Taking on a National Park with kids can be daunting but also worth it. We recently did a two-day trip to Yosemite and found some good spots for kids! First off, we stayed at Yosemite View Lodge. We loved this spot because it was only 5 minutes from the entrance. We were grateful how easy it was to get into the park. We stayed in a mountain view room with two queen beds, but they do offer family suites if you need a two-bedroom place. They have multiple pools, a restaurant, and a pizza parlor. It’s a perfect place for a family!

Now for the park itself! These are all suggestions for visiting in the summer. We went at the beginning of July. Here are some of our favorite spots for kids:

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

We stopped here to cool off in the water. They have bathrooms but no water so make sure to bring some. We set up under some shade and played in the shallow water! We liked this spot because we could play in the water under the shade of the bridge. It was nice to get out of the sun for a bit.

Sentinel Park Picnic Area

Another great swimming spot! This sandy beach and river had beautiful views of the stunning mountains. Lots of sand and shade when we went in the afternoon. The water was nice and shallow for easy play. Very close to Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. They offer bathrooms but no water.

Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

Easy walk to a pretty waterfall. The walk has a slight incline and is about half a mile long. Have your little one wear their swimsuit to cool off in the water after! This is a stroller friendly hike as well.

Cook’s Meadow Loop Walk

This is a great walk to see the Yosemite Valley. It is a 1 mile loop on a boardwalk. Flat and stroller friendly! Pretty views all around.

Tunnel View and Glacier Point

When our littlest one needed a nap, we decided to drive to Tunnel View and Glacier Point! These are amazing lookout points. It takes about 50 minutes to get all the way to Glacier Point but is worth the trek! It was a nice break from walking and the views are unbeatable. You’ll get a great view of Half Dome. At the very top there is also a small convenient store where you can get an ice cream bar. They have bathrooms as well. Beware, the road is very windy to get there. May not be best for those who get car sick.

Museums are currently closed but their village store is open for souvenirs and food. We didn’t make it to Curry Village but we heard they had great dining options and large ice cream cones! Next time we hope to visit Mariposa Grove to see the large Sequoia trees. They will impress kids of any age! Make sure to use the pamphlet from the park rangers when you enter. This will show you any additional events or programs going on, including the Junior Ranger program! Yosemite is a great place to bring your family and offers many kid friendly hikes and activities.

XO, Amber Sharapata

Yosemite National Park with Kids

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

Sentinel Park Picnic Area

Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

Cook’s Meadow Loop Walk

Tunnel View and Glacier Point