Scheduling and activity planning makes for a very memorable impression on a child and guarantee a lifetime of return visits to the park. Access the Yellowstone website for information and get the children excited before the trip has started.
To see the falls, walk down a few steps to the observation deck from either falls parking lot. Parents may want to accept that this vantage point is enough. A more challenging hike will take you to the brink. That hike can be very difficult for children and the vantage point just above the falls may be frightening.
See wildlife safely. Driving through the open meadows of Yellowstone offers children a safe and comfortable way to view the herds of elk, deer and buffalo. Parents may need to accept this method and dismiss any notions of parking and stalking the herd. Wildlife can be unpredictable and many instances have been recorded of serious and fatal attacks on adults.
Watch Old Faithful erupt. This event is even more amazing when observed through the reaction of their child. If you miss it, in approximately 1 ½ hours the eruption will occur again. During the hiatus, Old Faithful Inn awaits. The enormous stone fireplaces, spectacular upper decks, and overall homey feel, are a great place to relax.
Take it slow. Allow children plenty of down time and respect their desire to simply play for an afternoon at a camp or playground. Every park within the National Park Service offers educational and fun activities for children.
Be prepared for congested. The southern half of the park can be very slow-moving, especially in summer. The Mammoth Hot Springs area is less traveled as is U.S. 212 northeast to Silver Gate. Also, expect frequent brake lights and car stoppage at any time due to wildlife sightings. Many will confuse tree stumps for bears and thus create a chain reaction delay for well over an hour.
