The Best National Parks for Families

Get ready for a family adventure exploring a National Park.

By: Amanda Mushro

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Take the Scenic Route

Instead of booking the typical spring break spots, this year take your family on an adventure and visit one of the National Parks that are spread out across the country. From hiking, swimming, and getting close to nature, visiting a National Park offers a unique family bonding experience that you won’t find at some amusement park or crowded beach. So pack your bags and get inspired by these ten family-friendly National Park spring break locations.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Situated just 75 miles from Washington, DC, Shenandoah National Park is a gorgeous park that is full of cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows. It has over 200,000 acres of protected lands where the entire family can watch for deer, songbirds, and black bears.

Book a room at Skyland where you can find detached cabins or regular hotel rooms. Plus their rooms are pet friendly.

Yosemite National Park, California

Located near Fresno, California, it’s one of the most famous National Parks in the world. During spring break you’ll get breathtaking views of the stunning waterfalls and the trees and flowers blooming. You will need a reservation to drive into this park in the spring, so be sure to plan ahead.

Stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge which is an ideal spot for families and large groups.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

In the mountains of West Virginia, you'll find a rugged whitewater river flowing through deep canyons. The New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent, and the park is over 70,000 acres of land. With so much to see and do, it’s an ideal stop for families.

Check out Adventures on the Gorge for lodging and white water rafting experiences.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

This park boasts miles of sandy beaches, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and plenty of unique flowers. The high dunes offer spectacular views across the lake. With so much history and places to explore, add this one on your spring break travels.

The Homestead Resort is an amazing lodging option.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Known as America's most visited national park, it straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. This park is known around the world for its diversity of plant and animal life, and of course, its ancient mountains. In the spring, you’ll find acres of beautiful wildflowers and at night, plenty of fireflies to light up the sky.

While you can camp at the park, you can also treat yourself to a trip to Dollywood and stay at Dollywood Dreammore Resort and Spa.

Everglades National Park, Florida

If you want to see wildlife, then this is the park for you and your family. From birds, frogs, fish, to manatees and crocodiles, there’s plenty of creatures in this park. The Everglades is an expansive park in south Florida, and consists of 1.5 million acres of wetland. From fishing, biking, hiking and camping, there’s plenty to keep your days and nights filled.

If you head to Florida, stay at the River Wilderness Cabins for great views of the park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Just a short drive from Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great spring break destination. With plenty of native plants and wildlife, this park has so much to offer families. Be sure to check out the park's centerpiece, the 60-foot-tall Brandywine Falls.

Before you go, book a room at Inn at Brandywine Falls.

Zion National Park, Utah

On this adventure, you and your family can follow the paths where native people and pioneers once walked. Take in the beautiful views as you see sandstone cliffs that are full of color. Take in the rich history and extraordinary scenery of this national park.

You and your family will have a unique experience staying at Zion Wildflower Resort.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Situated in Texas, this park is where "night skies are dark as coal and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone." There’s plenty of reasons to visit this lesser known park. In the spring, temperatures are cooler, crowds are smaller, and you’ll get to enjoy the peace and quiet along with beautiful views.

Plan your trip and book a stay at Chisos Mountain Lodge.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Spring is the perfect time to take in this world-famous park. Temperatures are cooler and you’ll find it less crowded. Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, up to 18 miles wide, and an awesome park to explore with your family.

Book a room or cabin at the Bright Angel Lodge for your family’s stay.

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