With 6 kids, our family could easily spend over $150 a meal which is why most of our meals in Yellowstone national park take place at one of the many picnic sites. Even if it didn’t save money, these stops are better than eating in a restaurant anway. We have tried almost all of the 50 picnic sites and have narrowed it down to our 5 favorite. We like picnic sites where we can have some space from other groups, potentially see wildlife, and have an activity nearby. Each of these favorites are located in different sections of the park giving you more options.
- Mammoth Hots Springs Picnic Area – Elk, Lawn and Mammoth Views
Whether the elk rut in September or a cool morning in May, we almost always spend a meal here. We have had meals interrupted by a six point bull elk chasing cow elk and we have followed up our sandwich lunch by playing a game of football on the grass.
Why we like it: Large lawn for playing, we always see elk, stroller friendly sidewalks to mammoth geysers. Tons of parking.
Facilities: Tables, vault toilets, water fountains, gas station across the street
Views: Historic Fort Yellowstone buildings, Mammoth Hot Springs terraces
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
Wildlife Watch: Common elk sightings.
Family-Friendly Features:
- Paved pathways suitable for strollers
- Plenty of shade from mature trees
- Close proximity to Visitor Center
- Easy access to restrooms
Insider Tip: Visit in early morning to watch steam rise from the terraces while enjoying breakfast or visit in September and enjoy the elk right from your picnic table.
#2 Yellowstone River Picnic Area. Closest Family Picnic Site to Lamar Valley
We write often about how our family loves the Lamar Valley which is why Yellowstone River Picnic area is one of our favorites in all of Yellowstone. This is the closest picnic area to where we almost always spots bears, wolves, buffalo, elk and moose. We try and time our meals here around the best wildlife viewing times. This past trip it took all we could to get the kids to leave because they loved playing here so much. There is a super short and easy hike to view the Yellowstone River. Large boulders are through the valley that the kids loves and of course we brought our hammock. Mid meal we even had a fox walk through and a black bear crossed the road as we were getting up to head out.
Best For: Closest to Lamar Valley, dramatic canyon views, boulders for kids to play on
Facilities: Tables, vault toilets
Views: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, river views
Best Time to Visit: Time this around when you will be spotting animals in the Lamar Valley
Wildlife Watch: Bighorn sheep occasionally visible on cliffs, fox, an occasional black bear
Family-Friendly Features:
- Short walking trail to viewpoints
- Boulders for kids to climb on
- Well-maintained facilities
- Multiple table options
- Large pine trees for hammocks
Tip: This is a one of the smaller and busier sites but just pull in and wait politely for the next table to open up. This is worth waiting a few minutes for.
# 3 Madison River Picnic Area
Location: Along Madison River
Insider Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching; this area is excellent for spotting waterfowl
Best For: Peaceful riverside dining
Facilities: Tables, vault toilets
Views: Madison River, surrounding mountains
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning to early afternoon
Wildlife Watch: Bison often graze nearby, excellent bird watching
Family-Friendly Features:
Gentle river access points
Open space for kids to play
Usually less crowded than other areas
Natural sound of flowing water
#4 East Lot Old Faithful Picnic Site
The East Lot Old Faithful Picnic Site is the best picnic site near old faithful but it’s often very busy, so you might not get a table right away. When tables are full, we’ve found ourselves using a log as a makeshift picnic bench, which actually adds to the adventure! This spot is ideal because Old Faithful’s eruption times vary, so we aim to arrive 10 minutes before the earliest predicted time. While waiting, the kids often get a little impatient, joking that Old Faithful isn’t quite so “faithful” after all. When the geyser is about to blow, expect a quick interruption to your lunch, as everyone scrambles 50 yards out for the best view.
Best For: Close proximity to Old Faithful, prime view of geyser eruptions, perfect starting point for our favorite family bike ride in Yellowstone
Facilities: Vault toilets, water refill station nearby
Views: Lodgepole pines, thermal features, Old Faithful itself, and the best people-watching in the park
Best Time to Visit: Arrive 10 minutes before the earliest projected eruption time for Old Faithful
Wildlife Watch: Occasional sightings of ground squirrels, chipmunks, and bison
Family-Friendly Features:
- Informal seating options like logs when tables are occupied
- Short trails nearby for kids to explore
- Restroom facilities a quick walk away
- Perfect launch point for family-friendly bike rides
Tip: If tables are full, enjoy the novelty of a log seat. Keep kids entertained with predictions on the geyser’s timing—it’s part of the fun! Plus, the people-watching here is unbeatable.
