Is a national park or national site in your travel plans? For families with kids in tow, there are a few things you can do to ensure your park visit is a success. From bringing enough food to taking advantage of kid-friendly programs and activities, here’s what you need to know before planning your trip.
Advanced planning. Check out each national park’s website before your trip to ensure you’re prepared for traveling to (and around) the park or site. Timed-entry reservations, hiking permits, and other booking requirements might be needed in advance, depending on which park you visit.
Park ranger activities. Most parks have special events and programs led by park rangers specifically for kids. These activities can be a great way for children to learn about and experience national parks. Kid-friendly park information can be found here.
Junior Ranger program. At each participating national park or site, kids can complete an age-appropriate activity book about that location. When finished, a park ranger will sign off on their work and swear them in as a Junior Ranger and they’ll receive a ranger badge for that specific park or site.
National park passport. This program is great for older children and even adults-plus, it’s free. Bring your national park passport with you to each park or site you visit and stamp your passport, just like you would when traveling around the world. This is a great way to keep track of the places you’ve visited without paying for souvenirs.
Fourth-grader national park pass. For families with fourth-grade children, you can get a 1-year, national park pass for free through the Every Kid Outdoors program. This gives families the opportunity to visit parks for free for an entire year.
Bring food. National parks and sites are typically located in areas where dining options are limited and not in the immediate vicinity of your visit. Always bring food, snacks, and water to last your family for the day.
Fill your tank. While some national parks will have gas stations located inside the parks, not all do. Be sure to fill your vehicle before entering the park to ensure you have enough gas for driving around the park.
Bathroom stops. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, use the restroom facilities when you see them. Not every hiking trail, attraction, or scenic drive will have bathrooms available, so take advantage of these stops when you can.
Be prepared to hike. Hiking is one of the best ways to see national parks, so come prepared with proper footwear, sunscreen, bug spray, extra clothing, and other gear needed for your family to hike or walk around. You should also grab a map at the park entrance for information on hiking and walking trails.
Bring your camera (or phone). One of the best ways to remember your park visit is by taking photos and videos during your trip. These images can be great (free) souvenirs to look back on for years to come.
Video credit: @GratefulGlamper
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21 июл 2024
