Yellowstone with a toddler: geysers, wildlife and long drives

Where to stay with a toddler

Staying inside the park saves the most driving. Lodges near Old Faithful, Canyon and Lake put you close to the main sights, but rooms are simple, often without air conditioning or TVs, and they book up far ahead. Some in-park lodging has shared bathrooms, so read the room details carefully.

West Yellowstone, outside the west entrance, has many hotels, restaurants and groceries, and is a practical base for the geyser basins. Gardiner, at the north entrance, is near Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley wildlife area. Many families split the trip between two bases, such as West Yellowstone and then Canyon or Gardiner, to cut down daily drive time.

Plan around the distances

• The park is big and the roads are slow, with speed limits, traffic and wildlife jams. A loop of the whole park in one day is too much for a toddler.
• Pick one region per day: the geyser basins (Old Faithful and Midway), Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, or the Lamar and Hayden valleys for wildlife.
• Plan stops of an hour or less, with a drive in between that lines up with a nap.
• Bring snacks, water and lunch. Food options are spread out and lines are long at midday in summer.
• Gas up and use bathrooms whenever you can.

Boardwalks, strollers and carriers

Many thermal areas have flat boardwalks that work with a stroller, including the Upper Geyser Basin around Old Faithful and parts of Midway Geyser Basin near Grand Prismatic Spring. Some sections have steps or narrow spots, and boardwalks can be crowded and slick with steam in the morning. A stroller with good brakes and a strap you can clip to your wrist helps.

For trails, use a carrier. The Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail from the Fairy Falls trailhead climbs gradually on a dirt path and is not stroller friendly in most conditions. Trails to waterfall viewpoints at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone often have stairs or steep switchbacks.

Thermal area safety

• Stay on boardwalks and marked trails at all times. The ground near hot springs can be thin crust over boiling water.
• Hold hands or keep your toddler buckled in the stroller or in a carrier near hot springs. Do not let small children walk ahead.
• Many boardwalks have no railings. Keep your child on the inside, away from the edge.
• Do not let anyone throw things into features or touch the water. Keep hats tied on, since wind can blow them off.

Wildlife safety

The National Park Service asks visitors to stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife, including bison and elk. Bison look slow but can charge quickly, and they often walk through parking lots and along boardwalks. If an animal approaches, move away and give it space.

The safest view of wildlife with a toddler is from inside the car. Use binoculars and pull fully off the road only at pullouts. Carry bear spray if you hike and know how to use it.

Altitude, weather and seasons

• Much of the park sits above 7,000 feet. Toddlers may tire faster and sleep differently at first. Keep them hydrated.
• Mornings are cold even in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Pack layers, hats and rain gear.
• Most park roads close to regular vehicles from fall to spring. The road from the North Entrance at Gardiner to Cooke City is the one generally open year round.
• Summer is the easiest time with small kids. Early fall is quieter but colder, and services start to close.