As we rounded the bend through the tunnel and we had the first glimpse of the Valley below, I was overcome with emotion. Yosemite National Park is a beautiful and exciting destination for families with children that should be at the top of your Bucket List. With its stunning natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We found springtime to be the perfect time to visit the park due to low crowds, more wildlife, and the rushing waterfalls from snowmelt. Don’t worry the valley is open all year round and this park is incredible, no matter the season.

What to Know about the Weather:

• Spring (March – May) – The weather is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the low 60s. There is still a chance of snow in the higher elevations, but it usually melts by late May.
• Summer (June – August) – This is the warmest time of year, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the low 90s. It’s a popular time to visit the park, so expect crowds and limited accommodations.
• Fall (September – November) – The weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the low 60s. Fall is a great time to visit for the colorful foliage and fewer crowds.
• Winter (December – February) – The park can be snowy and icy, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to the low 40s. Many of the park’s roads and facilities are closed during the winter months, but it’s a great time to visit for skiing and snowshoeing.

It’s important to note that the weather in Yosemite can vary greatly depending on elevation and location within the park. It’s always a good idea to check the forecast and come prepared for a variety of conditions.

Here are some of the best things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids:

1. Hike to Yosemite Falls: This iconic waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the park, and for good reason. The hike to the top of Yosemite Falls is a moderate 3-mile round trip, but it offers breathtaking views of the waterfall and the valley below. The Lower Falls Trail is accessible for everyone on a short paved trail.
2. A visit to Yosemite National Park is not complete with a visit to Tunnel View. Tunnel View is a popular viewpoint in Yosemite National Park, located along Wawona Road (Highway 41) just east of the Wawona Tunnel. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of several iconic features of the park, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall. Visitors can pull off the road and take in the stunning vista, which is especially popular at sunset when the granite cliffs and waterfalls are bathed in warm, golden light. Tunnel View is also a popular spot for photographers and artists, who come to capture the beauty of the park in all its grandeur. If you go at a particular time of day. (depends on the placement of the sun), you can see a rainbow in front of Bridal Veil Falls in the distance.
3. Visit Mariposa Grove: This grove of giant sequoias is a must-see for any family visiting Yosemite. The grove features over 500 mature sequoias, including the famous Grizzly Giant, which is over 2,700 years old. There is a shuttle service to the grove, making it easily accessible for families.
4. Observe the climbers on El Capitan. Take a picnic and the short hike to the base to sit and watch the climbers practice or begin to climb. This is the most impressive rock face in all the world. Rock climbers flock here to take on the enormous challenge and test their skills. Have you seen Free Solo? We watched it about a year ago, and of course had to watch it again when we got to Yosemite. It’s about Alex Hannold, a climber that climbs this wall without ropes. The average climber takes 4-5 days to reach the top. I have to admit, I got a bit obsessed with learning about the history of the climbers who have faced this wall. I’m not much of a climber myself, but I have a deep appreciation for people doing amazing things like this. It inspires me to push my body and do hard things. Every chance we had in Yosemite, we stopped and got our binoculars out to look for climbers on the wall. They look so tiny against the giant granite rock face. 
5. Go on a Ranger-led program: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs that are specifically designed for families with children. These programs include nature walks, campfire talks, and stargazing, and they are a great way to learn more about the park and its natural history.
6. Hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park with kids can be a wonderful family adventure. The trail leads to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls, two of the most spectacular waterfalls in the park. The trailhead is located at the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley and the hike is a moderate 3 miles round trip to Vernal falls, and 7 miles round trip to Nevada falls. The trail is steep and rocky in some sections, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Along the way, hikers will pass by the Merced River and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. It’s recommended to start early in the morning to avoid crowded trail and the heat of the day. Children should be prepared for a challenging hike, with sturdy shoes and plenty of water and snacks. The mist from the falls can be refreshing and add an extra sense of adventure to the hike. The mist trail is open from spring to fall, but during the spring and early summer, the waterfall is at its most powerful and spectacular. A great way to make the hike more fun for kids is to play nature scavenger hunt, point out different plants, animals, and rocks on the way. We chose to stop at the base of Nevada Falls before it gets more strenuous. This hike is best for older kids due to the elevation change, but the youngest in our group was 4 and did great!
7. Take a bike ride on the trails in the valley and take a picnic to enjoy near the swinging bridge area. We saw bears in the meadow around sunset on a few different days during late April and early May. You can use the free bike share program for short rides or pickup a rental bike from Curry Village, Yosemite Village, and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
8. Take a scenic drive: The park’s scenic drives, such as Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road, offer spectacular views of the valley, waterfalls, and mountains. These drives are a great way to see the park without having to hike long distances, and they are perfect for families with young children. These roads are only open during the summer due to snow and ice.
9. We loved our 1.6 mile hike to mirror lake. The trail here is paved, so biking to this location is possible. Mirror Lake is a small, glacially-fed lake located in Yosemite National Park, California. The lake is situated at the base of the iconic Half Dome and is known for its clear, reflective waters, which give it its name. In the spring and early summer, snow melt and heavy rainfall can cause the lake to fill to capacity, creating an almost perfect mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountains. However, during the summer and fall, the water level can drop, revealing a sandy bottom and a less clear reflection. The lake is a popular spot for hiking and photography, and visitors can take a short trail to the lake’s edge for a closer look.
10. Go swimming: If you visit during the summer months, there are plenty of swimming holes, such as Merced River, where kids can splash around and cool off. We took our blow up paddle boards and played in the river with the backdrop of Yosemite Falls. Mirror Lake is also a fun stop for a cold dip!

These are just a few of the many things to do in Yosemite National Park with kids. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the park is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States. Plan your visit in advance, check the current guidelines and enjoy all the wonders that this national park has to offer. Go HERE to see our blog post about all of your lodging and camping options for your visit to Yosemite National Park.