There are some trips that remind you how magical it is to unplug and explore nature — and visiting Yellowstone with kids was one of those for us. We had never been to Yellowstone National Park before, and we were pleasantly surprised with how much our whole family enjoyed this vacation! My husband, our four kids (ages 14, 13, 10, and 6), and grandparents came along. It was a week full of adventure — geysers, wildlife, waterfalls, and even a trail ride through golden aspen trees.
This is the first in a three-part series about our trip to Yellowstone. I’m sharing what we did, what the kids loved most, and tips to help your family plan an unforgettable adventure too.
Why September Is a Perfect Time to Visit Yellowstone
If you can swing it, go in September. Visiting Yellowstone with kids that time of year was a dream — fewer crowds, active wildlife, and the most gorgeous fall colors. The air was cool and crisp, usually in the 50s–70s during the day. You’ll want a sweater at night, but it’s perfect for exploring during the day.
We flew into Bozeman, Montana, on September 24, then drove two hours to West Yellowstone, where we stayed in a cozy VRBO cabin for four nights. West Yellowstone is such a great base for first-timers — it’s close to the park entrance, has plenty of restaurants, and is super easy to get around.
Day 1: Entering the Park Through West Yellowstone
Our first full day started with breakfast at the cabin (thanks to the grandparents for stocking up on groceries!). We packed snacks, jackets, and cameras, then headed straight into the park.
Almost immediately, we spotted elk grazing along the river — and then one walking down the road beside our car! The kids were in awe, and honestly, so was I.
Stop 1: Firehole Falls
Our first real stop was Firehole Falls, a gorgeous 40-foot waterfall that tumbles through a narrow canyon. There’s a small pull-off where you can hop out and take photos, and it’s perfect for families because you don’t need to hike far to see the view.
“WOW, that’s so beautiful mom!” was heard by Ted 6yr.old
Stop 2: Fountain Paint Pot Trail
Next up was the Fountain Paint Pot Trail, a short boardwalk loop that showcases some of Yellowstone’s famous geothermal features—bubbling mud pots, colorful hot springs, and steam vents that hiss and gurgle. The kids thought it looked like a “science experiment gone wild,” and I have to agree.
June described the sulphur smell emitted from the paitn pots as “rotten egg smell”—which is surprisingly accurate.
Stop 3: Grand Prismatic Spring
We made our way to the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s most photographed thermal feature. Even from the boardwalk below, the colors were unreal—rings of orange, yellow, and deep turquoise swirling with steam.
Ruby thought it looked like a “giant watercolor painting.”
We would have stayed in the park longer and made our way to Old Faithful but we had booked a trail ride back in West Yellowstone that we had to get to, I would recommend planning for both grand prismatic and old faithful at the same time because they are quite close together.
Afternoon Adventure: Horseback Trail Ride in West Yellowstone with kids
That afternoon we went on a horseback trail ride just outside West Yellowstone, and it turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the trip. For three of the kids, it was their very first time on a horse! The trail wound through groves of golden aspens, and the air smelled like pine and sunshine. It was absolutely beautiful.
We booked with a local outfitter just outside West Yellowstone, and the guides were knowledgeable, fun and great to work with.
Ted was so excited to ride a horse! He said “That was cool and my horse was the best”
Where We Stayed
Our VRBO cabin in West Yellowstone was perfect for a multi-generation trip. It had a full kitchen (ideal for breakfast and late-night snacks), cozy living room, and enough bedrooms for everyone. Having grandparents along made the trip extra special—they were thrilled to share these experiences with the kids, and we loved having their help and company.
If you’re planning a family trip, I highly recommend renting a cabin with a kitchen so you can save money on meals and have space for downtime between big park days.
Know Before You Go: Tips for Visiting Yellowstone with Kids
- Start early. Even in September, popular stops like Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful can get busy by midday.
- Pack layers. Mornings and evenings are chilly, but afternoons can feel warm in the sun.
- Bring binoculars. We used ours constantly for spotting wildlife.
- Snacks are key. Once you’re in the park, food options are limited, so pack more than you think you’ll need. We packed sandwiches, lots of snacks and a cooler of drinks everyday.
- Download offline maps. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in most areas. I kind of loved not being connected and that the kids couldn’t be connected either. We had them leave their devices at the cabin and it made the days so much better.
Reflecting on Our First Day
By the time we got back to the cabin, everyone was happily exhausted—the good kind of tired that comes from fresh air and adventure. It was the perfect first day in Yellowstone and the start of a trip we’ll never forget.
If you’re considering planning your own Yellowstone with kids itinerary, this first day is a great way to ease into the park—short hikes, incredible scenery, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Click over to keep reading Part 2: Our Epic Yellowstone Day—Canyons, Hikes, and Wildlife Spotting