Yosemite with Kids

Arrival Day – San Francisco to Yosemite Valley and Lower Yosemite Falls

After a few days in San Francisco, we packed up the car and set off for Yosemite National Park. The drive takes around four to five hours depending on traffic and stops, but the moment you start winding through the forest and catch those first glimpses of granite cliffs, it’s all worth it.

We checked into Yosemite Valley Lodge, dropped our bags, and decided to stretch our legs with a walk to Lower Yosemite Fall — the perfect introduction to the park.

The trail is short and easy (just over a mile round trip), completely stroller-friendly if you want to take one, and gives you that instant wow moment as the waterfall thunders down from above. We were incredibly lucky as the falls tend to run dry later in the summer (we were there on the 10th September) but given the recent rainfall we had water! The boys were instantly hooked with the eldest shouting “look, a rainbow!” as the mist caught the evening light.

It was the perfect way to shake off the car journey and start our Yosemite adventure — a little reminder of just how wild and magical this place is, even right in the heart of the valley.

Family Travel Tip: Arrive in the afternoon for the best lighting on the falls and fewer crowds — the walk is short enough to fit in even on arrival day, giving kids a gentle start to Yosemite’s wonders.

Day 1: Yosemite Valley Floor – Walking, Biking, and Wildlife

We kicked off our first full day with a proper valley adventure — part stroll, part wildlife safari, part “how far can we go before someone needs another snack?”

Morning: Cook’s Meadow & Sentinel Bridge

Our grand plan was to pick up bikes early and hit the trails straight away. Reality check: the rental shop opened an hour later than advertised on the slip of paper we got handed at check in (classic). So instead, we set off on a gentle wander through Cook’s Meadow, a wide-open field with some of the best views in the park.

We stopped at Sentinel Bridge for the classic Yosemite photo — the view of Half Dome reflecting in the Merced River really is one of those “wow” moments. On the walk back, a family of deer appeared just ahead of us, quietly grazing on the trail. We stood still, whispering so we wouldn’t scare them off, and the boys were absolutely captivated. It’s one of those tiny, unplanned moments that make a trip like this unforgettable.

Family Tip: Early mornings are best for wildlife spotting; deer and birds are more active before the crowds arrive. Make sure you are aware of what to do if you spot wildlife – particularly bears (if you are lucky enough to see one).

Mid-Morning: Cycling Around the Valley Floor

Once the bike shop finally opened, we rented two adult bikes and a child trailer — which quickly became the “snack den.” Yosemite’s cycle trails are flat, paved, and traffic-free, which makes them perfect for families. Even better, you can cover a lot of ground without relying on the shuttle buses (which, if you’ve ever wrangled a toddler on public transport, you’ll understand is a win).

Here’s what’s available at the main rental spots inside Yosemite Valley:

• 🚲 Standard adult bikes – comfy upright ones, easy to ride.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Tandem bikes – fun for sharing the pedalling with an older child.

• 🛞 Child trailers – enclosed, great for naps, snacks, or sightseeing from behind.

• 👶 Child seats – attach to the back of adult bikes for younger little riders.

A quick heads-up: electric bikes aren’t widely available inside Yosemite Valley. Some rental companies outside the park (like in El Portal or Mariposa) do offer them, but inside it’s all pedal power — worth knowing if you’re visiting in summer when the heat kicks in.

Cycling gave us such a fun, flexible way to explore. We pedalled over to Mirror Lake (which was mostly dry but still beautiful), stopped for a mini snack break, and continued to Yosemite Village to pick up a few essentials — because, of course, we’d run out of milk. We had originally planned to cycle over to El Capitan but I hadn't realised the cycle paths don't run that far so just be aware of that. We just flexed our plans and headed there on the shuttle for a bit instead.

Family Travel Tips for Yosemite Cycling:

• Trailers are the best option for little ones – shady, enclosed, and comfortable.

• Helmets are included with rentals – they even have small sizes for kids in trailers.

• Start early if you can – trails get busier in the afternoon, especially in peak summer.

Afternoon: El Capitan Meadow

After a lunch on the go, we headed over to El Capitan Meadow on the shuttle— hands down one of the best spots in Yosemite for slowing down and just being. It’s flat, peaceful, and you get this incredible head-on view of El Capitan that makes you feel tiny in the best way possible.

The boys loved running through the tall grass while we stretched out on a picnic blanket, spotting rock climbers inching their way up the granite face with binoculars. It’s strangely hypnotic — and slightly nerve-wracking — to watch!

If you’re visiting with little ones, this is the perfect low-effort, high-reward stop. You can park nearby if you don't want to get the shuttle, there’s shade under the trees, and plenty of space for snacks, naps, or just lying back and cloud-watching.

Family Travel Tips

• Bring binoculars: kids love spotting climbers on El Capitan’s face, and it makes the experience much more engaging.

• Look for public telescopes: they’re sometimes set out in the meadow, giving you an amazing close-up of the climbers.

• Lay out a picnic blanket: El Capitan Meadow is one of the best places in Yosemite to relax with snacks while the kids run off some energy.

• Shuttle stop is nearby: making it an easy and low-effort stop even after a big day of exploring.

• Evening light is magical: if you can time it, late afternoon to sunset makes El Capitan glow gold — a beautiful reward for ending your day here.

Evening: Dinner at Base Camp

By the time evening rolled around, we were all dusty, sun-kissed, and ready for something hearty. Base Camp Eatery at Yosemite Valley Lodge hit the spot — casual, family-friendly, and easy.

The menu covers all the basics — pizzas, burgers, pasta dishes, salads, and hot sandwiches — so even picky eaters are easily catered for. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu with smaller portions and simple favourites like chicken tenders and mac & cheese. For adults, the portions are hearty and there are usually a couple of healthier options, like grain bowls and roasted veggies, alongside comfort classics.

It was brilliant and stress free with the kids - and honestly one of the more wallet friendly places we ate in all holiday which took me by surprise.

Dinner: Base Camp Eatery at Yosemite Valley Lodge

After a full day of cycling, walking, and exploring, we headed back to the Base Camp Eatery at Yosemite Valley Lodge. This casual, cafeteria-style restaurant quickly became our go-to while staying in the park. It’s not fine dining, but it’s exactly what families need: fast, filling, and lots of choice.

The menu covers all the basics — pizzas, burgers, pasta dishes, salads, and hot sandwiches — so even picky eaters are easily catered for. There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu with smaller portions and simple favourites like chicken tenders and mac & cheese. For adults, the portions are hearty and there are usually a couple of healthier options, like grain bowls and roasted veggies, alongside comfort classics.

Ordering is quick: you choose what you want from a screen and pay (pizza, grill, pasta), then collect from the collection points when your number is called — which means no long waits with restless kids. Drinks include soft drinks, milk, and coffee.

By the time we finished our meal, the kids were full, tired, and ready to flop into bed — exactly the outcome you want after a big Yosemite adventure.

Day 2: Olmsted Point, Tenaya Lake, and Vernal Falls

After a lazyish start (cornflakes in pjs in the room) we set off up Tioga Road for a change of scenery — and honestly, this drive is spectacular. Every bend seems to reveal another “is this even real?” view, and it’s much quieter than Yosemite Valley, which makes it ideal for families.

Morning: Olmsted Point & Tenaya Lake

Our first stop was Olmsted Point, which has one of the best panoramic views in the park — you can see across Tenaya Canyon all the way to Half Dome in the distance. It’s the perfect place to let the kids clamber over smooth granite slabs and feel like mini adventurers without needing to do a full-on hike.

We took the short trail to the main viewpoint, stopped to take about a hundred photos (none with everyone looking the same way, obviously), and then just sat for a bit soaking it all in. There’s something about the way the light hits the granite up there that makes the whole place glow.

From there, it’s only about a ten-minute drive to Tenaya Lake, which became one of our absolute favourite spots in Yosemite. The water is crystal clear and icy cold — perfect for little paddlers who don’t feel the temperature quite as much as we do! The boys spent ages paddling and throwing stones.

We set up a picnic right on the sand and surrounded by mountains — it was one of those rare travel moments where everyone was happy at the same time. (Parents of toddlers, you’ll know this is a very short list.)

Family tips:

• There’s parking close to the beach area.

• Bring towels, water shoes, and a change of clothes — kids will almost certainly end up wet! The sandy shoreline is perfect for toddlers.

Afternoon: Vernal Falls Trail

After lunch we drove back toward Yosemite Valley and set off on the Vernal Fall Trail, part of the famous Mist Trail — and definitely one of the best family-friendly hikes in the park. Our plan was to walk to the footbridge for the waterfall view, but we ended up feeling ambitious (or possibly overconfident) and pushed on a bit further up the trail to reach the higher Vernal Fall viewpoint.

It’s about 1.6 miles each way to the bridge, and a bit more if you continue up — and while it’s paved, it’s definitely steep in parts. Our eldest took it as a personal challenge, powering up the granite steps near the top like a tiny mountain goat, while we followed behind at a much less heroic pace.

The reward is so worth it though — you get this incredible head-on view of the falls crashing down through the trees, mist rising into the sunlight. We all stood there a bit awestruck (and slightly sweaty), munching snacks and feeling very proud of ourselves for making it. Just watch out for the pesky (and very confident) squirrels that are intent on stealing your snacks.

By late afternoon, we hopped back on the shuttle and headed to Curry Village for an early dinner at Taqueria at Meadow Grill. It’s worth noting that it closes at 5 pm sharp, so if you’re planning to eat there, go early. The food was simple and quick, and sitting outside with tacos after a big day of exploring felt like the perfect low-key Yosemite evening.

Family tips:

• It’s not stroller-friendly once you leave the lower section.

• There are toilets and a water fountain at the footbridge.

• The rocks near the top can be slippery — good shoes are a must.

• Bring extra water and snacks (you’ll need both).

Day 3: Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove

Our last morning in Yosemite Valley started early we decided to make the most of our trip and drove to Tunnel View for breakfast with one of the best panoramas on the planet.

Morning: Breakfast at Tunnel View

We parked up, flipped open the boot, and had our breakfast right there overlooking El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall glowing in the morning light. There was something really special about sitting in the back of the car, cereal bowls balanced on laps, while the valley below slowly lit up. It felt quiet, calm, and totally worth the early start.

Afterwards, we headed back to the lodge to pack up, check out, and set off for Glacier Point — one of Yosemite’s most famous viewpoints. The drive up is full of twists and turns (snack strategy recommended), but when you reach the top it’s absolutely jaw-dropping.

Mid/Late-Morning: Glacier Point

From the viewpoint you get a full sweep of Yosemite Valley below, Half Dome front and centre, and waterfalls tumbling in the distance. The boys loved seeing Half Dome again recognising it from when we had been in the valley. There is also a little amphitheater which the boys loved scrambling on.

There’s a short, easy walk from the car park to the viewpoint (pushchair-friendly ), and plenty of space to let little legs run around while you just take it all in. Bring a jumper — even in summer, it can get breezy up there.

Family Tip:

Make sure you don't arrive too late as the car park gets very full - by the time we left around midday there was a very large queue!

Midday: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

From Glacier Point we drove south to Mariposa Grove, home to some of the biggest trees you’ll ever see. By this point, we were all flagging a bit, so we opted for the Trail to the Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree, which is the perfect manageable loop with kids.

The walk to the Tunnel Tree is about two miles return and mostly shaded, winding through towering sequoias that make you feel absolutely tiny. 

We didn’t do the full loop but even turning back just before halfway felt like we’d experienced the magic of the grove. The air smells like pine and earth, and it’s noticeably cooler and calmer — a lovely contrast to the granite cliffs of the valley.

Family tips:

• You park at the welcome plaza and take the shuttle up to the trailhead.

• The first stretch of trail is stroller-friendly, but the rest is better for carriers or walking little legs.

• There are toilets and picnic benches at both the welcome plaza and trailhead.

Evening: Tenaya Lodge

After leaving the grove, we drove a short distance to Tenaya Lodge, which was our home for the night — and honestly, it felt like pure luxury after a few dusty days in the valley. The outdoor pool was a huge hit (there’s also an indoor one, but we were all about the sunshine), and it was the perfect way to unwind after all the exploring.

Dinner at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill hit the spot — casual, tasty, and kid-friendly.