Fun Things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Visiting Yellowstone is best done between the months of April, September, and October. These off-season months provide more opportunities to see the local wildlife and enjoy less crowded tourist spots. During March and April bears emerge, migrating birds arrive just before May and the elk rut begins mid-September. 

Summer, Autumn, and Winter are the best months to visit Northern Rockies. The days are long and sunny and the nights are clear with beautiful skies and low humidity. The rest of the season is known as spring and you’re more likely to experience rain and sometimes snow. 

From June onwards, you can see more of the wildlife and can experience fishing and the local rivers. Wildflowers bloom in early summer and provide some of the most beautiful views and distinctive summer smells. 

Visiting during Autumn you can experience cooler weather and hotel accommodation rates drop lower than seen during the peak seasons. 

Winter is a glorious season in Yellowstone, although it can be very cold. The air is crystalline and the snow is like powder which provides perfect conditions for skiing. 

West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is one of the most popular places to stay just outside Yellowstone Park. Given its proximity to several top attractions, the town is located near West Entrance Station which makes this place an ideal place to stay to get around. Within a 30-mile radius, you can reach destinations such as Yellowstone Lake, Lamar Valley, and Norris Geyser Basin. 

Gardiner, Montana

Gardiner, Montana is located conveniently outside West Yellowstone near the North Entrance Station and the historic Roosevelt Arch. Gardiner, Montana is a great place to stay if you wish to visit locations like the Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and Lamar Valley. All of these locations offer plenty of things to do for kids, whether you’re a family that loves hiking, or loves to sit back and chill and enjoy the scenery, staying at Gardiner, Montana caters for all. 

Gardiner, Montana hosts lots of beautiful family-friendly hotels along the Yellowstone river offering water views. 

Yellowstone National Park is located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming and is easy to access from various airports. If you’re traveling with children it’s worth hiring a car rather than relying on public transport (which there are plenty of options) From most entrances to Yellowstone park there are train stations and bus stations. Traveling via car is easier when you’ve packed lots of suitcases and have the little ones traveling with you. 

Here are the distances from nearby airports:

1. Yellowstone Airport: 3 miles
2. Idaho Falls Regional Airport, Idaho: 110 miles
3. Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody: 55 miles
4. Jackson Hole Airport, Wyoming: 70 miles
5. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Montana: 80 miles 

Yellowstone National Park offers travelers plenty of hotel options from historic hotels, rustic lodges, and quaint cottages. There are endless ways to vacate at Yellowstone which suit all budgets. Yellowstone is one of the top spots to visit in the US. When deciding on a hotel in Yellowstone be sure to consider the age of your kids, budgets, what you want out of your visit, and how long you plan on visiting. It’s also worth factoring in the time of year you plan on visiting so you get the best out of your holiday. If traveling with young kids, visiting in the off-peak seasons might be better as you have less crowded tourist spots and generally prices of hotels and restaurants drop because it’s the offseason. 

Amenities also vary during the year and this can impact the cost. The most popular hotels get booked up very quickly so be sure to plan well in advance. 

Listed below are the top 6 hotels to stay in that suit all budgets and are kid-friendly. 

1. Best ranch: Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
2. Best for spotting local wildlife: Roosevelt Lodge Cabins
3. Most Romantic: 1872 Inn
4. Best Kid-friendly Option: Best Western Desert Inn
5. Most Historic: Old Faithful Inn​​​​​​​
6. Best for Budget: Al’s Westward Ho Motel 

One of the best ways to experience a new place is by tasting the local cuisine. Yellowstone offers lots of different restaurants that suit all budgets, taste buds, and children of all ages. 

Listed below are some of the must-have food experiences to try when visiting Yellowstone:

307 Fries

Braised Elk Gravy poured over fries and lots of grated cheddar melted over the dish. 307 fries are a must-have treat for any age group, especially children! 

Buffadilla

This local delicacy oozes delicious delights! The Buffadilla consists of ground buffalo, peppers, onion, and cheese wrapped up in a flour tortilla and dressed in sour cream and guacamole. 

Waffles

Try the Waffle topped with your favorite topping! Everything from peanut butter, bacon, sour cream, hot meat, or just plain simple maple syrup. 

Pig Candy

This is a must-have when visiting Yellowstone. Pig Candy is thick-cut smoked applewood bacon coated in a blend of sugar and spices and baked for an hour. Pig Candy is a popular treat for children of all ages. 

Compared to other National Parks, Yellowstone offers lots of dining options for families with young children. Some of the most popular restaurants can be found nearby Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithfull.