Yosemite has always been one of those bucket-list places for us — the waterfalls, the cliffs, the giant sequoias. But we hesitated for years because we thought it was a place best saved for when the kids were older. Spoiler: it’s absolutely do-able (and magical) with little ones too. Whether you’ve got toddlers who prefer splashing in rivers, preschoolers who love scrambling over rocks, or bigger kids keen to try their first ‘real’ hike, Yosemite is packed with family-friendly adventures. Here you’ll find our complete family guide — where to stay, the best kid-friendly hikes, and fun things to do that make Yosemite unforgettable for all ages.
Yosemite is magical for kids — granite cliffs towering overhead, meadows perfect for running, waterfalls ringing in your ears — but the right place to sleep can make or break your trip. Stay too far, and you’re driving after bedtime. Stay in the heart, and you might pay a premium or deal with busy lodges. Below is what we’ll call your family survival guide: the best spots in and around Yosemite, and how to pick what fits your family rhythm.
There are a few places that seem to appear on everyone's bucket list - Yosemite has always been one of ours. Those postcard-perfect granite cliffs, the waterfalls, the promise of amazing wildlife and epic hikes - it just sounded like the kind of adventure we wanted our boys to grow up remembering.
Yosemite has a reputation for epic hikes and towering cliffs — but honestly? You don’t need to sign up for Everest with kids in tow to have your mind blown. There are so many trails here that are short, beautiful, and totally do-able with little legs (or strollers, little hikers, and snack bribes). Here are hikes we loved, tips to make them smoother, and how to pick ones that suit your crew.
Yosemite is one of those places that just wows you instantly. Granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, giant trees — it feels like nature is showing off. But when you’ve got small kids in tow, the question is: what can you actually do without needing a sherpa, a four-hour hike, and a month’s supply of trail mix?
