Our second day in Yellowstone with kids was pure adventure from start to finish. It ended up being our longest and most exciting day of the trip. We saw thundering waterfalls, hiked a mountain, and spotted more wildlife than we ever expected. It was one of those days that left us completely exhausted in the best possible way.
Starting the Day: The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
We left our cabin early with sweatshirts and a car full of snacks. The plan for the day was simple — see as much as possible and soak it all in.
Our first stop was the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and wow, it took my breath away. The canyon glows in shades of yellow, orange, and pink, and the sound of rushing water echoes through the valley. The view made me feel small in the best way.
The Brink of the Lower Falls Trail
We decided to hike to the Brink of the Lower Falls first. The trail is short but steep, full of switchbacks that zigzag down the mountainside. It’s not easy, especially with kids, but the payoff is worth every step. Standing at the lookout, we could feel the spray of the waterfall on our faces.
There was a good amount of whining and complaining of “my legs are tired” and “I can’t walk anymore” but we made it and the kids were in awe of the huge waterfall.
The climb back up was tough, but we took breaks, enjoyed the view, and cheered each other on. That’s one of the things I loved about visiting Yellowstone with kids — the hikes challenge them just enough to make the reward feel extra sweet.
Artist Point & Main Lookout
After catching our breath, we drove over to Artist Point, one of the most beautiful spots in the park. From there, we could see both the Upper and Lower Falls framed by the colorful canyon walls. It’s one of those views that looks like it’s been painted by hand.
We lingered there for a while, snapping photos and soaking it all in before heading to Canyon Village for lunch and a break.
Midday Stop: Canyon Village & Visitor Center
By mid-morning, everyone was ready for food and a little downtime. Canyon Village is a perfect stop for families exploring Yellowstone with kids. The visitor center has great exhibits, and my kids loved learning about the park’s volcano history and seeing the model geysers.
We hit the big gift shop, picked up souvenirs, and stamped our National Parks Passport — a family favorite on every trip. Lunch was quick sandwiches and chips before we geared up for our next big challenge: hiking Mt. Washburn.
Hiking Mt. Washburn
Mt. Washburn is one of those hikes that sounds intimidating until you start it. The trail climbs steadily up through open meadows filled with wildflowers and mountain views in every direction.
The grandparents stayed back with the younger two, while Matt and I took the older kids and a friend who’s worked as a Yellowstone guide. Having someone who knows the park made the hike even more special.
The trail was long and challenging-6 miles roundtrip, but we stopped often to take photos and just catch our breath. My legs and calves were definitely feeling the burn! When we finally reached the top, we could see for miles — rolling mountains, pine forests, and even the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone far below.
Max said, “It’s almost like we are viewing it from an airplane we are so high!”
We sat up there for a little while, just talking and taking in the view. It felt so good to share that moment together after such a climb.
Afternoon: Tower General Store & Ice Cream Break
After the hike, we met up with the rest of the family at the Tower General Store. There’s nothing like ice cream after a big hike. We sat outside in the shade, laughing about the steep parts of the trail and passing around our phones to compare photos.
This was also where we regrouped before heading toward the Lamar Valley — one of the best places to spot wildlife in all of Yellowstone.
Evening: Wildlife in the Lamar Valley
If there’s one place that captures the wild heart of Yellowstone, it’s the Lamar Valley. As we drove in, the sun was starting to set, and the light made everything glow.
Not long after we arrived, we saw a herd of bison crossing the road right in front of us. They were massive and completely unbothered by the cars. The kids couldn’t believe how close they were.
Ted said, “They are so big! Can you ride them?!”
A few miles later, we noticed cars pulled over by the river. We stopped too — and there it was — a grizzly bear walking across the hillside! Watching it through binoculars felt unreal.
Ruby said, “I can’t believe we saw a real bear!”
We stayed until the last bit of light disappeared behind the mountains before heading back to our cabin in West Yellowstone.
Yellowstone with kids Travel Tips: Planning a Long Day in the Park
- Start early. It’s a full day, and you’ll want time to stop at every viewpoint.
- Pack food and plenty of snacks. There aren’t many options once you’re in the park.
- Bring binoculars. Wildlife spotting is one of the best parts of Yellowstone with kids.
- Dress in layers. The temperature changes constantly throughout the day.
- Take breaks. The hikes and long drives can be tiring for little ones.
Reflecting on the Adventure
This day is the one we still talk about the most. It had everything — challenge, beauty, and just the right amount of wild. Seeing Yellowstone with kids through their eyes made it even more magical.
We ended the day tired, dirty, and completely happy. That’s how you know it was a good one.
Stay tuned for Part 3: Old Faithful, Big Sky & the Perfect End to Our Yellowstone Trip, coming soon!
If you missed the beginning of our adventure, check out Part 1: 3 Days in Yellowstone with Kids—Geysers, Falls & Family Adventure to see how our trip started!