Six US National Parks Your Family Will Love

Covid has inspired many of us to get out there and explore. And if there are any places begging to be explored, it’s US National Parks! Make it a big road trip for your family and check out any of these parks that the whole family will love.

If you happen to have a travel trailer or an RV, many of these parks can accommodate them should you choose to stay overnight. Or, if you think your family has got what it takes to rough it, most of the National Parks listed here have options or dry camping. If glamping is not your style, most National Parks offer decent lodging nearby and you can purchase a weekly pass should you want to spend more than a day at your park of choice.

Whatever it is you decide to do, here’s my list of six US National Parks that are definitely worth a visit…

Grand Canyon National Park

Photos really can’t do this one justice, it’s simply a sight to behold. This famous landmark in Arizona encompasses 277 miles of natural wonders that are pure beauty every way you look. The park is filled with bands of colored rock and deep canyons which reveal millions of years of colorful history that have withstood the test of time.

This cherished park offers a little something for everyone, and is perfect for everything from sightseeing, camping, to exploring. The park is located in northwestern Arizona, and it’s a journey that can make for an epic vacation that your family won’t soon forget.

Yosemite National Park

This California landmark in the Sierra Nevada mountains is absolutely breathtaking. With 1,200 square miles begging to be explored, this is a must-see if you plan to travel to California. Best known for its waterfalls, Yosemite National Park also features deep valleys, granite galore, giant sequoias, and so much more.

While the family might not want to embark on a climb, many climbers are crazy about the 4,800′ climb up the park’s Half Dome. There’s premium lodging all around, or you can elect to camp on site if you want to really connect with the beauty of this national treasure.

Zion National Park – Springdale, Utah

With impressive sandstone cliffs of breathtaking reds, creams, and pinks against clear blue skies, Zion National Park is a favorite for many National Park-goers. This southwestern Utah gem is teeming with wildlife, hiking trails, and is perfect to visit any time of year thanks to the abundant sunshine.

The thousand foot deep canyon surrounded in red rocks is located in the town of Springdale, UT, not far from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. There are scenic drives and hikes all around, and don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the stunning Emerald Pools.

Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park, Colorado

I’ve been to this one myself, and it is hands-down my favorite National Park that I’ve been to yet. The drive from Boulder into Estes Park where this National Park is located will take your breath away. There is wildlife all around this park doing what they do best, so it’s important to keep this in mind and respect them in their natural habitat while at the park.

If you’d like to see the elk in their element, visit in the fall when it’s mating season. Watching them battle with their giant horns and hearing their bellowing mating calls makes you feel as if your watching National Geographic up close and personal!

Make the journey up to Crystal Lake in the park, and you won’t be disappointed. The lake is typically frozen during the colder months, and it looks like something straight out of the Frozen movies! And the dining and lodging in Estes Park is superb, too. If you’re a fan of film, check out the famous Overlook Hotel which was used during the filming of 1997’s The Shining miniseries, as well as the fictional Hotel Danbury from 1994’s Dumb & Dumber.

Acadia National Park

Known as the crowned jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, this US National Park shows off Maine’s pristine and natural beauty. The park ranks as one of the most visited in the US, and gives way to 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

This park showcases a gorgeous rocky coastline and stunning forests. Fall is a popular time to visit the park, with seasonal foliage that’s sure to please. The winter is another time that travelers like to visit for a chance to see blankets of snow all around. But no matter what season you plan to visit, the scenic drives are quite enjoyable.

Yellowstone National Park

This US National Park was made famous long before the hit show on Paramount Network debuted. Quite possibly the park’s most famous landmark, Old Faithful, is a geyser that offers exciting spews at an almost predictable rate. But that’s only one of 500 geysers that you can find at this national park.

Large and lush trees and sprawling landscapes all around are home to the park’s flourishing wildlife. Bison, wolves, black and grizzly bears call this park home and are often seen. This park is definitely a bucket list adventure your family will love, and the five entrance points at the park make this destination a bit easier to access. The park encompasses 2.2 million acres—making it bigger than the state of Rhode Island! The vast majority of the park is in Wyoming, but also overflows into Idaho and Montana, too.

Need some tips on how to have a stress-free and prepared road trip with your kids? Read our top tips here on LifeAsMama.com.

If you’re planning on taking a trip to any of these US National Parks listed above, be sure to check out My Bucket Journals first. Their expertly crafted journals transform your travel dreams into reality, and they’re a great way to get the most out of your park experience.