Fun For Kids
Yosemite kids’ fun never stops in Yosemite National Park, where families go to swim the park’s lakes, raft, bike and hike, spectacular scenery adding a special thrill to the adventure.
Find it here:
- Families love exploring Yosemite, with its wealth of activities for kids
- Bike easy trails around Yosemite Valley
- Raft the Merced River
- Walk among the Giant Sequoias in any of the three groves
- Hike across the O'Shaughnessy Dam
- The Yosemite Indian Village shows how the Paiute and Miwok Indians lived
Things to do in Yosemite for kids are abundant, and kids as well as adults need active vacations! At Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, there is a lot more to a vacation than just admiring the scenery. You will find numerous activities for the whole family, especially in the warm summer months.
Kid Friendly Activities
Biking
Yosemite kids’ activities certainly should include biking on any of the 12 miles of easy trails. They take you to some very beautiful spots within the park, mainly around Yosemite Valley.
Fishing
Throw a line in any of Yosemite’s lakes, streams or rivers to pull out some healthy trout. Try the Merced River, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir or Frog Creek.
Hiking
There are miles and miles of hiking trails within Yosemite, many of a good length for kids. It’s great for the little ones to get out in the backcountry and experience nature up close. Trails of less than a mile take you to incredible waterfalls and other beautiful sights.
Horseback Riding
There are three riding stables within the park where you can get some guided horseback rides. These are in Yosemite Valley, in Wawona and at Tuolumne Meadows.
Rafting
The Merced River is ideal for rafting, either a calm float or some whitewater to lend some excitement to the trip. The best place is between the Stoneman Bridge close to Curry Village and the Sentinel Beach area.
Scenic Flights
A unique way to see the park is to take a scenic flight over the gorgeous mountains. Aerial tours are very popular with families visiting Yosemite.
Swimming
Most of Yosemite’s lakes are open to swimmers. Kids love to swim in mountain lakes, but just be aware: the water is cold!
Park Programs
Visiting Yosemite with kids means you should look into the on-going park programs. Junior Ranger Programs are a popular activity with those kids ages 7 to 13. Participants earn a Junior Ranger badge, which they’ll treasure for years to come. There are also ranger-led walks, ranger talks and many evening programs.
Fun Attractions for the Family
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is a popular destination within the park, as not only are there incredible views of all the park’s wonders, but it’s a bustling hub of activity. Hiking the trails, stopping to tour the visitor center and visiting the Nature Center all provide a lot of interesting things to do and see.
Glacier Point
This viewpoint above Yosemite Valley offers incredible views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and other points of interest in the Sierra Nevada landscape. There are also a number of hiking trails and meadows along the road on your way to the overlook.
Sequoia Groves
Yosemite kids’ travel adventures wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the park’s amazing Giant Sequoia groves. Be sure to see the largest grove, Mariposa Grove only two miles from the park’s south entrance. The other two, the Tuolumne and Merced Groves, are closer to the Valley, near Crane Flat. Nothing can compare to walking among these massive Giant Sequoia trees.
Valley Visitor Center
This visitor center in Yosemite Village offers exhibits, maps, books and audiovisual programs that give the visitor a great introduction to the splendor that is Yosemite.
Nature Center
The Nature Center at Happy Isles lets you and the kids explore a few short trails, each one devoted to a different ecological landscape. There are a number of interactive displays that fascinate those of all ages. Admission is free!
Wawona Tunnel
Stopping on the east side of this tunnel into the valley provides panoramic views of Yosemite’s best attractions. It’s a popular stop for photographs of the kids with Yosemite Valley as a backdrop.
O'Shaughnessy Dam
This huge dam allowed Hetch Hetchy Valley to fill with what is now the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. You can hike over the dam and enjoy a bit of history as you read the interpretive signs along the way.
Sentinel Beach
This lovely beach on the Merced River offers a place to relax, enjoy the sun and take a dip in the water. Right next to the beach is the Swinging Bridge with views of El Capitan, the Three Brothers and Columbia Rock.
Indian Village
Kids love the Yosemite Museum and Indian Village. It’s the perfect family destination in Yosemite Valley, where everyone will enjoy learning of the native Paiute and Miwok Indians who lived in the Valley.
Pioneer History Center
Besides enjoying the wagon rides, the kids love to see the historic structures on display, including a covered bridge, John Muir’s cabin and more.
