Planning a day in Yellowstone National Park with kids? We’ve been there—literally. With six kids ranging from ages 1 to 10, we’ve done Yellowstone with babies, toddlers, and now older kids. Over the years, we’ve figured out what works and crafted the ultimate one-day itinerary to make the most of your time in this incredible park. This plan is action-packed, but we’ve kept it kid-friendly, so you’ll leave with amazing memories (and hopefully not too many meltdowns).
If you’re coming through Yellowstone’s South Entrance, it’s because we think you should absolutely pair your Yellowstone trip with at least one day in Grand Teton National Park—trust us, you’ll thank us later. Stay as close to the South Entrance as possible the night before. We’ve stayed at Flag Ranch and Coulter Bay, both of which are great options to get you started bright and early.
1. Hayden Valley: Start Your Day With Wildlife Spotting
This is where the magic happens. Yellowstone is all about the wildlife, and Hayden Valley is one of the best places to see it. Plan to leave early—like 45 minutes before sunrise. You’ll drive in the dark for a bit, but it’s worth it to catch the first light in the valley. This is prime time to spot grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bison, and more.
Here’s how we do it: Drive straight through to Hayden Valley without stopping (even if you see elk or bison along the way). Look for a cluster of parked cars—that usually means there’s wildlife nearby. Pull over, grab your binoculars, and settle in for some quality animal watching.
We’ve had some unforgettable experiences here. Once, we saw a grizzly bear chasing a herd of elk for nearly 45 minutes, trying to separate one from the group. On another visit, we spotted a lone black wolf crossing the valley, swimming through the river, and walking right by the road—75 yards from our car! The kids still talk about it.
Pro Tip:
Pack breakfast to enjoy in the valley. We’ve cooked bacon, eggs, and pancakes in our motorhome while watching bison roam. If that’s too much work, yogurt parfaits or cereal and milk are easy and kid-approved.
Time to Spend: 1.5 to 2 hours
2. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: Artist Point and Lower Falls
After Hayden Valley, head to Artist Point. This is hands-down one of the most beautiful views in Yellowstone. The colors of the canyon and the waterfall are unreal—it looks like a painting. This is the spot for your family photo, so make sure everyone gets in.
The kids love this stop because there’s space to run around and explore, but we always keep an eye on them. There are steep cliffs, and while it’s fenced, kids are unpredictable climbers.
Next, drive a few minutes to the Lower Falls Trailhead for a short but steep hike down to the brink of the falls. It’s switchbacks all the way, but the view is worth it. We’ve done this hike with a newborn, toddlers, and even pregnant—so you can totally do it. The sound and power of the falls are incredible, and the mist is a bonus thrill for the kids.
3. Junior Ranger Program at Canyon Village
Your next stop is Canyon Village, where you can grab the kids’ Junior Ranger Program booklets. These are a lifesaver for long drives and keep the kids engaged throughout the day. The booklets are tailored to different ages, with activities like spotting wildlife and learning about Yellowstone’s geysers and plants.
We love how the program makes the park more interactive for the kids. At the end of the day, you can turn in the completed booklets at Old Faithful for a wooden badge—a keepsake they’ll treasure.
Pro Tip: If you spot any animals in Hayden Valley, mark them in the booklet right away. It’s fun for the kids to track their progress as you go.
4. Norris Geyser Basin: Home of the Tallest Active Geyser in the World
From Canyon Village, take Norris Canyon Road to Norris Geyser Basin. This stop is all about the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone.
The star here is Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world. It can erupt over 300 feet into the air, but it’s unpredictable—sometimes it goes off after days, and sometimes it’s years in between. You might get lucky and catch it, but if not, walk over to Constant Geyser, which erupts regularly and is still exciting to watch.
Our kids love walking the boardwalks here, watching the bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. It’s a great place to let them lead the way and feel like explorers.
5. Picnic Along the Firehole River
By now, everyone’s ready for lunch. Head south to the Firehole River Picnic Area or Nez Perce Picnic Area. Both are right along the river and make for a beautiful, relaxing stop.
Our kids love these spots because they can wade in the warm, clear water (thanks to geothermal springs upstream). We’ve caught fish here, skipped rocks, and even hung up a hammock while the kids played in the grassy meadows.
Chicken salad sandwiches are our go-to picnic meal in Yellowstone—easy to pack, full of protein, and a crowd-pleaser.
Why It’s Great: The combination of water, grass, and a break from driving makes this a kid favorite.
6. Grand Prismatic Spring: A Rainbow in the Earth
Next, head to Grand Prismatic Spring, one of Yellowstone’s most famous spots. The colors are stunning, but timing is everything—visit in the late afternoon for the best chance to see the vivid hues without too much mist.
For the iconic view, hike the short trail to the overlook (about 0.6 miles). It’s an easy walk but worth every step for that postcard-perfect photo. If your kids are done with hiking, the boardwalk offers an up-close view, though it can get crowded.
7. Old Faithful and Mountain Berry Ice Cream
End your day at Old Faithful, Yellowstone’s most famous geyser. Check the eruption schedule as you approach, and if you have time before it goes off, grab some ice cream at the Bear Paw Deli. The Mountain Berry flavor is a must-try and a sweet way to celebrate the day.
Our favorite activity here is the flat, paved trail to Morning Glory Pool. It’s about 2.8 miles round trip, and you can bike, walk, or push a stroller. Along the way, you’ll see smaller geysers and maybe even a bison or two on the path. The Morning Glory Pool’s vivid colors are a perfect grand finale to your day.
Before you leave, make sure to turn in those Junior Ranger booklets. The rangers do a great job swearing the kids in and handing them their wooden badges—it’s such a fun tradition.
8. Dusk Wildlife Spotting and Drive Back
As you drive back toward the South Entrance, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. This is prime animal-spotting time, and the kids will love playing “spot the animal” as the sun sets.
Pro Tip: Make one last stop at Lewis Falls for a peaceful, scenic break before heading out of the park.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary is packed, but it’s how we’ve made the most of Yellowstone with six kids in tow. If you’re staying longer, check out our Three-Day Yellowstone Itinerary for even more family-friendly adventures, including Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley.
Enjoy your perfect day in Yellowstone National Park!
