After visiting Yellowstone over a dozen times, Old Faithful is kind of a conflicted attraction for us. We still go see it erupt every single trip—and so should you! It is awesome but it is also the most busy location in the park. As much as we as parents sometimes roll our eyes at Old Faithful, our kids love it! This is probably the easiest and best things to do with kids in Yellowstone. Sometimes on family trips there are disappointments, but the classic Old Faithful comes through every time for our kids. And sometimes it teaches them patience.
1. Time It Right (Your Sanity Depends on It!)
It always eventually erupts, but the times can vary between 35 to 120 minutes. This means you could be sitting with kids waiting and waiting and waiting. Just look at our pictures and you will see we have had some impatient kids! Here’s our tried-and-true strategy: right as you park, go straight to the Old Faithful Visitor Center where you can read when the next projected eruption time will be. From there, you can decide whether you have time to check out the visitor center, grab ice cream, or go for a hike.
2. Make Waiting Fun with Food
Nothing shortens the wait time like eating lunch or enjoying ice cream. Our favorite is the mountain berry ice cream that you can buy at the Bear Paw Deli near the visitor center. This has become one of our families’ best picnic sites in Yellowstone. The combination of tasty treats and nature’s spectacle keeps everyone happy, and the viewing area has plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy their snacks while waiting for the show.
3. Master the Bathroom Logistics
We’ve made this mistake a few times now—you don’t want to have to run a kid to the bathroom right as the geyser is going off! The bathrooms are conveniently located at the visitor center and viewing area. Make it your first stop before settling in for the wait. Trust us, this simple tip will save you from missing the main event!
4. Turn It Into an Adventure: The Morning Glory Pool Hike
This is the ultimate accessible trail in Yellowstone! Start by watching Old Faithful erupt (our kids love doing the countdown), then head out on this fascinating boardwalk journey. In 2023, we had to wait 20 minutes for buffalo to clear the path—but hey, that’s Yellowstone for you! The trail offers:
- Stroller and wheelchair accessibility
- Multiple bathroom stops
- Flexible turning-back points
- Amazing geothermal features
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
5. Make Counting Down a Game
My favorite part of experiencing Old Faithful with kids is counting down with them and trying to guess when the geyser is going to blow. Sometimes even crowds around us will join in, and it always gives us and the kids a good laugh. We usually end up going 10 down to 1 five or six times before it eventually goes off. We cheer and laugh and make it fun as we watch this impressive geyser.
Pro Tips for Your Visit:
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds
- Bring portable chairs or blankets for comfortable seating
- Pack water bottles and snacks
- Download the Yellowstone app for up-to-date eruption predictions
- Keep your camera ready—not just for the geyser, but for those priceless family reactions!
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Faithful with Kids
How long does Old Faithful actually erupt?
The eruption typically lasts 1.5 to 5 minutes. The height ranges from 106-180 feet, which makes for a fun guessing game with kids! Our family likes to have everyone predict how high they think it will go.
What’s the best viewing spot with kids?
While the benches right in front are popular, we prefer sitting slightly to the left side. This spot gives you a great view while being closer to the Old Faithful Inn if you need a quick bathroom break. Plus, there’s usually more space for kids to wiggle around without bothering other visitors.
Is the Old Faithful area stroller-friendly?
Absolutely! The entire Geyser Hill Boardwalk area is well-maintained and perfect for strollers. We’ve pushed everything from lightweight travel strollers to hefty double strollers around the geothermal features without any issues.
What should we pack for watching Old Faithful with kids?
Based on our dozen+ visits, bring:
- Water bottles (you can refill them at the visitor center)
- Snacks (essential for unexpected waiting times)
- Sun protection (there’s limited shade in the viewing area)
- Light jackets (even summer mornings can be chilly)
- A small blanket to sit on
Are there educational activities for kids while we wait?
Yes! The Old Faithful Visitor Center offers excellent kid-friendly exhibits about Yellowstone’s geothermal features. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet—our kids love completing the activities about geysers and hot springs. Rangers often give presentations before eruptions too.
How safe is the Old Faithful area for young children?
While the area is well-developed for visitors, always hold young children’s hands on the boardwalks. The geothermal areas are beautiful but dangerous. We teach our kids about Yellowstone geothermal safety using the “stay, stay away” rule—stay on boardwalks and stay away from thermal features.
What’s the best time of day to visit with kids?
Early morning (before 10 AM) is our favorite time. The parking lots aren’t full yet, the light is beautiful for photos, and wildlife is often more active. Plus, kids tend to have more energy and patience earlier in the day.
Can we eat near Old Faithful?
Yes! Besides our favorite Bear Paw Deli, you’ll find several family-friendly dining options:
- Old Faithful Inn Dining Room (historic atmosphere)
- Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria (quick options)
- Several picnic areas nearby (our preferred choice)
What if we’re visiting with toddlers?
Toddlers can actually make great Old Faithful visitors! We recommend:
- Using the stroller-friendly paths
- Visiting during naptime (the wait can be perfect for a quick snooze)
- Bringing quiet activities for the wait
- Using the indoor viewing area at the visitor center if weather is challenging
Are there other must-see features near Old Faithful
While waiting for the next eruption, explore:
- Morning Glory Pool (our kids’ favorite for its colors)
- Geyser Hill Boardwalk (lots of smaller geysers and springs)
- Old Faithful Inn lobby (great for a history lesson)
- Biscuit Basin trail (if you have extra time)
What about wildlife viewing around Old Faithful?
While the area is more known for geothermal features, we often see:
- Bison (sometimes right on the boardwalks!)
- Ground squirrels (kids love these)
- Birds near the thermal features
- Elk (especially early morning or evening)
Remember that Yellowstone is wild—always maintain safe distances from wildlife and keep your kids close.
Remember, every family’s Old Faithful experience is unique, but with these tips and answers, you’re well-prepared for an amazing Yellowstone family adventure. The key is to embrace the wait as part of the experience and turn it into an opportunity for family fun and learning.
