Epic Family Adventure in the National Parks: Yellowstone & Grand Teton Eight-Day Itinerary

The magic begins in Bozeman, a youthful college town with a big heart and an even bigger sky. This is your soft landing—a day to acclimate, explore, and let your kids lead the way. Start off your day with a visit to the Museum of the Rockies. This isn’t just Montana’s crown jewel of science—it’s a dinosaur wonderland. With one of the largest collections of T. rex fossils in the world and an engaging Children’s Discovery Center, even grown-ups will be wide-eyed. Afterward, head to Lindley Park, a local gem with shaded playgrounds and space for cartwheels or calm.

Spend the afternoon meandering down Main Street as you explore the various shops, restaurants, and cafés. Stop at Country Bookshelf, a storied indie bookshop with a whimsical children’s corner. Browse boutiques, toy shops, and perhaps snag a local coffee for parents in need of a boost.

Even though you’ll be getting your fill of hikes and outdoor time while in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, Bozeman has some great hiking trails as well.

Family-friendly hikes

• Peets Hill (Burke Park): This 1.6-mile round trip trail offers panoramic town views, perfect for strollers and tiny legs alike.

• Drinking Horse Trail: For slightly older kids, this 2.4-mile loop offers forested shade, a gentle ascent, and views worth the snack break.

Where to eat

• Nova Café serves one of Bozeman’s best breakfasts—think fluffy pancakes, Montana huckleberry jam, and a whole kids menu designed to delight.

• Blackbird Kitchen is beloved for its wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta. Casual, yet elevated—a sweet spot for families.

From Bozeman, enter Yellowstone through the north entrance and into a living, breathing geologic wonderland. Settle in near Mammoth Hot Springs, where surreal landscapes and roaming bison are part of the welcome committee.

Start your exploration of Yellowstone’s north end by wandering through the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces, a painter’s palette of bubbling mineral pools and travertine steps. Boardwalks make it stroller-friendly and otherworldly. Don’t forget to stop at the Albright Visitor Center, where children can begin their junior ranger journey, earning badges through fun and thoughtful activities. Another great family-friendly activity is taking a self-guided walk through Historic Fort Yellowstone. These former US Army grounds are now home to elk herds and tales of park pioneers.

Family-friendly hikes

• Boiling River Trail (one mile round trip): A gentle stroll along the Gardner River to a naturally heated soak (check ahead for access because this was closed while we were visiting the park but is slated to reopen at some point).

• Wraith Falls Trail (one mile round trip): A short, enchanting path through wildflowers to a tucked-away waterfall.

Where to eat

• Mammoth Terrace Grill offers a reliable, fast-casual break—burgers, salads, and plenty of kid-pleasers.

• Or picnic by the Yellowstone River with sandwiches from Gardiner Market.

Today is about Yellowstone’s spectacular contrasts—steaming, sulfuric basins and one of America’s most jaw-dropping canyons. Science and splendor, all rolled into one unforgettable day. Start your morning by wandering the kaleidoscopic trails of Norris Geyser Basin, where bubbling pools and steam vents create a sensory symphony. Keep an eye on Steamboat Geyser—the world’s tallest geyser—which occasionally makes a grand (and unpredictable) appearance. We were lucky enough to catch some mini eruptions, and my boys were impressed by even the small ones!

Finish the day with a drive to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, stopping at both rims. The view from Artist Point, with the thunder of Lower Falls, is simply sublime. This is a popular photo spot, so be prepared for crowds, especially in the summer. Battling the crowds and busy parking lots is totally worth the view!

Family-friendly hikes

• Brink of the Lower Falls (0.7 miles round trip): A short, steep descent to feel the canyon’s raw power. Older kids love the thrill.

• South Rim Trail to Artist Point (1.6 miles round trip): Easy, with stops for river gazing and photo ops.

Where to eat

• Canyon Eatery serves hearty portions and welcomes young diners.

• For a casual lunch, Geyser Grill near Norris makes a reliable stop between marvels.

No trip to Yellowstone is complete without watching Old Faithful erupt into the sky. But beyond the famous geyser lies an entire basin of geothermal oddities waiting to be explored. Time your early morning visit to catch an Old Faithful eruption, then head to the Visitor Education Center. Its interactive exhibits demystify volcanic science in an age-appropriate way. Don’t miss checking out the interior of the Old Faithful Inn—even if you’re not staying there. Its log-timber construction is an icon of its time and a testament to the history of Yellowstone National Park.

Spend the afternoon walking the Upper Geyser Basin, a loop of bubbling, spouting magic. Watch Daisy, Riverside, and Morning Glory Pool light up your child’s imagination. You’ll also want to check out another iconic stop in Yellowstone: Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s worth checking it out from two different vantage points. First, traverse the short boardwalk to see it up close and personal. After, take a quick hike from the trailhead of Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail to see this amazing geothermal spring in all its glory from above.

Family-friendly hikes

• Observation Point (1.6 miles round trip): A modest climb with a bird’s-eye view of the main geyser show.

• Geyser Hill Loop (1.3 miles round trip): Flat and fascinating, with a geyser or two always rumbling to life.

Where to eat

• Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria provides ample options for picky eaters and famished explorers. You also get to admire the beautiful and unique architecture of Old Faithful Lodge while replenishing.

• Bear Pit Lounge has sandwiches and snacks for an easy, scenic meal.

Today, we ease into the park’s quieter side as we focus on reflection—both literal, in the mirror of Yellowstone Lake, and metaphorical, as families soak up the slower rhythms of nature. Start the day with a visit to the charming Fishing Bridge Visitor Center, where children can learn about trout migrations and lake ecology.

Next up: Yellowstone Lake. Enjoy free play and pebble-tossing on the shores of the lake or spend a couple hours kayaking on the lake. We had a wonderful time kayaking on the lake, and our boys enjoyed seeing the lake and wildlife from a different perspective.

After a picnic lunch, head into Hayden Valley for prime wildlife viewing. Time it for dusk or dawn if possible. Bison, elk, and the occasional bear roam freely here. Be careful to not get too close—and drive slowly to avoid any wildlife walking along or crossing the road.

Family-friendly hikes

• Storm Point Trail (2.3 miles round trip): A gentle lakeside loop that mixes pine forest and open views.

• Pelican Creek Nature Trail (one mile round trip): A short walk rich with birdsong and lake breezes.

Where to eat

• Lake Lodge Cafeteria is perfect for relaxed dining with a view.

• Or dress up (just a little) for the Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room, where kids are treated like VIPs. We also enjoyed just hanging out in the main lobby area, where live music plays in the evening and board games are available for you to play and soak in the ambiance.

Today, we say goodbye to Yellowstone National Park and head south for the Tetons. Leaving early will give you great views as the Tetons emerge on the horizon. Their rugged peaks will awe even the youngest travelers. Arrive at Colter Bay Village, where pine forests and lake beaches offer a stunning change of pace. Spend the morning exploring the Colter Bay Visitor Center, rich in Native American art and kid-focused activities. Nearby Jackson Lake has a pebble beach where little ones can splash and skip stones to their heart’s content.

Later in the day, drive the Teton Park Road, stopping at Oxbow Bend or Mount Moran Overlook for family photos worthy of a holiday card. After spending four days exploring the massive Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much smaller and more manageable Grand Teton is in comparison.

Family-friendly hikes

• Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail (two-mile loop): Flat, breezy, and breathtaking.

• Swan Lake and Heron Pond (three miles round trip): Ideal for spotting beavers, moose, or ducks.

Where to eat

• John Colter Café Court offers family-friendly fare and a low-key vibe.

• For dinner with a view, Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain is a scenic and satisfying choice.

Arguably the most iconic day of your time in Grand Teton, this day at Jenny Lake offers serene beauty and just the right amount of thrill for little explorers. Start your morning at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, then board the boat shuttle across the lake (a highlight for kids). You can hike to the trailhead and forgo the boat ride, but that will add an extra three miles to your hike—little legs will definitely appreciate the boat ride. Hike to Hidden Falls and, if energy allows, Inspiration Point. Be on the lookout for the black bears that favorite this area of the park for its berries. We saw two on the trails from the boat dock!

An afternoon relaxing with a picnic or taking on a mellow walk around Moose Ponds is the perfect way to end the day. You can also hike to Phelps Lake, which is a great spot for swimming. For those brave enough, enjoy a fun jump off Jumping Rock into the cool waters below. Our boys took advantage of the warm afternoon and had a blast swimming in this gorgeous alpine lake.

Family-friendly hikes

• Hidden Falls via shuttle (one mile round trip): A gentle path through shady groves to a stunning cascade.

• Moose Ponds Loop (2.5 miles round trip): Quiet, flat, and rich in animal encounters.

Where to eat

• Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room offers refined comfort food, with accommodations for young diners.

• Dornan’s Pizza & Pasta Co. is a family favorite—great food, better views.

The last day of your epic road trip will end your journey in Jackson, a chic cowboy town that welcomes families with art, food, and a bit of Western flair. After grabbing a coffee and muffin at the Cowboy Coffee Company, let your children’s imaginations run wild at the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, which is filled with STEM play and interactive exhibits. While exploring the main street shops of Jackson Hole, don’t miss a photo under the iconic Elk Antler Arches in Town Square.

Your afternoon can be filled with more meandering through town, or perhaps a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, where even toddlers can enjoy the sculpture trail and family scavenger hunts. In the evenings, catch the live cowboy shoot out put on by the local theater group. Kids and adults will get a kick out of the fun show.

Family-friendly hikes

• Cache Creek Trail: Choose your length and enjoy meadows, wildflowers, and mountain breezes.

• Snow King Nature Trail: Short, sweet, and filled with panoramic views.

Where to eat

• Persephone Bakery is the dreamiest brunch spot in Jackson—pastries for the kids, coffee for the grown-ups. Be sure to grab some of the huckleberry jam to enjoy at home.

• Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream is a creamy, organic finale to your national park adventure.