Family with Teenagers: Top 3 National Park Vacations

Got a family with teenagers? Planning a national park vacation with your teenagers? If you’re having difficulty selecting a location full of activities to delight your older kids, look no further. Below, you’ll find the top three national park destinations we recommend for teenagers, and plenty of suggestions for what to do at each.

Yosemite

• Raft in the Merced River Canyon for a wilderness adventure unlike any other. Just make sure you’re prepared to get wet!
• Hike by moonlight to a valley where no light pollution obstructs your view of the sparkly, starry night skies. You may even witness a meteor shower!
• Take a watercolor class at the Yosemite Art Center if the weather turns sour, or if you need a break from all that walking.
• Dine on delicious dishes at the historic Ahwanee Hotel.
• For a bird’s-eye view of Yosemite’s natural wonders, try ziplining over the Sierra National Forest. Teenagers will love the thrill of this adventure in the skies!

Zion

• Want to see the park while also getting some rest? Tour with Outback Safaris by day or night for a rugged, scenic trip via jeep.
• Embark on a horseback ride along Canyon Trail, while a tour guide describes the park’s history and the marvels surrounding you. You can select one-hour and half-day tours, and no experience is necessary.
• Zion hosts two excellent options for hikes to take with your teenagers. Emerald Pools leads you along an easy route to pristine ponds and majestic waterfalls. Those seeking a little more adventure, though, might prefer the Narrows, a harrowing route in which families must wade through water and swim through currents to reach a – you guessed it – narrow canyon. Plan a full day for this adventure.

Yellowstone

• Teens eager to learn something new, or brush up on old skills, will enjoy trying their hand at fly-fishing in summer, or skiing and snowboarding in winter.
• Take your teenagers to Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs to gawk at unique natural features they’ll never forget.
• Embark on a 2.4-mile roundtrip hike through a pine forest to Mystic Falls, a stunning 70-foot waterfall.

If you want to learn more about planning a national park vacation for your family with teenagers, or if you want to know more about any of the activities or features at the national parks listed above, contact our experts at Visit USA Parks. We’re happy to help you plan the vacation of your dreams!