Yellowstone with Kids: Itinerary for Families in Yellowstone National Park
Planning a family vacation to Yellowstone? You’re not alone. Every year, families from across the country pile into cars, campers, and planes to experience the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park—and for good reason. With erupting geysers, roaming bison, rainbow-colored hot springs, and hiking trails made for tiny explorers, it’s the kind of place that makes jaws drop and memories stick.
But here’s a tip that’ll make your Yellowstone itinerary smoother, more fun, and way more family-friendly: base your trip in West Yellowstone, Montana.
Just outside the west entrance of Yellowstone, this charming town is packed with kid-approved adventures and “Old West” charm. It’s the perfect launchpad for your Yellowstone adventure, and when you stay at Starlight Retreat, you’re close to it all—without being deep in the crowds.
Here’s a day-by-day guide to help you plan the ultimate Yellowstone family trip with plenty to do both inside and outside the park.
Day 1: Discover West Yellowstone Before You Even Enter the Park
Let’s be honest—after traveling, unpacking, and shaking out your legs, you probably don’t want to drive into Yellowstone National Park right away. That’s why we recommend spending your first day exploring West Yellowstone itself.
Start at Yellowstone Aerial Adventures
Just a short drive from our glamping site, the Yellowstone Zipline Adventure Park is like a ropes course on steroids—safely designed for kids and adults alike. With zip lines, swinging bridges, and obstacle elements nestled in the trees, it’s a fun way to burn energy and get the adventure started early.
Meet the Locals at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
This isn’t your average wildlife center. At the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, your kids can see real bears, wolves, otters, and raptors up close (and we mean really up close). The animals here are all rescues, and the center focuses on education and conservation in a way that kids can understand—and get excited about. Don’t miss the Keeper Kids program, where children help hide food for the bears!
Catch a Show at Playmill Theatre
When the sun starts to set, take the family to the historic Playmill Theatre, where you’ll enjoy live, family-friendly musicals performed with heart and humor. This iconic Old West-style theater has been entertaining Yellowstone visitors since 1964. Even younger kids get swept up in the fun, and you’ll love how intimate and welcoming the vibe is.
Day 2: Enter the Park — Yellowstone’s Greatest Hits
Time to head into the park! West Yellowstone’s location makes it the perfect access point to Yellowstone’s most iconic features. Here’s how to explore them at a kid’s pace.
Morning: Old Faithful & the Geyser Basins
It’s the showstopper everyone’s been waiting for: Old Faithful. This famous geyser erupts like clockwork, and kids love the countdown signs at the visitor center. After the eruption, wander the Upper Geyser Basin—an easy, stroller-friendly boardwalk loop where you can see colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and more steamy surprises.
Want fewer crowds and more space to roam? Stop at West Thumb Geyser Basin later in the trip—it’s just as magical, but quieter and tucked beside Yellowstone Lake.
Afternoon Picnic: Biscuit Basin or Fountain Paint Pot
Grab a picnic lunch and stop at one of the nearby geyser spots. Fountain Paint Pot has gooey, gurgling mud (a kid favorite), while Biscuit Basin features neon-blue pools. They’re both on the way back toward West Yellowstone, and short enough to keep little hikers happy.
Evening: Wildlife Spotting in Madison Valley
On your drive back, keep your eyes peeled in Madison Valley. This stretch of road is known for bison herds and elk, especially in the late afternoon. It’s the perfect time to play “spot the animal” from the car—no hiking required.
Day 3: Mix-and-Match Fun + Ice Cream Breaks
After a big day in the park, keep it light and flexible. Let your kids help choose from a handful of low-key, high-fun activities in town.
Watch the Yellowstone Giant Screen IMAX Movie
Before heading back into the park (or instead of it), check out the Yellowstone Giant Screen IMAX. The theater shows educational films about Yellowstone’s history, geology, and wildlife on a screen that’ll leave kids wide-eyed and amazed. Great for rainy mornings or wind-down afternoons.
Visit the Museum of the Yellowstone
Formerly the Yellowstone Historic Center, this museum is interactive and easy to digest—even for kids. Learn about the Park’s early days, the arrival of the railroads, and the birth of America’s first national park. Bonus: it’s right by the Yellowstone Visitor Center, so you can double up on your history fix.
Grab a Sweet Treat in Town
Round out your day with a walk through West Yellowstone’s downtown shops, then stop for ice cream at a local favorite like Arrowleaf Ice Cream or the Rustic Candy Kitchen. Because let’s be real—no family trip to Yellowstone is complete without a sticky cone and a good belly laugh.
Why Starlight Retreat Is the Perfect Basecamp
When you stay at Starlight Retreat, you’re only minutes from West Yellowstone, with easy access to all the park’s western attractions. But unlike hotels or busy in-park campgrounds, you get the calm, cozy comforts of glamping—king beds, private bathrooms, complimentary s’mores, and starry skies your kids will never forget.
And while many travelers spend their whole trip chasing crowds, your family can wake up slow, enjoy breakfast by the fire, and build your own Yellowstone itinerary with fun both inside and outside the park.
Make Your Family’s Yellowstone Experience Unforgettable
Whether you’re watching wolves prowl at the Discovery Center, zipping through the treetops, or standing in awe as Old Faithful erupts into the sky, visiting Yellowstone with kids is the kind of trip they’ll remember for life.
And with the right home base, it’s not just easier—it’s more magical.
