Yosemite is one of the most beautiful and most visited national parks in the United States. From the tallest waterfalls in the U.S. to towering granite structures, there’s something to see for all ages. Maybe you visited many years ago or never have before, but you’ve booked the plane tickets, rented the car, and now you want to know what you can do in Yosemite with a family. While we don’t know your family, we have led hundreds of families around the park for years and may have an idea or two of fun things to do in Yosemite with a family.
Yosemite Valley
The majority of people who visit Yosemite National Park will enter the valley at some point. It is one of the busiest places, but with good reason—there’s so much to see and do. Hiking around the valley floor offers many options, from the relatively flat one-mile trail (one-way from the shuttle stop) to Mirror Lake (the lake dries up by the end of summer) to the shorter, accessible trail to Lower Yosemite Falls. The Valley Loop Trail is a hidden gem that circles the entire valley. You can customize the distance to your preference, as the trail can extend up to twenty miles. A good portion of the Valley Loop Trail parallels the bike path in the park.
Riding bikes around the valley is a tradition for many families. If you don’t have bikes, no problem! There are rentals at Curry Village, and there is even a rideshare program from the Yosemite Conservancy where you can rent a bike for free for a couple of hours if you’ve downloaded the app. They have locations in Yosemite Village and at the Lodge.
Riding a bike through the valley can blow the breeze through your hair, but the real way to cool down in the summer is to raft the Merced! This is a completely different way to see the famous sites from the valley floor, including Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, all the while floating down a cold river. Rafts can be rented from Curry Village, and they will assist with the put-in and transfer back, or you can bring intertubes, paddleboards, or kayaks and utilize the free shuttle to get back to where you started. Be aware of everyone’s swimming ability with this activity, and make sure the park has given the ok to enter the Merced as it can be dangerous in the spring and early summer.
For families who want to relax, the Swinging Bridge and El Capitan Beach are lovely swimming areas (see above for warnings about the Merced River). Swinging Bridge offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan Beach boasts breathtaking views of El Capitan.
End your day with a visit to the Curry Village Pizza Deck. The line might be long, but the pizza is worth the wait. Just remember: don’t feed the squirrels!
If you’re short on time, consider signing up for our Valley Tour, where we’ll take you to all the best spots, plus a few secret ones. If you have several days, the best way to experience Yosemite with a family would be Classic Camping. Over five days, you’ll explore the valley and beyond, returning to home-cooked meals and s’mores by the fire each night.
Glacier Point
Even though the valley has countless family-friendly activities, you must visit Glacier Point if you’re in the park for more than one day. Plan your trip to align with sunset for an unforgettable experience. Start by packing a picnic and blankets. Then, drive to the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point parking lot for a hike. Depending on your family’s preferences and abilities, you can do one or both hikes as a loop. After your hike, drive a few more miles to Glacier Point, where you can explore lookout points and prepare to watch the mountains transform under pastel hues. Staying an hour after sunset will reward you with a dazzling night sky filled with stars.
Tuolumne Meadows
While Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point have magnificent views, they also draw crowds. For a more serene experience, head to Tuolumne Meadows, where the possibilities are endless. A short hike to an alpine lake awaits at May Lake. For more adventurous families, continue to the summit of Mount Hoffmann, one of John Muir’s favorite spots. If hiking isn’t on the agenda, enjoy a picnic day at Tenaya Lake, the park’s largest natural lake. Accessible parking lots provide easy access to this shallow lake with beaches, bathrooms, and picnic tables.
Just past Tenaya Lake is Tuolumne Meadows, where you can stretch your legs at Soda Springs, where natural mineral water bubbles from the earth. Adjacent is Parsons Memorial Lodge, where you can peruse maps and learn about the area’s history.
For an iconic Tuolumne Meadows hike, consider Lembert Dome. This loop trail can include a detour to Dog Lake for minimal extra mileage. While the ascent to the top of Lembert Dome may require some hands-on climbing, the views are worth it. Just bring a jacket as it tends to be windy. If you’d like guidance, we’d be delighted to show you around on a Tuolumne Meadows Tour!
Sequoia Groves
Yosemite is home to three groves of Giant Sequoias, making them a must-visit for families. While Mariposa Grove is the largest, Tuolumne Grove requires minimal hiking and offers fascinating trees to explore. Nearby is Merced Grove, which has fewer trees but is equally enchanting. In winter, consider snowshoeing through Tuolumne Grove and sledding in the adjacent snow-play area near Crane Flat.
Note: The shuttle to Mariposa Grove doesn’t run in the winter, so reaching the grove requires a 4-mile (roundtrip) hike.
Yosemite’s Backcountry
While the park’s highlights can satisfy your family’s adventurous spirit, nothing compares to hiking into the backcountry for a few nights. Join us for our Amazing Sunsets trip, which spans five days from May Lake to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Another great option is the May Lake to Snow Creek route, featuring breathtaking campsites. Taking the entire family into the backcountry requires a lot of planning, but we can handle the logistics for you! We provide permits, food, and essential gear. All you need to worry about is what candy to use as a bribe to encourage your youngest to hike just one more mile.
Summary
Yosemite National Park offers a wide array of family-friendly activities, from exploring Yosemite Valley and its iconic landmarks to taking in the sunset at Glacier Point. Escape the crowds at Tuolumne Meadows, where serene alpine lakes and breathtaking domes await, or marvel at the towering Giant Sequoias in the park’s groves. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Yosemite’s backcountry adventures promise unforgettable memories. Whether your family prefers biking, hiking, rafting, or simply relaxing by a lake, Yosemite has something for everyone to enjoy.