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What to Pack for Disneyland at Christmas
READ my Disney Packing List of items you need to take into the park. The list covers all the basics so you can relax and have fun knowing you haven’t forgotten anything.
Here are a few specific tips for packing for a Disneyland trip during the holidays:
Jacket: First of all, even in Southern California, it gets chilly in the winter, and with the sun setting earlier, you’re definitely going to want a sweatshirt.
Rain: Wet weather is more likely at Disneyland in the winter months, especially in January, so be prepared for that with rain ponchos (use to protect yourself from getting wet on rides too) and umbrellas.
MUST-PACK for Christmas at Disneyland: Light-Up Accessories. Buy your own light-up Christmas bulb necklace instead of overpaying in the park. Since it’ll be dark earlier, be sure to bring glow sticks.
Also, a lot of people bring a string of Christmas lights to decorate their hotel room window if visiting Disneyland during Christmastime, which is fun.
Disneyland at Christmas: What to See, Do and Eat
Holiday Entertainment at Disneyland
Decorations: All of the Disneyland Resort is decked out in holiday decorations including Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney.
There are themed decorations for each land, and the detail is amazing.
Parade: Disneyland’s holiday parade is musical entertainment for all ages. All your favorite characters will make an appearance, including Mickey and Friends, Disney Princesses, Pooh and Friends, and Santa himself, as well as holiday characters such as reindeer and gingerbread men. Here are some tips on where to take photos of Winnie the Pooh!
Christmas Parade Viewing Tips: Across from The Matterhorn next to the Alice and Wonderland bathrooms is a great spot to watch the Christmas Fantasy parade. There’s a long bench along the castle wall, and that side of the road gets early shade, but it’s not too crowded. Another good parade viewing spot is along the It’s A Small World mall. If you go to the first parade viewing, you can stay in your spot to watch the It’s A Small World lights turn on shortly after the parade.
Disneyland Packing TIP: Remember to pack a blanket to save seats and sit on.
Fireworks Show: The “Believe…In Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular features dazzling fireworks, stirring music and a delightful sprinkling of snow. It’s a show for all ages!
Best Firework Viewing Spots: ….that don’t require saving hours before, are on Main Street, to the right of the Partners statue. Make sure you can see the castle walls so you don’t miss the projections! If you want to watch the fireworks from somewhere other than Main Street, my favorite spot is New Orleans Square. There’s plenty of seating, no crowds, and an excellent view of the aerial fireworks where you can also hear the music.
MUST-SEE: World of Color: Season of Light: A special version of World of Color is shown at night during the holiday season at California Adventure. The show features clips from Disney and Pixar classics, telling a story of love and light. The accompanying music and lights and water display makes for a magical evening event.
Disney Holiday Characters
It’s so fun to meet and greet the characters in holiday outfits like Goofy in a Christmas Sweater and Santa Mickey! You can even meet Santa at Disneyland.
Disneyland Packing TIP: Order an autograph book before your trip to save money. Pack a fat marker for the characters to write with, and remove the cap for them. It’s hard to sign with paws.
Some of Disneyland’s classic rides get a holiday makeover each year. It’s a Small World Holiday will have you singing Jingle Bells instead of its usual tune from mid-November until mid-January.
MUST-RIDE Holiday Ride: Haunted Mansion Holiday where Jack Skellington takes over the Haunted Mansion in a wonderful all-out holiday overlay from mid-October until January. This less-scary version of the Haunted Mansion is a must-ride.
Disneyland Packing TIP: Buy some cheap Dum Dums lollipops or a bag of Goofy’s Candy Co Mickey pops before you go to save money. Keep them handy in your day bag to instantly quell tantrums, miraculously perk up tired legs, and keep kids holding out that last five minutes in line.
Holiday Treats at Disneyland
Special food offerings are available at Disneyland for all holidays, and Christmastime is no exception. From seasonal soups to themed krispy treats, the holiday foods at Disneyland will wow you. Beautifully decorated caramel apples, cake pops, and cookies are available in the treat shops (Pooh’s Corner, Candy Palace, and Trolley Treats).
There’s also the Festive Foods Marketplace at Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure, offering holiday foods from all over the world.
MUST-EAT Holiday Treat: The Mickey-Shaped Beignets, available at the Mint Julep Bar in Disneyland, come in seasonal flavors during the holidays. Eggnog? Candy cane? You never know what holiday flavor will be available each year.
Disney Holiday Merchandise
You can find holiday-themed Disney items like Mickey ear hats, mugs, popcorn buckets, t-shirts, sweatshirts… and more!
MUST-BUY Holiday Merchandise: Find the perfect new Christmas ornament for your tree to represent your Disney trip!
It’s no secret that the holidays are the most crowded time of year at Disneyland. From the week of Thanksgiving through New Year’s, attendance is up and lines are long.
The best time to go during this period is early December, and weekdays in particular, so if you have the freedom to do so, schedule your trip during that time.
BEST TIP for avoiding crowds: Go early. Getting to the park before it opens is absolutely the best way to make the most of your time.
Even on the most crowded days, Disneyland will have shorter lines during the first few hours of the day, and it is worth every minute of sleep lost.
Be at the gate, with your tickets, 30-45 minutes before scheduled opening for the best impact.
If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime, we recommend you plan a Yellowstone vacation.
This famous national park covers roughly 3,500 square miles of wilderness and includes parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is also one of the most popular national parks in the entire United States and sits atop a volcanic hot spot that creates a unique, natural landscape that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
We visit Yellowstone multiple times a year (yes, we love it that much!). Our favorite things to see and photograph are the Yellowstone waterfalls, geysers and wildlife.
We want to help you create the perfect vacation to one of the United State’s most iconic national parks.
This Yellowstone National Park trip planner will include this essential information:
Yellowstone Basics
When to visit Yellowstone National Park
Getting to Yellowstone
Top things to do on a Yellowstone vacation
What to Pack for a Yellowstone trip
Lodging near Yellowstone
Use this guide so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime and not stress about planning the perfect Yellowstone trip.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A YELLOWSTONE VACATION
Yellowstone Packing List for Summer
Light hiking shoes or sandals – we recommend Merrell Moab hiking shoes or Oboz hiking shoes
Yellowstone National Parkwas the first national park ever created in the US and was officially established on March 1, 1872. Included in this dramatic, natural wonderland are an assortment of awe-inspiring canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs, and mesmerizing geysers, like Old Faithful.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Yellowstone is also home to a wide variety of fascinating animal species that include bears, wolves, bison, elk, and antelope.
A trip to Yellowstone National Park is an absolute must for any and all outdoor enthusiasts.
When to Visit Yellowstone
The best time to visit Yellowstone National Park is during one of the park’s shoulder seasons, which are from April through May and September through October. Not only do these months offer visitors more temperate weather, but these seasons also give guests a respite from the intense crowds that can overwhelm the park throughout July and August when most families are on summer vacation.
Additionally, you can further reduce your encounters with park crowds by visiting Yellowstone National Park during nonpeak hours, which are either before 9:00 am or after 3:00 pm.
Our favorite months for a Yellowstone vacation are May, October and during the winter.
Yellowstone National Park is open to visitors 365 days a year, twenty-four hours a day if you use the North Entrance, which is located just outside of Gardiner, Montana. This road is regularly plowed during the winter season and will lead visitors towrds Cooke City, Montana, and the Northeast section of the park.
All other entrances to the park are closed throughout November (to prepare for winter in Yellowstone National Park) and between the end of March and early April (to prepare for summer in Yellowstone National Park). See the YNP website for specific park roads information.
However, summer roads in Yellowstone National Park, once fully opened, can be used by park guests twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Entrance Fees at Yellowstone
There are a variety of passes available to visit Bryce Canyon. Check the website for the most current fee prices and information.
If you’ll be traveling through the south entrance between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, you will need to purchase a seperate admission pass for Yellowstone AND Grand Teton, or purchase the National Parks Pass.
Yellowstone Weather
Since most of the park sits above 6,000 feet (1829 m) in elevation, daily weather patterns can vary unpredictability throughout each month of the year. Therefore, expect significant seasonal changes in temperature, rain, and snow. Accordingly, regardless of when you visit, be sure to pack a warm jacket, rain gear, and lots of layers.
In spring and fall specifically, daytime temperatures can vary between 30°F and 60°F (0°C to 20°C) in a single day, with overnight lows in the teens and single digits (-5°C to -20°C). Snow is also common throughout these seasons, with accumulations of 12 inches (30.5 cm) in a twenty-four hour period being quite normal.
In contrast, summer, daytime temperatures can often climb as high as 70°F (25°C), and even 80°F (30°C) in lower elevation areas. Nights are also typically cooler, with temperatures that may drop below freezing at higher elevations. Thunderstorms are also common throughout the afternoon.
In winter, park guests can expect average, daytime temperatures between zero and 20°F (-20°C to -5°C), with sub-zero temperatures common throughout the evening. Visitors should also prepare for a signifcant amount of snow, with average snowfall levels around 150 inches (381 cm) per year. However, higher elevations will typically receive twice this amount of snow. Be sure to pack the right winter clothing so you can enjoy your time in the park!
Yellowstone Pets Policy
Because of the number of different animal species that are found within Yellowstone National Park, bringing your pet with you can limit the number of activities you can participate in.
Pets are not permitted on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
Therefore, if you do decide to bring a pet with you on your Yellowstone vacation, please remember that pets may only accompany people in developed areas and must remain within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds at all times.
Pets must also always be physically controlled while in either a car, crate, or on a leash that is no more than six feet long. As a result, pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object at any time.
And while pets may be left in a vehicle for a short period of time, it is recommended that someone stay with the animal to help monitor their continued well being. Owners are also required to pick up after their pets and dispose of their waste.
Goods and Services at Yellowstone
Visitor Centers
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center (open daily between April and early November)
Canyon Visitor Education Center (open daily between May and mid-October)
Fishing Bridge Museum and Visitor Center (open daily between late May and late September)
Grant Village Visitor Center (open daily between late May and late September)
Madison Information Station (open daily between late May and late September)
Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth (open daily, year-round, between 9:00 and 5:00 pm, at Mammoth Hot Springs)
Norris Area Museums (The Norris Geyser Basin Museum and the Museum of the National Park Ranger are open daily between late May and late September)
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (open daily, year-round and located in the town of West Yellowstone)
Many of these visitor centers also contain park stores that sell a variety of different souvenirs: books, artwork, and educational materials.
Service stations (24-hour, year-round, credit card fueling)
Canyon Village, Fishing Bridge, Grant Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, and Tower Junction.
Cell Service
Like most national parks, cellular service is limited in Yellowstone since cell towers are only found at Mammoth Hot Springs, West Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grant Village, and Mount Washburn. Therefore, service can be found within most developed areas of the park, as well as at both the North and West entrances.
That being said, during the summer, the sheer number of visitors and cell phone users can frequently overwhelm the system and result in an inability to text, call, or use cellular data. If this happens, guests can use free WIFI services at Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs (WIFI is also available at some hotels and lodges around the park).
Medical Services
Mammoth Clinic
Lake Clinic
Old Faithful Clinic during the summer
All clinics are open to the public and fully equipped for most medical emergencies and routine care. Services include injury/illness treatment, x-rays, and some lab and pharmacy services. If in-patient care is required, clinic staff can stabilize patients and transfer them to hospitals outside the park.
Miscellaneous Services
Powell Lock for locksmith services
US Post Offices: Canyon Village, Grant Village, Lake Village, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Old Faithful.
For visitor convenience, general stores, gift shops, mini stores, and park stores can be found throughout the park allow visitors to buy a wide variety of gifts, food, and travel essentials.
You will need a car to get around the park. There are no shuttles like you’ll find at other national parks. There are guided tour operators, but it’s not a good option for a multi-day trip. Bikes are a common sight on park roads, but both riders and drivers should exercise extreme caution.
So, you’ll need to fly to an airport near Yellowstone then rent a car. Or enjoy a fun road trip traveling to the park.
Since Yellowstone National Park includes a wilderness area of more than 2.2 million acres, it should come as no surprise this enchanting, natural landscape is brimming over with excting things to do and intriguing places to explore.
Yellowstone has dramatic waterfalls, hydrothermal areas, and diverse wildlife. There will be no shortage of natural wonders for you to discover.
To help you plan the perfect Yellowstone National Park itinerary, here’s our list of Yellowstone’s top attractions you absolutely must see during your Yellowstone vacation.
We are listing them in geographic order starting and ending in West Yellowstone.
West Yellowstone to Madison
From West Yellowstone, you’ll drive east next to the Madison River then head south at the Madison Junction and drive next to the Firehole River. These two rivers are known for great fly fishing. And you’ll often see wildlife along the rivers as well.
Firehole Falls in Yellowstone.
One of our favorite things to do is view and photograph spectacular Yellowstone waterfalls. Don’t miss the scenic drive in Firehole Canyon to see Firehole Falls.
Lower and Midway Geyser Basins
As you continue south you’ll drive through the Lower Geyser Basin where you’ll find the Fountain Paint Pots and other hot pools and geysers.
When you reach the Midway Geyser Basin, the one must-stop location is Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s a huge oval pool surrounded by unusually colorful bands of algae and travertine terraces, with wavy run off channels.
Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park.
A half mile boardwalk trail runs part way around the spring, past two much smaller pools (Opal and Turquoise) and Excelsior Geyser, formerly the largest geyser on Earth.
Old Faithful & Upper Geyser Basin
Watching Old Faithful Geyser erupt is a quintessential Yellowstone National Park experience that people from all over the world come to enjoy. In fact, it was the unique, predictability of Old Faithful’s eruptions that led the American government to establish Yellowstone as the first national park in the world, in 1872.
Watch the Old Faithful geyser on your Yellowstone vacation.
No Yellowstone vacation would be complete without a trip to Old Faithful, one of almost 500 geysers in the park, and one of six that park rangers can currently predict.
For the best view of the eruption, try watching from either the Old Faithful viewing area or from the boardwalks that wind around the geyser itself.
The geysers of the Upper Basin in Yellowstone National Park represent the most concentrated group in the world – over 250 are found in an area just 2 miles across:
Geyser Hill
Black Sand Basin
Biscuit Basin
Morning Glory Pool
West Thumb & Grant Village
From Old Faithful, continue south and east toward the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Two circular boardwalk trails totaling 0.75 miles pass by colorful hot pools and springs, steam vents and mud pots.
Most of the geysers here are just bubbling pools, but it has the added attraction of being right next to Yellowstone Lake
Near Grant Village you’ll have the option to head toward the South entrance and Grand Teton National Park.
Yellowstone South Entrance to Grand Teton
The drive toward Grand Teton is beautiful. There are a few hiking trails and photographic spots we recommend: Lewis Lake, Lewis Falls and Moose Falls.
Because Grand Teton National Park begins just south of Yellowstone, there are no towns with hotels until Jackson, about 57 miles away.
Continuing north from Grant you’ll drive along Yellowstone Lake. It’s the largest lake in the USA at this elevation (7,773 above sea level). Enjoy boating, kayaking and fishing. The water is generally too cold for swimming, and the whole surface is frozen solid for several months in winter.
A fun stop in Bridge Bay is a short hike along a forested trail to a small rhyolite natural bridge, framing a minor stream.
Lake Village has a hotel, ranger station, post office, visitor center and day hiking trails.
The road forks just after the village where the left branch leads to the popular Canyon area and the right fork crosses the Yellowstone River over the historic Fishing Bridge.
From here the road follows the north shore for a while then turns away from the lake towards the East Entrance of the national park. About 50 miles after the park entrance you’ll reach Cody, Wyoming where you’ll find a good variety of lodging and food options.
Hayden Valley
The Yellowstone River flows from the north end of Yellowstone Lake into the wide open grasslands and marshes of Hayden Valley. This is one of the best locations for roadside wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.
Before the river enters the flatland of Hayden Valley, it descends at LeHardys Rapids. You’ll then pass through an interesting, and smelly, thermal region with a variety of mudpots, fumaroles, sulphurous springs and odorous pools.
Bison standing on the road in Yellowstone.
Bison are often found in this area. PLEASE follow the wildlife regulations for the park:
Wild animals are unpredictable and dangerous. Every year people are injured when they approach animals too closely. Animals that attack people may need to be relocated or killed. To protect yourself and the animals you come to watch, always remain at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears or wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all other wildlife.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone & Canyon Village
Lower falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
The Yellowstone River flows over two large waterfalls and drops into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
It’s a spectacular canyon with steep walls formed of jagged, eroded, chemically altered volcanic rocks of unusually bright colors – red, pink, orange and white.
Viewpoints for the Upper Falls:
Upper Falls Trail
Uncle Tom’s Trail
Artist Point
North Rim Viewpoints for the Lower Falls:
Brink of Lower Falls
Lookout Point
Red Rock Point
Grandview Point
Inspiration Point
Tower-Roosevelt
From Canyon, you’ll drive north toward Tower along Dunraven Pass over Mount Washburn (10,243 feet). Dunraven Pass (8,859 feet) is the highest road pass in Yellowstone. It can get snow at any time of year, even summer. It may close during a regional snow storm, and it is always the first road to close in the fall as the park prepares for the winter.
This road is the perfect location to view various areas of the park from a high vantage. If you want to get even higher, hike the trail to the summit of Mount Washburn in just a few short miles!
Continue north and you’ll reach Tower Falls. Hike the short trail to see the 132 foot waterfall. There’s a general store and snack bar here.
As you drive around the Tower area, keep an eye out for bears. It’s one of the best spots to see black bears in Yellowstone.
Mom black bear and two cubs at Yellowstone.
Make your way toward Tower Junction where you’ll find Roosevelt Lodge, cabins, a store, restaurant, gas station, and horse rentals. One of the fun things to do here is ride out to Yancy’s Hole on a horse or in a covered wagon to enjoy the popular Old West Dinner Cookout.
Lamar Valley & the Northeast Entrance
If you want to see wildlife, add Lamar Valley to your Yellowstone vacation itinerary. It’s a wide open, grassy expanse which makes it easier to spot wildlife. Bison are most common here, and many hundreds may often be seen, sometimes walking right next to or along the road. But if you’re lucky, you’ll see wolves and grizzly bears.
Black wolf in Yellowstone National Park.
When you reach the often smelly Soda Butte formation, the road will turn toward the northeast. You’ll travel through beautiful wooded and mountainous landscape and come to the Northeast Entrance.
Past the national park boundary there are two small towns, Silver Gate and Cooke City. There are basic facilities in these towns. The US 212 highway from here begins a long, continuous descent through the Shoshone National Forest.
Mammoth Hot Springs & the North Entrance
Return to Tower-Roosevelt Junction and drive toward Mammoth. Along the way you’ll pass the Petrified Tree, Wraith Falls and Undine Falls.
If it’s open, we recommend driving Blacktail Plateau Drive, a 6 mile one-way dirt road that takes you off the paved road to experience the solitude of the Yellowstone wilderness. Driving on this road is slower than the main road, which makes it easier to spot the elk, bison and bears in area and enjoy the views.
There are no geysers or large pools in Mammoth. Instead you’ll see warm, subterranean water has created large areas of beautiful terraces. You can see a bit of these terraces from the main highway, but the trails, boardwalks and a one-way loop drive provide better access.
Colorful formation at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone.
Mammoth is a small town with a hotel, the historic Fort Yellowstone, a visitor center and some shops.
In the fall, elk congreagate on the lawns and fields in Mammoth, and at the North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana.
The North Entrance is the only one of the five that remains open all year. The town of Gardiner has a varirety of accommodation, restaurants, shops, gas stations, a grocery store and more.
One notable historical feature is Roosevelt Arch, which was the main entrance to Yellowstone when it was dedicated in 1903 by the 26th president.
Norris
The drive from Mammoth to Norris is fairly flat where you’ll find meadows, lakes (Swan, Twin and Beaver) and some geyser features (Roaring Mountain).
The Norris Geyser Basin is full of dynamic thermal activity you can see, and it’s home to Steamboat Geyser, the largest active geyser in the world.
At the Norris Junction, you can take the road toward Canyon where you’ll drive through Gibbon Meadows and find Virginia Cascade.
Gibbon Falls at Yellowstone.
Or you can drive toward Madison. Along this route is the Artists Paint Pots, a collection of small but colorful springs, mud pots and sporadically-erupting geysers. And be sure to stop at Gibbon Falls, an impressive wide waterfall.
We’re now back to where we started, and you’ve got a general idea of all there is to see on your Yellowstone vacation.
Whether you’re looking to get back into nature with a rustic camping experience or want to enjoy some of the finer things in life at one of park’s many delightful summer or winter lodges, there are no shortage of Yellowstone Park lodging options that you and your family will love.
Depending on when you plan to take your Yellowstone vacation, this national park has a variety of different seasonal lodges for guests to enjoy. And while all of the lodges below are open throughout the summer, only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins and Mammoth Hot Springs & Cabins are open throughout the winter, allowing you to savor the ethereal beauty of Yellowstone when it’s covered in a deep, blanket of snow.
Use the list below to determine which fantastic Yellowstone accomodation will be the perfect addition to your Yellowstone vacation.
Always check the NPS website for the most current lodging and camping information and rates.
Yellowstone Park Lodges & Cabins
Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins – The timeless elegence and Colonial Revival style of this hotel’s majestic decor welcomes you as take in some of the stunning views of Yellowstone Lake from the Hotel’s Sun Room. In addition to the ultra-modern guest rooms and cabins here, guests can also utilize the hotel’s delightful dining room, bar, deli, and fully equipped business center.
Canyon Lodge and Cabins – This massive facility is located on the east side of the park, near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and has 500 different rooms and cabins for guests to choose from. Inside the hotel’s main public building, guests will also find a variety of different high-quality, gift shops and restaurants.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins – Located near the iconic, Mammoth Hot Springs, this hotel was initially constructed in 1936 and has retained much of it’s past, vintage charm, with exquisite details like a large wooden map of the United States, that was constructed using of 15 different types of wood. Today, guests can relax inside the hotel’s full bar and enjoy live piano music from a local musician. Hotel patrons can even marvel at elk as they graze on the lawn of the hotel.
Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins – This modern, full-service hotel features chic, timber construction and a fabulous, cedar shingle roof, both of which prove that national park accomodations can be luxurious too. Also within the hotel are a full-service dining room, a quick service “Geyser Grill” and a charming little gift shop.
Old Faithful Inn – Built between 1903 and 1904, using local logs and stone, this timeless lodge is not just a national historic landmark, but it’s also the largest log structure in the world. While staying here, guests can choose between 327 rooms and enjoy a multitiude of ammentieis that include live music, a full-service restaurant, lounge, snack bar, gift shop, and daily tours.
Grant Village – Named after former president Ulysses S. Grant, this Yellowstone accommodation is located near the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and features six, two-story buildings that each house 50 rooms but sadly, no elevators. Also on-site are a full-service restaurant, a lakeside restaurant, a lounge, and a gift shop.
Lake Lodge Cabins (Will be remodeled for the 2020 park season) – This enchanting hotel has an enormous main lodge, with an adjoining porch that gives guests exquisite views of nearby, Yellowstone Lake. Surrounding the main lodge are 186 private cabins with either Westerm and Frontier style interiors.
Old Faithful Lodge Cabins – This historic cabin facility is located near Old Faithful Inn and includes a one-story main lodge, as well as an assortment of on-site cabins that provide visitors with spectaculiar views of Old Faithful. Inside the lobby, guests can enjoy a bakery/snack shop, as well as a cafeteria-style food court.
Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins – Built in 1920, this historic lodge sits near Tower Falls and has a multitude of rustic cabins that help reawaken the spirit of the old west. Add in some family-style dining, trail rides, stagecoach adventures, and an Old West Dinner Cookout, and you have a truly, one in a lifetime experience that everyone, from families to grizzled old hunters, will love.
However, if you’re looking to get back in touch with the natural beauty of this park’s awe-inspiring terrain, then why not pitch a tent or park an RV under Yellowstone’s breathtakingly beautiful night sky? With five incredible, on-site, campgrounds to choose from, visitors can pick an ideal location for them to get up close and personal with mesmerizing wildlife, mind-blowing mountain ranges, and expansive meadows.
Yellowstone Campgrounds
Madison Campground – With 270 Tent, RV, ADA, and combination RV/tent campsites, this Yellowstone campground is perfect for anyone who enjoys fishing or who wants a campsite that is within close proximity of Old Faithful, as well as the Upper, Midway, and Lower Geyser Basins.
Canyon Campground – Located within a mile of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, this campground is one of the most popular in all of Yellowstone, given its central location and scenic views. This site also has 270 Tent, RV, ADA, and combination RV/tent sites that provide guests with easy access to popular hiking trails, like Uncle Tom’s Trail.
Bridge Bay Campground – The scenic, wooded area is home to 400 Tent, RV, ADA, and combination RV/tent campsites. Because of the campground’s close proximity to Bridge Bay Marina, this site is particularly popular with both fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Grant Village Campground – With Tent, RV, ADA, and combination RV/tent sites, Grant Village Campground is the perfect place to relax amidst scenic views of the southwest shore of Yellowstone Lake. Nestled within a charming lodegpole pine forest, this campground allows you to escape the crowds, but all while staying within close proximity of West Thumb Geyser Basin and various other park services.
Fishing Bridge RV Park – Located near the mouth of the Yellowstone River and surrounded by a majestic pine forest, this campground has 340 sites that are specifically designed for hard-sided, recreational vehicles only. All sites here can accommodate double-wide trailers, have all necessary trailer hook ups, and can hold vehicles that are up to 40 feet in length.
Hotels and Vacation Rentals Near Yellowstone
If your focus is to see the waterfalls and geysers, then it’s best to stay in West Yellowstone. Here are places we’ve stayed and recommend:
If you want to be closer to the wildlife in Lamar Valley, then we suggest you stay in Gardiner, Silver Gate or Cooke City, Montana. We can recommend these places we’ve stayed:
Do you have a list of US National Parks you want to visit like we do? US National Parks provide destinations with unique landscapes. wildlife, and a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
When it’s time to start packing for your trip, use our US National Park Packing List for summer and winter.
The list is fairly comprehensive, and you may not need every item depending on your type of travel, things you will do, or time of year you visit. Make modifications to the lists as needed.
Weather, region and elevation are important to consider when packing for a US National Park trip. Weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly!
Pack and wear layers for the cool mornings and evenings. You’re also prepared for any storms that may quickly roll in unexpectedly.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
US NATIONAL PARK PACKING LIST ITEMS
Packing Item #1 – The America the Beautiful Annual Pass
The US National Park annual pass costs $80 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. For the most current information on passes, reference the National Park Service website.
If you’re a US citizen these other passes are also available:
Senior Pass if you’re over 62
Military Pass
4th Grade Pass
The pass allows two signatures so it can be shared, and the two people don’t have to be related. You will need to show photo ID each time you use the pass.
Oregon is a bucket list destination due to its juxtaposition of alt-cool and outdoor adventure with Mt. Hood, coastal beaches, waterfalls and food.
World-class attractions, interactive museums, zoos, state parks, a national park and 363 miles of beach lines to explore, no wonder Oregon is a family friendly destination.
We have collaborated with seasoned family travelers to create this awesome Oregon With Kids list:
Tillamook Forest Center
Tillamook Creamery
OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Hood River, Oregon
Crater Lake
Rockaway Beach
Oregon Zoo
McCall Waterfront Park
Bend, Oregon
Otter Rock – Beverly Beach State Park
Devil’s Punch Bowl
Newport, Oregon
Yaquima Head Lighthouse
In case you want to just focus your Oregon family vacation to Portland, we’ve got you covered:
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WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO OREGON WITH KIDS
Rain jacket – The likelihood of rain while you’re visiting Oregon, especially the coast, is high. Pack a rain jacket. → Check out our favorite rain jackets for the family!
Hiking shoes – If you’ll be exploring any hiking trails in Oregon with your kids, we recommend hiking shoes, and not sandals. After the umpteenth time of getting rocks out of the sandals, you’ll thank us! → REI is the best place to get hiking shoes – trust us!
Hiking socks – Darn Tough socks help prevent blisters, keep your feet dry, and are guaranteed to last. → Check out the BEST SOCKS EVER!
Water shoes – You’ll want shoes that are made to get wet AND protect your feet from the rocks. If you’ll be visiting the coastal beaches and tidepools, pack water shoes. → Check out these water shoes.
Sunscreen→ Check out sunscreen for kids
Water bottle→ Check out these water bottles perfect for traveling!
Unique Activities at Tillamook Forest Center with Kids
The Tillamook Forest Center is right on Highway 6 from Portland to the coast, and stopping there was one of the best decisions we made.
There’s a fire lookout, an indoor visitor’s center with a gift shop, clean restrooms, and educational displays, but best of all, they have several kids’ activities daily.
Kids love the Fairy Garden Tour at Tillamook Forest.
When we stopped, a group was getting ready to take a fairy garden tour. They met on the beautiful bridge behind the forest center.
The volunteer tour kids showed the children what materials they could find for building fairy houses, and how to collect them without damaging living plants.
After that they led the kids on a short hike, where they viewed fairy houses built by previous groups.
Everyone in the group built their own fairy house along the trail. It was a magical experience, and a great way to stretch everyone’s legs for an hour.
Yummy Treats at Tillamook Creamery with Kids
For an attraction in Oregon that both kids and adults will enjoy, head to the Tillamook Creamery. The creamery is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland and is commonly referred to as the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It is opened nearly every day of the year for visitors and is a perfect pitstop between Portland and the Oregon coast.
Sample cheese and ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.
The Creamery was renovated, enhanced and reopened in 2018, expanded to provide a more pleasant experience for visitors. From the main entrance, you go directly up the stairs to view the factory functioning from above and learn the process of turning milk into cheese. Additional exhibits show the history of Tillamook and how the creamery functions and cares for the cows.
You can’t go to a cheese factory without trying the cheese. Everyone can sample Tillamook cheese cubes or you can dine in and eat a meal and dessert. The on-site cafe features a menu that highlights the classic ways to enjoy cheese like pizzas, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup and of course, macaroni and cheese. For dessert, there are 25+ ice cream flavors to choose from with several different size cups and cones to match your appetite.
OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry with Kids
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is one of the best things to do in Portland with kids and is a must visit place in Oregon. Located on the east bank of the Willamette River, this huge museum is a kid’s paradise.
From the planetarium to the Science Playground and USS Blueback, the submarine now docked at the side of the museum, kids will love OMSI.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a must to visit with kids. Photo credit: Passports and Adventures
OMSI has 5 exhibition halls full of interactive exhibits and displays. Permanent halls and exhibits include the Science Playground, a hall dedicated to introducing science through fun and learning to the younger members of the family, being geared towards the 0 to 6-year olds. Young kids can enjoy learning through fun with wind displays, water tables and more. The only trouble you will have is getting them to leave this awesome playroom.
The Turbine Hall will be appreciated by older children as they discover physics and chemistry through the displays in this area. It’s the ideal place for testing out ideas. There is also a Space Science Hall, Planetarium where you can learn about the night sky, a Natural Sciences Hall and of course the submarine. Fun fact: this is the submarine that was used for filming the film “The Hunt for Red October”.
OMSI also plays host to visiting exhibits such as the Pompeii one we caught during our visit and, most recently, the Exquisite Creatures. These visiting exhibits change throughout the year, so it is worth checking the website before you visit to see what’s on. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a must-visit when in Portland with kids.
The quaint town of Hood River, Oregon sits in the Columbia River Gorge about 60 miles east of Portland. Here the smaller Hood River flows into the Columbia, creating the perfect backdrop for this active town and the surrounding rural areas.
Not only are there plenty of restaurants and shops in town, but this entire area is famous for its produce, including wine and fruit. The nearby farms and vineyards all participate in a driving tour known as the Fruit Loop, where visitors can drive around the surrounding region to pick fruit, taste wine, pet animals, and hike through the hills. Our favorites were the Gorge White House which had some great wines, Packer Orchards, Draper Girls Country Farm, and Lavender Valley. We spent the entire day picking fruit for the rest of our trip. Our daughter loved petting llamas, too. And even though she couldn’t taste the wine, she spent the time stuffing herself full of strawberries.
Kids will love petting llamas in Hood River, Oregon. Photo credit: Budget Your Trip
A few riverside parks on the Columbia offer small beaches and playgrounds if you want to get your feet wet. Or, if you’re really adventurous, try windsurfing in the stiff breezes that whip through the Gorge.
If you want to hike or bike on a trail easy enough for kids, check out the nearby Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This old road has been transformed into a pedestrian and bike-only trail with amazing views up and down the Columbia Gorge surrounded by forest and flowers. Or, visit Tucker Park along the smaller Hood River for some forested views, or hike along the Hood from the Penstock Flume Pipeline trail head which is closer to town.
We camped at Tucker Park to avoid the strong winds of the Gorge, but plenty of hotels are located in town. Hood River can also be used as a base to explore nearby Mount Hood for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. And it also makes a good base to drive along the Gorge to visit the numerous waterfalls.
Outdoor Adventure at Crater Lake National Park with Kids
Looking for some great activities to do in Oregon with kids? Crater Lake National Park is a great plan if looking for nature and outdoor activities for the weekend. Did you know the Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and rests in a dormant volcano?
Home to the gorgeous “Deep Blue Lake”, there are different trails so you can tour around the lake along 33-mile Rim Drive. One of the best things to do there is stopping at some of the most beautiful overlooks with panoramic views of the lake. There are more than 30!
Add Crater Lake to your list of things to do in Oregon with kids. Photo credit: Mindful Travel By Sara
Other must-do activities in the Crater Lake NP with kids are: ride a boat to Wizard Island, watch the sunrise over Crater Lake, see Plaikni Falls, visit the Crater Lake Lodge and camp at Mazama campground.
The most popular time to visit Crater Lake is in summer, but it’s also crowded. The best time for visiting the park is in May and June (better weather and fewer people!). The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day, but be careful if visiting in winter, as some roads can be closed or frozen. Definitely, Crater Lake is one of the best National Parks in the US and one of the coolest things to do in Oregon with kids.
Located just 30 short miles south of its more well-known neighbor of Cannon Beach, you’ll find Rockaway Beach that has a completely different vibe.
Rockaway Beach is a sleepy little beach town that is great for families traveling with kids due to the laidback ambiance of the town that is adjacent to wide, sandy beaches. The town has a walkable main street, with taffy and chocolate shops that are sure to delight kids and adults alike, plus a few other small local shops. Most businesses close early, encouraging you to get out on the sand to watch the sunset and let the kiddos run around the beach before bedtime, which they’ll likely be able to do with plenty of room.
Rockaway Beach is a sleepy town perfect for visiting Oregon with kids. Photo credit: One Day In A City
If you enjoy getting away from the crowds, Rockaway Beach is the place to be. It’s often devoid of crowds even at the height of summer. Daylight hours in Rockaway Beach are also best spent lounging on the uncrowded sand, and families with young kids will enjoy setting up toward the northern end of the beach where mountain water runs into the sea and forms a shallow stream for kids to splash in.
Rockaway Beach also has a massive photo-worthy rock a short distance offshore that is shaped like an arch and makes for a lovely family photo backdrop.
The Oregon Zoo, located in Washington Park, is the ideal place to showcase the wildlife that can be found on this planet. The zoo is built around a paved pathway which winds through different sections—rainforests, cats of Africa, Elephants, underwater and exotic birds.
It’s an excellent opportunity for kids to get up close to animals they may otherwise never have the option of seeing. They can watch bald eagles preen, giraffes saunter by and otters joyfully gliding through the water. The most amazing thing is pointing out how large these animals are in real life—TV sure doesn’t do justice!
The Oregon zoo is the perfect family friendly attraction. Photo credit: God and Wanderlust
Each animal at the Oregon Zoo has a board with information on where they live, what they eat and what their lifestyle is like. This can create great conversations and discussions with your kids on how current events like climate change will effect wildlife and what us humans can do to protect them.
The great thing about taking kids to the Oregon Zoo is that there are several shortcuts located along the path that will take you back to the entrance. This can come in handy if your child gets tired, hungry or simply needs a break.
Ride Around Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland With Kids
Renting a surrey is a incredibly fun and unusual way to explore the center of Portland. I highly recommend renting one from Kerr Bikes at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Kerr Bikes is a non profit organization who’s proceeds going into local services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so in addition to having a great time, you’ll be giving back to the community!
Explore Portland with kids by renting a surrey! Photo credit: Travel Mad Mum
Head out on your surrey to check out the river edge and see the city skyline. The bikes include a map of some recommended routes that will take you on a loop around the river, taking in the waterfront, bridges and city views. It’s really beautiful and our toddler really enjoyed it. It’s also a pretty good leg workout for the parents! They have surreys to fit two, four, or six people so it’s quite a handy way of getting around the city no matter what size your family is.
The bikes also have two steering wheels, one of which is non functioning which is a great way to have young kids feel involved in the experience. If you come with a buggy, Kerr Bikes will also store it for you while you take the Surrey for a ride.
The city of Bend in central Oregon is the perfect place to travel with kids. Much of what there is to do with kids is actually fun for the whole family! Explore remnants of the basalt lava flow as you walk the
Trail of the Molten Land at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. It’s just about a mile (each way) from the visitor center to the base of Lava Butte. Most of the trail is paved, so even if you have young kids in a stroller, this is a light hike everyone can do!
Explore Lava Lands in Bend, Oregon. Photo credit: Forget Someday
The High Desert Museum is rated as one of the top kid-friendly things to do in Bend, so definitely put that on your list! Tubing the Deschutes River that meanders through town is a MUST in the summer months. You can also rent a surrey bike and pedal along the shoreline with the whole family.
There are plenty of free things to do in Bend, Oregon with kids including the two public libraries and 40 parks with playgrounds… yes, 40! Orchard Park, Columbia Park, and Al Moody Park were a few of our favorites. Take a drive on the 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway for some super scenic views. Hike in Deschutes National Forest and check out some of the local waterfalls, including Benham Falls, Dillon Falls, and Lava Falls. Tumalo Falls is another waterfall in Bend that you DO NOT want to miss! A short hike (0.5-mile) will bring you to the top of the falls.
Bend is the last place on earth where you and your family can visit an iconic 90s-era Blockbuster Video. Pop in for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. From farmer’s markets to summer concert series and weekly festivals, there is definitely no shortage of things to do in Bend, Oregon with kids!
Find Sea Glass at Otter Rock (Beverly Beach State Park) with Kids
Otter Rock (Beverly Beach Sate Park) is where we spent most of our time on the Oregon Coast. Pacific Northwest beaches are not known for being sunny and warm, and this was no exception. However, Otter Rock is one of my favorite beaches I’ve ever been to (and I’ve lived in California most of my life).
Searching for sea glass at Otter Rock beach in Oregon is a fun activity for kids.
At this beach you can search the tide pools, hunt for sea glass, build with drift wood, and climb on rocks. Amid the rock piles, we found dozens of pieces of sea glass. The kids loved digging through the rocks and seeing who could find the biggest or most colorful pieces.
Explore Tidepools at Devil’s Punch Bowl with Kids
Otter Rock Beach also offers direct access to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. At low tide you can access the inside of the punch bowl, and the surrounding tide pools.
Explore the Devil’s Punchbowl area along the Oregon Coast.
The tide pools were amazing, and we saw some beautiful sea creatures there. The kids also loved climbing on the rocks in the punch bowl, and along the access route.
At high tide, you can see the Devil’s Punchbowl from above, watching the water swirling from the street level. There’s a short walk along the cliff side to view the beaches below.
Newport, Oregon and Yaquima Bay Bridge
Newport, Oregon, a small fishing village, is one of the more famous stops along the Oregon Coast. We spent a morning wandering the small-town streets, exploring the docks and shops. The kids watched some fishermen catching crabs in baskets, which was probably their favorite activity of the day.
Enjoy the views of Yaquima Bay Bridge while in Newport, Oregon
We could see restaurant employees walking down to the dock to collect fresh crabs to sell. If picking out a piece of salt water taffy gets your kids to behave as well as ours, there are several candy shops along the main street (Bay Blvd). My favorite part was the view of the Highway 101 bridge across Yaquina Bay.
Visit Yaquima Head Lighthouse with Kids
Just north of Newport is the Yaquima Head Lighthouse. Tours of the lighthouse itself are limited, and because of the steep steps, children must be 42”, so we didn’t go inside. But the view from Yaquima Head is spectacular, and we saw sea lions below.
Kids love to see the Yaquima Head Lighthouse.
There is also a great Yaquima Head visitor’s center which was very fun and child friendly. There were old fashioned games to learn, coloring activities, and dress ups. There was also a display on sea life, with a tunnel to crawl through, and a lighthouse replica that showed how the light worked, which really interested my older kids.
Firehole Falls in Yellowstone.
Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park.
Watch the Old Faithful geyser on your Yellowstone vacation.
Bison standing on the road in Yellowstone.
Lower falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Mom black bear and two cubs at Yellowstone.
Black wolf in Yellowstone National Park.
Colorful formation at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone.
Gibbon Falls at Yellowstone.
Kids love the Fairy Garden Tour at Tillamook Forest.
Sample cheese and ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a must to visit with kids. Photo credit: 
Kids will love petting llamas in Hood River, Oregon. Photo credit: 
Add Crater Lake to your list of things to do in Oregon with kids. Photo credit: 
Rockaway Beach is a sleepy town perfect for visiting Oregon with kids. Photo credit: 
The Oregon zoo is the perfect family friendly attraction. Photo credit: 
Explore Portland with kids by renting a surrey! Photo credit: 
Explore Lava Lands in Bend, Oregon. Photo credit: 
Searching for sea glass at Otter Rock beach in Oregon is a fun activity for kids.
Explore the Devil’s Punchbowl area along the Oregon Coast.
Enjoy the views of Yaquima Bay Bridge while in Newport, Oregon
Kids love to see the Yaquima Head Lighthouse.