Explore Yellowstone National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your Yellowstone National Park vacation?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to the world’s first national park.

Whether you need to know where to purchase baby formula near the park or which trail is best for your kids, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

Yellowstone at a glance

  • Covers 2.2 million acres

  • Located mostly in Wyoming with smaller portions in Montana and Idaho

  • Best known for its hot springs, including Old Faithful

  • Near to Grand Teton National Park

  • Has abundant wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and elk

Start here.

If you only read one of my Yellowstone guides, make it this one.

This Yellowstone with kids guide shares everything you could possibly think about when planning a vacation here from where to stay to where to pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.

Complete Itineraries

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms. These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, dining, and activities for the entire family.

Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails

  • A Guide to Easy Hikes in Yellowstone

    See all of our kid-friendly options from across the park at a glance.

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  • Artists Paint Pots Trail Guide

    An easy trail that’s filled with bubbling mud pots, iron red and brilliantly blue hot springs, and long range views.

    Read more

  • Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail

    One of the BEST hikes in the entire park with a gorgeous view of the springs below

    Read more

Lodging + Dining

Yellowstone Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the Yellowstone National Park GuideAlong Audio Tour to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    To truly experience the beauty of Yellowstone, you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your family has the proper footwear.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, but only bring these if you’re visiting Yellowstone in the summer.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to Yellowstone National Park without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    Yellowstone doesn’t always have great cell reception, but you can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    There’s no public transportation within Yellowstone, and you’re going to want the flexibility of your own vehicle while exploring the park.

    Check for the best rates at RentalCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

Other Helpful Resources

  • Yellowstone Entrances Compared: Which is Best?

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  • Packing List for Yellowstone in August + Printable

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  • Grand Tetons vs. Yellowstone: Which is Better?

    Read more

  • Bear Spray in Yellowstone: Rental or Purchase?

    Read more