Not the Usual Suspects: 5 Best National Parks to Visit with Kids on RV Trips
- E2M on the road
- Jul 29
- 15 min read
Updated: Aug 6
If you search for "Best national parks with kids” you’ll find the usual suspects: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, the Grand Canyon. They’re stunning — but also crowded, logistically tricky, and not always easy (or fun) with small kids.
After a full year of traveling across the U.S. in an RV with our two little ones, we explored dozens of parks — some iconic, others hidden gems and what we found is that the best parks for families aren’t always the most famous. They’re the ones where you can breathe, play, explore safely, and even nap by a lake.
In this post, we’re sharing five national parks that felt like treasures to our family — places full of beauty, calm, and just the right mix of adventure and kid-friendliness.
Stick around till the end — we’ve added our top tips for traveling with children in national parks, based entirely on real-life experience.
Mount Rainier National Park:
We didn’t expect to fall in love so quickly. But then again, we hadn’t seen this mountain yet.
Mount Rainier might just be one of the most underrated wonders of the Pacific Northwest — and for us, it was one of the biggest surprises of our RV trip across the U.S. With its towering snow-capped peaks, lush forests, clear alpine lakes, and waterfalls cascading through wildflower meadows, Rainier felt like stepping into a dream.
It’s not as famous as Glacier, Yellowstone, or Olympic — but it’s every bit as breathtaking, and much less crowded. For families traveling with kids, this park has it all: scenic drives, easy (but wow-worthy) hikes, and endless space to roam and play.
We split our visit between two different campgrounds and explored all three main areas of the park: Paradise, Sunrise, and Ohanapecosh. If you can, we highly recommend doing the same — each area has its own character, and together they give you the full Rainier magic.
Sunrise:
Located on the northeastern side of the park, Sunrise feels like a hidden gem. It’s less crowded and offers dramatic alpine views, open meadows, and a completely different vibe from other areas of the park.
🏞️ Sunrise Point Overlook – A breathtaking viewpoint just before you reach the Sunrise area. You can drive right up and step out for panoramic mountain views — perfect for a quick stop or photo op. It’s one of the best vistas in the entire park.
🚶♂️ Frozen Lake Trail – The lake itself isn’t particularly impressive, but the views along the way are fantastic. Since it’s an out-and-back trail (not a loop), you can easily adjust the distance based on your kids’ energy — just turn around when the little ones are ready.
🛣️ Getting There – Sunrise is a bit out of the way and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to drive from Paradise, but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s much less crowded, it gets you closer to the top of the mountain than any other area, and the views are stunning. Plus, the drive itself is scenic. We recommend a quick detour to Tipsoo Lake (that’s where the photo above was taken) — it’s a small and simple lake, but from the right angle, you’ll get the best mirror-like reflection of Mount Rainier in the entire park.
Ohanapecosh:
This is the lush, forested side of Mount Rainier, with no dramatic mountain views — but the forest here is simply magical. We highly recommend the Silver Falls Trail, which passes through mossy woods and ends at beautiful waterfalls. It's one of the most peaceful and fun hikes we did with our kids.
🚫 The famous Grove of the Patriarchs trail is closed due to flood damage and might stay that way for a while — check for updates.
Paradise :
The most famous region in Mount Rainier National Park is also the most developed and crowded, but don’t let that deter you — it holds some of the park’s most rewarding trails.
🧭 Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center- This is the main visitor center in Paradise and a good place to start if you’re here with kids.
This is also the beginning point of the Skyline Trail which was one of the most incredible hikes of our entire trip but it is not really for kids, It’s long, steep, and often snow-covered even in summer. We each hiked it separately and it was absolutely worth it — the views are jaw-dropping.
With kids, you can still enjoy the area with shorter trails like Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Vista, though, in hindsight we wouldn’t prioritize them unless you’re not planning on hiking Skyline.
💦 Narada Falls- This is a must-see. You can park right above the falls and walk down a short path to feel the spray from a powerful cascade.
If you’re up for a longer walk, we highly recommend hiking from Reflection Lake to Narada Falls — it’s a beautiful route that follows the river and lets you experience the full power of the water. (You can also do a shorter version starting from where the trail crosses the road: GPS 46.77821, -121.7390).
We did this hike with friends — we parked one car at Narada Falls and the other at Reflection Lake. It worked out perfectly.
❄️ Snow Lake Trail- One of our favorite hikes in the park. This trail isn’t easy — expect some ups and downs — but the reward is worth it. The lake is stunning, peaceful, and perfect for a rest or a very cold dip. Bench Lake is also on the way, but it wasn’t as accessible or inviting.
Acadia National Park:
Tucked away on the stunning coast of Maine, Acadia is one of the most magical national parks we visited during our RV adventure. From forested trails to dramatic ocean cliffs, quiet lakes, and unique kid friendly beach — this park truly has it all. We only had two full days here, but it easily deserves four days or even a full week. This was one of the most unique places we’ve been on our trip.
💦 1. Echo Lake Beach — Our Top Pick for Families - If you're traveling with kids, Echo Lake Beach is the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in. It was hands-down our favorite stop in the park: calm waters, stunning views, and a peaceful vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s also one of the few spots in Acadia where swimming is allowed — and despite the chilly water, it was totally worth it. We ended up staying for hours.
🚐 2. Park Loop Road — one of the best scenic drives on the East Coast- Acadia’s most iconic feature is the Park Loop Road, a 27-mile (43 km) scenic loop with endless options to pull over for hikes, views, and photo ops. If you only have one day in the park, this road lets you see the best of it.
There are so many viewpoints and places to stop. You can pick up a map at the Visitor Center — it makes planning stops along the loop much easier, our favorite viewpoints were Otter Point Overlook and Eagle Lake Overlook.
🏖️ 3. Sand Beach — amazing beach with freezing Water - Sand Beach is also one of the stops along the Park Loop Road. This is the park’s only ocean beach — and it's magical. The sand is soft, the ocean views are gorgeous, and even though the Atlantic water is freezing, our kids had a blast chasing waves and putting their feet in. It’s the perfect spot for a post-hike rest, snack break, or even a short nap in the sun.
🗻 4. Cadillac Mountain – Iconic Views- don’t forget to time your visit - At 1,530 ft, it’s the highest point on the eastern seaboard and offers panoramic views over the ocean and islands. Entry requires advance timed tickets (reserve online at least 48 hours ahead) and costs an extra $6. We booked for the 3–4 PM slot, and it was perfect. Sunset or sunrise here is popular too — just plan ahead.
🌿5. Wonderland Trail - probably the most kid-friendly trail in Acadia -If you have time and want a quiet, flat walk where your kids can run freely, the Wonderland Trail is a peaceful option. It ends at a lovely rocky coastline and isn’t crowded. Not a must-see, but great for stretching little legs and a good way to explore the west side where most people don’t go.
⛰️ 6. Gorham Mountain Trail - Bonus For the Adventurous- This 3+ hour hike is a true adventure and not for the faint of heart. We did it with our 2.5-year-old and 4.5-year-old — and let’s just say, it really challenged us as a family. The views were beautiful, especially with the fall foliage, but the trail was steep, rocky, and physically demanding. This is only recommended if you and your kids are experienced hikers. For us, it was a powerful family memory, but also one of the hardest hikes of our trip.
Redwood National Park:
Redwood isn’t a single national park — it’s a network of one national park and three state parks along the northern California coast. Together, they protect some of the tallest trees on earth and offer a one-of-a-kind mix of forest, coastline, and raw, wild nature.
If you’re traveling with kids, Redwood can be pure magic, its one of the most unique forest adventures you can have with your kids. Mossy groves, fairy-tale trees, and trails where little feet can climb fallen trunks, run wild and feel like they’re in a storybook. That said, not all areas are equally accessible for RVs, and some trails are more suitable than others.
We spent five nights here at Ramblin' Redwoods Campground — a dreamy forest stay, giving us easy access to the northern parts of the park while feeling immersed in nature.
Here are the highlights from our visit:
🌲 1. Stout Grove (Jedediah Smith Area) If you only have time for one trail in Redwood, make it this one. A short, flat loop through a magical grove of ancient redwoods. The late afternoon light made everything glow, and our kids were in awe — running, climbing, and playing among the giants. It was hands-down our favorite experience in the park.
🚫 RV Tip: The road to this area (Howland Hill Road) is narrow, unpaved, and absolutely not RV-friendly. You’ll need a smaller vehicle to reach here.
🌀 2. Fern Canyon - If you're up for a bit of adventure, this spot is worth the effort.
Reaching here requires a special (free) permit and a bumpy drive down a dirt road — not suitable for RVs. But if you have a smaller car or can find a way to get there, go! This moss-covered canyon was a highlight for our whole family and one of the most magical places we’ve ever walked. Fun fact: parts of Jurassic Park 2 were filmed here!
🏖️ 3. Gold Bluffs Beach Right next to Fern Canyon is this gorgeous and wild beach. We stayed for about an hour, just soaking in the salty air and letting the kids play in the sand.
🌿 4. Lady Bird Johnson Grove Located higher up, this trail offers a slightly different forest ecosystem. It’s short, lush, and quiet — and one of our favorite kid-friendly walks in the park.
🌳 5. Prairie Creek Loop (Prairie Creek Area) We did a lovely forest loop trail starting from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center. It included Karl Knapp Trail, Cathedral Trees, and the iconic Big Tree. A great mix of majestic trees and peaceful paths.
Extra Notes:
The southernmost areas of the park (like Tall Trees Grove) are supposed to be stunning, but were a bit too far for our route this time.
Grand Teton National Park :
There’s something truly magical about Grand Teton — dramatic peaks rising straight from the valley floor, crystal-clear lakes, and hikes that feel like walking through a postcard. Out of all the places we visited during our RV adventure, this might just be the most breathtaking one. We spent five nights here and camped in three different areas to get the full experience.
Here are our top recommendations for families:
🌲 1. String Lake – Calm Waters and a Perfect Picnic Spot- Easy to access, peaceful, and stunning. This lake was one of our favorite places to relax. There’s a small sandy area great for kids, and a gentle trail along the water. Bring a blanket, snacks, and if you're brave — a swimsuit.
💦 2. Hidden Falls – Powerful and Unmissable- A scenic hike (or boat ride + short walk) leads to this spectacular waterfall. We hiked around Jenny Lake and passed Moose Pond on the way — both nice, but the falls are the true highlight. If you’re not up for a full hike, there’s a boat shuttle across the lake that brings you near the falls. You can walk one way and boat back (that’s what we did!). No reservations needed — just show up.
🚶 3. Taggart Lake Trail – Our Favorite Hike- Beautiful trail with varied terrain and postcard-perfect lake views. Not too difficult, but still feels like an adventure. We skipped Bradley Lake and didn’t regret it — Taggart is the real gem.
🛻 4. Scenic Drive and Wildlife Watching- One of the best parts of Grand Teton is how easy it is to spot wildlife, sometimes without even leaving the car. The scenic road between Jackson Lake Junction and Moose is packed with breathtaking viewpoints and excellent opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat.
Here are a few of the stops we loved:
🦬 Elk Ranch Flats – Wide-open meadows where we saw massive bison herds roaming freely.
🫎 Oxbow Bend – Calm river curves with mirror-like reflections — and a great place to spot moose.
🦌 Snake River Overlook – A famous viewpoint with a real chance of catching elk or deer in the distance.
🐻 Glacier View Turnout – Expansive views and good bear territory (bring binoculars!).
Whether you’re driving through or hopping out for short walks, this stretch of road is a highlight all on its own.
💡 Tip: Drive early in the morning or before sunset — that’s when animals are most active. Stay in the car if you see a bear, and always keep a safe distance.
Glacier National Park :
Glacier is one of the most famous national parks in the U.S. and for good reason — the scale of nature here is simply overwhelming. But while it’s part of the “Big Four” (with Yellowstone, Zion, and the Smokies), it’s not always considered a top choice for families with kids or RVs — mostly due to its complexity. And yet, this park ended up being one of the most powerful and memorable stops on our journey.
Glacier is wild, raw, and stunning — with mountain lakes, roaring waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and the chance to spot animals just steps from the trail. It’s also a park that requires more planning than most: it’s split into four distinct areas, some require permits, others don’t; shuttle routes run only in parts of the park; vehicle size restrictions apply in some regions; and weather can close roads well into June. But if you’re willing to do a little homework, you’re in for an extraordinary adventure.
Our 5 best for Glacier with kids:
🌲 1. Trail of the Cedars – The Easiest Wow in Glacier - This short loop is probably the most kid-friendly experience in the entire park — and one of the most magical. You walk on a wooden boardwalk through a forest of ancient cedar trees that tower above like something out of a storybook. The cool air, the filtered light, and the sheer size of the trees make this an unforgettable stop — especially for little legs.
💡 Tip: This area is part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and requires a timed-entry permit during peak season. Either book ahead or arrive before 6:00 am to enter without one.
2. 🏞 2. Redrock Falls – The Perfect Kid-Friendly Trail -In Many Glacier, Redrock Falls was one of our favorite family hikes. It’s flat, forested, and ends in gentle waterfalls — but the real beauty is in the journey: the trees, the views, and the sheer joy of walking in this alpine valley.
💡 Tip: Bring snacks and take your time. Even though it’s a long walk, the trail is perfect for little explorers. Since it’s an out-and-back trail, you can always turn around and head back if they start getting tired.
🌸 3. Wildflower Heaven – From Sun Point to Virginia Falls- This is one of Glacier’s most beautiful trails — with lakes, forests, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls. It’s also quite long — about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip — so if you're hiking with kids, it's good to plan ahead. All sections (except the final climb to Virginia Falls) have nearby parking, so you can easily skip parts if needed.
If you’re hiking, start at the breathtaking Sun Point overlook and continue past Baring Falls, the colorful Piegan Pass meadow, Saint Mary Falls, and finally the dramatic Virginia Falls.
If you're driving, you can skip Baring Falls and even Piegan Pass (especially outside of wildflower season) and park at Saint Mary Falls. From there, it’s a short walk to the lower Saint Mary Falls falls. If you have the energy, continue up to Virginia Falls — it’s steep, but truly worth it.
We especially loved Piegan Pass meadow in late June, when it bursts with wildflowers — a dreamlike stretch of color and light. Outside of spring, it may be less dramatic and totally okay to skip.
💡 Tip: Traveling with friends? Leave one car at Sun Point and another at the Saint Mary Falls trailhead to turn this into a one-way hike and skip the long return.
🦌 4. Two Medicine – Off the Beaten Path and Perfect for Kids- Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Glacier, the Two Medicine area offers a quieter, more relaxed experience — with wide-open views, peaceful trails, and stunning lakes that invite you to slow down. It feels like a hidden corner of the park made for unwinding.
One of our favorite family hikes here was the Aster Falls Trail. The waterfall at the end isn’t huge or dramatic, but the trail itself is lovely — flat, flower-lined, and full of gentle beauty. It’s easy to turn around at any point and still feel like you’ve had a great experience. On our way back, just before sunset, we spotted two massive moose grazing right near the trail — one of our most magical moments in the park.
💡 Tip: For the best chance to see wildlife, go out in the late afternoon or early evening — the light is softer, the trails are quieter, and the animals are more active.
🌊 5. Lakeside Spots – Perfect for Families- Not every moment in Glacier has to be about hiking or chasing views. Some of our favorite memories came from quiet afternoons by the water — and there are plenty of peaceful lakeside spots to choose from.
One hidden gem we loved was along Lake McDonald, on the less-visited side near the Rocky Point Trail. You don’t need a permit to reach it — just park at the trailhead and follow the trail almost all the way to the viewpoint. Before you reach it, look to the lakeside: you’ll find a tiny rocky beach, just big enough for a few people, perfectly tucked away in nature.
We saved the coordinates to help you find it:📍 48°33'08.6"N 113°58'32.8"W
We spent an entire afternoon here with our kids — they splashed, we picnicked, and it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves.
Whether it’s this hidden beach or another quiet spot you find, give yourselves the gift of slowing down. Let the kids splash, you relax, and together just enjoy being — those are the moments that stay forever.
Before You Go – 5 Smart Tips for Visiting National Parks with Kids:
💳 1. Get the America the Beautiful pass- For $80 a year, this pass gives you access to all U.S. national parks. If you’re visiting two or more parks, it pays for itself — and then some.
📘 2. Grab the Junior Ranger booklet- Available for free at any visitor center, this little booklet turns your visit into a nature-based game. It’s packed with scavenger hunts, fun facts, and trail activities — and kids love earning the badge at the end. It’s also a great way to spark conversations and shared discovery.
🐢 3. Slow down- One trail a day is more than enough. Plan for downtime: picnics, splashing in streams, wildlife watching, or just running free at the campground. Some of the best moments happen in between.
🦌 4. Walk before dinner - Late afternoon and early evening are prime wildlife hours. A short walk before dinner is often the best time to spot moose, deer — or even bears.
🎒 5. Pack smart- Always bring swimsuits, towels, warm layers, and dry clothes — even for a short hike. Lakes and rivers are tempting, and mountain weather can shift fast. Better to be overprepared and say yes to spontaneous adventures.
🎁 Bonus Tip: Let Them Capture the Adventure- One of our favorite gear tips for traveling with kids is to bring a kid-friendly camera. Giving your child a simple camera not only keeps them engaged — it also lets them capture the trip from their own point of view. It's amazing to see what moments they choose and how they remember the experience later.
We recommend the Seckton Kids Selfie Camera on Amazon — it’s small, easy to use, and surprisingly sturdy.
This is an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through it, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
📍 Plan Your Trip — All Our Favorite Trails at a Glance
Want a quick, organized list of all the trails, lakes, viewpoints, and scenic stops we mentioned in this post?
We’ve created a public AllTrails list with every location — so you can easily save, sort, and plan your family adventure.
👉 Click here to view the full AllTrails list — complete with trail info, GPS directions, and our personal notes.
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but it’s almost always worth it.
We hope this post gave you ideas, inspiration, and the motivation to get outdoors and explore with your family.
If you’ve visited any of these parks — or have others to recommend — we’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out, share your experience, ask questions, or just say hi.
We always enjoy connecting with fellow travelers and helping families plan their next adventure.
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