in the woods, and each has a patio. Some of the cabins have kitchens and have a feel similar to a short-term rental.

The cabin complex has a pool, restaurant, and gift shop. The decor is a little outdated, but they have good reviews and a lot of people like these.

You will want to rent a car to stay here as it is not super close to the main sights in Yosemite. It is a great place to stay if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley.

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Ahwahnee Hotel

Ahwahnee Hotel is a kid-friendly hotel in Yosemite

The Ahwahnee Hotel is one of the most iconic hotels in Yosemite National Park. The hotel has been featured in many movies and TV shows. It has a grand lobby with high ceilings and large windows. The hotel and the surrounding area are beautiful.

The rooms are luxurious, and some have amazing views of Yosemite Valley. The hotel has a few restaurants, a bar, and a gift shop. The hotel does not allow pets.

The Ahwahnee Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Yosemite, but it is worth it for the experience. This is one of the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park.

If you are looking for accommodations between Jan 2nd, 2023 and March 2nd, 2023, the hotel is closed for upgrades, and you will need to look at other accommodation options.

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Ahwahnee Hotel Room

⭐ Ahwahnee Hotel Reviews (4.3 out of 5 Stars)

Beautiful location and building! The scenery is outstanding! Great place to relax and enjoy nature at its best! – Verified Traveler (Expedia Review)

So lovely to stay in such a historic place upon going to see Firefall! 🌈 – Ava (Expedia Review)

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Getting to the Ahwahnee Hotel

📍 Ahwahnee Hotel Address: 9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA, 93727 | Google Maps | Book Ahwahnee Hotel Now

AutoCamp Yosemite

Autocamp Yosemite

AutoCamp Yosemite is a new way to camp. The AutoCamp concept started in California and has now expanded to other states. The campsites are located in the woods with different luxury tents, airstreams, cabins, or tiny house options. There are many different bed configurations.

The property and space are very beautiful and modern. The many different options, from glamping to cabins, are fantastic. They have multiple different food options available at their onsite general store.

If you are looking for something modern, hip, and accommodating, you should check out Autocamp Yosemite.

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Airstream at Autocamp Yosemite
Autocamp Yosemite

⭐ Autocamp Yosemite Reviews (4.7 Out of 5 Stars)

Our first time in an airstream – it was much more roomier inside than expected. Reception/dining building was warm and welcoming too. Enjoyed our stay. – Stephen (Expedia Review)

My friends and I really enjoyed our stay at autocamp. We stayed here while we explored Yosemite and it was not too far from the park less than an hour away. We loved all the games and making s’mores at night by the campfire. Would definitely recommend or stay at an autocamp site in the future! – Allison (Expedia Review)

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Getting to Autocamp Yosemite

📍 Autocamp Yosemite Address: 6323 CA-140, Mariposa, CA, 95345 | Google Maps | Book Autocamp Yosemite

Evergreen Lodge

Evergreen Lodge near Yosemite

Evergreen Lodge is a historic lodge that has been around since the early 1900s. The lodge is located in the woods near Yosemite Valley. The lodge offers cabins, suites, and rooms.

There are many activities to do at Evergreen Lodge, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and more. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, and general store.

The space and cabins are very cute with a nice backcountry feel but with all the amenities to make your stay comfortable. They have outdoor games like ping pong. The Evergreen Lodges are highly rated. Don’t forget to check out some of the guided tours they offer. They are helpful and informative.

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Room at the Evergreen Lodge
Swimming pool at the Evergreen Lodge

⭐ Evergreen Lodge Reviews (4.6 Out of 5 Stars)

The Evergreen Lodge is a great place to stay for touring Yosemite. Service, lodging and food was top notch! – Raymond (Expedia Review)

Excellent place. We had a very pleasant stay. Bed was super comfortable and the cabin was in excellent condition. I loved the hot pool. – Luis (Expedia Review)

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Getting to Evergreen Lodge

📍 Evergreen Lodge Address: 33160 Evergreen Rd, 30 miles east of Groveland, Groveland, CA, 95321 | Google Maps | Book Evergreen Lodge Now

FAQ: Things to do in Yosemite with Kids

Tenaya is a great place to visit in Yosemite with kids

Can kids do the mist trail?

Yes, kids can do the mist trail, but they need to be supervised. The trail does get strenuous, and if you go all the way to the end and back, you will be hiking multiple miles, so you may only want to hike a portion of the trail.

Is Yosemite child friendly?

Yes, Yosemite is child friendly. There are lots of fun things to do in Yosemite with kids, such as hiking, swimming, camping, and the ranger-led programs. Check out our complete list of kid-friendly activities for Yosemite above.

Can kids hike Yosemite Falls?

Yes, kids can hike to Yosemite Falls. The hike is moderate but doable for most kids who are used to hiking. If your child is not used to hiking, you may want to consider only going part of the way up the falls or choosing an easier hike.

The hike is 2 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain, which is a good amount of elevation in a short distance but doable. It will typically take around 2 or 3 hours to complete.

Walking on the paths in Yosemite with kids

When is the best time to visit Yosemite?

Yosemite’s peak season is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you visit outside of the popular summer months, you’ll avoid some of the crowds but still expect there to be some people there. Yosemite is popular because it is a great place to visit.

The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible and the summer crowds aren’t as prevalent.

In the winter, a lot of the Yosemite roads are closed because of snow. If you’re willing to brave the weather and don’t mind the closures, the accessible parts of the park are some of the prettiest places to visit in California during the snowy season.

Yosemite is very popular and is extremely busy during the summer months. Book tours and lodging as early as you can.

Waterfalls flow year-round in Yosemite but are at their peak in the spring. If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Yosemite Firefall, you will want to visit in late February. The Firefall occurs at sunset in mid- to late February.

What to bring to Yosemite with Kids

Below are a few things you may want to bring on your trip to Yosemite National Park. Being prepared makes your adventures stress-free and more enjoyable. We hope you have a great time.

Camelbak

We recently bought Camelbaks for our kids, and they love using them. Our seven-year-olds carry their backpacks really well and enjoy having their own water while we are hiking.

SHOP Camelbaks

Backpack cooler

Our backpack cooler has been one of our most used items. It fits almost anywhere and is very easy to carry if you want to take it with you on easier hikes. We also love taking lunch in it during our day trips around the national parks.

SHOP Yeti Backpack Coolers

You may also want to bring some small activities for kids if you are going to be driving, especially if you are staying outside of the park. It is not uncommon to have to stay about an hour outside of the park. You can read about our favorite kids car toys here.

Conclusion: Things to Do in Yosemite with Kids 

Yosemite with little kids is a great family vacation. There are many different activities to keep everyone entertained. There are many hikes that are easy enough for kids to do, along with some great ranger let programs.We’re so glad we were able to visit during our west coast road trip.

We hope you don’t shy away from Yosemite because you have kids. Explore with your kids and enjoy all of the fun things to do in Yosemite with kids. They will love it. As they get older, you can do the more difficult hikes, and they will be excited to explore.

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