Fun FREE Things to do in Yosemite National Park with the Kids
Sentinel Dome Lake
The hike up to Sentinel Dome Lake is a safe trek to do with young children, just make sure you pack plenty of refreshments and sun cream! The hike is around 2.2 miles round trip, so won’t take long to complete. You can do this via walking or biking as the elevation gain is around 400 feet so relatively easy to complete with children in company. The scenery is outstanding so plenty of opportunities to take some wonderful family photos.
Glacier Point
There are plenty of points in Yosemite where you can appreciate the spectacular views it has to offer. Standing at 3214 feet above the valley floor, the panoramic views do take your breath away from the 2 beautiful waterfalls and Half Dome.
If you plan on doing the trek to Dome Lake and viewing Glacier Point, then you need a jacket as the winds can get very chilly when you reach the top of the Sentinel Dome. You also need to ensure that young children do not wander off as the slopes are very steep at some points of the journey.
The Mist Trail
Another wonderful hike is the Mist Trail. Beautiful scenic views and relatively close to the Nevada Falls and Vernal. This trek can be challenging so it’s not advised to take very young children or pushchairs.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest falls in the US. Reaching a height of 2400 ft, it’s made up of three parts; Upper Yosemite, Middle Cascades, and the Lower Yosemite Falls. You can generally view the Yosemite Falls from different parts of the National Park.
Hiking to the top of the Yosemite falls can be tricky and is not advised to take pushchairs with very young children. The walk can be done with children over the age of 10. Yosemite is hugely popular so expect to see rather large crowds of people on your walk and when you reach your destination. On a warm day, the welcoming mist spray from the falls cools you down. Ensure to take plenty of refreshments and sun cream if you do attempt this walk during the warmer months.