Yellowstone Weekend with Kids

Yellowstone National Park can be very crowded in the busy summer months, which can be intimidating to the vacation planner in your family. We visited last July, and had a wonderful two days exploring the area. The secret? Stay just outside the national park limits for a more peaceful experience!

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Big Sky Resorts Summit Condominium
We had a blast at the Big Sky Resort (45 minutes from Yellowstone in Montana), where the roll out the red carpet for families. A ski resort in winter, Big Sky Resort transforms itself into an adventure base camp in summer, offering bungee trampoline jumping, zip-lining, and a very cool ropes course in addition to hiking trails, pools, ... More >
We had a blast at the Big Sky Resort (45 minutes from Yellowstone in Montana), where the roll out the red carpet for families. A ski resort in winter, Big Sky Resort transforms itself into an adventure base camp in summer, offering bungee trampoline jumping, zip-lining, and a very cool ropes course in addition to hiking trails, pools, and great restaurants. Take day trips into Yellowstone and leave the crowds behind!
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Yellowstone National Park
Naturally, you'll want to enter the park and explore, but while there, try to avoid the Old Faithful 'hub' where the biggest crowds gather. Instead, try the fun, bubbling mud pots at Artist's Paint Pots, or hike along the route of the lesser-known (but still impressive) geysers.
The water here is warmed by underwater springs upriver, and the scenery is beautiful.
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Firehole River
This excellent swimming hole is located on Firehole Lake Drive (approach from the north as it's a one-way drive) within the park. Parking is along the road only, so get there by lunch time to find room. The water here is warmed by underwater springs upriver, and the scenery is beautiful. There are places to jump from the rocks, but we ... More >
This excellent swimming hole is located on Firehole Lake Drive (approach from the north as it's a one-way drive) within the park. Parking is along the road only, so get there by lunch time to find room. The water here is warmed by underwater springs upriver, and the scenery is beautiful. There are places to jump from the rocks, but we didn't allow our children to do so.
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Old Faithful Inn
If you opt to brave the crowds at Old Faithful (ground zero of Yellowstone), take a breather in the beautiful Old Faithful Inn while waiting. The construction is stunning, and the spacious interior is cool in summer and welcoming with a huge fireplace in winter. Take a tour or just rock in the wooden rocking chairs while your kids fill... More >
If you opt to brave the crowds at Old Faithful (ground zero of Yellowstone), take a breather in the beautiful Old Faithful Inn while waiting. The construction is stunning, and the spacious interior is cool in summer and welcoming with a huge fireplace in winter. Take a tour or just rock in the wooden rocking chairs while your kids fill out their Junior Ranger booklets. (They are Junior Rangers, aren't they?!)
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Grand Teton National Park
Yellowstone is so well-known, it's easy to overlook Grand Teton NP, located right next door. (In fact, one admission gets you into both!) Grand Teton is not only less crowded, but affords more outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoe rental, horseback riding, and more. Start at Colter Bay marina to get signed up or hike around La... More >
Yellowstone is so well-known, it's easy to overlook Grand Teton NP, located right next door. (In fact, one admission gets you into both!) Grand Teton is not only less crowded, but affords more outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoe rental, horseback riding, and more. Start at Colter Bay marina to get signed up or hike around Lake Jackson!
The construction is stunning, and the spacious interior is cool in summer and welcoming with a huge fireplace in winter.
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Big Sky Resort Ski Area
If you've opted to stay at Big Sky Resort, take advantage of their numerous outdoor opportunities for families! We loved their high ropes course (register at their base camp) and zip-lining! You don't have to stay here to play: just sign up for day passes! More
If you've opted to stay at Big Sky Resort, take advantage of their numerous outdoor opportunities for families! We loved their high ropes course (register at their base camp) and zip-lining! You don't have to stay here to play: just sign up for day passes!
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About the Author

Amy Hagstrom Whitley
Amy Hagstrom Whitley
If you're looking for the professional me instead of the personal me, visit http://www.pitstopsforkids.com for travel writing, and http://www.nevertruetales.com for updates on novels, essays, and day-to-day tales.
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