Hi Newbie National Park Adventurer!
I'm so excited for you and your family to embark on an amazing experience you'll be remembering for a lifetime!
Here is my guide to help plan your national park with your family!
1. Research the parks around you or the one you are interested in going to
You'll find there are many National Parks very close to you! Since this is your first expedition, I suggest going to a local one before traveling far away. This way, you'll know what to expect for future trips, and you'll feel more confident being closer to your home turf. If you're an extremist like I am, and want to dive right into a place far away, GOOD FOR YOU! That's exciting!! You'll have to be a little bit more prepared to plan further ahead and brace for bumps along the way during your travel. (We literally lost a booster seat because of a bump on the road on our last road trip. lol)
- These are things you want to take into account when your research your park:
- Park Entrance Fees
- Accommodation availability
- Transport Reservations/Permits
- Weather conditions for the month you plan to visit
- Busy and Quiet times the park experiences during the year
- Family Activities/Reservations
*** This is when you need to decide if you plan to pay the park daily entrance fee or get a National Park Annual Pass. If you plan to go to at least 2 parks in the year, GET THE PASS. It's well worth the money. And it'll give you peace of mind if you plan a spur of the moment trip to an additional park! ****
2. Once you've established your desired destination, it's time to settle your lodging and rental car:
- Print off a map of the park. This will help you in keeping up with where you are because of making a decision on where to stay, for planning your daily adventure rhythm, and for poor cell service when you're in the park.
- Go to KOA.com or NPS.org to look at camp-like lodging options. We personally stay at KOA sites because of pricing and registration availabilities. We've had only good experiences at them. Decide what type of lodging you find fits your family and book it in advance. ** If you are traveling further away, this should be around 6 months before your actual trip! To make your planning go smoothly in case of hiccups or changes of plans! **
- If you're traveling by air, look at rental car options in the city near the airport you are flying into. I suggest finding lodging that is close to both an entrance to the park and the airport for saving gas and for mere convenience.
- If you're looking to rent an RV, it's time to check rental options in your region. Make sure to book a cushioned amount of time to pick up your RV and return it. You do not want to be rushed with getting it back in time after traveling a long distance with kids!
3. Establish your daily adventure rhythm!
- NPS.org shares kid friendly options to tours, destinations within the park, and activities at each National Park. Make a list of those "adventures", and decide together as a family. This is where you can introduce your children to the Junior Ranger Program!
- Decide the priorities of your trip and plan cushion time. Are you wanting to do EVERYTHING? Are you wanting some rest time in nature? When will the kids complete their Junior Ranger Booklets? Does the baby need a nap? When will we get their Ranger badges? Everyone has different priorities and ages in their family so you have to decide what you all can handle. Make sure to plan in cushion time to not feel too rushed between activities.
My boys are 5 and 6. They can handle about 2 adventures in a day that includes a morning junior ranger activity, walking about 3 to 4 miles, rest/play at our nature destination, travel from one place to another, and rest time at our lodging in the evening.
- Next, take your printed park map and locate your adventures. Plan your adventures in regions. What I mean by that is you don't want to travel to the North part of a park for one adventure and the South for another. Pick a region for that day. This makes transitions easier whatever your transportaion situation and helps the whole family be confident of the travel plans.
4. Now it's time to get packing!
There are so many guides on how to pack for a National Park Trip. Be mindful to pack what is essential and not stress over the little things. I'll be sharing soon in a National Park Packing Resource what items are our must haves with links to our favorite products!
I hope this all helped you begin planning your National Park Family Trip!
Happy Adventuring!